You are sitting on a plane and your seatmate introduces himself. He says he’s from Rochester. You assume he lives in the city by that name, right?
Not so fast. He’s as likely to live in the sprawling town of Greece (one of New York’s largest) as he is in the quaint canal village of Fairport or the commercial mecca of Henrietta.
For the most part, people who live in the city of Rochester and the many towns that encircle it in Monroe County identify themselves as Rochesterians. Which isn’t to say surrounding communities lack their own flavor—far from it. In fact, many of the towns were incorporated long before Rochester and have rich histories and personalities all their own.
Brighton
www.townofbrighton.org
On the city’s eastern edge, Brighton has numerous apartments. Depending on what part of town you live in, you’ll be close to shopping in Pittsford and Henrietta. City nightlife is a five-minute drive away. The Erie Canal towpath is a popular place to ride, run or skate.
Brockport
www.brockportny.org
Like any college town, Brockport is a good place to live if you crave what a campus has to offer—music, lectures, sports and a youthful energy. It’s moments from the open road, antique shops and farm markets of the countryside. The canal path is here too, and Lake Ontario is close. The village is a 30-minute drive from the city.
East Rochester
www.eastrochester.org
Despite its name, East Rochester is a village all its own, not an extension of the city. Apartments can be found in homes on side streets. If you like Italian food, you’re in luck: East Rochester has several family-run Italian restaurants that have been in business for generations. The village is close to all eastside shopping centers.
Fairport
www.village.fairport.ny.us
This village has pretty Victorians on tree-lined streets. Some have been subdivided into apartments, and the surrounding area has plenty of apartment complexes. The Erie Canal cuts right through the center of the village. There are small shops, restaurants and bars, and EastView Mall is about 10 minutes away.
Greece
www.greeceny.gov
This town has the largest population in the county and one of the biggest in the state. Greece is perhaps best known for its Ridge Road retail strip and as the home of Kodak Park. But its proximity to Lake Ontario and ample rural acres give parts of it a country feel. Dozens of apartment complexes are located throughout town.
Henrietta
www.townofhenrietta.org
The area’s first mega-mall, the Marketplace, is located here. Surrounding retail has sprung up over the last 20 years, making Henrietta a prime shopping destination easily accessible from the city and southside towns. Henrietta has lots of apartment complexes and is about 15 minutes from downtown.
Irondequoit
www.irondequoit.org
Newcomers are always a little surprised that Rochester is more of an inland, river-oriented city. Those who love the seafaring ways of the Great Lakes will feel right at home in Irondequoit. Bordered by Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay and the Genesee River, this town has a flavor all its own. There are lakefront apartments and condos as well as modest homes for rent.
Penfield
www.penfield.org
Another town with lots of apartments, Penfield is growing all the time. New stores and restaurants are coming in to the busy retail corridors of Route 441 and Panorama Trail. At Four Corners, the town’s center, Penfield is re-creating a walkable streetscape that plays off the 19th century buildings.
Pittsford
www.villageofpittsford.org
With tony shops and restaurants in restored 19th century buildings, Pittsford has a well-heeled feel about it. There are apartments in the rambling, Victorian houses and in surrounding complexes. Wegmans’ uber-store and busy shopping plazas are west on Monroe Avenue. Head east and be at EastView Mall in a few minutes. The Erie Canal runs through town.
Spencerport
www.vil.spencerport.ny.us
Like many villages located on the Erie Canal, Spencerport has polished up its waterfront with new paths and a gazebo. The village has nice homes, some with apartments. You can do shopping for basics right in town; malls and plazas are nearby on Ridge Road in Greece.
Webster
www.ci.webster.ny.us
As their populations grow, the town and village of Webster are expanding as well, with more stores, restaurants, athletic fields, parks and trails being added all the time. Lake Ontario borders the town on the northern edge. There are quite a few apartment options in Webster. It will take you 15 to 20 minutes to drive downtown.