MONROE COUNTY
County Offices
39 W. Main Street
Rochester 585 753-1000
https://www.monroecounty.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
150 State Street
Rochester 585-244-1800
https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/
Monroe County welcomes newcomers to the leading City of Rochester as well as vibrant suburbs, growing towns, historic villages, and welcoming rural communities. The University of Rochester has surpassed the Kodak Company as the largest employer and was recently named among Newsweek’s Top 25 “New Ivy League” colleges. The prevalence of imaging and optical science industries has also given Rochester the title of “World Capital of Imaging.” Garnering accolades for easy commutes, excellent schools, healthy environment, job growth, and other key indicators, few places in the nation can rival Monroe County for quality of life.
Services
Outstanding educational facilities and opportunities are available on every academic level in award-winning public schools and well-managed districts. Parents who are looking for alternative learning environments will find a wide selection of parochial and private schools from preschool through college preparatory. More than 20 public and private colleges and universities are encompassed within the Rochester Area Colleges Consortium, providing opportunities for these colleges and their students to work collaboratively. Some of the most notable of these institutions include the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Roberts Wesleyan University. While science, medicine, research, and technology programs are among the finest in the nation, music education continually earns accolades. Five area high schools have music programs that are rated among America’s Top 100, and the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester enjoys the number one national position. Nearly every program of study can be pursued in one of the region’s highly honored institutions of higher education.
Monroe County residents have easy access to some of the finest healthcare services, institutions, and professionals in the nation. Recognized among America’s leading health organizations, the University of Rochester Medical Center operates facilities at Strong Memorial, Highland, and FF Thompson hospitals. Strong Memorial Hospital is consistently recognized by U.S. News and Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” and widely known for excellence in cardiac care along with neurosurgery, urology, cancer, and pediatric specialties. The hospital also offers the only heart transplant program in Western New York. The Medical Center includes research centers at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, School of Nursing, the Eastman Dental Center, Golisano’s Children Hospital at Strong, and the Aab Institute of Biomedical Sciences. The Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic is ranked among the nation’s top breast care facilities. Whether your healthcare needs are routine or highly specialized, finding the “best of the best” is easy in Monroe County.
Lifestyle
Outdoor enjoyment, recreational opportunities, and the arts are equally well developed throughout Monroe County. The Rochester area alone claims community orchestras and twice that many choral groups. Garth Fagan Dance is internationally known for its unique programming, Fagan being the choreographer for the Broadway version of The Lion King. Major companies include Rochester City Ballet, Opera Rochester, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra—the latter performing for nearly 350,000 people each year. The magnificent George Eastman House houses the International Museum of Photography & Film, while the Memorial Art Gallery explores 5,000 years of world art. The five-screen Little Theater is regarded among the nation’s finest “art house” movie venues and Geva Theater is the most attended regional theater in Upstate New York. The list of unique venues, star-studded talent, museums, and art centers goes on and on. Festivals and events keep the calendar filled with reasons to celebrate, including Rochester MusicFest, Corn Hill Arts Festival, High Falls Film Festival, the Lilac Festival, and the Monroe County Fair.
Little wonder that Monroe County communities ranked among the nation’s healthiest and least stressful. Monroe County preserves 12,000 acres of parkland and Rochester offers 3,500 acres of urban parks and recreation. The Finger Lakes Region boasts 25 state parks and 132 state forests and wildlife management areas. Every imaginable sport and activity can be enjoyed against the backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty around the four seasons. The 30-acre Irondequoit Bay Marine Park offers access to Irondequoit Bay, emptying into Lake Ontario. Minor-league sports action draws enthusiastic crowds, along with Rochester Rhinos USL professional soccer. Family life is celebrated in Monroe County at venues like Roseland Waterpark on Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes region, covering 56 acres with aquatic adventures and attractions. The 300-acre Seneca Park Zoo was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame. Genesee Valley Park is another Olmsted design, with 800 vast acres, two golf courses, recreational facilities, hiking trails, and three intersecting waterways. The Strong Museum, home to The National Toy Hall of Fame, is recognized among America’s finest children’s museums while the Rochester Museum and Science Center fascinates children and adults alike. With its affordable housing, attractive neighborhoods, and friendly communities, Monroe County and Greater Rochester truly deserve every recognition and “best of” designation they receive.
