Brickstone by St Johns in Rochester, NY

Pros

• Residents praise Brickstone for a warm welcome from neighbors and helpful staff.
• They appreciate the freedom to socialize or stay private and to participate in activities at their own pace.
• Maintenance is prompt and the staff are dedicated, making residents feel well cared for.
• The community offers numerous events and hobby groups, ensuring there are always options to enjoy.
• The surroundings are beautiful, with nature trails, ponds, and sunlit common areas.
• Apartments are modern, well kept, and comfortable, often larger than expected.
• Residents feel at home and experience a sense of belonging within a friendly, respectful community.
• There are ample opportunities to volunteer, learn, and engage with others through programs and activities.
• People would highly recommend Brickstone to seniors seeking independent living.

Cons

• They have not met anyone who is friendly.
• The costs seem to keep going up and are already quite expensive there.
• COVID was a disaster for many.

Review

Brickstone by St Johns in Rochester is best suited for active seniors who want independent living with a robust social fabric and easy access to outdoor beauty and cultural amenities. The community thrives when residents value freedom to socialize or opt out of group activities, and when they appreciate well-maintained grounds, scenic trails, and wildlife viewing right outside the door. The apartments and townhomes are modern and well-appointed, with generous layouts that feel welcoming to newcomers and comfortable for long-term residents. For those who want a setting that blends quiet rooms for personal time with frequent opportunities to engage in hobbies, exercise, and volunteer work, Brickstone delivers a compelling, harmonious balance.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are primarily seniors whose needs lean toward higher levels of on-site care or more predictable, fixed pricing. The reviews repeatedly flag cost as a real consideration: the price point is already high and trends upward, which can be a deal-breaker for budgets that require long-term predictability. Potential residents who anticipate needing significant medical oversight, memory care, or comprehensive assisted living services in the near term should compare options elsewhere that bundle care more explicitly. And for individuals seeking a quieter, less structured routine with fewer planned events, a smaller, less active community might better fit the personality and pace preferred.

The strongest pros are the sense of belonging, the professional and caring staff, and the breadth of programming. Residents report genuine warmth from neighbors and staff, with maintenance and service requests addressed promptly. The calendar is packed with activities - arts, exercise classes, hobby groups, and even access to regional cultural offerings - yet the schedule remains flexible enough to accommodate choosing one's own pace. Transportation to events and outings reduces friction for staying engaged, and the campus environment - sunlit atriums, a winter garden, ponds, and boardwalks - contributes to an atmosphere that feels both scenic and secure. Importantly, independent living here emphasizes choice: residents can be as social or as private as desired, and the community encourages volunteering and meaningful connection.

On the other hand, the main cons center on cost and the potential overwhelm from abundance. The price point can be a hurdle for some families, and ongoing increases compound that concern. The same generous activity slate, while a major strength, can be daunting to residents who prefer a simpler, lower-key daily routine. For those who value a minimal-speed lifestyle or who wish to avoid the perception of "never-ending options," Brickstone may feel less aligned. Yet these drawbacks are largely offset by the facilities' upkeep, the reliability of staff, and the security of a well-ordered, socially rich environment that reduces isolation and preserves independence.

The offsetting value of Brickstone's advantages becomes most evident when comparing lifestyle consistency and practical daily support. The combination of attentive, dependable staff, timely maintenance, twice-daily opportunities to participate in wellness and culture, and transportation lowers ongoing stress and decision fatigue. The living spaces themselves - designed for comfort, with accessible layouts and high-quality appliances - support ease of daily living and a sense of pride in one's home. The surrounding nature, trails, and community events add meaningful texture to daily life, transforming aging from a solitary, uncertain path into an active, connected experience.

In the end, Brickstone by St Johns stands out for independent seniors who want a vibrant, well-supported, and aesthetically pleasing setting. It is a pragmatic choice for those who place a premium on community, culture, and dependable service, even at a higher cost. For families evaluating options, a careful assessment of budget against the value of social connectivity, transportation, and maintenance-free living is essential. If budget flexibility exists and the resident envisions a lively, active retirement with ready access to culture and nature, Brickstone should top the shortlist; if care needs are expected to escalate soon or price is the primary constraint, it warrants comparison with alternatives that emphasize more predictable pricing or on-site care capacity.

This area of Rochester, New York, offers a variety of amenities that may appeal to seniors considering the area for living. With several physicians and healthcare facilities nearby, including oral surgery, pain management clinics, and pharmacies, residents have easy access to medical care. The proximity to parks such as Highland Park and Genesee Valley Park provides opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. Additionally, there are diverse dining options ranging from delis to diners to cafes, ensuring a variety of culinary choices. The presence of hospitals like Highland Hospital and James P Wilmot Cancer Center offers peace of mind knowing that quality healthcare services are within reach. Places of worship like Artisan Church cater to spiritual needs, while convenient transportation options such as Amtrak and Greater Rochester International Airport make travel accessible for seniors looking to visit family or explore new destinations. Overall, this neighborhood in Rochester provides a mix of healthcare services, recreational opportunities, dining establishments, and transportation options for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment with easy access to essential amenities.

Physicians

• Fantuzzo - Oral, Maxillofacial & Dental Implant Surgery (0.4 miles)
• Dr Miller and Dr Fontana (0.5 miles)
• Genesee Valley Pain Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Lac De Vile Laboratory Collection Station (0.6 miles)
• Flower City Pediatrics (0.6 miles)
• Rochester Otolaryngology Group PC (0.6 miles)
• The Hearing Center Inc. (0.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Southside Apothecary (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Highland Hospital Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Highland South Wedge Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Highland Park (0.6 miles)
• Genesee Valley Park (1.7 miles)
• Cobbs Hill Park (1.9 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square (2.1 miles)
• French Road School Playground (2.4 miles)

Restaurants

• The Distillery (0.7 miles)
• Pellegrino's Deli Cafe (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• The Beer Market (0.8 miles)
• Highland Park Diner (1.2 miles)
• Jeremiah's Tavern (1.6 miles)
• Village Bakery & Cafe (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• URMC Sawgrass Surgical Center (0.7 miles)
• Highland Hospital (0.8 miles)
• James P Wilmot Cancer Center (1 miles)
• Strong Memorial Hospital - Cardiology (1 miles)
• SMH Nicu (1 miles)
• Neuro ICU 8-1200 (1 miles)
• University Of Rochester Medical Center Surg/Path Lab (1.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Locals Only (2.2 miles)
• 1872 Cafe (2.3 miles)
• Java's Cafe (2.3 miles)
• Ugly Duck Coffee (2.4 miles)
• Kung Fu Tea (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Artisan Church (0.9 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak (2.8 miles)
• Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) (3 miles)