Medina is a small historic village along the Erie Canal
While the western stretch of the historic Erie Canal put New York's Medina on the map, the canal village's valuable sandstone deposits drew nationwide interest. The village's earliest settlers noticed local gorges had fine stone materials, soon developing quarries that prospered for around a century; they yielded plenty of sandstone used for buildings worldwide. While the need for Medina Sandstone waned across the early 20th century, the village continued to draw folks for its canal basin location, historic charm and small businesses. "It's a picturesque, Erie Canal town with a lot of little shops," says local broker Mark Zambito of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Zambito Realtors. "It's Hallmark-esque." The canal and historic downtown are hubs of events and businesses, and farms offer local produce among the community's rural outskirts. The village's location near big cities promises convenience. "We're smack-dab in the middle of two main metropolitan areas," Zambito says. "Everything is close and attainable."
Historic Victorians and colonials with outlying farms
Much of Medina's architecture is historic. "For the most part, you are going to be looking at older construction, like Victorians and colonials," Zambito says. "You're going to see a lot of late 19th-century and early 20th-century homes. That's kind of part of the charm." Zambito says that most streets are lined with trees, and lots within the village limits offer plenty of space, typically measuring around a quarter-acre. Many colonials have colorful shutters and often have small front porches and waving flags. Sizable plots, usually measuring at least a few acres, pepper the community's countryside. "Outside the village, you have plenty of sprawling farms," Zambito says. The median sale price for a home is around $180,000.
Recreation on the Erie Canal
The Erie Canal cuts through the heart of Medina, encouraging diverse outdoor activities. "A lot of [recreation] gravitates around the waterway," Zambito says. The Medina Canal Port is the village's prime canal access point with a boat launch, pump-out station and boat slips. Small passenger cruises, recreational boats and commercial vessels frequent the port. It has plenty of canal-front parking, and oftentimes folks pop by to walk or bike along the narrow paved paths that run along the canal's edges. Zambito adds that locals also enjoy access to Oak Orchard Creek. "It's a wonderful waterway for small crafts, kayaking, canoeing and tubing," he says. The creek uniquely flows under the Erie Canal and over the limestone shelves of Medina Falls. Over the falls, creek waters pool among the southern reaches of Glenwood Lake, where anglers often reel in northern pike, rock bass and bluegill. Medina additionally features plenty of public parks, including Pine Street Park, with traditional amenities, like playgrounds and sports facilities.
Local businesses line the village's historic downtown
Medina's longstanding downtown district abuts the canal port, offering diverse establishments within walking distance of the water. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places, lined with century-old stone and brick Italianate businesses kept alive with a mix of locally owned businesses and organizations. "There are antique stores, clothing stores, a little bit of everything for everyone," Zambito says. Blissett's has gowns and accessories, Herbalty Cottage has teas and oils and Zambisto Restaurant serves specialty Sicilian pizzas. Downtown also has an art gallery and some places to enjoy cocktails and beer, including Fitzgibbons Public House. Aldi and Tops Friendly Markets are the community's primary sources for groceries. "My friends from out of the area can't believe I can run to the store and back in five minutes," Zambito says. Nearby farms manage local stands and markets; Roberts Farm Market is vibrant with seasonal produce, perennials and handcrafted goods.
Local schools help prepare students for post-secondary education
The Medina Central School District serves around 1,400 students and scores an overall B-minus on Niche. Oak Orchard Primary School serves pre-kindergarten through second-grade students and receives a B-minus, while Clifford Wise Intermediate School enrolls third through sixth-graders with a C-plus. Medina Junior-Senior High School's AVID program includes an elective course where students learn how to navigate post-secondary education. Niche gives the school a C-plus.
Convenience near Rochester and Buffalo
While boaters can use the canal to reach areas like Tonawanda, 35 miles west, residents typically rely on cars to get around. New York State Route 31 cuts through the community's heart, and State Route 104 is accessible just north. Medina Memorial Hospital is the community's primary medical facility. Airports are accessible in Rochester, 43 miles east, and Buffalo, 45 miles southwest.
Summer concerts and festivals on the canal
Locals enjoy several events along or near the canal. The Erie Canal Artisan Festival celebrates the arts and culture of Genesee and Orleans counties through craft workshops, vendors and live music at the canal port. The event features a car show and a floating parade. The Blue Thursday summer concert series hosts New York-based blues bands from June through August in State Street Park, just off the canal.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
