Rochester, New York

There has never been a better time to live in Rochester.  Also known as the Young Lion of the West and Flower City, Rochester is an underrated living space within the gorgeous Finger Lakes region.

If you love to learn, play or spend time on the water, you’ll naturally gravitate toward Rochester.  Home to RIT, the University of Rochester, Nazareth University and St. John Fisher University, Rochester is a bastion of intellectualism.  Moreover, nearby Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay present invaluable opportunities for fun on the water.

Rochester and the overarching Finger Lakes are referred to as "God's Country" for good reason.  The city of Rochester is within an hour's drive of vineyards, farms, lakes and seemingly endless hiking opportunities in a stunning natural setting. 

Many Rochesterians spend their week working hard in the city, enjoying the urban amenities at night and then make their way to the picturesque all-natural outskirts on the weekends.  It really is the best of both worlds.

Current Rental Pricing for Rochester Apartments for Rent

Whether you are a young professional, a college student or retiree, Rochester will welcome you with open arms.  Trust me, I know.  I lived in Rochester for nearly half a decade before venturing out to remote areas of the Finger Lakes and eventually returning to my home of Buffalo.

This is my guide to the most affordable, trendy and lively neighborhoods in Rochester.

Downtown Rochester

Downtown Rochester is where it’s at.  Though the city’s central business district (CBD) is relatively small, it is lively, vibrant and visually striking.  Walk, bike or drive through downtown and you’ll agree it is one of the country’s most underrated cities.

Downtown highlights include the Genesee River, the Strong National Museum of Play, the spaceship-themed First Federal Plaza, the Little Theatre and War Memorial hockey arena.  If you decide to call Rochester home, be sure to take in a Rochester Americans hockey game or a Rochester Red Wings baseball game after work.  Both arenas are within walking distance from downtown employers.

In terms of housing, downtown Rochester has traditional apartments for rent, apartment complexes and conventional houses.  Renting in or near downtown won’t bust your budget.  The vast majority of downtown Rochester apartments and homes for rent are surprisingly affordable.

Rent downtown and you’ll enjoy quick and easy access to nearby draws including the revered East Avenue.  Home to the Strasenburgh Planetarium, the George Eastman House and the Rochester Science Museum, East Ave has something for everyone. 

There’s no need for a car to enjoy downtown, East Avenue and nearby areas.  Take a stroll through the city, make your way to the East End and you’ll enjoy visual splendor including stunning mansions.  There's even a Frank Lloyd Wright home dubbed the Edward E. Boynton House.

Upper Monroe

The Upper Monroe neighborhood is walkable, charming and affordable.  Stroll down Monroe Ave, make your way to Park Ave and you’ll feel the urge to continue walking even without a target destination.  The Monroe area has all sorts of draws, each of which can be accessed on foot.  Monroe also has a plethora of apartments for rent, homes for sale and other living arrangements.

Make the Upper Monroe area  your new home and you’ll be within walking distance to the Arts district, the Culver Amory, the Memorial Art Gallery and more.  The best part is the Upper Monroe area provides easy access to the draws of downtown without the need for a vehicle. Eerything you could possibly need, including Wegmans, can be reached on foot.

Upper Monroe features include the city’s highest point in Pinnacle Hill, nearby Cobbs Hill Park and a plethora of local shops and restaurants.  In terms of housing, the neighborhood has row houses, half doubles, brick apartment buildings and single-family homes for rent and purchase.

Upper Monroe is also beloved for its proximity to other local highlights including the celebrated Park Avenue, Monroe Village and the alluring Center City area.

Swillburg

Swillburg’s mascot is a pig as the area was once rife with swine.  Though those pigs are long gone, the locale has remained true to its namesake, championing the animal as a symbol of its idiosyncratic roots.  Walk around Swillburg and you’ll find all sorts of amusing pig references including plaques, signs, statues and more.

Play is Swillburg’s recurring theme and also the mantra of the city.  Home to the Museum of Play, Rochester and its subsidiary of Swillburg are all about having a good time.  Here, you will find the historic Cinema Theater, all sorts of cool restaurants and plenty of affordable living spaces.

Take your pick from diverse apartment and housing styles, check out the South Wedge Diners and you’ll agree Swillburg is one of the coolest places in all of Rochester.  Speaking of housing, Swillburg has homes for rent, traditional apartments, Queen Annes, American Foursquares, turn of the century homes and more. 

The entirety of the neighborhood spans 20 blocks, each of which is culturally rich.  There really is something for everyone in Swillburg. 

Most importantly are the area’s artful homages to the aforementioned Swillburg pig.  You’ll love the area’s vibrant pig-themed murals that tell the story of the neighborhood’s pork-themed roots. 

If you must know, the namesake stems from a local pig farm that dates back to the 1800s.  We won’t spill all the tea.  Instead, venture out to the streets of Swillburg and ask the 3,200+ locals about neighborhood lore.

While you’re there, be sure to check out local highlights including the Angry Goat Pub, Bookeater, Swillburger and Otto Henderberg Park.

Outer Irondequoit

Irondequoit is less than 15 minutes from Rochester, making it the perfect bedroom community.  Featuring cozy living spaces, affordable housing and a lovely town square, Irondequoit provides modern convenience without the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Whether you want to rent or buy, you’ll find modestly priced properties, some of which are by the water.  Factor in the tight-nit community and there’s even more reason to move to Irondequoit. 

The best part is outer Irondequoit provides quick and easy access to both Lake Ontario and Irondequoit Bay.

Highland

The Highland area is named as such as its living spaces are conveniently positioned by Highland Park.  Here, you will find undulating walking paths, stunning scenery and plenty of flowers.  Don’t miss the yearly Lilac Festival in Highland Park when the Lilac trees are in full bloom.  The area’s top-rated private educational institution, the Harley School, is slightly to the south of the neighborhood.

To say the area has some tasty eye candy would be an understatement.  Be sure to take plenty of snapshots while traversing Highland on foot and show off your snapshots on social media.  Hike through the park, jog or picnic and you’ll agree this is one of Rochester’s strongest draws.

Strong

Take a stroll around the Strong neighborhood and you’ll agree it is one of the city’s most walkable areas.  Continue walking toward the city and you’ll make your way to the postcard-worthy Corn Hill area.  This space is home to Victorian style houses that make you feel a little bit like a time traveler.  Be sure to catch the yearly Corn Hill Arts Festival.

With close proximity to the Strong Memorial Hospital, The Strong National Museum of Play and Mount Hope Cemetery, this is the perfect place for singles and families.

Check out the neighborhood’s housing options and you’ll find apartments for rent, townhouses, full complexes and plenty of homes for rent. 

Webster

Last but not least is Webster.  This Rochester suburb is ideal for families and those enjoying their golden years.  Merely 15 minutes from Flower City, Webster has open space, safe neighborhoods and most importantly, peace and quiet.  

If you love the water, you’ll feel at home in Webster.  Perfectly positioned near Irondequoit Bay, Webster is a tranquil respite by the water you’ll be proud to call home.  Webster also has its fair share of apartments and townhomes for those who want to avoid the responsibility and cost of home ownership. 

This safe haven is optimal for those who prefer city living in doses.  The best part is you won’t have to venture into Rochester’s urbanity to access Wegmans.  Webster has its own Wegmans beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Additional Webster highlights include the Webster Museum, T's Family Restaurant, the Webster Rec Center and the Color Me Mine Paint Your Own Pottery.  When in doubt, rent a boat on Irondequoit Bay or make your way over to nearby Lake Ontario for fun in the sun.