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South Wedge

South Wedge

$239,779 Average Value
$288 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

A vibrant, welcoming community outside of Rochester

Located south of Rochester and wedged between the Genesee River and Interstate 490, it’s easy to see how the South Wedge neighborhood gets its name. This creative, historic district is defined by a dynamic commercial corridor along South Avenue, and residential pockets with historic architecture.

Perhaps one example of the close-knit community is the way that the South Wedge Planning Committee struggles to keep up with demand for the local newspaper, The WEDGE. “We’ve published a community newspaper for over 40 years, and just started hard copy printing it at the end of last year,” says Glynis Valenti, Executive Director of the committee. “We can’t keep them out here - they’re all gone after a couple weeks, and we have to print more. People really want their own copy.”

In addition to printing the local newspaper, the Committee, founded in 1973, works to maintain the cultural character of the South Wedge neighborhood through the rehabilitation of affordable homes, the creation and maintenance of community gardens, and providing support for local businesses.
The South Wedge Mission is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.
The South Wedge Mission is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.
Equal Grounds Coffee House is a South Wedge favorite for food and drink.
Equal Grounds Coffee House is a South Wedge favorite for food and drink.
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The South Wedge has homes reminiscent of San Francisco’s famous Victorian homes.
The South Wedge has homes reminiscent of San Francisco’s famous Victorian homes.

Historic architecture

The neighborhood history is vibrant in the residential areas, with some of the homes dating back to the early 19th century. Some of the homes are considered “painted ladies” – houses adorned with three or more colors. “The houses are really pretty – there’s some really big, old houses,” says Mary Ann Uhrenholdt, a Realtor with Keller Williams Greater Rochester.” The tree-lined streets are lined with sidewalks, making it friendly to pedestrians.

The Linden-South Historic District, located in the heart of the Wedge, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places for its array of more than 136 buildings – a mix of commercial and residential structures, as well as one church – that were constructed between 1872 and 1913. Homes in the neighborhood encompass a broad range of architectural styles, from humble arts and crafts and foursquares, to the occasional Gothic revival home. Prices generally range from $175,000 to $300,000.
South Wedge has approximately 3,637 residents.
South Wedge has approximately 3,637 residents.

Planning Committee preserves green spaces

Despite its relatively small footprint, the South Wedge neighborhood includes several green spaces for residents to enjoy, thanks in part to the South Wedge Planning Committee. The Genesee Riverway Trail provides pedestrian access to the Genesee River and connects eleven parks, including four historic parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The trail extends for 24 miles from the Erie Canal through downtown Rochester all the way to Lake Ontario. “It’s great for walking, biking, rollerblading – whatever,” Valenti said. “Students will take the trail from U of R into downtown.”

Marie Daley Park is situated in a residential area and includes a playground and a baseball field. The Committee’s dedication to ensuring plenty of outdoor destinations is demonstrated at Nathaniel Square, a pocket park that was built on the reclaimed empty lot where an old apartment building once stood. Similarly, the committee also supports two community gardens where residents can grow their own produce and flowers. The Hamilton Street “Victory” Garden is Rochester’s oldest community garden.

At the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center, residents can enroll in year-round recreation programs, let children play on the playground, or use the indoor and outdoor sports courts for a little friendly competition.

A colorful stroll down South Street

South Street serves as the Wedge’s primary hub for shopping and dining, as well as a showcase of the hard work put in by the Planning Committee’s small business assistance program. Residents can go for a stroll and admire the colorful street murals while ducking into boutique shops like the Little Button Craft gift shop and the Fashion Fitted clothing store. In this neighborhood, several storefronts prominently feature a rainbow flag as part of their front window displays, and coffeeshops have names like the Equal Grounds Community Café, proudly welcoming visitors of diverse backgrounds and identities.

The Abundance Food Co-op keeps kitchens stocked while providing a gathering space for local events. “They have a small room where they let you have meetings – that’s how local and community-oriented it is,” says Uhrenholdt. The Hedonist Artisan Chocolates shop serves gourmet ice cream and other indulgent treats, while Happy Earth tea house keeps looseleaf enthusiasts happy with unique blends. At the edge of the neighborhood along the river’s shoreline, Swiftwater Brewing Company offers craft beers and a from-scratch menu that ranges from snack plates to well-dressed sandwiches.
South Avenue is the hub of economic and social activity in the South Wedge.
South Avenue is the hub of economic and social activity in the South Wedge.
The South Wedge is a vibrant mix of young professionals, progressives, and the working class.
The South Wedge is a vibrant mix of young professionals, progressives, and the working class.
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Wedge Fest showcases the community spirit

The South Wedge Planning Committee puts on several events each year to bring community members together. A Farmer’s Market held on Thursdays from June through September allows residents to shop from local farmers and artisans, which the annual South Wedge Fest closes down two blocks of South Avenue for an afternoon of food trucks, shopping, and celebration. “Last year, we had 3,000 people, and we thought that was pretty good for a second year,” Valenti said.

Neighbors can also come together at the Frederick Douglass Community Library, which hosts events and classes including movie screenings, video game competitions, board game nights and more. The library also offers discount passes to Rochester museums and attractions.
Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School 12 has a Niche score of C-minus.
Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School 12 has a Niche score of C-minus.

Living history at Anna Murray-Douglass Academy

History is more than a lesson at the Anna Murray-Douglass Academy School: The campus is located on the former home of civil rights activists Fredrick Douglass and Anna Murray-Douglass. The school, which serves students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade, offers bilingual programming and has a Niche score of C-minus. From there, students may attend James Monroe High School, which aims to become “the Jewel of the City,” and has a C rating. For students who want to stay close to home after graduation, the University of Rochester is located about 1.5 miles south of the neighborhood.

Convenient for travelers and commuters

The South Wedge is serviced by the Regional Transit Service, which operates as Rochester’s city bus system and includes several bus stops throughout the neighborhood. South Avenue connects the South Wedge to downtown Rochester within 1.5 miles; commuters can also access Interstate 490 to get to Buffalo to the west or Syracuse to the east. Rochester is served by The Frederick Douglass International Airport, which is less than five miles away, which will take around 12 minutes to drive. Highland Hospital, an affiliate of the University of Rochester Medical Center, is located at the southern end of the neighborhood.
South Wedge is less than an mile from downtown Rochester.
South Wedge is less than an mile from downtown Rochester.
Young families are part of the neighborhood tapestry in South Wedge.
Young families are part of the neighborhood tapestry in South Wedge.
Walkability contributes to the quality of life in the South Wedge.
Walkability contributes to the quality of life in the South Wedge.
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Caitlin Coakley
Written By
Caitlin Coakley
Brandon Vick
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Vick
Everett Hall-McNeill
Video By
Everett Hall-McNeill

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Bonnie Pagano, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Frederick Douglass/Greater Rochester International

8 min drive

Bus

Mt Hope & Alexander

Bus

South & Hamilton

Bus

Mt Hope & Averill

Bus

Mt Hope & Cypress

Bus

South & Averill

Bus

South & Byron

Bus

Clinton & Comfort

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Wedge US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 7 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

South Wedge Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$484,450
Median Sale Price
$489,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$594,950
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
30%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$288

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
525
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1890
Months of Supply
4.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,531
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,212
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
2,103
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
928
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Bonnie Pagano, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,386
Median Age
37
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$35,662
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$55,823

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.2%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
34.5%
Advanced Degrees
14%
% Population in Labor Force
68.3%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
35''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
65''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

93 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

88 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

43 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
South Wedge
Bonnie Pagano
Core Agency RE INC
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