Rochester College Rentals: Finding the Best Value Neighborhoods for Students

Rochester has emerged as one of the most promising cities in America. Home to a wide variety of tech companies, the “Young Lion of the West” also has affordable housing.

If you are considering attending college in Rochester, learn from my experience and take your time when choosing your new digs. This guide to Rochester college housing is inspired by my stay in the city, highlighting the best value for your dollar and the area’s top neighborhoods.

Nazareth University

Nazareth is consistently ranked among the top colleges in the Finger Lakes. Located in lovely Pittsford, just outside of Rochester, Nazareth offers 60+ undergraduate majors along with more than two dozen graduate programs. Nazareth is one of the region’s best value postsecondary educational institutions, highlighted by a gorgeous campus, friendly locals and passionate students.

Pittsford

Pittsford, one of the most celebrated suburbs of Rochester, has a sizeable housing stock with easy access to the Nazareth campus. In total, slightly more than 30,000 people live in Pittsford. With roots dating back to 1798, Pittsford has an intriguing history, an alluring charm and safe streets. Take a walk through the village and you’ll find the Erie Canal passes through this quaint town. Pittsford has apartments, condos and houses for rent near Nazareth University.

The best part is nearly every living space is within a brief walk of one of the town’s 11 parks. Highlights include Mendon Ponds Park and the iconic Powder Mills Park. Factor in the town’s elite shopping scene and you have the perfect place to live while attending Nazareth.

Local schools include the Pittsford Central School District featuring five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools. Check out Rochester apartments near Nazareth and you’ll find an assortment of impressive options ranging from traditional apartments to historic village homes, split-levels, condos, townhomes and traditional colonials.

Fairport

Fairport is one of Rochester’s hidden suburban gems. Rent a student apartment Fairport near Nazareth University, and you’ll have easy access to a litany of restaurants, coffee shops, stores and strip malls. Fairport apartments, condos and homes provide quick and easy access to Wegmans, the country’s top fast food chains, Tandoor of India and plenty more.

The best part is Fairport has a mere 5,500 people so you won’t have to worry about maneuvering through chaotic traffic. Head on over to Packett’s Landing or the Fairport Village Landing for village shopping and you’ll quickly understand why this village is soaring in popularity. Eastview mall is minutes away.

The village also offers Colonial Belle tour boat canal cruises on the Erie Canal. Venture on out to the Fairport Canal Days, take in a performance and savor the moment. It doesn’t get any better than that.

The Fairport Central School District is revered for quality of instruction. Fairport schools that consistently rank higher than competitors include the Brooks Hill School, Northside School, the Dudley School and Jefferson Avenue School. Rent in Fairport and you’ll have your choice of traditional apartment complexes, townhomes, condos, ranches, colonials and splits.

East Rochester

This independent village has been incorporated for slightly more than a century. Revered for its walkability, East Rochester is population dense yet affordable. Here, you will find duplexes, turn of the century colonials, more modern houses and student apartments near Nazareth.

Take a walk outside and you’ll discover Edmund Lion Park, Concrest Park and Legion Eyer Park. East Rochester's Union Free Schools, the Bird/Morgan School, the Discover Charter School and the St. John Bosco Schools have solid reputations. The best part is East Rochester student apartments near Nazareth are affordable.

University of Rochester

Consistently ranked in the top tier of national universities, the University of Rochester is a private research university with an accomplished student body. Situated by the visually striking Genesee River, U of R as it is often called, provides some truly spectacular hiking opportunities. This world-class leading research postsecondary education institution hosts 11,000 students, 1,000 faculty and a whopping 30,000 staff members.

19th Ward

Positioned immediately across from the river, the 19th ward provides easy access to the University of Rochester campus. This massive residential community has plenty of housing options for those looking to rent a student apartment near the University of Rochester. Here, you will find apartments, small cottages, enormous mansions and everything in between for rent.

In total, 22,000 people live in the 19th ward. Step inside the neighborhood’s eclectic homes for rent and you’ll find natural wood trim, hardwood floors and open style porches are prominently featured.

