Rochester, NY, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and diverse neighborhoods. With affordable housing prices, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a strong sense of community, it’s no wonder that people are drawn to Rochester. From the charming 19th Ward to the bustling South Wedge, Rochester offers a range of options for residents looking to call this city home. When it comes to the housing market, the average rent in Rochester is $1,175, while the median home sale price is $160,000.
Whether you’re looking to buy a home or rent an apartment in Rochester, Redfin has you covered. We’ve gathered information on 13 popular Rochester neighborhoods to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
1. 19th Ward
The 19th Ward neighborhood is known for its historic charm and community. Major attractions in the area include the nearby Genesee Valley Park, which offers beautiful walking trails and a golf course, and the Susan B. Anthony House, a museum dedicated to the famous suffragette. The neighborhood also has several historic places, such as the Petroleum Bridge. The housing types in the 19th Ward neighborhood range from charming Victorian homes to cozy bungalows.
Median Sale Price: $147,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $975 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,600
Homes for Sale in 19th Ward | Apartments for Rent in 19th Ward
2. Beechwood
Beechwood is a neighborhood located in northeastern Rochester. It’s primarily a residential neighborhood but just a short distance from popular places like Lucien Morin Park and the Photo City Music Hall. The housing types in Beechwood range from charming single-family homes to cozy apartments. The architectural styles vary, with many homes featuring traditional designs.
Median Sale Price: $105,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $675 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $675
Homes for Sale in Beechwood | Apartments for Rent in Beechwood
3. Charlotte
Charlotte is a vibrant neighborhood known for its waterfront location and scenic views of Lake Ontario. Major attractions in the area include Ontario Beach Park, which offers sandy beaches and picnic areas, and the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, a historic landmark. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, such as Turning Point Park, which offers beautiful walking trails and recreational activities. The housing types in Charlotte range from charming cottages to modern townhouses.
Median Sale Price: $175,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,085 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,240
Homes for Sale in Charlotte | Apartments for Rent in Charlotte
4. Downtown Rochester
Downtown Rochester is rich in cultural and historical attractions. You can find many iconic landmarks like High Falls, museums like The Strong National Museum of Play and Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo), and performing arts venues like Geva Theatre Center and Montage Music Hall. There are plenty of excellent parks to explore, like Washington Square Park and Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park at Manhattan Square. In terms of housing, downtown Rochester provides diverse options, like modern loft apartments in renovated factories or contemporary condos in the city center.
Median Sale Price: $439,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,467 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,100
Homes for Sale in Downtown Rochester | Apartments for Rent in Downtown Rochester
5. East Avenue
East Avenue is recognized for its historic mansions and tree-lined streets. Major attractions in the area include the George Eastman Museum, which showcases the history of photography, as well as the RMSC (Rochester Museum & Science Center). In the East Avenue area, you can also find the Edward Boynton House, a Frank Lloyd Wright home. The housing types in East Avenue range from grand mansions to luxury apartments, with many homes featuring elegant designs and intricate details.
Median Sale Price: $325,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,650 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,800
Homes for Sale in East Avenue | Apartments for Rent in East Avenue
6. Edgerton
Edgerton is just northwest of the city center. The area is home to Edgerton Park, which offers walking trails, a playground, and Lower Falls Park along the Genessee River. The neighborhood is also home to several community centers, such as the Edgerton Recreation Center, which offers various recreational activities for residents. The housing types in Edgerton range from cozy bungalows to multi-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $87,700
Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $900
Homes for Sale in Edgerton | Apartments for Rent in Edgerton
7. Highland Park
Highland Park is a picturesque neighborhood known for its beautiful park and historic homes. Major attractions in the area include Highland Park, which offers stunning gardens and the annual Lilac Festival, as well as the Lamberton Conservatory, a tropical oasis. The neighborhood is also home to several historic places, such as the Warner Castle. The housing types in Highland Park range from charming Tudor-style homes to elegant mansions, with many homes featuring unique details and craftsmanship.
