Marion is cozy, rural community just east of Rochester
Marion is a small, largely agricultural community just north of the Finger Lakes. The area is still dominated by farmland, but a growing number of residents commute to the greater Rochester area for work. “It’s a nice little Rochester suburb, kind of sleepy,” says area native Luke Cino, CEO of Cornerstone Realty Associates. “You can still find parcels here with acreage at a good price point. If you want to live somewhere rural, but need to commute to east Rochester, it’s pretty ideal.”
A wide variety of farmhouses and early-20th century homes
Marion’s housing stock is typical of rural upstate New York. The streets of the village itself are lined with a mix of early-to-mid-20th century housing styles, including bungalows and Craftsman homes, while outlying roads are dotted with farmhouses and midcentury ranch-style homes. Most homes back up onto forests or farmlands, and many properties include considerable acreage. Single-family homes in Marion generally sell for between $130,000 and $490,000. Manufactured homes can also be found at Hidden Valley Mobile Manor in west Marion, although none have sold in the past year as of late 2025.
A few local restaurants and easy access to fresh produce
Most retail in Marion is found along Main Street, which runs through the heart of the village. Locals can pick up groceries at Dutchland Foods or Ranchis Fiesta, or get fresh produce at Morgan’s Farm Market. There are a few small shops in the downtown area at the intersection of Main and Buffalo streets. The area is also home to the highly rated Stonehedge Cafe and Casa Mexicana Bar & Grill. Additional shopping can be found in Newark or the east Rochester suburbs, both about 10 miles from central Marion.
Marion Town Park serves as a shared backyard
The sizeable Marion Town Park is home to a playground and athletic fields, and hosts community events throughout the year. The 750-mile Empire State Bike Trail can be found just a few miles south of town along the Erie Canal, which itself is a popular spot for boating and fishing. In winter, locals can visit Brantling Ski Slopes, where Olympic gold medalist Diann Roffe first learned to ski. Hunting is a popular local pastime, but mostly occurs on private property around the area.
The Marion Fall Festival draws crowds
The Marion Fall Festival, held every October, is the town’s largest event. It’s held along Main Street and at Marion Town Park, and features food trucks, live music and events. “There’s an antique show and tractor pulls,” says Cino. “It draws a lot of people from around the area, more than you might expect. ... It’s just a good time.” A number of farms in the area hold seasonal events like corn mazes and hay rides.
Marion Central public schools
The area is part of the Marion Central School District. Marion Elementary School has a B-minus grade on Niche, while Marion Junior/Senior High School has a C-minus. The high school provides dual enrollment courses through Finger Lakes Community College in nearby Newark.
Easy commuting to Rochester
State routes 21 and 441 are the community’s main thoroughfares, connecting residents to the rest of the region. It’s around 23 miles by car to central Rochester, and a little over 70 miles to Syracuse. Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is a little less than 30 miles away. There’s no public transit in the area, so locals generally rely on cars to get around.
