If you’re considering a move to Rochester’s urban core, the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood stands out as a unique blend of history, character, and community spirit. From Victorian-era homes to passionate neighbors who know each other by name, this area holds a special allure for those who love city living with a dose of small-town charm. Here’s an insider’s guide to life in the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood, where every brick and boulevard tells a story.
Community Vibe: Historic Pride and Active Engagement
The Susan B. Anthony neighborhood radiates a palpable sense of pride. Named for the legendary suffragist who lived and worked here, the area is deeply rooted in social progress. Residents of all ages come together for regular neighborhood meetings, summer porch parties, and historical reenactments along Madison and Fitzhugh Streets. There’s an easy camaraderie—whether you’re chatting with your next-door neighbor or joining a community clean-up, it’s easy to feel connected and involved.
- The Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association (SBANA) is active and welcoming, sponsoring events in Susan B. Anthony Square and addressing concerns directly with city officials.
- Local businesses, like Mood Makers Books and Coffee Connection, add a deeply personal touch—shop owners greet regulars by name and often sponsor neighborhood initiatives.
- The annual Susan B. Anthony Birthday Celebration (every February) is a much-loved event that brings locals together and draws visitors from all over Rochester.
Types of Housing: Character Homes and Urban Mix
One of the neighborhood’s greatest assets is its beautiful, historic housing stock. Walking down Madison, King, or West Main Street, you’ll see:
- Immaculate Victorian homes lovingly restored, many from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Classic two-family homes perfect for owner-occupants interested in extra rental income.
- Modest rowhouses and converted lofts, offering options for singles and smaller families.
- A handful of newer townhouses and apartments closer to the West Main corridor.
Many homes have original woodwork, tall windows, and wide porches—ideal for morning coffee or evening chats. Yards are smaller (typical of city neighborhoods), but there’s plenty of room for flower beds and patio living.
Walkability: Leave the Car at Home
The Susan B. Anthony neighborhood scores high for walkability. The flat grid street layout makes nearly everything accessible on foot or by bike:
- Daily errands are easy thanks to corner stores, local coffee shops, and pharmacies located along West Main Street.
- Public transportation, including several RTS bus routes, runs frequently with stops on Main and Brown Streets—perfect for commuters and college students alike.
- The neighborhood’s compact size means even the farthest homes are no more than a 10-minute walk from Susan B. Anthony Square, the community’s heart.
Streets are quiet, tree-lined, and frequented by dog walkers, joggers, and children heading to nearby schools.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Families moving to the area will find a selection of public and charter school options, as well as childcare and preschools nearby:
- School 2 Clara Barton on Reynolds Street is popular among neighborhood families for younger students.
- The Rochester Early College International High School is located on Jay Street, just north of the neighborhood’s border.
- Playgrounds dot the area, including at Anthony Square Park, providing convenient spaces for kids to burn off energy.
Parents appreciate that neighbors look out for each other’s children, and block parties or summer events often feature activities for all ages.
Parks and Green Spaces: A Leafy Urban Retreat
While the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood is undeniably urban, its parks and gardens are a community jewel:
- Susan B. Anthony Square Park, with its iconic bronze statue, well-kept gardens, and old-growth trees, is a gathering spot for picnics, performances, and play.
- The neighborhood is dotted with smaller pocket parks and community gardens, especially along King Street and Eagle Street, maintained by residents and local organizations.
- If you’re a fan of walking or jogging, the Genesee Riverway Trail is less than a mile away, offering scenic routes along the river that connect to the rest of Rochester’s park system.
Safety: Urban Awareness with Community Watchfulness
Like many city neighborhoods, Susan B. Anthony has had its ups and downs regarding safety. Today, many residents feel comfortable walking after dark, particularly along well-lit streets. Block clubs and neighborhood watch programs are active, and collaboration with Rochester Police has improved response times and community relations. That said, newcomers are encouraged to:
- Get to know neighbors—eyes on the street make a real difference.
- Attend SBANA meetings to stay informed about safety initiatives.
- Practice typical urban precautions like locking car doors and keeping porch lights on.
The area continues to improve, with investments in lighting and housing rehabilitation helping foster a greater sense of security.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of the prime benefits of the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood is its unbeatable location:
- Downtown Rochester and the East End are a 5-minute drive or a quick bus ride—perfect for those who work at institutions like Rochester Regional Health, the City of Rochester, or the University of Rochester.
- High Falls District, home to Genesee Brewing Company and the Kodak headquarters, is also nearby, giving residents access to jobs, nightlife, and cultural events.
- For students, Monroe Community College and SUNY Brockport’s MetroCenter are just blocks away.
Commuters love the quick access to I-490 and the ease of getting from quiet residential streets to major employment centers.
What Residents Love Most
Ask longtime residents what makes Susan B. Anthony special, and you’ll hear a few common threads:
- “We’re a true neighborhood—not just a place to live, but a community to join.”
- “There’s real pride in our history—you feel connected to something meaningful.”
- “You can walk everywhere, and there’s always someone looking out for you.”
- “We get the diversity and energy of the city, but our own pocket of peace and friendship.”
It’s a place where the past inspires the present—a vibrant, ever-evolving neighborhood ready to welcome newcomers with open arms.
Are you seeking a walkable, engaged, and character-rich home base in Rochester? In the Susan B. Anthony neighborhood, you just might find your perfect fit.