Living in Rochester, NY: An Honest Guide for People Moving Here

Rochester has a habit of surprising people. Newcomers expect snow and not much else, and then find a city with real neighborhoods, a short commute almost anywhere, a lake on one side and the Finger Lakes on the other, and housing that costs far less than most of the Northeast. It also has long winters and a few quirks worth knowing before you sign a lease or a mortgage.

We move people into and around Rochester every week, so this guide is written from the ground: where people actually live, what each area is like to move into, and the practical things that make the first few months easier.

Rochester at a glance

• The city: about 210,000 people, in Monroe County on the south shore of Lake Ontario.
• The metro area: just over a million people across Monroe and the surrounding counties, including Ontario County to the south.
• Getting around: a car city. I-490, I-590 and I-390 form a loop that puts most of the area within 20 to 25 minutes of downtown. RTS runs the bus network, and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is about 10 minutes from downtown.
• Big employers: the University of Rochester and its medical center, Rochester Regional Health, RIT, Wegmans and a long list of manufacturing and tech companies.
• Weather: four real seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, fall is long, and winter brings lake-effect snow.

City neighborhoods worth knowing

Rochester proper is a city of distinct neighborhoods, many built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. That gives them character, and it also means older homes with narrow stairs and tight turns, something to keep in mind for moving day.

• Park Avenue: walkable, lined with cafes and restaurants, mostly older houses and apartments carved out of big Victorian homes. Popular with young professionals.
• South Wedge: a small, lively neighborhood by the Genesee River, close to downtown and the University of Rochester. Bars, coffee shops and a strong local feel.
• Neighborhood of the Arts: home to the Memorial Art Gallery and plenty of galleries and studios, with a mix of apartments and single-family homes.
• Corn Hill: one of the oldest neighborhoods, with restored historic homes and an arts festival every July.
• North Winton Village and the east side: tree-lined streets of single-family homes at prices that often surprise people moving from bigger cities.
• Charlotte: at the northern tip of the city on Lake Ontario, home to Ontario Beach Park and a quieter, beach-town feel.

The suburbs: where most people end up

Most of the metro area’s population lives in the suburban towns around the city. Each has its own school district, which for many families is the deciding factor.

• Brighton: right next to the city, close to the university and the hospitals. Established neighborhoods, highly regarded schools.
• Pittsford: the Erie Canal runs through a classic village center. Larger homes, top-rated schools and prices to match.
• Penfield and Fairport (Perinton): family-friendly towns with plenty of parks. Fairport’s canal-side village is one of the most popular spots in the area.
• Webster: on the lakeshore east of the city, with newer subdivisions, parks along Lake Ontario and easy access to Route 104.
• Irondequoit: between the city and the lake, home to Seabreeze amusement park, Durand Eastman Beach and a wide range of housing.
• Greece: the largest town in the county, on the west side, with plenty of housing choice and lake access at Braddock Bay.
• Henrietta: south of the city near RIT, with lots of apartment complexes and shopping, popular with students and young families.
• Victor and Canandaigua: in Ontario County to the southeast. Victor has grown fast around Eastview Mall; Canandaigua sits on the north end of Canandaigua Lake, a good choice if you want a Finger Lakes town and do not mind the longer drive.

What it costs to live here

Housing is the headline. Rochester consistently ranks among the more affordable metro areas in the Northeast, and buyers moving from New York City, Boston or the West Coast often find they can afford a larger home in a good school district.

The catch is property taxes. New York’s property taxes are high compared with home values, and each bill combines county, town and school district taxes. Before you fall in love with a house, look at its full tax bill, not just the asking price. Heating is the other cost newcomers underestimate: a Rochester winter means a real heating bill, so ask about the furnace and insulation when you view a home.

The weather, honestly

Rochester gets a lot of snow, typically around 100 inches a season, much of it lake-effect snow off Lake Ontario. The city and towns are very good at clearing it, and life does not stop for it. What it does mean: you will want snow tires or all-season tires you trust, a good shovel or a snowblower, and a plan for clearing your driveway.

In return, summers are warm without being oppressive, and the lake keeps spring and fall mild. Locals will tell you that a Rochester summer is the reward for the winter, and they are right.

Things to do once you are settled

• The Lilac Festival at Highland Park every May, one of the oldest festivals of its kind in the country.
• The Rochester Public Market, open year-round and busiest on Saturday mornings.
• The Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum, both worth a visit whether you have kids or not.
• The Erie Canal Heritage Trail for walking and cycling through Pittsford, Fairport and beyond.
• Lake Ontario beaches at Ontario Beach Park and Durand Eastman, and Seabreeze in Irondequoit.
• The Finger Lakes, an easy day trip for wineries, waterfalls and lake towns.

Moving to Rochester: practical tips

1. Measure the stairs. In older city homes, especially in the South Wedge, Park Avenue and North Winton Village, large sofas and box springs sometimes need to come apart or go through a window. Tell your movers about tight staircases at the estimate, not on moving day.
2. Plan for parking. Downtown and some city streets have limited room for a moving truck. Check with your building manager or the city about reserving space.
3. Avoid the last week of August if you can. With several colleges in the area, it is the busiest moving week of the year. If your date is fixed, book early.
4. Moving in winter is fine, with planning. Clear and salt walkways before the crew arrives, and keep a flexible backup date in case of a storm. Our winter moving guide covers the details.
5. Set up utilities before you arrive. Most of the area is served by RG&E for gas and electric; schedule service to start the day before you move in.
6. Get your New York license and registration. New residents have 30 days to switch to a New York driver’s license.

Moving to Rochester with Joe’s Moving Co.

Joe’s Moving Co. is a locally owned Rochester moving company based on Exchange Street. We handle local residential moves, apartment and small moves, long-distance moves into and out of Rochester and storage if your new place is not ready yet. If you are planning a move, request a free estimate and we will help you plan it around Rochester’s quirks.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rochester, NY a good place to live?

For many people, yes. It offers affordable housing, short commutes, good suburban schools and easy access to Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes. The trade-offs are long, snowy winters and high property taxes relative to home prices.

What are the best suburbs of Rochester?

It depends on what you want. Pittsford, Brighton, Penfield and Fairport are popular with families for their schools. Webster and Irondequoit put you near the lake. Henrietta suits students and young professionals, and Victor and Canandaigua appeal to people who want more space and the Finger Lakes on their doorstep.

How much snow does Rochester get?

Typically around 100 inches a season, though it varies year to year and by location. Areas closer to the lake can get more from lake-effect bands.

When is the best time to move to Rochester?

Late spring and early fall have the best weather. Winter moves are often easier to book and can cost less because demand is lower, but they need a little more planning. Avoid the last week of August if you can.