3 Hyde Park

Batavia is the county seat of Genesee County, sitting almost exactly halfway between Buffalo and Rochester in western New York. The city takes its name from the Batavian Republic, a nod to the Dutch investors of the Holland Land Company who helped develop the region in the early 1800s. That history still shapes the character of the place, where a walkable downtown along Main Street anchors everyday life with locally rooted shops, offices, and eateries housed in well-preserved historic buildings.

Genesee Community College gives Batavia an educational anchor and contributes to a steady year-round energy. The city is home to Batavia Downs Gaming, one of the oldest harness racing tracks in the country, and the Holland Land Office Museum preserves the area's founding story. Residents enjoy easy access to I-90, putting both Buffalo and Rochester within about 45 minutes for work or entertainment.