Rural charm and community spirit define small-town Pembroke
Pembroke is home to just over 4,000 residents who form a close-knit and neighborly community. The area is recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere and quiet pace of life, with opportunities for outdoor activities such as ATV riding, snowmobiling and hiking. While the town itself offers a peaceful setting, residents often travel to nearby Batavia or Buffalo for additional entertainment options. “It’s pretty rural here, with a lot of large farms and little farmstands. It’s a nice spot to be,” says Theresa Kennedy with the Corfu Public Library. “We’re closer to Buffalo than Rochester, which is a plus for medical, shopping and entertainment.” Pembroke is close to major roadways, including Interstate 90 on the north side. Route 5 and Route 77 intersect near the hamlet, forming the town’s main crossroad. Route 77 also crosses paths with Route 33 to the south, where the small village center of Corfu features the local library and intermediate school.
Town parks, Six Flags and library promote an active lifestyle
Pembroke's recreational opportunities support an active and community-oriented lifestyle. Centrally located Pembroke Town Park features athletic fields, a playground, a disc golf course and a 2-mile nature trail. Throughout the year, the park hosts events such as car cruises, live music festivals and seasonal celebrations like trunk-or-treats. On the south side of town, Darien Lakes State Park is a scenic spot for camping, hiking and fishing. “There’s a kayak launch into the water, and they just put in a new playground that’s more accessible,” Kennedy adds. Nearby, Six Flags Darien Lake offers roller coasters and a water park, among other amusement park attractions.
In the Corfu area of Pembroke, Corfu Public Library sponsors several child-friendly programs all year. “We bring in a mobile zoo from Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, and we have princess programs and dance parties,” Kennedy says. “Summer programs are a good way for kids to see their friends, people they might not see anymore because they go to different schools.”
Colonial- and ranch-style homes line quiet roads in a rural setting
Residential areas in town are characterized by homes set back from the street with large front lawns dotted with mature trees, as a backdrop of open farmland and wooded areas adds a pastoral layer. Sidewalks are not common and local traffic tends to be minimal. More than 80% of residents own their homes, contributing to a sense of stability in the community. Ranch-style, colonial-style, Cape Cod and farmhouse designs are the most prevalent, with sizes generally ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 square feet. Prices in Pembroke vary, starting near $135,000 for humble abodes that may require updates and reaching up to $600,000 for larger homes built in the 2000s.
Pembroke eateries provide classic flavors; Batavia is nearby
Shopping and dining in Pembroke reflect its small-town atmosphere, with most options along Route 5 and Route 77. Kaboodles Kafe is known for breakfast staples such as Belgian waffles and fish fry dinner specials. Indian Falls Log Cabin Restaurant offers hearty meals like steaks and burgers in a rustic environment, with occasional live music and patio seating overlooking the nearby falls . In the village center, Linda’s Family Diner is a casual breakfast spot that draws a loyal group of regulars. For groceries and other essentials, residents typically go to Batavia to grab items from Tops or to Buffalo to shop at a broader range of storefronts. “If you want to go to Buffalo for entertainment, but not live in the city, Pembroke is a good fit,” Kennedy says.
Pembroke public schools serve students in the area
Local students can begin at Pembroke Primary School, which receives a B rating from Niche, for kindergarten through second grade. Learners can then move on to Pembroke Intermediate School, which has a B-plus, and Pembroke Junior/Senior High School, which holds a C-plus. At the high school level, students can choose from a range of extracurriculars, including Ski Club and Dragons Club United, which gives members opportunities to give back to the community.
Interstate 90 and Route 5 connect residents to amenities
Pembroke is primarily car dependent, as there is no public bus or train service available in the town. Interstate 90 provides a direct route to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, located approximately 25 miles to the west. “Depending on the traffic, we can get to the airport in like 20 minutes,” Kennedy says, “which is a lot better than other rural communities that have an hour-and-a-half drive to the airport.” State Route 5 offers access to Rochester Regional Health in Batavia, about 10 miles east.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