COMMUNITIES
City of Rochester
City Offices
585-428-5990
https://www.cityofrochester.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
585-244-1800
https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/
Rochester is widely recognized for combining cosmopolitan advantages that include the arts, sports, and nightlife with the ease and comfort associated with small-town living. The city claims one distinction after another, including world-renowned country clubs and more golf holes per capita than any other industrial Northeast city. Frequently cited as one of the best places in America to live and work, Rochester offers diverse and surprisingly affordable housing, much of it rich in architectural detail and craftsmanship. Truly outstanding educational opportunities are available in award-winning and nationally recognized schools and institutions, while the healthcare facilities are among America’s finest. The arts scene is vibrant with permanent performance companies, orchestras, famous dance groups, Broadway productions, and acclaimed galleries. Newcomers will discover a family-friendly atmosphere brimming over with venues and events that add to the quality of life, including a calendar filled with colorful festivals and celebrations.
Greece Town
Town Hall
585-225-2000
https://greeceny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
585-227-7272
https://greecechamber.org/
Home to a campus for Bryant & Stratton College, Greece is one of the largest communities in Monroe County. Just five miles north of Rochester, residents enjoy easy access to metropolitan amenities as well as those in surrounding suburbs. Home to nearly 100,000, Greece offers a pleasing residential suburban setting that includes modern amenities and hometown industries. The public library system in Greece plays a major role in daily life, recording more than 500,000 visits annually. Residents also enjoy first-rate parks and recreational programs, the Greece Community Center, and a Senior Center. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby natural beauty of unspoiled landscapes and eight miles of Lake Ontario shoreline. The town itself maintains 17 parks covering 764 acres of which only 189 acres are developed. Scores of courts, fields, playgrounds, baseball diamonds and other amenities are available, including a skate park and nature trails.
Irondequoit Town
585-467-8840
https://www.irondequoit.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-234-1884
https://www.irondequoitchamber.org/
The lifestyle in Irondequoit is as vibrant and extraordinary as the town’s name, from a premier location that borders three waterways to one of the shortest commutes into downtown Rochester. Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, and the Genesee River promise endless opportunities for waterfront recreation, while pristine parks are filled with recreational facilities. The arts scene is active while other local attractions include Seabreeze Amusement Park, the 1830-era Pioneer House Museum, and the nation’s oldest miniature golf course. Newcomers will discover a pleasing mix of thriving businesses, appealing homes, destination shopping, movie theaters, and restaurants. Other highlights include award-winning school districts, a summer concert series, a seasonal farmer’s market, and popular annual events.
Chili Town, Gates Town
Chili Town Hall
585-889-3550
http://www.townofchili.org/
Gates Town Hall
585-247-6100
https://www.townofgates.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-234-2033
https://www.gcchamber.com/
The towns of Chili and Gates are so closely aligned that they share a chamber of commerce. Gates is ideally located at the geographic center of the county for commuting ease in all directions. While farming has existed for centuries, today’s mix of industrial, commercial, and residential properties creates a suburban atmosphere with a hometown feeling. Chili Town is home to the nationally recognized Roberts Wesleyan College, which infuses intellectual and cultural energy into the town’s warm and friendly atmosphere. Residents enjoy the Sprayground Park, covering nearly 60 acres with a lodge, nature trail, access to Black Creek, athletic facilities, and a pave trail for walkers and cyclists. Housing options in this area are diverse and affordable, from older homes shaded by old-growth trees to handsome new construction.
Brighton Town
Town Hall
585-784-5250
https://www.townofbrighton.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-542-8910
https://www.brightonchamber.org/
The Town of Brighton and the surrounding Census Designated Place of the same name draw newcomers to outstanding public schools including options for a private education and a community life that is both relaxed and vibrant. Brighton is home to the Brighton Symphony Orchestra and a number of active civic organizations including a Rotary Club and the Kiwanis Club of Brighton as well as a Rowing Club. The Brighton Community Garden and the town-sponsored producer-only Brighton Farmer’s Market are two examples of the dedication to sustainable living. Brighton is home to Monroe Community College while the Brighton Memorial Library offers abundant programming for all ages. The Town Park System covers 500 acres with scenic beauty, including Meridian Centre Park that borders the Historic Erie Canal and the glacial beauty of Corbett’s Glen.
