Edgerton - Rochester, NY

Edgerton's history closely aligns with that of its park, both named after the man who helped encourage their development. Originally called Exposition Park, it became Edgerton Park after Mayor Edgerton passed away in 1922 and prominent residents, including Rush Rhees and George Eastman, sought to memorialize the land for their generous leader.

The Model Railroad Room remains a highlight of Edgerton Park, functioning like a museum with its miniature layouts of Rochester's four seasons. Arrange a tour of this space to experience a unique form of historical preservation.

One of the closest annual events to Edgerton, The Flour City Brewer's Fest, takes place in the northwest corner of downtown Rochester. This delightful summer festival permits ticket holders to sample different craft beers and munch on snacks from local food trucks.

Edgerton contains culinary options throughout the neighborhood to suit every palate. While most are locally owned, you still find some respectable chain restaurants nearby.

Better Choice Jamaican Restaurant's dishes always satisfy customers in the mood for Caribbean dining. Chefs prepare food fast without sacrificing quality, which makes this place great for a quick lunch break. Try the jerk chicken or curry goat for a mildly spicy and seasoned meal.

A gluten-free alternative, Donna Marie's Bakery makes cinnamon rolls, muffins and cookies out of healthy ingredients and prices them low. If you don't have a sweet tooth, Donna Marie's also creates pizza shells and breads to bring home for your own cooking adventures.

For a night out on the town, most locals travel to the heart of the city, which only necessitates a 10-minute drive. Visitors discover many venues for entertainment such as events and games at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial and concerts and shows at Water Street Music Hall, an old building on North Water Street that features a variety of musical performances. Rochester's city limits also include several bars and clubs like Tilt, a popular bar on Central Avenue.

Equidistant from the three closest highways, most residents of Edgerton prefer to use their own vehicles when traveling around town and to the metropolis.

For those who choose not to drive, the Monroe County Regional Transit Service provides access to buses within the extensive boundaries of the greater Rochester area. The company's website includes maps and schedules to help you coordinate your trip. While Uber doesn't service Rochester, Park Avenue Taxi provides courteous and reliable service 24 hours a day. As for parking, most establishments in Edgerton maintain their own lots, and if you head downtown, just pull into one of the many metered spots or park safely inside a garage.

Edgerton can be walkable if you live near certain businesses and have only a couple of errands to run. Residents enjoy bike rides around the flat terrain, but Edgerton does not have as many designated lanes as the city of Rochester itself.

Many parks fall within Edgerton's neighborhood limits that appeal to its residents. All free, adults and children alike frequent them to walk dogs, exercise, play games and go on picnics.

Edgerton Park attracts locals to use its community center and various outdoor facilities. Equipped with a running track, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, a large field and a walking trail, Edgerton Park brings in sports enthusiasts every season of the year. The Edgerton Community Center's recreational activities have brought people together on the west side for over 100 years. The annual Stardust Ballroom Dance Series draws in the most visitors.

Farther south, Jones Square's 6 acres of wide-open historical space provide visitors with a jogging track, tall trees, benches and an appreciation for history. One of Frederick Law Olmsted's impressive designs in landscape architecture, this park once felt the steps of Civil War soldiers and witnessed some of Rochester's earliest baseball games.

Another creation of Olmstead's, Maplewood Park to the east consists of waterfalls, an enchanting rose garden and fishing pond. The annual Maplewood Rose Celebration honors Rochester's rich heritage with food, entertainment and of course, horticulture. If you seek a longer excursion, head north to the Genesee Riverway Trail and cross over to Seneca Park, home of the Seneca Park Zoo.

The cost of living in Edgerton resembles the city average, yet also depends on your driving situation and what type of residence you rent. When using public transportation, you can get around town for only a $1 bus fare. The price of gas in the greater Rochester area stays about 20 percent higher than the national average. Rental rates for one-bedroom apartments hover around $645 per month. Craft beers at a local pub like Murphy's Law Irish Pub across the Genesee River cost between $4 and $6.

There are no major shopping areas in Edgerton, but a scattering of stores for basic supplies and some leisurely excursions surround it and only require 10 minutes of driving to get to them.

In the east on Lyell Avenue lies Wegmans, one of the most popular grocery stores in Rochester. Loyal customers adore this particular branch for its convenient location near a major highway and incredible service. You also find Tops Friendly Markets on Lake Avenue, which is a reliable place to get food and some home essentials, especially in a hurry.

If you seek independent shops, travel to Park Avenue, where Rochester's most treasured boutiques sit. Parkleigh fills its multiple-room store with ornate and well-crafted specialty items such as jewelry, hand bags and dishware. Similarly, yet selling mostly clothes and shoes, Peppermint inspires its customers to purchase gifts for friends or even treat themselves.

The closest farmers market to Edgerton, the Rochester Public Market, hosts over 100 vendors each week, most with fresh food or handmade items to share. Located on Union Street, parking can be tricky during the busiest seasons of its year-round operation. You have a few chances per week for a visit, though, because it opens on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings.