Located just northwest of Downtown Rochester, the Edgerton neighborhood is a historic part of the city that blends classic architecture, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking for an affordable starter home, more rental options, or somewhere to root your family, Edgerton is a place many residents are proud to call home. Here’s what it’s really like to live in Edgerton—straight from the perspective of someone who knows the area well.
Community Vibe: Friendly, Authentic, Diverse
Edgerton is one of those neighborhoods where people still say hello to each other on the sidewalks. The community is highly diverse, offering a true cross-section of Rochester’s rich cultural tapestry. On a walk down Dewey Avenue, you’re likely to pass people from all walks of life—young professionals, retirees, families with young kids, and lifelong residents who can tell you stories about how the area has changed over the decades.
One of the things that set Edgerton apart is its sense of authenticity. Residents deeply value their local churches (like St. Stanislaus Kostka on Hudson Avenue) and community organizations. Annual block parties, local clean-up days, and events at the Edgerton Community Center all contribute to Edgerton’s neighborly feeling.
Types of Housing: Historic Homes and Affordable Variety
Whether you’re looking for a place with character or just something affordable and practical, Edgerton offers a mix of both. Housing stock includes:
- Classic single-family homes—many built in the early 20th century, featuring porches, unique woodwork, and original architectural details. Streets like Maplewood Ave, Murray Street, and Lorimer Street are lined with these beauties.
- Two-family homes and duplexes—great for multi-generational living or as an investment property.
- Well-kept apartment buildings and row homes—these are often found closer to the busier thoroughfares like Driving Park Avenue or Lake Avenue.
Many homes have sizeable backyards—a big plus for anyone who loves gardening, summer grilling, or simply relaxing outside. The price point is also a draw: Edgerton remains more affordable than some eastside neighborhoods while offering easy access to key city amenities.
Walkability: Errands and Exploration on Foot
Edgerton’s walkability is one of its greatest assets. Daily errands are easy to manage thanks to:
- Convenient corner stores, diners, and takeout spots—especially along Lyell Avenue and Dewey Avenue.
- Multiple RTS bus routes connecting Edgerton with downtown and the rest of the city.
- Wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets that make walking pleasant, especially in the spring and fall.
If you enjoy taking evening strolls or getting your steps in on a lunch break, this neighborhood makes it easy.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Families in Edgerton have access to several public and charter schools serving grades K-12. School #54-Flower City School on Child Street and nearby Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School are notable options. The area is also served by Strong Museum educational outreach and after-school programs hosted at the Edgerton R-Center.
The neighborhood’s family-friendliness is evident on weekends, when you’ll see kids riding bikes, playing basketball in driveways, or heading to nearby parks. Many homes are set back from the street, with fenced yards providing a sense of safety and space for play.
Parks and Green Spaces: Breathing Room in the City
If you love getting outdoors, Edgerton won’t disappoint. The centerpiece is Edgerton Park, home to beautiful old trees, playgrounds, and the famous Edgerton R-Center. This recreation hub offers year-round activities, from after-school programs to fitness classes and a community pool in the summer.
The Maplewood Rose Garden, although technically just outside the neighborhood’s northern boundary, is within walking distance and provides a serene place to relax among 250+ varieties of roses. The Genesee Riverway Trail is nearby, offering miles of walking and biking paths along the river.
- Pro tip: Many neighbors picnic or meet up for pickup games at Jones Square Park, located right on North Plymouth Avenue, a green space cherished for its playground and open space.
Safety: A Realistic Perspective
Like any urban neighborhood, Edgerton has areas that see more activity than others. Residents generally agree that getting to know your neighbors, participating in neighborhood watch groups, and keeping an eye out are all part of living here. Many blocks have active leadership and community-driven safety efforts, such as regular meetings with Rochester Police Department outreach officers at the Edgerton R-Center.
Most locals will tell you: Lock your doors, stay aware—basic city living advice. But don’t let broad statistics overshadow the everyday reality: Edgerton feels safer the more connected you are to those around you.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Edgerton’s location is a huge perk, especially if you work downtown or need to commute across the city:
- Only a five-minute drive (or quick RTS bus ride) gets you to Rochester’s business district, the Eastman School of Music, or UR Medicine’s Strong West medical facilities.
- Kodak Center for Performing Arts, a major Rochester employer and cultural landmark, is just north up the Lake Avenue corridor.
- Residents can also easily access High Falls, Susan B. Anthony District, and the public market—all within a 10-minute drive.
Running errands, heading to work, or catching a festival downtown is never a hassle from Edgerton. For car owners, major roads like Driving Park Ave and Lake Avenue offer quick connections to the expressway.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone why they choose to stay in Edgerton, and you’ll hear similar refrains:
- A feeling of community—you get to know your neighbors, look out for each other, and feel part of a larger story.
- Affordable living with no sacrifice on space or access to city amenities.
- Local pride in historic homes, some with original details you can’t find in newer developments.
- The convenience of city living without the high costs or congestion.
Whether you’re seeking your first home, a vibrant urban rental, or a place to raise your children with old-school neighborhood values, Edgerton has a lot to offer. It’s a place where you can find your niche—and even help shape the next generation of Rochester community life.