Suburban character and city convenience in Genesee-Jefferson
About two miles southwest of Downtown Rochester, Genesee-Jefferson is a compact neighborhood close to the University of Rochester and Highland Hospital. Leafy, sidewalk-lined streets give the area a slightly suburban feel, while convenience stores and restaurants remain within easy reach. Single-family homes are often priced below the city’s median, which sits in the lower $200,000s. Compared to neighboring Plymouth-Exchange, Genesee-Jefferson feels a bit busier, with several major thoroughfares and a higher concentration of commercial activity.
Colonial Revival and Craftsman home prices below the city median
Primarily built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Genesee-Jefferson's homes are set close together along sidewalk-lined streets. Many sit behind modest lawns shaded by mature trees, with cars either parallel-parked or tucked into driveways. Colonial Revival homes are common, often featuring covered porches, louvered shutters and clapboard siding with white trim. Craftsman houses tend to be smaller, with asymmetrical facades, double-hung windows and lattice skirting. “[Genesee-Jefferson is] definitely desirable for both location and price,” says Daniel Powell , broker and branch director with Hunt Real Estate ERA, who has more than 18 years of experience. “Very popular, and close to the university … it has accessibility to all of the city.”
Home prices generally range from the lower $30,000s to the lower $200,000s, depending on size and condition, with a median sale price in the lower $100,000s — below both the neighboring 19th Ward and the citywide median. Renters make up the majority of residents, adding to the neighborhood’s appeal for property investors. “Rochester is always a strong market to buy,” Powell says.
Colonial Revival homes in Genesee-Jefferson are popular.
Many homes in Genesee-Jefferson have less than 10 feet between them.
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Rochester Early College International High is highly rated.
Understanding Rochester’s school choice program
The Rochester City School District offers school choice. Families may choose an elementary school within their assigned zone or a citywide school. Secondary schools are citywide.
Genesee-Jefferson is in the district’s South Zone, and the neighborhood’s Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School No. 19, which serves pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, is within walking distance of many homes. Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High offers an International Baccalaureate program, which builds global awareness and critical thinking through independent research and real-world learning.
D'Mangu Restaurant in Genesee-Jefferson is known for great empanadas.
Enjoy international flavors along Genesee Road
Genesee Street is lined with a handful of locally owned businesses, including convenience stores like Maklan Food for everyday grocery essentials. Dining options nearby range from casual to international and include:
Brooks Landing Diner, a relaxed spot known for classic brunch plates alongside a few Korean specialties, such as bulgogi sandwiches
D’Mangu, a Dominican restaurant serving beef empanadas, chicharrones and sweet plantains
Pop Style International, a fast-casual Jamaican eatery offering jerk chicken burritos
The Wok, an Asian fusion cafe with a menu that spans Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese dishes
Westside Farmers Market, a seasonal community hub featuring fresh produce, live music and entertainment from June through October
Play sports, explore trails and spot wildlife at Genesee Valley Park
While there are no parks within the neighborhood itself, several small green spaces sit nearby, including Jefferson Terrace Park, which offers a playground, a playing field and mature maple trees for shaded picnics. There’s also the Thurston Road YMCA Neighborhood Center, where you can take yoga, line dancing and kickboxing classes.
The 24-mile Genesee Riverway Trail, a popular route for jogging and cycling, runs close by and connects to Genesee Valley Park. Spanning more than 800 acres, the park features baseball diamonds, a swimming pool and a cricket pitch, along with opportunities for bass fishing and birdwatching. From May through September, the Genesee Waterways Center has canoes and kayaks available to rent.
Genesee-Valley Park attracts visitors far outside the Genesee-Jeffrson neighborhood.
Genesee Valley Park has plenty of green space for outdoor activities.
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Genesee-Jefferson offers convenient access to many downtown amenities.
Walk, bike and bus in Genesee-Jefferson
Genesee Street and Jefferson Avenue are sidewalk-lined, bikeable and dotted with Regional Transit Service bus stops. Both lead to West Main Street, which takes you straight downtown.
Rochester’s festivals celebrate lilacs, music and community
Rochester offers a full calendar of festivals and cultural events throughout the year. Standouts include:
The Lilac Festival in May, celebrating the seasonal blooms in Highland Park
The Rochester International Jazz Festival, which brings more than 1,700 musicians to venues across the city
The Rochester Fringe Festival in September, featuring performances ranging from comedy and dance to juggling and street theater
Opera and classical concerts at the historic Eastman Theatre, including performances by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International
6 min drive
Bus
Jefferson & Flint
Bus
Jefferson & Columbia
Bus
Plymouth & 1400 Plymouth
Bus
Genesee & Earl
Bus
Jefferson & Frost
Bus
Plymouth & Barton
Bus
Jefferson & Champlain
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.18 Reviews
3.0Niche User
7/21/2014Niche Review
Save for my former next door neighbours, the people in this area are a little stuck-up.
3.0Niche User
7/21/2014Niche Review
Unfortunately, the most affordable housing is in sketchy neighbourhoods, which isn't very student friendly. There are some in betweens, but as a student with no real form of income it is hard to maintain with a job market like present--it is not so good job wise here.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Genesee-Jefferson
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Genesee-Jefferson Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Genesee-Jefferson, Rochester sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Genesee-Jefferson, Rochester over the last 12 months is $122,500, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Stunning remodeled home, move right in and enjoy having all of the work already done for you! The work started in the basement with all new support beams, electrical, plumbing, furnace and hot water tank. The main floor features a new kitchen, luxury vinyl flooring, and beautiful double doors leading to the back deck! The upstairs features three bedrooms and a spa like bathroom that is a must
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Anthony ButeraKeller Williams Realty Greater Rochester
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Anthony ButeraKeller Williams Realty Greater Rochester
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Anthony ButeraKeller Williams Realty Greater Rochester
Discover comfortable city living in this expansive 3-bedroom apartment. This home blends historic charm with functional living spaces.Apartment Highlights:Freshly Refinished Floors: Step onto beautifully restored hardwood floors throughout the dining and living rooms.These have been sanded, stained, and finished with durable polyurethane for a sleek, high-end
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Charming 1 Bedroom Apartment Coming Soon - 311 Frost Avenue, Apt 2 (Downstairs), Rochester, NY 14608Rent: $900/month | Security Deposit: $900 | Water Included in Rent | Renovation are being completed so join the waitlist and submit your application to be considered!Join the waitlist: Application Link: Welcome home to this cozy and well-maintained 1-bed, 1-bath downstairs
3 newly furnished rooms available starting $ 575.Walking distance to U of R, Brand new mattress, Quiet neighborhood, Large back yard, Looking for professionals or university students, Backgroundnd credit check required.
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