Henrietta Town
Town Hall
585-334-7700
https://www.henrietta.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-747-4459
http://www.yourhcc.org/
Home to a campus for Bryant & Stratton College and the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Henrietta greatly expanded its business base with the opening of Route 390 of the Genesee Expressway and Route 90 of the New York Thruway. Three Henrietta companies are now in the Fortune 500 list, while several commercial areas including Marketplace Mall draw regional shoppers and Jefferson Road is lined with popular restaurants. Cultural activities abound, expanded by the presence of RIT. The National Technical Institute for the Deaf was established on the RIT campus, enabling the Rochester area to serve the largest deaf population in the nation. Fine schools combine with a full-service library that also hosts meetings and events. The Tinker Homestead Museum and Tinker Nature Park develop and sponsor wonderful programs and outdoor recreational activities, while annual events fill the calendar with reasons to gather and celebrate.
Penfield Town
Town Hall
585-340-8600
https://www.penfield.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-234-1541
https://penfieldbusiness.org/
Penfield Town rests on the remains of a glacial melt that left behind extremely rich soil well-suited to certain types of apples, cherries, plums, peaches, and pears. The town is located on the southeastern end of Irondequoit Bay, a body of water it shares with Irondequoit and Webster towns. The Penfield Town Center offers a vibrant suburban neighborhood with a diverse selection of housing, from studio apartments to three- and four-bedroom family homes. Many of these residents were built between 1940 and 1969, nestled in well-established areas shaded by lovely greenery and mature trees. Although the town is home to a number of public and private corporations, many residents are commuters to Rochester’s expansive employment centers. Fine schools, wonderful recreational amenities, and a family-centered lifestyle add to Penfield’s appeal.
Perinton Town, Fairport Village
Town Hall
585-223-0770
https://perinton.org/
Fairport Village
585-223-0313
https://www.village.fairport.ny.us/
Chamber of Commerce
https://fairportperintonchamber.org/
Fairport Village in Perinton Town has been called the “crown jewel of the Erie Canal” and cited by Money Magazine as one the “Best Places to Live.” A great deal of the vitality and activity in Fairfield is centered on the Erie Canal waterfront, including Fairport Village Landing and Packett’s Landing. Artists and artisans from across America and Canada flock to the village to show their work at the Fairport Canal Day, a three-day festival where a large section of Main Street becomes a pedestrian mall. In the 1980s two main shopping and dining developments sprang up, replacing the core of historic buildings in the village center. The village hosts numerous events and attractions, from the farmer’s market to annual events crowned by the Fairport Music and Food Festival along with a full lineup of summer entertainment at the Center Stage Amphitheater in Center Park. The Erie Canal towpath is a popular site, along with a nature area, arboretum, parks, and recreational facilities. The surrounding Perinton Town features fine suburban subdivisions, office and industrial parks, and an impressive number of parks and open spaces.
Pittsford Town/Village
Town Hall
585-248-6200
https://www.townofpittsford.org/
Village Hall
585-586-4332
https://www.townofpittsford.org/pittsfordhistory-villagehall
Chamber of Commerce
585-234-0308
https://pittsfordchamber.org/
Nestled in the southeastern section of Monroe County, Pittsford Town is only eight miles from the vibrant urban center of Rochester to the northwest. Newcomers to Pittsford will discover hometown pride in a community with an active commercial sector and numerous shopping opportunities that include Schoen Place in Northfield Commons, the Monroe Avenue corridor, and Pittsford Plaza. Around every corner, Pittsford offers a charming scene that can only be described as “country elegance.” Widely recognized for beautiful scenery, rich history, and strong sense of community, Pittsford is also noted for great schools and well-managed services. The region claims many Monroe County “firsts”— library, school, post office, doctor and lawyer—and has managed to retain that independent spirit and hometown pride through more than 200 years of growth and change. The village is home to many small locally owned shops and fine restaurants. The Erie Canal provides an exceptional site for waterfront recreation, although walking, jogging, and hiking in area parks are popular pastimes.
