Rochester is New York State’s third-largest city and has built a reputation as a hub for education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Despite its economic weight, Rochester maintains a community atmosphere that sets it apart from other larger cities like New York City or Buffalo.
The city offers a combination of affordability and access, with the 1-bedroom average rent at $1,355/month, which is well below the New York statewide average of $3,095. With walkable neighborhoods, accessible public transportation, and a thriving local food scene, Rochester gives renters a chance to live in a culture-rich city without stretching their budget.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Rochester, there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. We’ve picked five of the best neighborhoods in Rochester for renters based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, downtown areas, and shopping centers
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Rochester for renters are:
Downtown Rochester
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rochester: $1,355/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Downtown Rochester: $1,493/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Downtown Rochester: 733 sq. ft.
Why Downtown Rochester is good for renters
Downtown Rochester is the city’s most connected neighborhood, with the RTS Transit Center, Eastman Theatre, and the East End entertainment district close by. Many of the apartment communities here were created from historic buildings, like former warehouses and factories, giving units extra character. The neighborhood sits along the Genesee River and provides natural scenery against city streets.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
80Downtown Rochester has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
40Downtown Rochester has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
70Downtown Rochester has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
70Downtown Rochester has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
The average rent in Downtown Rochester is higher than the citywide average. Renters should keep this in mind when deciding where to live in the city.
Park Avenue
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rochester: $1,355/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Park Avenue: $1,325/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Park Avenue: 532 sq. ft.
Why Park Avenue is good for renters
Park Avenue is one of Rochester’s most popular neighborhoods, with walkable streets, historic architecture, and several local businesses. The main strip is lined with coffee shops, bookstores, and wine bars. Park Avenue is close to Memorial Art Gallery and the University of Rochester’s River Campus, keeping the area connected to arts and academics.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Moderately Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
80Park Avenue has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
40Park Avenue has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
70Park Avenue has a drivability score of 70 out of 100 |
60Park Avenue has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Park Avenue’s popularity means units can fill quickly when available, making it more difficult to secure a unit in this neighborhood.
South Wedge
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rochester: $1,355/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in South Wedge: $1,481/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in South Wedge: 690 sq. ft.
Why South Wedge is good for renters
South Wedge sits just south of Downtown Rochester and is bordered by Highland Park, which hosts Rochester’s annual Lilac Festival. Renters here enjoy a walkable, community-oriented environment with quick access to downtown employment hubs, specialty restaurants, and local cafes along South Clinton Avenue. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rochester, South Wedge has vibrant murals and public art throughout the area.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
80South Wedge has a walkability score of 80 out of 100 |
50South Wedge has a transit score of 50 out of 100 |
80South Wedge has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
70South Wedge has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
South Wedge is a smaller neighborhood with higher rents than the citywide average, making unit availability slim compared to other concentrated parts of the city.
Strong
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rochester: $1,355/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Strong: $1,675/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Strong: 790 sq. ft.
Why Strong is good for renters
The Strong neighborhood gets its name from the nearby Strong Memorial Hospital and the broader University of Rochester Medical Center campus. Renters in Strong benefit from proximity to major employers and everyday essentials, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and local dining. I-390 and South Avenue provide an easy connection route to other parts of the city.
|
Very Walkable |
Some Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
70Strong has a walkability score of 70 out of 100 |
40Strong has a transit score of 40 out of 100 |
80Strong has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Strong has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
The neighborhood has a more residential feel, with few nightlife and entertainment options. Renters looking for convenient access to more options should look closer to downtown areas.
Cobbs Hill
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rochester: $1,355/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Cobbs Hill: $1,322/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Cobbs Hill: 727 sq. ft.
Why Cobbs Hill is good for renters
Cobbs Hill is home to Cobbs Hill Park, an 113-acre green space that includes walking trails, tennis courts, a reservoir, and views of the city skyline. The neighborhood offers a quieter, residential setting with easy access to Park Avenue and East Avenue’s main streets. Renters who want outdoor access and a slower pace while staying connected to the rest of the city should consider Cobbs Hill.
|
Fairly Walkable |
Limited Public Transit |
Exceptionally Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
50Cobbs Hill has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 |
30Cobbs Hill has a transit score of 30 out of 100 |
100Cobbs Hill has a drivability score of 100 out of 100 |
60Cobbs Hill has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Cobbs Hill is more car-dependent than neighborhoods closer to downtown. Renters without a personal vehicle should review the RTS bus routes to see whether it works with their schedule.
Ready to Move to Rochester?
If Rochester has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan. Apartments.com has all the tools to help you find the perfect place.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
FAQs
Is Rochester a good place to live?
Rochester is a good choice for renters who want to be close to cultural offerings, employment opportunities, and community at a more affordable price than other large metros. The city is home to nationally recognized institutions like University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Strong National Museum of Play, along with a growing food scene and annual festivals.
What is the cost of living like in Rochester?
The cost of living in Rochester is 1.6 percent higher than the national average. Housing costs are 2.1 percent more expensive than the national average, while groceries and utilities are below average. While housing costs run higher, the city is more affordable overall than other cities in New York.
If you're on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Rochester to start your search.
What's the average rent in Rochester?
The average rent in Rochester for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,355/month, with studios averaging $1,010/month, 2-bedrooms averaging $1,616/month, and 3-bedrooms averaging $2,316/month.
What salary do you need to live in Rochester?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Rochester would be around $72,000 before tax.
