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Downtown Rochester

Downtown Rochester

Neighborhood in Rochester, New York

Monroe County 14604, 14605, 14607, 14608

$521,825 Average Value
$265 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

The heart of Rochester

Once named "Rochesterville," in recent years, Downtown Rochester has seen new businesses and people moving into this urban neighborhood. The Genesee River cuts through downtown Rochester, creating several riverside locales across the neighborhood. "People are downsizing to move into the downtown area,” says Colleen Bracci, a 16-year Realtor with RE/MAX Realty Group. “They don't want yardwork. They aren't looking for any frills." Downtown's older buildings are evolving with the needs of the community. After Xerox moved out of its namesake tower in 2018, the building was reborn in 2021 as Innovation Square, a collaborative dorm housing students from nearby universities. The complex also features the Theater at Innovation Square, a site for live music and other performances. Downtown’s robust menu of restaurants can be found along bus-accessible roads like East Main Street and East Avenue. Live music can be enjoyed at spots ranging from outdoor venue Parcel 5 to the Blue Cross Arena, which also features professional hockey and lacrosse games.

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and other eateries

Downtown Rochester has a range of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance of residential streets. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que allows customers to bring their “dino-dogs” to its outdoor patio. The Owl House specializes in home-style American eats and craft cocktails, and its seasonal menu maintains a robust selection of vegan and vegetarian options, like cauliflower nachos. Along East Avenue, Spot Coffee is a regular stop for a latte; they have been brewing since 1995. Just a block north along East Main Street is The Richmond, a brewery run serving Neapolitan pizzas and craft beer in a renovated building that was once a city-famous bar called Richmond’s.

Exterior view of Spot Coffee on East Avenue in downtown Rochester.
Exterior view of Spot Coffee on East Avenue in downtown Rochester.
Customers enjoying bar seating at Dinosaur BBQ in Downtown Rochester.
Customers enjoying bar seating at Dinosaur BBQ in Downtown Rochester.
Goodman Bakes is a popular pastry shop on East Avenue in Downtown Rochester
Goodman Bakes is a popular pastry shop on East Avenue in Downtown Rochester
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Music festivals and The Strong National Museum of Play

Downtown's outdoor music venue, Parcel 5, hosts the Rochester Summer Soul Music Fest. This two-day festival, held since 1995, has featured musicians such as Boyz II Men and Babyface. Parcel 5 is also home to the Rochester International Jazz Festival, with notable performers such as Bonnie Raitt and Pat Metheny joining the celebration. The Strong National Museum of Play houses offerings such as the World Video Game Hall of Fame, its Skyline Climb ropes course and the National Toy Hall of Fame, while the Little Theatre screens indie and foreign films. The George Eastman Museum is the world's oldest photography museum, its name paying homage to George Eastman, founder of the Kodak company, which was founded in Rochester and still has its headquarters in the city.

A guide leads at tour a the George Eastman Museum.
A guide leads at tour a the George Eastman Museum.
Moviegoers in line to buy tickets at the Little Theatre in Downtown Rochester.
Moviegoers in line to buy tickets at the Little Theatre in Downtown Rochester.
Geva Theatre Center is a prominent regional theater in Downtown Rochester.
Geva Theatre Center is a prominent regional theater in Downtown Rochester.
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Multifamily units and modern townhouses

Downtown’s housing stock includes older Colonial and Greek Revival multifamily buildings that are being remodeled into modern lofts. There are also recently built contemporary-style townhomes that include garages and shade trees that offer some greenery to the streetscape. These range from $375,000 to $750,000 and typically feature two to four bedrooms. "These new housing options have added an attractive air to the downtown area that is drawing people back into the city," says Colleen Bracci. Downtown Rochester's condos range from $500,000 to $750,000 and tend to have two bedrooms or more and up to 2,400 square feet.

Brick exterior of a multi-family home in Downtown Rochester.
Brick exterior of a multi-family home in Downtown Rochester.
Spring view of new townhomes in Downtown Rochester.
Spring view of new townhomes in Downtown Rochester.
An older single-family home in Downtown Rochester.
An older single-family home in Downtown Rochester.
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Parks overlooking the Genesee River

Downtown Rochester is a central city neighborhood, but it’s also populated with several city parks. The Genesee Riverway Trail, suitable for jogging or bicycling, has views of the churning Genesee River. Aqueduct Park also overlooks the Genesee River, and it’s a popular spot for viewing holiday fireworks. Nearby, downtown employees often enjoy their lunch breaks or take in the occasional summer concert at Washington Square Park. Alive with activity year-round, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park in Manhattan Square is the site of the summer Party in the Park event, which features live music for six weeks every Thursday night, from mid-July to mid-August. In the winter months, the park hosts Roc Holiday Village, which includes visits with Santa, live music and a holiday market. Residents can also enjoy the park’s ice-skating rink through the winter.

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Washington Square Park, central in Downtown Rochester
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Washington Square Park, central in Downtown Rochester
People relaxing in Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park during lunchtime in Downtown Rochester.
People relaxing in Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park during lunchtime in Downtown Rochester.
The Downtown Rochester skating rink has a warming shelter that features a heated floor.
The Downtown Rochester skating rink has a warming shelter that features a heated floor.
The Genesee Riverway Promenade is popular spot to see the Genesee River in Downtown Rochester.
The Genesee Riverway Promenade is popular spot to see the Genesee River in Downtown Rochester.
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School choice in Rochester City School District

Rochester City School District serves downtown’s students and allows for a yearly school choice lottery. The World of Inquiry School No. 58 is the district's only public K-12 school, rated a C-plus on Niche and serving approximately 1,000 students. After classes end for the day, pupils who want to focus on the arts can take classes at The Hochstein School, which has been teaching an all-ages music and dance curriculum since 1920. The University of Rochester, 2 miles south of the neighborhood, is known for its schools of medicine and music.

World of Inquiry School serves children K-12 in Downtown Rochester.
World of Inquiry School serves children K-12 in Downtown Rochester.
The University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music near Downtown Rochester.
The University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music near Downtown Rochester.
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Regional Transit Service, RTS serves the Greater Rochester community.
Regional Transit Service, RTS serves the Greater Rochester community.

Walkability and RTS buses

Interstate 490 runs through downtown for easy commutes. Considering the density and compact size of the neighborhood, residents of downtown can also find most dining, parks, or entertainment just a brief walk from home. For public options to get around, the Regional Transit Service runs several bus lines connecting the neighborhood to the greater Rochester area.

Maxwell Olarinde
Written By
Maxwell Olarinde
Brandon Vick
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Vick
Mallory Nolte
Video By
Mallory Nolte

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dexter Craig, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International

8 min drive

Bus

Court & Chestnut

Bus

Transit Center - No Direction

Bus

Main & Richmond

Bus

State & Church

Bus

South & Court

Bus

Tc- Gate 26

Bus

Main & Scio

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Rochester US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 9 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$505,000
Median Single Family Price
$445,000
Median Townhouse Price
$482,450
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$655,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$265
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
24
Months of Supply
1.00
Median List Price
$620,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
19%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
50
Median Year Built
2006
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,876
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,406
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,941
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
952
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,831

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Dexter Craig, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,851
Median Age
40
Population Density
14 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$62,912
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$80,816

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.6%
College Graduates
64.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
82''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

83 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

90 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

71 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Rochester
Dexter Craig
North Star Real Estate
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