Rochester, NY Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Rochester, NY: What You Need to Know

Rochester may not be as famous as the Big Apple, but this city in northwestern New York has its share of illustrious residents.

A Vibrant Local Culture

Rochester’s storied past includes a few legends and innovators. Susan B. Anthony’s home in the city was the base for the women's rights movement, attracting many celebrated visitors when she was politically active. In 1847, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, moved to Rochester where he published the abolitionist newspaper The North Star. In 1860, George Eastman’s family moved to Rochester. Eastman’s interest in developing pictures led to his invention of a dry-plate coating machine, and later on, to the founding of Eastman Kodak Company in 1892. 

Things to Do in Rochester 

Whether you prefer to be outdoors or indoors, Rochester has the right place for you to visit. The area’s scenic trails attract cyclists and hikers from near and far. Rochester and Monroe County combined offer over 12,000 acres of parkland. In the winter, the landscape is perfect for sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing. For indoor recreation and appreciation of history, visit the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, the site of her famous arrest for voting in 1872. It’s a National Historic Landmark. The George Eastman Museum, founded in 1947, is located on the innovator’s estate. It’s the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives.

The Local Weather and Climate

If you’re moving to Rochester, be prepared for snowy, gloomy winters. The city receives an average of 77 inches of snow annually, a lot more than the national average of 28 inches. On average, Rochester gets 165 sunny days a year compared with the U.S. average of 205 sunny days. On Feb. 16, 2016, a record one-and-a-half feet of snow fell during a 24-hour period in the city, the most snow that has ever fallen in a single day since the late 19th century.

The Cost of Living in Rochester

Rochester has a population of 205,695. It’s a midsize city but affordable like a small town. Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 1.8%,18.7%, and 10.5% lower than the national average respectively. Rochester’s median gross rent is $831 while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,128. Take note that New York has a progressive income tax rate ranging from 4% to 8.82%. The state levies 4% to 8.875% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

You’ll find many apartment complexes and only a few high-rises in Rochester, where the majority of residents are renters. The Cobbs Hill neighborhood attracts retirees, while Upper Monroe draws young professionals. If you want to live in the suburbs, Brighton and Fairport are close by, and they both have topnotch schools. A significant percentage of Brighton residents are renters. Fairport is known for its community events, especially Canal Days and the Music Festival.