Stafford is a rural community near everyday amenities
Tucked into the rolling countryside of Genesee County, Stafford is the kind of place where life moves at a slower pace, and neighbors still know each other by name. Just 5 miles east of Batavia and conveniently near Interstate 90, this small town is rooted in agriculture and surrounded by wooded lots and farm fields. Local life is anchored by familiar spots in the village center like the Stafford Country Club and a handful of restaurants and small businesses. Stafford attracts those seeking a quiet atmosphere without being far from modern conveniences.
Traditional housing styles range in size and price
Stafford’s housing reflects its rural character, with traditional American and upstate New York architecture like colonial styles, farmhouses, ranch styles and Cape Cods. Properties typically sit on one to two acres, offering space and privacy. The streetscape features tree-lined roads, open fields and homes set back with long driveways rather than dense subdivisions. Prices start around $130,000 for a Cape-style cabin under 1,000 square feet and can reach $400,000 for a restored historic home nearing 4,000 square feet.
Upscale dining at Red Osier meets farm-fresh finds
The village center offers a few local establishments, including Shell’s Post, a small convenience store that doubles as a popular pizza spot. Just a mile down the road, The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant is a community staple known for its distinctive stone façade topped with a striking red roof. Inside, the atmosphere is intimate and rustic, and a covered patio provides outdoor seating. The menu features favorites like prime rib and lobster, and the restaurant frequently hosts live music nights. For everyday shopping and a wider range of dining options, both Le Roy and Batavia are about 5 miles away on either side of Stafford.
For those who enjoy fresh, local produce, Stafford is close to two seasonal farmers markets. The Genesee Country Farmers Market in Batavia operates on Tuesdays and Fridays from June through October, while the Le Roy Farmers Market is open on Saturdays during the same months.
Emery Park and Stafford Country Club offer outdoor fun
Locals are near plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Centrally located Emery Park features a playground, basketball courts, and tennis courts. Stafford Country Club is open to the public, offering an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor pool and a clubhouse with a restaurant. For more options, nearby towns provide additional recreation. East in Le Roy, there's a kayak launch into Oatka Creek, and to the west in Batavia, the DeWitt Recreation Area offers fishing and hiking trails. The surrounding countryside also provides opportunities for unmarked snowmobiling routes and scenic hiking trails that wind through rural fields and wooded landscapes.
Top-ranked Le Roy school district serves local students
Depending on where they live, students in Stafford are served by either Le Roy Central School District or Batavia City School District, the former being ranked by Niche as the best in Genesee County. Within the district, Wolcott Street School holds a B-plus rating, serving students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Le Roy Junior-Senior High School has a B-minus and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including unique options like Ski Club and the Clay Target Team, where students learn firearm safety through trap and skeet shooting.
Route 5 and Interstate 90 keep residents connected
Stafford is car-dependent, as there is no public bus or train service in town. Route 5, the community's main road, connects residents to nearby small cities. Interstate 90 runs along the northern edge, providing commuter access to Buffalo , about 45 miles west, and Rochester , roughly 30 miles east. For air travel, locals can choose between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester Airport. For healthcare needs, the nearest hospital is Rochester Regional Health in Batavia.
Written By
Andrew Spencer