Why Live in Highland Park
Highland Park sits 2 miles south of Downtown Rochester and is defined by its lush landscape, historic architecture and the 150-acre Highland Park that gives the neighborhood its name. With tree-lined streets, sidewalks and rolling terrain, it offers a quiet, suburban-style feel within the city. The community includes Highland Hospital and a variety of local businesses along South Clinton Avenue, adding convenience to the scenic surroundings. Most homes were built between the late 1800s and mid-1900s, with Colonial Revivals appearing most frequently alongside American Foursquares, Tudor Revivals and Craftsman bungalows. Some remain single-family houses, while others have been converted into multifamily properties but still retain much of their character. Home prices generally range from the low $100,000s to the low $400,000s, with a median in the mid-$200,000s and a balanced mix of owners and renters. Highland Park is in the Rochester City School District’s South Zone, and families may choose from zoned or citywide programs. Local options include Anna Murray-Douglass Academy No. 12, which offers a dual-language program, and James Monroe High, home to a championship-winning football team and the S.M.A.R.T. academic-athletic pathway. The neighborhood centerpiece, Highland Park, functions as an arboretum with Japanese maples, magnolias, rhododendrons and the city’s famed lilacs. Its paths connect the reservoir, Lamberton Conservatory, Lily Pond’s winter ice rink, athletic fields and landmarks such as Warner Castle. South Clinton Avenue provides a lineup of popular eateries and cafes, including Highland Park Diner, Butterjoy, Addis Ababa, White Swans and CRISP Rochester, with nightlife options like The Playhouse and Firehouse Saloon nearby. The area is walkable and bike-friendly, with RTS bus access and Interstate 490 less than a mile away. The annual Lilac Festival draws more than 500,000 visitors each May with parades, races, vendors, music and family activities.
Highland Park, Rochester, NY Home Prices vs. Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highland Park a good place to live?
Highland Park is a good place to live. Highland Park is considered fairly walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Highland Park is a suburban neighborhood. Highland Park has 8 parks for recreational activities.It is somewhat dense in population with 9.0 people per acre and a median age of 43. The average household income is $70,840 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 46.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Highland Park are renters, with 55% of residents renting and 45% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Highland Park can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Highland Park neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Highland Park?
The median home price in Highland Park is $229,950. If you put a 20% down payment of $46,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.66%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,180 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $51K a year to afford the median home price in Highland Park. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Highland Park is $71K.
What are the best public schools in Highland Park?
The best public schools that serve Highland Park are:
What are the best private schools in Highland Park?
The best private schools that serve Highland Park are:
- Hillel Community Day School has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 4:1 and an average review score of 4.6.
- McQuaid Jesuit has an A Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 12:1 and an average review score of 4.1.
- Seton Catholic School has a student teacher ratio of 10:1 and an average review score of 5.0.
What are the most popular zip codes in Highland Park, Rochester, NY?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Highland Park, Rochester, NY?
