Why Rochester
Rochester ranks among Washington DC, Boston, and San Francisco for its vibrant arts and music scenes – at a significantly lower cost-of-living.
Rochester, NY
As the third-largest metropolitan city in New York State, Rochester is more than just a city nestled against Lake Ontario. We’re home to a wide variety of restaurants, outdoor spaces, and family-friendly activities.
140
Festivals each year
12,000
Acres of meticulously-maintained parks
60+
Public golf courses
100+
Breweries, distilleries and wineries
Join Rochester Regional Health
We are the leading provider of comprehensive care for Western New York and the Finger Lakes region. From harnessing research and technology to helping patients redefine the odds – we are leading the evolution of healthcare. It is a commitment to health that exceeds expectations, offering flexible, convenient care to all.
Formed in 2014 through the joining of Rochester General and Unity Health systems, we have the ability to advocate for better care, a strong commitment to innovation, and an abiding dedication to caring for the community. Our five hospitals consistently rank among the best in the nation, with Rochester General a 2-time Healthgrades 50 Best Hospital award winner (2018 and 2019), and Unity Hospital one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals.
As a nationally-recognized health system, our network includes hospitals and physicians, ElderONE/PACE and home health programs, outpatient laboratories, rehabilitation programs, surgical centers, as well as independent and assisted living centers. Our residency and fellowship programs boast expert providers and mentors ready to go above and beyond to help you learn and grow. If you’re ready to take the next step, look no further.
Living in Rochester, NY
Rochester is the third-largest city in New York State, with gorgeous green spaces, bike paths, river paths, and outdoor activities that keep the residents busy and happy as they experience the four seasons in all their glory.
Come for the 18 colleges and universities, stay for the great healthcare options available. Enjoy the 21-minute average commute, the 70 bike trails throughout Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and the nationally-ranked public schools.
Why do our doctors love Rochester, NY?
Alumni Recommendations
Neighborhoods
- Center City: The heart of Downtown Rochester, serving as the economic and cultural hub of the region and home to the stunning High Falls of the Genesee River.
- Cobbs Hill: Cobbs Hill is considered a mainly residential neighborhood, with many homes featuring styles from the 1920s and 30s.
- Corn Hill: A Victorian dream on the river’s western edge, home to a variety of restaurants and nightlife options, as well as the Corn Hill Arts Festival, and is where Frederick Douglass sat down to publish the abolitionist newspaper the North Star.
- East End: Anchored by the world-renowned Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Theatre, the East End offers a wide range of restaurants, coffee cafes, bars, and nightlife venues.
- Highland Park: Home to people of all ages and backgrounds and our annual Lilac Festival. Highland Park is the highest point in the city, offering majestic views.
- Neighborhood Of The Arts: A diverse and popular neighborhood featuring museums, art galleries, and restaurants.
- Park Ave: One of the best-know neighborhoods in Rochester, Park Ave is home to many local shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Rochester Suburbs: Towns and villages such as Brighton, Pittsford, Perinton offer a quiet place to call home without sacrificing charm or character. Lush yards, restaurants, breweries and proximity to the city are just a few of the reasons people love it here.
- South Wedge: A growing and sought after neighborhood, known for its strong community pride, unique shops and restaurants.
Restaurants
- Aladdin’s in Pittsford Village – right by the Eerie Canal, they serve all natural food, and locally grown vegetables when in season
- Blu Wolf Bistro – great burgers and brunch
- Chortke – for authentic Persian food
- Dinosaur BBQ – the best BBQ in town and possibly all of NYS
- Dogtown – best garbage plates in ROC
- Flight Wine Bar – great date night destination on the river
- Highland Park Diner – best diner in ROC
- Jine’s Restaurant – historic upscale diner located in the Park Avenue neighborhood, great for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- La Casa – the tacos do not disappoint
- Max of Eastman Place – a small upscale restaurant with great food, drinks, atmosphere, and right across the street from the Eastman Theater
- The Mercantile on Main – great for quick grabs of a variety of foods
- Pittsford Pub – a classic bar/grill
- Public Market – one of the best farmer’s markets in the country, complete with fresh baked goods from Flour City and coffee from Javas
- Swan Dive – for pizza and the atmosphere
- Thai Mii Up – when you’re craving something spicy for lunch at work
- Vern’s – great family style Italian inspired dinning
Night Life
- Axes & Ales – great beer selection and the chance to challenge your friends in axe throwing
- Bug Jar – talented local and rising music artists
- Club One – if you love to dance, this is the place for you
- CMAC – outdoor summer concert venue for all the big names
- Comedy at the Carlson – brings in a lot of great talkent if you are looking for a show and a laugh
- Murphy’s Law – sports bar that usually draws a big crowd, whether there is a game on or not
- Radio Social – if you’re looking for good food and fun, this is a unique mix of both with bowling and a variety of indoor and outdoor games
Parks
Roc Gems
- Cobbs Hill Reservoir – beautiful views and a great place to jog, picnic, and admire some talented street artists’ work at the old water towers
- Genesee Brew House – home to one of the largest and oldest operating breweries in America and features a pub-style restaurant overlooking the Genesee River with interactive exhibits, multimedia content, gift shop and pilot brewery
- Go Red Wings! – fun fact we are now the farm team for the Washington Nationals
- Kickball League of Rochester – great excuse to get outside and have fun
- Memorial Art Gallery – small art gallery with a fantastic collection and space
- The Strathallan – hotel with a rooftop bar overlooking Downtown Rochester
- TruYoga in South Wedge – for inclusive and accessible yoga classes
- Vault – a boutique fitness club that offers boxing, spin, and yoga
Exploring the Finger Lakes
Formed by glacial activity over 100 million years ago during the Ice Age, the eleven Finger Lakes are easily and quickly accessible from Rochester, there’s plenty for you to explore during our temperate summers.
With all the standard recreational lake activities – swimming, sailing, boating, kayaking, and jet skiing – as well as 650 miles of shoreline, you can stay near the water all day, or find adventure elsewhere. There are 1,063 waterfalls and gorges, farms, public campgrounds, and fairs and festivals every week. The Finger Lakes are also home to 100 miles of the historic Erie Canal, 135+ museums, more than 80 art galleries, and 400 registered historic sites and landmarks.
You can spend a morning, a day, a weekend, or a week in the Finger Lakes, all within a comfortable, easy distance from Rochester. And with wide and varied activities, the whole family can enjoy the adventure!