Median Sale Price: $283,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,250 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,600
Homes for Sale in Highland Park | Apartments for Rent in Highland Park
8. Lyell Otis Avery
Lyell Otis Avery, sometimes called Lyell Otis, is a convenient location just outside of downtown. The area has plenty of parks, such as JR Wilson Park, Paul Bianchi Park, and Sebastian Park. The housing types in Lyell Otis Avery range from cozy bungalows to multi-family homes.
Median Sale Price: $80,000
Homes for Sale in Lyell Otis Avery | Apartments for Rent in Lyell Otis Avery
9. Maplewood
Maplewood is a charming and historic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets. Major attractions in the area include Maplewood Park, which offers beautiful walking trails and a rose garden, and the Seneca Park Zoo, a popular destination for families. The neighborhood also has several historic places, such as the Kodak Center. The housing types in Maplewood range from cozy bungalows to spacious colonial-style homes.
Median Sale Price: $150,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $885 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $851
Homes for Sale in Maplewood | Apartments for Rent in Maplewood
10. Monroe Village
Monroe Village, also called Pearl-Meigs-Monroe, is a vibrant neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of local shops and restaurants concentrated along Monroe Avenue. The housing types in Monroe Village range from historic homes to modern apartments.
Median Sale Price: $136,000
Homes for Sale in Monroe Village | Apartments for Rent in Monroe Village
11. Park Avenue
Park Avenue is a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Major attractions in the area include the Park Avenue District, a popular destination for shopping and dining. The housing types in Park Avenue range from historic mansions to modern apartments.
Median Sale Price: $401,500
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $850 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,600
Homes for Sale in Park Avenue | Apartments for Rent in Park Avenue
12. People of Dutchtown
The People of Dutchtown neighborhood is known for its rich history and community. It’s mainly a residential area, but it’s close to major landmarks like the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and Innovative Field. The housing types in People of Dutchtown vary, with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Colonial.
Median Sale Price: $85,000
Homes for Sale in People of Dutchtown | Apartments for Rent in People of Dutchtown
13. South Wedge
The South Wedge neighborhood is a vibrant and trendy area known for its lively atmosphere and local businesses. Major attractions in the community include Genesee Gateway Park, a riverside park with views of the Genessee River. South Wedge also offers easy access to the Erie Canal and the Genesee River. In terms of housing, South Wedge offers a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and townhouses.
Median Sale Price: $220,000
Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,085 | Average Rent for 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,495
Homes for Sale in South Wedge | Apartments for Rent in South Wedge
Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during November 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during November 2023.
Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “Flower City,” or just by its name, Rochester, NY, is a great destination to move to in the Northeast. With historic museums and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder Rochester is also home to nearly 210,600 people.
And if you’re considering living in Rochester, there’s four key points to keep in mind. The housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sale price is $150,100, the average sale price per square foot is $88, and the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Rochester is $1,820.
However, Rochester may not be the right upstate New York town to call home. But don’t worry, we’ve got options to help you find a home. We’ve rounded up a list of 10 of the best Rochester, NY, suburbs to consider living in – and they’re all under a 30-minute drive from the city. Let’s check them out.
#1: North Gates
Median home price: $162,000
Average sale price per square foot: $128
Driving distance from Rochester: 12 minutes
North Gates, NY homes for sale
North Gates, NY apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $162,000, North Gates is the first on our list of Rochester, NY, suburbs. About a 12-minute drive away from downtown Rochester, North Gates is home to roughly 9,500 people. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to visit Gates Memorial Park.
#2: East Rochester
Median home price: $172,500
Average sale price per square foot: $130
Driving distance from Rochester: 12 minutes
East Rochester, NY homes for sale
East Rochester, NY apartments for rent
The second Rochester suburb on our list is East Rochester. The same distance from Rochester as North Gates, you can walk around the High Falls District in no time. Some popular things to do in East Rochester include checking out one of the parks like Legion Eyer Park, grabbing a meal at one of the many local restaurants, and exploring the quaint stores. When living in this suburb of 6,300 people, you can also spend time strolling through the charming downtown.
