Brickstone by St Johns

Pros

• Residents feel valued and free to socialize or remain solitary.
• They are warmly welcomed by many neighbors.
• The staff is great and maintenance is prompt.
• There are many events, hobby groups, arts and exercise classes to choose from.
• The surroundings offer beautiful nature and wildlife watching opportunities.
• The apartments are spacious, well-maintained, with high-quality appliances.
• The community fosters mutual respect and a friendly, caring atmosphere.
• Residents feel at home and appreciate the support and amenities available.

Cons

• They note that costs keep rising and that it is already quite expensive there.
• They have not met anyone who is friendly.

Review

Brighton is alive with a gentle sense of freedom, and the reviews paint a vivid picture of life at Brickstone that fits right into that mood. People describe the town as welcoming, with the freedom to socialize or keep to oneself, to exercise or simply stroll along the canal path. The sense of belonging starts at the moment you arrive: neighbors offer warm welcomes, and the building and grounds crews are consistently helpful in getting new residents settled. For many, the move is less about a change of address and more about finding a community that respects autonomy while providing support when needed.

After a year in residence, the overall impression remains glowing. Residents repeatedly praise the staff as a core strength of the community, noting that maintenance is prompt and dependable, and that the daily rhythm is enriched by a dizzying array of events, hobby groups, arts, and exercise classes. There's a sense that there's something for everyone seven days a week, which can be both exhilarating and overwhelming in a good way. If a resident prefers quiet time, that's equally respected; the environment supports both busy social life and serene solitude, all set against the backdrop of beautiful nature and abundant opportunities to observe wildlife.

In a shorter recent window - six months - people affirm the same warmth and energy that define life at Brickstone. The community is described as being filled with wonderful and helpful neighbors, and the range of activities continues to be a standout feature. One sentiment stands out as notably mixed: while many residents emphasize friendliness and supportive staff who truly care for their residences, a single voice notes that they did not meet anyone they would call friendly. Taken with the rest of the chorus, this appears to be a minority perspective within otherwise overwhelmingly positive experiences.

Cleanliness and comfort are recurring positives that people highlight. Visitors find it easy to come and go, with friends and family often remarking on how nice the place looks and feels. The atmosphere is described as very clean and pleasant, a fitting environment for guests who are staying or simply stopping by to catch up with a friend who calls Brickstone home. The homelike quality shows in practical details - well-kept spaces, welcoming common areas, and an ambiance that makes both residents and their visitors feel at ease.

The appeal extends beyond the interiors to the living spaces and the landscape surrounding them. Testimonials frequently mention the bright, sunlit common areas, the thoughtful layout of townhomes and apartments, and the overall quality of appliances and finishes. The Winter Garden with its tall wall of windows, the atrium, and generous common areas create a sense of light and air that residents describe as uplifting. Outdoor amenities - paved paths around ponds and fountains, benches for bird-watching, a fire pit on patios, and a nature trail - invite exploration and casual moments of rest in nature, while staff arrange transportation and organize events that connect people with the broader local culture.

The community's proximity to cultural and recreational opportunities adds another layer of value. Residents talk about the thrill of independent living paired with access to robust programming, including partnerships with local arts and music opportunities. They mention on-site and off-site experiences like philharmonic events at Eastman and GEVA performances, highlighting how Brickstone serves as a gateway to a rich cultural life without sacrificing independence. The sense of belonging is reinforced by numerous opportunities to volunteer, participate in fitness activities, and engage with fellow residents who come from diverse, interesting life stories.

Family members who visit often share stories of appreciation for the way Brickstone supports aging loved ones. They note the quality of the facilities - stylish apartments, a sunlit library, a well-equipped exercise room, and generous common areas - as well as the care and attentiveness of the staff. The warmth of the community extends to the smallest moments - a resident's comment that the staff feel like family - emphasizing that help is readily available when needed. One testimonial even paints a vivid image of life there, describing a homey sense of belonging among "tons of boxes," a reminder of how life continues to unfold in an environment designed to feel like home.

Several residents reflect on the larger narrative of the move itself: leaving a longtime home and establishing a vivid new sense of place. One couple reminisces about moving after more than four decades in their previous residence, finding life at Brickstone both a challenge and a blessing - an excellent choice that has allowed them to maintain independence while enjoying a supportive community. Another speaks of the living experience as even better than expected, underscoring the combination of beautiful settings, active social life, and accessible care. Across these voices, the core message is consistent: Brickstone at St. John's Meadows offers a balanced, engaging, and supportive environment that respects independence and fosters connection.

Overall, Brickstone is described as a thriving, well-rounded community that blends autonomy with attentive care, rich cultural and recreational programming, and a strong emphasis on natural beauty and outdoors-ready spaces. Residents repeatedly highlight the quality of the staff, the breadth of activities, and the warmth of daily interactions with neighbors. It's a place where aging can feel like an ongoing adventure rather than a retreat, where the potential for new friendships, continued learning, and meaningful engagement is readily available - and where the sunrise over Brighton seems to mirror the optimism residents feel as they continue their stories at Brickstone.

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)