The neighborhood’s selling points include the popular annual June Square Fair, the November yearly convention and festive potluck dinners. There’s also a convenient Farmer’s Market at the ward’s St. Monica’s church. Additional local draws include the Genesee Valley Park and the Erie Canal.

Park Avenue

Park Avenue, the pearl of Rochester’s East End, is one of the area’s most coveted neighborhoods. Here, you will find centuries-old mansions for rent, student apartments for rent near the University of Rochester, more conventional houses and some apartment complexes. Though it would take more than an hour to walk to U of R from Park Avenue, the commute by car takes less than 10 minutes.

The best part about living in the Park Avenue neighborhood is the easy access to trendy shops and restaurants. Highlights include Dog Town, Stever’s Candies, Jines, the Blue Wolf Bistro and the Strasenburgh Planetarium. Locals attend the Brighton and Penfield districts.

Corn Hill

Corn Hill, celebrated as a local gem, is bucolic, safe and fun. Stroll through the Corn Hill neighborhood and you’ll feel as though you are walking through Victorian England. The neighborhood’s highlights include the Corn Hill Arts Festival that brings just about everyone outside of the house and the Landmark Society of Western New York.

Local housing options include restored 19th century houses, newer townhouses, condos and some apartments. Nearby school options include St. Ambrose Academy, the Hillel Community Day School and Nazareth Elementary.

Swillburg

Swillburg, named in honor of the swine brought to the neighborhood in centuries prior, is a walkable community with plenty of single family homes for rent, cottage style homes, apartments near the University of Rochester, Queen Annes and American style Foursquares. Venture around Swillburg and you’ll find pig-themed displays along with all sorts of other interesting public art. Though the Swillburg pig farm is long gone, the swine theme clearly remains. You’ll even spot some elaborate pig paintings and murals around town. Venture to South Clinton Ave and you’ll find ethnic restaurants along with the nearby Cinema Theater and South Wedge Diner.

Saint John Fisher University

Saint John Fisher College is a private postsecondary education institution named after the famous English Catholic saint. This independent Catholic institution offers liberal arts programs spanning five distinct schools. Located seven miles away from downtown Rochester, Saint John Fisher University stretches across more than 160 acres.

Irondequoit AKA The 14621 Neighborhood

Irondequoit is considered a mosaic of culture. This easily traversable part of town features tree-lined streets, historic architecture and delicious food. Be sure to check out La Avenida on North Clinton Avenue, the annual Polish Festival and the Hickey Freeman textile manufacturer headquarters.

Additional community draws include biking trails, the El Camino hiking trail, a community garden and affordable Saint John Fisher University student apartment options. The neighborhood is in the Rochester City School District, featuring the Rochester School for the Deaf, Southlawn School, the Seneca School, the Discovery Charter High School and Rogers middle School.

Marketview Heights

Check out the Marketview Heights neighborhood and you’ll likely make an immediate beeline to the Rochester Public Market. This century-old market is a hotbed for commerce, food and fun. Here, you’ll find dining options, permanent vendors and a massive food selection. Continue exploring the Market District and you’ll be impressed with its character and history.

Some of the original settlers’ single-family houses till stand yet most streets are lined with more modern options. You’ll also find trendy apartment lofts for Saint John Fisher students, condos and homes for rent. Local highlights include the Genessee River Gorge, the Seneca Park Zoo and Seneca Park.

Cobbs Hill

Cobbs Hill, one of Rochester’s most coveted neighborhoods, has homes with distinct architecture styles dating all the way back to the 1920s. This green neighborhood is highlighted by Nunda Boulevard that leads wayward adventurers directly into the stunning Washington Grove. Your housing options include American style Foursquares complete with large porches, Dutch style colonials, Tudor Revivals with their signature brown and beige color combination and wood style colonials.

Head out to Cobbs Hill Park and you’ll have enjoy all sorts of recreational activities including an impressive view of the city below. In terms of schools, Cobbs Hill is highlighted by the Martin Anderson School #1, The Harley School and Allen Creek School.

Rochester Institute of Technology

Referred to as RIT by locals, the Rochester Institute of Technology, is one of the area’s most revered educational institutions. This private research university is located in suburban Rochester. Though few know it, RIT is one of New York state’s two institutes of technology.

