Neighborhoods & Towns

Considered one of the first boomtowns in the United States, Rochester is a thriving and diverse community known for its historical and cultural contributions. From Frederick Douglass and his North Star newspaper dedicated to the abolitionist movement to world-renowned photography giant Kodak’s headquarters, many influential people and prominent businesses have called the Rochester area home.

The City of Rochester divides the city into four quadrants, each with its own neighborhoods, and Center City (also referred to as the Central Business District). Learn more about each city neighborhood by clicking the names for information from Downtown Definitely and Celebrate City Living.

Center City

Center City, located in the heart of Downtown Rochester, is the economic and cultural hub of the region. While exploring, take in the beautiful 19th-century architecture and marvel at the stunning High Falls of the Genesee River.

Cascade District: This former industrial area has become one of downtown’s most distinct neighborhoods. The district is home to the Corn Hill Arts Festival and the unique Greentopia Festival.
Convention District: On both banks of the Genesee River lies Rochester’s Convention District. The visitor-oriented district is home to various hotels, the Joseph A Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, and breathtaking views of the river and its bridges.
East End: The East End neighborhood is anchored by the world-renowned Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Theatre. A wide range of restaurants, coffee cafes, bars, and nightlife venues line the streets, which are closed during the warmer months, for jazz festivals.
Four Corners: Office buildings, municipal halls, and courthouses make Four Corners the center for much of Rochester’s legal and governmental action.
Grove Place: Grove Place is one of Rochester’s best-preserved old neighborhoods and is the residential jewel of downtown.
Manhattan Square: Manhattan Square is home to the Strong Museum and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, where Party In The Park and Movies with a Downtown View take place every summer.
Alex Park: Also known as the Monroe/Alexander neighborhood, Alex Park offers a fantastic array of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
St. Paul Quarter: The eclectic St. Paul Quarter is a great place to catch live music. Catch a show at Water Street Music Hall.

Southeast Quadrant

The Southeast Quadrant is home to some of the most vibrant areas of Rochester, NY.

Park Ave: Southeast of Center City, Park Avenue is home to local shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Neighborhood Of The Arts: NOTA features museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
Monroe Avenue: Monroe Avenue boasts a lively mixture of residential life, businesses, and important cultural institutions.
North Winton Village: Urban village with a plethora of dining, drink and shopping options.
Browncroft: Historic homes on tree-lined streets with a notable Rose Garden.
Cobbs Hill: Cobbs Hill is considered a mainly residential neighborhood, with many of its homes featuring styles from the 1920s and 30s. Cobbs Hill Park and its reservoir are a must-visit.
Upper Monroe: Upper Monroe is a scenic area of Rochester filled with tree-lined streets, parks, and old houses.
Swillburg: Swillburg is home to many ethnic restaurants and interesting public art. The neighborhood's name reflects its history as the location of a former pig farm!
Highland Park: Home to our annual Lilac Festival, Highland Park is the highest point in the city, offering majestic views.
Upper Mount Hope: Upper Mount Hope is home to the University of Rochester and its medical center.

Southwest Quadrant

The Southwest Quadrant of Rochester is currently experiencing a revival.

Corn Hill: Once the residential center of Rochester, Corn Hill is a Victorian dream on the river’s western edge. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as the Corn Hill Arts Festival, and is where Frederick Douglass sat down to publish the abolitionist newspaper the North Star.
Mayor’s Heights: Mayor’s Heights is home to the iconic Nick Tahou’s Hots restaurant, the founder of the infamous Garbage Plate.
19^th Ward: The largest residential community in the city, the 19th Ward boasts many stunning homes ranging from cozy, small cottages to grand, esteemed mansions.

Northwest Quadrant

Home to the Susan B. Anthony House, Frontier Field, and other attractions, the Northwest Quadrant is a great place for tourists to explore.

Dutchtown: This neighborhood is a historically German neighborhood with deep working-class roots.
Lyell-Otis: With easy access to both downtown and the expressway, Lyell-Otis offers convenient commutes to anywhere in the Rochester area.
Maplewood: A scenic, park-like community, Maplewood has many boulevards, gardens, and parks to enjoy.
Charlotte: Charlotte offers wonderful lakeside and riverside views and accommodations.

Northeast Quadrant

The 14621 Area: Named for its zip code, this area of Rochester is home to the historic Seneca Park as well as the Genesee River Gorge.
Marketview Heights: Visit the home to the Rochester Public Market.