Webster Town/Village
Town Hall
585-872-1000
http://www.ci.webster.ny.us/
Village Hall
585-265-3770
https://www.villageofwebster.com/
Chamber of Commerce
585-265-3960
https://www.websterchamber.com/
The influence of Lake Ontario moderates the climate around the seasons in the Webster area—warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. With its natural assets and first-rate recreational facilities, the Town of Webster is gaining popularity as a destination for outdoor adventure. Collaborative effort between the town and Webster Central School District has resulted in outstanding facilities that support local, regional, and state athletic competitions. Opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and other watersports are abundant with 22 miles of shoreline along Irondequoit Bay and Lake Ontario. Historic Webster Village is a popular place to enjoy band concerts and movies in the park along with the farmer’s market and colorful festivals and special events. Hometown pride displayed in lush gardens and decorative blooms create a charming village center, home to the Webster Museum & Historical Society.
Parma Town, Hilton Village, Hamlin Town
Parma Town Hall
585-392-9461
http://parmany.org
Village Hall
585-392-4144
www.hiltonny.org
Hamlin Town Hall
585-964-2421
https://www.hamlinny.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-392-4433
https://hphchamber.org/
The quaint Village of Hilton that anchors Parma Town is best known for the annual Hilton Fire Department Carnival each July, along with regional attraction of the Hilton Apple Fest. Craft and food vendors, an apple pie contest, music, games, and live entertainment against the backdrop of blazing autumn foliage make this a family favorite. The village also hosts a corn maze that is distinguished as one of the largest in the nation. The Town of Hamlin is the location of Hamlin Beach State Park, where pristine sandy beaches combine with hundreds of tent and trailer campsites to form a regional attraction. The Yanty Creek Marsh area offers a self-guided trail that complements 10 miles of hiking and cycling trails as well as snowmobile and cross-country skiing trails. Visitors can launch boats, enjoy fishing, or just relax and picnic. Housing options are diverse in this area, from cozy historic properties in the heart of the village to vintage farmhouses or newer construction in a country setting.
Ogden Town/Spencerport Village
Town Hall
585-617-6111
https://www.ogdenny.com/
Village Hall
585-352-4771
http://vil.spencerport.ny.us
Chamber of Commerce
585-617-0200
https://www.spencerportchamber.org/
The Town of Ogden is proud of its rich agricultural history and claims some of the oldest family farms in New York State, including one that has been in operation for more than 200 years. Several farm markets also sell fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season. Historic lift bridges across the Erie Canal are another Ogden distinction, requiring boaters to “call ahead for a lift.” Ogden also claims a number of fine golf courses and country clubs near the Erie Canal and Route 531. The historic Village of Spencerport grew up along the canal banks and showcases grand historic buildings along Union Street. The village transforms into a winter wonderland with an old-fashioned Christmas on the Canal that features local choirs, dance groups, horse-drawn sleighs, children’s activities, and candlelight caroling. Both the town and the village offer lovely, well-maintained homes and properties with many examples of magnificent Queen Anne and Georgian architectural elements graced by lush lawns, fine gardens, and spacious front porches. Sprinkled throughout the town are rustic farmhouses, barns, and carriage houses—some that date back to the early 19th century.
Brockport Village, Sweden Town, Clarkson Town
Brockport Village Hall
585-637-5300
http://www.brockportny.org/
Sweden Town Hall
585-637-2144
https://www.townofsweden.org/
Clarkson Town Hall
585-637-1130
https://clarksonny.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-234-1512
https://brockportchamber.org/
Often called the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal,” Brockport was incorporated in 1829—just two years after the canal was built. Covering 2.2 miles and home to nearly 9,000 residents, the village is the largest in Monroe County. The pedestrian friendly downtown district lined with shops and restaurants is undeniably charming and features many structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Canalfront Welcome Center is staffed by volunteers who greet boaters and Erie Canal cyclists. Other village distinctions include public art and nine beautiful parks. Brockport is home to the College at Brockport in the State University of New York system, infusing youthful vibrancy and adding cultural enrichment. The towns of Sweden and Clarkson provide expansive acres of rural beauty and options for country living in close proximity to Erie Canal and Brockport Village.
