Hamlin

Along the serene shores of Lake Ontario lies Hamlin, renamed in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s first Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin. Here, residents enjoy a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, embodying the charm of small-town America with a dash of lakeside allure. “Many of the homebuyers in the area are local and grew up in town. It tends to draw people to stay,” says Sharon Quataert, broker and owner of Sharon Quataert Realty, a lifelong resident of the Rochester area with over 30 years of real estate experience.

The scattered streets of Hamlin are lined with an array of homes, from traditional colonials to split levels and Craftsman-style bungalows, each boasting its unique character. Homes are spread out amongst the country roads, along Lake Ontario or in the few residential neighborhoods that provide a sparse suburban feel. “There were some housing developments built in the 70s and 80s, but not much has changed since then,” Quataert says. With spacious lots and an emphasis on privacy, residents can enjoy their own slice of paradise. Since it is a rural area, prices are relatively affordable compared to neighboring suburbs. Here, prospective homeowners can expect a single-family home with a garage to hover around the mid to high $200,000s, while waterfront properties are usually around $350,000 to the mid $400,000s. An extensive range of doublewides are also available, starting in the $30,000s. “Many first-time homebuyers can pay zero percent down since these properties qualify under the USDA rural housing loan,” Quataert says.

Neighborhoods in the area are zoned to multiple school districts, with homeowners bordering neighboring Hilton attending highly ranked schools on Niche. “One draw for homebuyers is that the school districts nearby have a good reputation,” Quataert says. Here, students may attend Village Elementary School with a B rating, Merton Williams Middle School scoring a B-plus, and Hilton High School boasting an A-minus. The Hilton Center School District allows students to delve into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for grades 5 through 10. In contrast, students can complete the IB Diploma, recognized worldwide as a pre-university course of study aimed at achieving thorough critical and reflective thinking skills in grades 11 through 12.

Hamlin Beach State Park is the town’s crown jewel, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, sandy beaches meet 6 miles of hiking trails, offering stunning panoramic lake views and bird-watching, picnicking, and kayaking opportunities. Locals can spend the day on the pier fishing for salmon and trout while the laughter of kids jumping through the waves rings in the air. Those closer to town can head to Hamlin Town Park or Hamlin Recreation Center to let the kids run around on the castle-inspired wooden playground or play a game of baseball in the green, grassy fields.

As the sun sets, Hamlin’s small culinary scene comes to life. Though this small town can count the number of restaurants around on one hand, that doesn’t stop these chefs from cooking up some fantastic dishes. From cozy diners serving hearty American fare such as The Farmer’s Table, where you can savor a cup of tomato bisque and a delicious brisket sandwich, to the reliable pizza joints scattered around, like Krony’s Pizza Etc., there’s something to satisfy almost every palate. Another popular spot, The Tavern 19, has been a staple in the community for over 40 years, serving everything from Shepherd’s Pie to wood-fired brick oven pizza. The town also takes pride in its farmers markets, where residents can indulge in fresh, locally sourced produce for a delicious homemade meal.

Nearby amenities include the main town shopping center, where you can grab groceries at Tops Friendly Markets or head next door to Dollar General for everyday necessities. US Route 19 cuts straight through town, leading directly to Lake Ontario State Parkway for scenic vistas, while Rochester is about 25 miles southeast. In Hamlin, life moves at a slower pace. It’s a place where community, nature and simplicity weave together to create an endearing small-town charm.

Written By

Lillie Duston

Photography Contributed By

Brandon Vick

Video By

Brandon Flash Craigie