Why Live in Upper Monroe
Upper Monroe, 2 miles northwest of Downtown Rochester, blends early 20th‑century architecture with modern access to parks, dining and transit. The neighborhood features American Foursquares with chestnut or gumwood trim, Colonial Revivals, Craftsman homes and a mix of split‑level and ranch properties in its southern half. Many houses have covered porches, detached garages and hardwood floors, and a significant number have been converted into multifamily homes, creating a higher share of renters and a range of options that draw both homeowners and tenants. Prices typically run from the lower $100,000s to the mid‑$400,000s, with a median around the mid‑$200,000s, lower than nearby Cobb’s Hill and Park Avenue. Monroe Avenue provides a tight cluster of locally owned restaurants and shops, including Blue Taro, Grass Fed, Boldo’s Armory and Jeremiah’s Tavern, while the Culver Road Armory and Park Avenue offer expanded dining and retail choices. Cobb’s Hill Park anchors the community with its reservoir loop, sledding hill, rugby practices, dog park, sports courts, Lake Riley fishing and the wooded Washington Grove, known for its trails, centuries‑old oaks and views of the city and graffiti‑covered water tanks. The Upper Monroe Neighborhood Association supports public safety, green spaces and community events, including Wide Water Gardens with more than 50 garden plots. Families fall within the Rochester City School District’s South Zone, with Pinnacle School No. 35 walkable for many and citywide choices for secondary schools. In 2025, James Monroe High’s football team won the New York State Class B title. The area remains pedestrian‑friendly and bike‑friendly, with regular bus service along Monroe Avenue and quick access to downtown via Interstate 490.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Monroe a good place to live?
Upper Monroe is a good place to live. Upper Monroe is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Upper Monroe is a neighborhood with a crime score of 4, on par with the average neighborhood in the U.S. Upper Monroe has 7 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 5.2 people per acre and a median age of 35. The average household income is $90,780 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 69.9% of residents. A majority of residents in Upper Monroe are renters, with 71.7% of residents renting and 28.3% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Upper Monroe can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Upper Monroe neighborhood guide.
Is Upper Monroe, NY a safe neighborhood?
Upper Monroe, NY is a safe neighborhood and is on par with the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 4 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Upper Monroe?
The median home price in Upper Monroe is $199,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $40,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.31%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $990 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $42K a year to afford the median home price in Upper Monroe. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Upper Monroe is $91K.
What are the best public schools in Upper Monroe?
The best public schools that serve Upper Monroe are:
What are the best private schools in Upper Monroe?
The best private schools that serve Upper Monroe are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Upper Monroe, Rochester, NY?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Upper Monroe, Rochester, NY?
Are home prices dropping in Upper Monroe?
Yes, home prices in Upper Monroe are down 24% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Upper Monroe, NY
On average, homes in Upper Monroe, Rochester sell after 12 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Upper Monroe, Rochester over the last 12 months is $247,500, down 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$247,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$247,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$163
Number of Homes for Sale
0
Last 12 months Home Sales
22
Median List Price
$199,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
-16%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-29%
