East Avenue - Rochester, NY

The historic development of this area began in the 19th century, and homes continued to be constructed into the early 20th century. The neighborhood was placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Many residents refer to the eponymous street as the most beautiful in all of Rochester. George Eastman who was the founder of Kodak built his mansion, the Eastman House, on East Avenue.

Visit the George Eastman House, which offers a historic home and garden to tour as well as housing a museum of film and photography. Visitors also learn about George Eastman and his life. Admission costs $14, but you can easily spend a whole morning or afternoon here. Students can enter for just $5. Many events take place during the year here, including outdoor summer concerts, lectures and film series.

East Avenue has a diverse range of fine-dining establishments to choose from. Some of the restaurants can be pricey, but many affordable options exist as well.

Jine's Restaurant is a classic establishment in Rochester. This upscale diner of sorts serves traditional American and Mediterranean food and some of the best brunch in town. Crowds flock to Jine's on weekend mornings for its brunch. Popular menu items include the several, creamy eggs-Benedict options and the banana-bread French toast.

The Ox and Stone probably has one of the most eclectic menus in all of Rochester. Where else can you order pig ears, grasshoppers and a traditional Mexican stew in one place? The restaurant is located in a 19th-century mansion, giving it a secluded, Old World feel. The kitchen concocts Latin fusion items and the bar comes up with a list of delectable cocktails to offer. Make sure to order one of the specialty taco dishes, in which you can choose between pork belly, cod, seared mahi mahi or shrimp along with the more traditional beef. Stick around for the lively nightlife here by ordering a few cocktails, or if you are with friends, the communal punch bowl.

Bars and pubs predominate the nightlife in East Avenue. The romantic spot Chocolate and Vines serves, you guessed it, chocolate and wine. Don't forget those indulgent cheese plates and pâtés either You really can't choose a wrong dessert here, but locals tend to love the torta nocciola, a hazelnut cake topped with chocolate.

East Avenue lies close to many desirable sections of the town, such as the central business district and Park Avenue, so walking or cycling to these areas along sidewalks can certainly be done. However, driving remains the predominant mode of transportation in this affluent community where just about everyone has a car.

The only public transit option, the bus, comes infrequently and often cannot be relied on to arrive on time. However, at just $1 for a ride, the inconvenience may sometimes be worth it. Catching a cab or summoning an Uber car does not take much effort. You may have to call a cab ahead of time, but you may also be able to hail one on the street.

Travelling to highways and expressways from this historic district does not take much time. Interstates 490 and 590 intersect heading toward the Brighton section of East Avenue. New York State Route 31 also lies just a few miles from East Avenue.

Cobbs Hill park lies just a few miles from the historic district of East Avenue. The park, which is free and open to the public, has over 100 acres with baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds and hiking trails. The jogging path around the reservoir at the top of the hill becomes a popular spot during the warmer months for athletes. Dogs may be brought here on a leash.

The cost of living in the historic section of East Avenue exceeds the cost of living in most other Rochester neighborhoods. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence hovers around $913, compared to many areas of Rochester where the price hovers near the $700 range for a similar unit. Home prices can be near half a million dollars or more, which far exceeds the price of homes in the rest of Rochester.

Individuals without a car can walk to city center (although they may not want to walk given Rochester's harsh winds) or take the bus for $1.

Dining out or having a beer can be pricier than in other spots in Rochester. For instance, dinner costs around $15, and a beer costs $5 or $6.

Buying gas in New York State is on average more expensive than in the rest of the United States. Unfortunately, Rochester and East Avenue residents pay these higher prices. The average price of gas in this area is 28 percent higher than the national average cost.

Commercial space in the historic district of East Avenue mainly consists of boutiques and specialty stores. Shoppers enjoy coming to East Avenue for the jewelry, clothes, home decor and unique items they don't find in larger department stores or malls.

Craft Company No. 6 serves as a gallery and store that sells handmade American and Canadian fine arts. These pieces include jewelry, blown glass, pottery and metal arts to name a few. Set in a Victorian firehouse, Craft Company No. 6 has a funky, creative vibe to it.

Shop at Wegman's for all your grocery needs. Many Wegman's stores are located all over the Rochester area, as the flagship was started by the Rochester native Danny Wegman. Rochester prides itself on Wegman's and the store's popularity throughout the Northeast.

Head to the Rochester Public Market on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings for a wide selection of produce and other products from local farmers and vendors. The market has a number of events throughout the year, so make sure to check its calendar ahead of time. The market opens year-round.