Corn Hill - Rochester, NY

Rochester's oldest neighborhood, Corn Hill holds roots in the early 1800s when its inhabitants referred to it as the "Third Ward." After withstanding several ups and downs in population as newer districts in the metropolis developed and grew, Corn Hill's occupants from the 1960s vowed to protect its heritage. They formed "The Corn Hills Neighbor Association" and started an art festival to encourage appreciation for the neighborhood's cultural past and future. Since then, residents continue to feel committed to keeping up and protecting the area.

In addition to the Corn Hill Arts Festival, every winter, those who own houses in the historic district graciously open their doors for people to see the inside of a late-18th century building, most of which lie on South Fitzhugh and Adams Streets. This Holiday Tour of Homes sells out quickly, so try to reserve tickets early.

A popular restaurant in Rochester and arguably one of the best barbecue joints in the Northeast, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que sits on the corner of Court Street bridge, just a quick walk from Corn Hill. Its cooks deliver succulent ribs, flavorful pulled pork and savory brisket — plus incredible homemade sides. Don't feel alarmed by your server's spunky attitude. All part of Dinosaur's appeal as a biker bar, its owner and staff certainly welcome everyone, especially those who like tender meat that slides off the bone.

If you want to go out for drinks at night, travel across the river via Exchange Boulevard to relax at Solera Wine Bar or Cheshire Lounge on South Avenue, in the neighborhood known as "South Wedge." With bottled beer, wine, and other mixed drinks, Solera inspires patrons to feel classy, yet not the least bit pretentious. If you go after a meal, order the homemade truffles for dessert.

Upon entering Cheshire, located above Solera, you might wonder if you've arrived in a speakeasy, especially when you notice that some cocktails resemble those concocted during the prohibition era. Take a chance and give the "stormy morning" a try.

For a lively night out on the town, check out what kind of event awaits you within walking distance at The Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial. Over the course of a month, you'll likely to find entertaining concert, performance or game to enjoy there. Just glance at the website to see what sounds interesting and save the date by ordering tickets.

Water Street Music Hall, another venue on North Water Street, requires only a five-minute drive and a half-hour walk. Located in an historic building with an intimate and old fashioned setting, Water Street hosts shows for fans of many different genres of music.

For those who own vehicles, Corn Hill's proximity to Interstate-490 allows for quick access to Rochester's highway system. Although you can simply walk around the downtown area, if you prefer to drive in the rain or snow, the metered spaces and garages throughout accomodate parking.

If you need to get to the outskirts of Rochester, Monroe County's Regional Transit Service provides a reliable means of travel and goes just about anywhere within the boundaries of the city and its various suburbs. Check out the website's maps and schedules to organize your trip for a particular occasion or regular routine.

Just south of the city center, Corn Hill accommodates many forms of transportation, including cab-rides. While Uber hasn't reached Rochester yet, Park Avenue Taxi offers riders flexibility and reliable service. Another company, Marketplace Cab also pleases its customers, especially college students who receive discounts upon showing their identification cards.

For cyclists who appreciate exercise and open air during the non-winter months, Rochester prioritizes the creation and maintenance of bike lanes. Even in spots without specific designations, drivers remain aware of their need to share the road with ecofriendly travelers.

Corn Hill lies near are several outdoor spaces with the closest, Lunsford Circle Park sits embedded right in the heart of the neighborhood. Its only amenities consist of numerous benches and a gazebo, but the woodsy area permits a quick breath of fresh air when looking to get out of the house.

Troup Street Park to the northwest maintains a field, playground, basketball court and a mini solar-powered water park that operates in the summer.

Though not a park, per se, a 10-minute drive away, the Strong National Museum of Play receives consistent praise as one of the most engaging places to spend an afternoon, especially with children. Open to the public since the 1980s, this interactive institution features regular and seasonal exhibits that encourage kids and their families to make learning an adventure.

The cost of living in Corn Hill Strong closely compares with the rest of the city, although it depends on what type of home you desire. The average rental rate of a one-bedroom apartment costs $971, slightly more expensive than the greater Rochester area.

The price of gas in Rochester stays about 20 percent higher than the national average, but residents of Corn Hill appreciate their ability to walk downtown where buses run through regularly. When you need to ride the bus to get out of town, the fare only costs $1. You can also purchase monthly passes for $56, an efficient option if you prefer riding the bus as your primary mode of transportation.

If you want a pint of draft beer expect to pay around $6 with some as low as $4.

While Corn Hill's proximity to downtown Rochester adds many opportunities to explore local shops, a 7-minute drive to Monroe Avenue gets you to the most treasured stores, such as Peppermint and Parkleigh. Peppermint sells women's clothing and shoes — including gorgeous dresses and chic jackets — and Parkleigh, a delightful boutique with exquisite speciality items and customer service, encourages you to treat yourself or find a gift for someone else.

When it comes to grocery shopping, for those who appreciate quality, Abundance Cooperative Market, a great hub on Marshall Street, caters to those who like to eat healthy and prefer organic meat and dairy. Vegans also feel welcome at Abundance and it doesn't cost much there to stock up on basic supplies. Another store that sells exceptional products, Hart's Local Grocers, allows you to try samples before you buy anything.

If you enjoy wandering around farmers markets, the Rochester Public Market hosts over 100 vendors of fresh meat, produce, baked goods and other items. Parking can be tricky, but you have several opportunities to plan out a visit because of its numerous hours on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings every week of the year.