Mayors Heights

Mayors Heights is the home of Rochester’s famous Garbage Plate. Served at the neighborhood’s iconic Nick Tahou’s Hots restaurant, the Garbage Plate is exactly as it sounds in that it is loaded up with junk food including hot dogs, home fries and hamburgers, all served on one giant plate.

Call Mayors Heights home and you’ll be surrounded by happy people living in award-winning developments and RIT student apartments. The neighborhood’s rich history is still felt and seen today. The area is home to a new pocket park, a rock garden and plenty more. Housing options include single story homes, multi-story homes, condos and apartments.

Henrietta

This suburb of Rochester is vibrant, safe and entertaining. The area is home to coffee shops including Midnight Oil and Taichi Bubble Tea. Local restaurants including Gracies, the Royal of India and Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria.

Continue exploring Henrietta and you’ll find niceties ranging from the Islandfit fitness studio to the altitude trampoline Park, Queens Park, Berkshire Park and the resource-rich Henrietta Public Library.

The area features apartment complexes for Rochester Institute of Technology students, traditional homes in affordable subdivisions and elite schools including the School of the Holy Childhood, the Henrietta Central School District and The Norman Howard School.

Corn Hill

Live in Corn Hill and you’ll immediately fall in love with your surroundings. Rental options include apartments for RIT students, condos, townhouses and historical homes. Corn Hill schools include the Hillel Community Day School and St. Ambrose Academy.

The best part is you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of the Corn Hill Neighbors Association, one of the region’s most revered neighborhood groups. Be sure to check out the seemingly endless restaurants on Corn Hill Landing by the scenic Genesee River.

Monroe Community College - Damon City Campus

Located on State Street, the MCC Downtown Campus is best described as urban, lively and exciting. The aim of MCC's Damon City Campus is to empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to reach their career goals.

Downtown Rochester/Center City

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Downtown, Center City offers quick and easy access to Monroe Community College. Local highlights include the gorgeous Genesee River High Falls, the Riverside Convention Center and the eclectic performances at the GEVA theatre. The Strong Museum of Play is also within walking distance.

Nearby schools include the Discovery Charter School, the Rochester Early College International High School, School Without Walls and Vertus Charter.

Cascade District

The Cascade District is the home of what was once an industrial area. Take a walk through this part of Rochester and you’ll find streets with historical architecture and plenty of character. This cultural hotspot is home to the Greentopia and Corn Hill Arts Festivals. The neighborhood features loft apartments for Monroe Community College students, traditional single story homes, multi-family homes and even some condos.

Upper Falls

Upper Falls, home to nearly 7,000 people, is an urban neighborhood primarily consisting of renters. The neighborhood has single-family and multi-family homes for rent, some of which have individual apartment units for MCC students. The area also features high-rise apartments and apartment complexes. Most homes in the neighborhood were built between the 70s and early aughts.

Roberts Wesleyan College

Roberts Wesleyan College is a private learning institution. This Christian college is located in a suburb called Chili.

Chili

You can reach downtown Rochester form the Chili suburbs in less than 20 minutes. This family-friendly living space has a suburban/rural look and feel. Chili residents, numbering 5,300, rent apartments near Roberts Wesleyan College, condos and single/multi-family homes. The suburb is in the cherished Gates Chili Central School District with a high school, a middle school and a four elementary schools. Local highlights include the Ferrari Pizza Bar, Steve’s Diner and the lovely Black Creek Park.

Gates

Gates is a safe, swanky and luxurious suburb with upscale housing. Spend a couple days in Gates and you’ll immediately start thinking about laying down roots.

Gates has all sorts of amazing restaurants, delis, coffee shops and other attractions. Chief amongst them are Savastano’s Bakery, Calabresella’s Deli and the Cinemark Tinseltown. Gates residents enjoy access to affordable student apartments near Roberts Wesleyan College and the highly-ranked Gates Chili Central School District.

There has Never Been a Better Time to Live in Rochester

The secret that is Rochester can no longer be kept. The word is out. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find affordable housing in and around the city.

Do your due diligence when looking for a rental, condo or house, fully embrace Rochester, and you’ll be happy to call it home.