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Rochester,NY Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Rochester, NY

Rochester, NY, is a vibrant city filled with diverse and charming neighborhoods, each offering its own unique flavor and appeal. Whether you're drawn to bustling cultural hubs or peaceful suburban streets, there’s something for everyone here. From historic districts lined with beautifully preserved architecture to lively areas filled with trendy eateries and shops, exploring Rochester neighborhoods map is the perfect way to find your ideal spot in this welcoming city.

Demographic Insights & Community Composition

Rochester’s neighborhoods are wonderfully diverse, with communities that range from young professionals and college students to families and retirees. For instance, the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) attracts a creative crowd with its galleries, theaters, and art studios, while areas like Brighton and Pittsford are popular among families for their excellent schools and suburban feel. The city also has a strong sense of community in neighborhoods such as South Wedge, known for its inclusive and friendly atmosphere, where local farmers markets and community events bring residents together regularly.

Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer

One of the best neighborhoods in Rochester for food lovers is Park Avenue, a trendy strip packed with eclectic restaurants, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. If you enjoy outdoor activities, the Charlotte neighborhood offers beautiful views of Lake Ontario and access to waterfront parks like Ontario Beach Park. Meanwhile, the East End is a hotspot for nightlife and entertainment, featuring popular venues like the Eastman Theatre and a variety of bars and music spots. The distinct lifestyles across these neighborhoods provide residents with plenty of options to match their interests.

Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability

When considering where to live, safety is a big factor, and Rochester neighborhoods vary in this regard. Areas like Brighton and Pittsford are known for their low crime rates and strong neighborhood associations, contributing to a stable and secure environment. Conversely, some parts of the city center are undergoing revitalization efforts aimed at improving safety and community engagement. Checking a Rochester neighborhoods map can help prospective residents get a better understanding of which areas are safest and most stable, ensuring peace of mind in their home choice.

Colleges & Universities: What Neighborhoods Are the Colleges/Universities Located In?

Rochester is home to several renowned institutions of higher education, and their locations greatly influence the neighborhoods around them. The University of Rochester is situated in the Brighton neighborhood, bringing a youthful energy and many cultural events to the area. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), located a bit west of the city center, is close to suburban communities like Henrietta, which offers affordable housing and family-friendly amenities. Monroe Community College is found in the Brighton area as well, making this neighborhood a hub for students and academic life.

What Are Some Things People Might Not Know About These Neighborhoods?

Many people might be surprised to learn that Rochester’s South Wedge hosts an annual Tomato Festival, celebrating the neighborhood’s vibrant farming history. Additionally, the Corn Hill district, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, boasts hidden gems like historic homes and quaint coffee shops tucked away on side streets. Another fun fact is that the Neighborhood of the Arts often transforms its streets into open-air galleries during art walks, providing an immersive cultural experience. Exploring these lesser-known aspects adds depth to the charm of Rochester’s best neighborhoods.

Rochester Demographics

Population 210,992
Density (People/sqml.) 5,900
Median Age 32.9
Married Couples
28%
28% of the population of Rochester aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
21%
21% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Homestead Heights 32.8 28.6% $97,770 $60,551 1.8
19th Ward 36.4 23% $91,767 $52,438 1.9
Lyell-Otis 33.4 36.5% $67,731 $36,059 2.0
Northland-Lyceum 38.8 23.1% $131,395 $68,714 2.1
Browncroft 40.6 15.4% $185,482 $94,844 2.1
B.E.S.T 37.1 25.5% $47,167 $20,746 2.1
Genesee Valley Park 30.8 7% $138,167 $57,865 2.2
Edgerton 34.1 31.7% $68,680 $34,654 2.2
Maplewood 35.9 28.7% $106,869 $53,465 2.2
United Neighbors Together 37.2 24.7% $66,586 $30,750 2.2

Rochester neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Rochester—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Rochester, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Rochester

Violent Crime 62% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 87% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 83% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Rochester
/100k
NY
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 27 13.1 2.7 5.0
Rape 38 18.4 21.7 37.5
Robbery 316 153.3 96.1 60.6
Assault 819 397.4 259.6 256.1
Total Violent Crime 1,200 582 380 359
Burglary 834 404.7 136.6 229.2
Theft 3,701 1,795.8 1,432.8 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 2,244 1,088.8 150.2 258.8
Total Property Crime 6,779 3,289 1,720 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 7,979 3,872 2,100 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.