#3: Irondequoit
Median home price: $189,500
Average sale price per square foot: $124
Driving distance from Rochester: 15 minutes
Irondequoit, NY homes for sale
Irondequoit, NY apartments for rent
Next up is Irondequoit, just 15 minutes outside of Rochester. From parks and outdoor recreation to shopping, there’s lots of things that make Irondequoit a great place to live. Make sure to visit Irondequoit Bay Park West which has views of the Irondequoit Bay, explore Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier and Beach where you’ll find views of the bay and Lake Ontario, and check out The White Lady’s Castle.
#4: Greece
Median home price: $192,500
Average sale price per square foot: $122
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,390
Driving distance from Rochester: 15 minutes
Greece, NY homes for sale
Greece, NY apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Irondequoit is Greece, the next suburb on our list. Make sure to check out the parks or go shopping at one of the malls and shopping centers in this Rochester suburb.
#5: Penfield
Median home price: $227,500
Average sale price per square foot: $156
Driving distance from Rochester: 11 minutes
Penfield, NY homes for sale
Penfield, NY apartments for rent
11 minutes away from downtown Rochester is Penfield, another great suburb to consider moving to. Home to 39,400 residents, this town can be a great choice for people looking to remain close to Rochester without living in the city. In Penfield, you can explore the expansive Channing H. Philbrick Park, visit Heritage Park, and check out the downtown area.
#6: Henrietta
Median home price: $252,200
Average sale price per square foot: $168
Driving distance from Rochester: 20 minutes
Henrietta, NY homes for sale
Henrietta, NY apartments for rent
Sixth on the list is another well-known Rochester suburb, Henrietta, where the median home sale price is $252,200. With roughly 47,100 people calling Henrietta home, it’s a great area to consider living in. Make sure to explore Mendon Ponds Park, a 2,500-acre park with ponds and gardens if you move to Henrietta.
#7: Webster
Median home price: $298,500
Average sale price per square foot: $173
Driving distance from Rochester: 20 minutes
Webster, NY homes for sale
Webster, NY apartments for rent
Seventh on our list of Rochester, NY, suburbs is Webster, which is roughly a 20-minute drive into the heart of the city. With a population of close to 45,300, Webster is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as Rochester. If you find yourself moving to this suburb, make sure to spend the day at Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park or explore the quaint downtown area.
#8: Pittsford
Median home price: $305,000
Average sale price per square foot: $154
Driving distance from Rochester: 15 minutes
Pittsford, NY homes for sale
Pittsford, NY apartments for rent
Living in Rochester, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Pittsford, the eighth suburb on our list. About 30,600 people live in Pittsford, so you’ll have a fraction of Rochester’s population while remaining only 15 minutes from the city. Living in Pittsford, be sure to grab a meal at one of the restaurants along the historic Erie Canal and stroll along the Erie Canal Heritage Trail.
#9: Perinton
Median home price: $318,000
Average sale price per square foot: $168
Driving distance from Rochester: 15 minutes
Perinton, NY homes for sale
Perinton, NY apartments for rent
Another great place to consider living in that will get you access to downtown Rochester in just about 15 minutes is Perinton. Roughly 47,500 people live in this suburb and there’s always a local business to support in Perinton.
#10: Walworth
Median home price: $319,000
Average sale price per square foot: $156
Driving distance from Rochester: 30 minutes
Walworth, NY homes for sale
Walworth, NY apartments for rent
Claiming the 10th spot on our list of Rochester, NY, suburbs is Walworth. Without traffic, you’ll find yourself in Rochester in roughly 30 minutes. This suburb has a population of 9,300 and you’ll have plenty of activities to explore during your free time.
Methodology: Whether a suburb was under a 30-minute drive from downtown Rochester. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.