Mendon Town/Honeoye Falls Village
Town Hall
585-624-6060
https://townofmendon.org/
Village Hall
585-624-1711
https://www.villageofhoneoyefalls.org/
Chamber of Commerce
https://www.countyoffice.org/mendon-new-york-chamber-of-commerce-honeoye-falls-ny-d28/
The town of Mendon and the charming Village of Honeoye have managed to retain a family oriented atmosphere in the face of changing times. The village is graced by a small waterfall on Honeoye Creek, which flows through the village and gives the community its unusual name. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the county, the village is only 13 miles from the urban amenities in Rochester. The hometown spirit and pride are evident in the number of locally owned businesses and shops that ensure a convenient lifestyle within the context of an intimate, friendly community. The commercial development and quality services available in the village are usually found only in larger communities, including attorneys, physicians, dentists, optometrists, and veterinarians—many of whom are located within walking distance of the village center. Just south of the community, golfers flock to the Mendon Golf Club, a popular Pete Craig-designed course.
Riga Town, Churchville Village
Town Hall
585-293-3880
https://www.townofriga.com/
Village Hall
585-293-3720
www.churchville.net
Chamber of Commerce
https://churchvillechamber.org/
Ideally situated at the intersection of Routes 33 and 36 just north of Interstate 490, the Town of Riga is bordered on the north by Ogden, on the east by Chili, and on the south by Genesee County and Wheatland Town. With Interstate 490 traversing the town, residents enjoy unparalleled access to expanded urban amenities and recreational sites. Churchville Village within the town features Churchville Park along Black Creek on North Main Street, a Monroe County Parks Department development. This expansive site offers several softball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, frisbee golf, fishing, a boat launch, a 27-hole golf course, an ice-skating rink, hiking trails, and great bird-watching. Riga Town also owns and maintains three lodges in the Churchville area, home to two golf courses. Residents enjoy all the pleasures of small-town rural life with idyllic settings for outdoor sports around the four seasons.
Rush Town
Town Hall
585-533-1312
https://www.townofrush.com/
Chamber of Commerce
585-747-4459
https://www.chamberofcommerce.com/united-states/new-york/rush/city-government-office/2001399988-rush-town-hall
Just 10 miles south of Rochester, Rush Town draws newcomers to the friendliness of small-town living in a quaint community. Residents enjoy the picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and wide-open spaces in this closely knit rural town established in 1818. Rush claims the distinction of a town that combines open space with heavily wooded areas that offer premier settings for residential development. The town is best characterized as a rural-suburban commuter community that provides easy access to employment centers, shopping, cultural enrichment, entertainment, and convenient services. Closer to home, the Rush Public Library serves a community resource, offering movies, special programs, and story time. With its natural beauty and quaint village, many regard Rush as a “diamond in the rough” and one of the best-kept secrets in Western New York.
Wheatland Town/Scottsville Village
Town Hall
585-889-1553
https://www.townofwheatland.org/
Village Hall
585-889-6050
https://www.scottsvilleny.org/
Chamber of Commerce
https://www.wheatlandchamber.org/
Wheatland has always been known as a wonderful family-oriented community, but the town is quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists and visitors. At the gateway to the Finger Lakes Region, local attractions like outstanding fly fishing combine with antique shops, country parks, nature trails, charming bed and breakfast inns, and excellent restaurants. One of the major highlights is the Genesee Country Village and Museum—the nation’s third largest living history museum—where costumed interpreters breathe life into history. This model historic village preserves local architecture along with a nature center, model gardens, and several museums. The Village of Scottsville adds many unique commercial establishments and features many properties on the National Historic Register including the Scottsville Free Library. The village is located just one mile west of the junction of Oatka Creek and the Genesee River. The tiny Hamlet of Mumford nestles on the west side of Wheatland.
East Rochester Town/Village
Town/Village Hall
585-586-3553
https://eastrochester.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-234-0308
https://pittsfordchamber.org/
Taking for its slogan, “The greatest little town in the world,” East Rochester saw many changes during the latter decades of the 20th Century. Withdrawing from the towns of Pittsford and Perinton, the community formed a joint government for the Town and Village of East Rochester, one of only three co-terminus communities in New York State. Operations for some of the largest local businesses closed and much of the Main Street district was razed to accommodate a wonderful new mall. More urban renewal funding supported the building of a new Village Hall and Library complex, while older factories were refurbished to house an attractive new business complex. This area has long been known as “Home of Champions” for winning many national sports awards but also for a truly outstanding and caring community spirit.
