Rochester, New York, is a city known for its rich industrial history, cultural attractions, and strong sense of community. Located in the Finger Lakes region, Rochester offers a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, from bustling urban districts to quiet, tree-lined suburbs. The city's blend of historic charm, educational opportunities, and modern amenities makes it an appealing place to live.

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A neighborhood map of Rochester is a valuable resource for exploring the city's diverse areas. The map highlights neighborhoods such as Park Avenue, Corn Hill, and the South Wedge, each offering its own unique character and amenities. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant nightlife of Park Avenue, the historic charm of Corn Hill, or the artsy vibe of the South Wedge, a Rochester neighborhood map can help you find the perfect place to live. This resource is particularly useful for those new to the city who want to understand the unique qualities of each neighborhood.

Best neighborhoods in Rochester

# Hood Population Area (km 2) Livability Score 
1 Ellwanger-Barry 4,276 1.39 84
2 East Avenue 6,890 2.04 83
3 Strong 4,246 2.07 82
4 Swillburg 1,776 0.41 82
5 South Wedge 3,650 1.02 82

The best Rochester neighborhoods are often identified by livability factors such as access to amenities, crime rates, cost of living, and school quality. These neighborhoods are known for their high quality of life, offering access to parks, educational institutions, and cultural attractions. The best Rochester neighborhoods attract a diverse population, including students, professionals, and families, all drawn by the city's welcoming community and vibrant cultural scene.

Worst neighborhoods in Rochester

# Hood Population Area (km 2) Livability Score 
1 Duran Eastman Park 9 2.76 44
2 Dutchtown 3,516 1.38 55
3 Maplewood 18,384 9.01 55
4 Lyell-Otis 8,670 5.46 56
5 Charlotte 5,134 6.32 57

Some neighborhoods in Rochester may not rank as highly on livability scales due to challenges such as higher crime rates, fewer amenities, or limited access to quality schools. While these areas might be considered some of the worst Rochester neighborhoods, they can still offer unique qualities that could appeal to specific residents. It is important to carefully evaluate these neighborhoods based on your personal needs and lifestyle, as they may still provide potential benefits depending on your situation.

Largest neighborhoods in Rochester

# Hood Population Area (km 2) Livability Score 
1 19th Ward 19,116 6.56 67
2 Maplewood 18,384 9.01 55
3 Lyell-Otis 8,670 5.46 56
4 Beechwood 7,623 2.41 63
5 Edgerton 7,542 2.21 63
6 Culver-Winton 7,013 2.99 72
7 East Avenue 6,890 2.04 83
8 Park Avenue 6,372 1.47 77
9 Upper Falls 6,300 2.64 67
10 Northland-Lyceum 5,565 1.86 64

Popular Rochester, NY Neighborhoods

Rochester is a city in the western part of New York State on the south shore of Lake Ontario. It is the third largest city in New York and the headquarters for Monroe County. Rochester is a diverse city with a Caucasian population of about 43 percent and an African American population of approximately 42 percent. Rochester is also known for its cultural institutions such as the George Eastman Museum, Geva Theatre Centre, Strong National Museum and Memorial Art Gallery. Additionally, Rochester has a rich golfing history with the Oak Hill Country club having hosted the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the Men’s US Open.

Park Avenue

Park Avenue is a neighborhood found on the Southern side of Rochester. It is bound by the Interstate 490 and Monroe Avenue to the south and west. Park Avenue has some of the most expensive homes in Rochester as the median home price of about $200,000 is more than double that of Rochester City which is $75,000. A minority of the homes are occupied by home owners as 77 percent of homes are renter occupied. The air around Rochester is pollution free with the city ranking high in air quality tests. However the weather is quite dour with temperatures peaking at only 71 degrees during summer. During winter, Rochester averages 26 degrees. Park Avenue is one of the safest neighborhoods in the Rochester with a crime rate that is lower than the national average. This neighborhood is suitable for people who want to settle down with their families.

East Avenue

East Avenue is a neighborhood that starts in Rochester’s center and runs southeast up to Nazareth College. East Avenue is part of the National Register of Historic Places as it has beautiful Victorian homes. East Avenue is an affluent part of Rochester with median household incomes being 49 percent higher than the rest of Rochester. Crime is not prevalent in East Avenue but the neighborhood crime’s rate is slightly above the national average. Many public amenities are available in East Avenue. There are bus stops for public transit, museums, schools and high quality restaurants.

Browncroft

Browncroft is a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood found to the east of Rochester. The southern part of Tryon Park West is found in Browncroft. Tryon Park was created by John Rockefeller in the 1910s. The park has unrestricted access for everyone and there are 8 miles of paths suitable for running and walking. Tryon Park also hosts Cloisters, a museum that is home to over 4,000 medieval artworks. Houses in Browncroft are expensive but not as expensive as East Avenue. Most homes in Browncroft are owner occupied. Browncroft has many schools and daycare centers for toddlers. Browncroft has some of the best pizza in New York state found at pizzerias such as Rhino’s and Salvatore’s Old Fashioned. Public transport is a viable option in Browncroft as there are ample bus stops scattered throughout the neighborhood. Art lovers should not miss out on Radio Social and Art Direct galleries.