Why Live in Lyell-Otis
Lyell-Otis, about 5 miles northwest of Downtown Rochester, is a close-knit neighborhood known for its historic homes, mature tree-lined streets and a strong community presence. The area features a range of single- and multifamily homes built from the late 19th to late 20th centuries, with styles such as Colonial Revival, American Foursquare, Craftsman, ranch and split-level. Prices sit below the citywide median, with fixer-uppers starting in the upper $40,000s and updated homes reaching the upper $200,000s. Some blocks offer quieter residential settings with manicured lawns, while streets near shops and eateries have a more urban feel. Residents have several parks to choose from, including Sebastian Park with picnic space and basketball, Paul Bianchi Park with baseball fields and paved paths, and J.R. Wilson Park, a dog-friendly spot with agility-inspired playground equipment and space for soccer and basketball. Maplewood Park, about 2 miles away, adds riverfront access, rose gardens and courts for pickleball and tennis. Dining options throughout the neighborhood reflect the city’s diversity, with local favorites serving American, Vietnamese, Latin and Italian dishes. More stores and grocery chains are available 2 miles away at Gateway Plaza. Families benefit from the city’s school choice program, which allows selection among zoned and citywide schools. Flower City School No. 54 is within walking distance for younger students, and teens have access to career and technical programs at Edison Career & Technology High. Lyell-Otis is walkable and bike friendly with Regional Service Transit stops throughout the area, and commuters can reach Amtrak service downtown via Lyell Avenue. The Lyell Branch Library acts as a community hub, offering movie nights, workshops, craft activities and hosting the Lyell Otis Community Association, which organizes seasonal events and gardening initiatives like Plant a Seed Day and supports the Edgar Santa Cruz Peace Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lyell-Otis a good place to live?
Lyell-Otis is a good place to live. Lyell-Otis is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Lyell-Otis has 11 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 3.9 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $52,269 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 8% of residents. A majority of residents in Lyell-Otis are renters, with 60.9% of residents renting and 39.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Lyell-Otis can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Lyell-Otis neighborhood guide.
Is Lyell-Otis, NY a safe neighborhood?
Lyell-Otis, NY is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Lyell-Otis?
The median home price in Lyell-Otis is $109,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $22,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.51%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $560 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $24K a year to afford the median home price in Lyell-Otis. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Lyell-Otis is $52K.
What are the best public schools in Lyell-Otis?
The best public schools that serve Lyell-Otis are:
What are the best private schools in Lyell-Otis?
The best private schools that serve Lyell-Otis are:
- Aquinas Institute has an A- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 11:1 and an average review score of 3.9.
- Northstar Christian Academy has a B Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 14:1 and an average review score of 4.2.
- Hope Hall School has a student teacher ratio of 5:1 and an average review score of 4.7.
What are the most popular zip codes in Lyell-Otis, Rochester, NY?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Lyell-Otis, Rochester, NY?
Home Trends in Lyell-Otis, NY
On average, homes in Lyell-Otis, Rochester sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Lyell-Otis, Rochester over the last 12 months is $121,585, up 22% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$121,585
Median Single Family Sale Price
$120,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$50,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$125,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$99
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
63
Median List Price
$109,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
-7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
22%
