If you work in the Rochester area—but would like to live in a place that’s a little less busy and a little more open—there are a couple of towns in the area that you may want to check out before building a new home. Both Brighton and Pittsford give you easy access to the greater Rochester area—and yet retain their own distinctive character.
Brighton is a smaller community of about 37,000 residents that has plenty to offer. This time of year you can take advantage of their annual Summer Concert Seriesthat runs for six weeks.The concerts are free to the public and are handicap accessible. Contact the Recreation Department 585-784-5260 with questions or check out the 2017 Summer Concert Schedule.
You can also take advantage of theBrighton Farmers’ Market. This weekly, producer-only market was founded in 2008 as part of the Town’s Color Brighton Green initiative. Sponsored by the town, the market helps promote environmental sustainability among Brighton residents and businesses. Click here for additional information.
The town is also home to six park sites and various recreation areas encompassing 350 acres that feature playgrounds, lodges, pavilions, pools, sports fields, picnic facilities, walking trails, tennis courts, basketball courts, and more.
Pittsford is another smaller community (with a population of just under 30,000) in the Rochester area that has a long history. The Town of Pittsford was settled in 1796 and incorporated in 1827. There are a number of buildings within the community that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Adsit Cobblestone Farmhouse, Cole Cobblestone Farmhouse, Gates-Livermore Cobblestone Farmhouse, Mendon Cobblestone Academy, Mendon Presbyterian Church, Miller–Horton–Barben Farm, Sheldon Cobblestone House, Stewart Cobblestone Farmhouse, and Whitcomb Cobblestone Farmhouse.
Today, Pittsford is more likely to be known for golf since the LPGA Championship has been hosted at Locust Hill Country Club repeatedly. Pittsford’s Oak Hill Country Club hosted the 1995 Ryder Cup, as well as the 1956, 1968 and 1989 United States Opens. It was also the site of the PGA Championships in 1980, 2003, and 2013.
Golf isn’t the only pro sport in town. Every August the Buffalo Bills of the NFL also have their summer training camp at St. John Fisher College.
Pittsford boasts 11 town parks within its borders including Great Embankment and Thornell Farm Park. Lock 62 and Erie Canal trail offer a look at the historic double lock, and the Isaac Gordon Nature Park offers hiking trails and cross-country skiing. Powder Mill Park has a ski lift and a creek that is popular with trout fisherman while Mendon Ponds includes a vast trail system and some of the most unique geology in the area.
Prior to the 1950s, Pittsford was a largely agricultural community with a distinctly rural character that was home to many family-owned farms. The area still retains that flavor and character.
Both communities are great places to live and provide easy access to Rochester. Gerber Homes offers a wide range of floor plans that can be built in either Brighton or Pittsford, ranging from the cozy 2-bedroom 1 bath, 1,040 square foot Hampshire to the 3,605 square foot Walton that offers 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths and a 1 bedroom 1 bath “In Law” apartment. And there are plenty of other options in between! Click here to view the many different floor plans available.