New to Rochester Resource Directory
Welcome to Rochester! This comprehensive directory connects you with essential services, community resources, and local insights to help you settle into your new home in the Flower City. From utilities and healthcare to recreation and entertainment, we've compiled everything you need for a smooth transition to Rochester living.
Essential Services: Getting Connected
Utilities Setup
Setting up utilities promptly ensures a comfortable start in your new Rochester home:
Electricity & Natural Gas
Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E)
Phone: (800) 743-2110
Website: www.rge.com
The primary provider for electricity and natural gas in Rochester and surrounding areas. Schedule service at least 3 business days before your move-in date. Have your new address and move-in date ready when calling.
Water & Sewer
City of Rochester Water Bureau (City residents)
Phone: (585) 428-7500
Website: www.cityofrochester.gov/waterbureau
For suburban areas, contact your town water department:
- Brighton: (585) 784-5225
- Greece: (585) 225-2150
- Irondequoit: (585) 336-6000
- Penfield: (585) 340-8617
- Pittsford: (585) 248-6450
Internet & Cable
Spectrum
Phone: (855) 707-7328
Website: www.spectrum.com
Greenlight Networks (Fiber Internet)
Phone: (585) 351-6600
Website: www.greenlightnetworks.com
Greenlight offers high-speed fiber internet in select Rochester neighborhoods. Check availability at your address online.
Frontier Communications
Phone: (800) 921-8101
Website: www.frontier.com
Trash & Recycling
City of Rochester (City residents)
Phone: (585) 428-5990
Website: www.cityofrochester.gov/garbage
For suburban areas, common providers include:
- Waste Management: (800) 972-4545
- Suburban Disposal: (585) 352-3900
- Lilac Disposal: (585) 872-6500
Some suburban towns include trash service with property taxes. Check with your town hall.
Rochester Utility Tips
Greenlight Networks offers the fastest internet in Rochester (up to 2 Gbps) at competitive prices, but availability is limited to specific neighborhoods. Their coverage area is expanding rapidly, so check their website for up-to-date information. For city residents, trash and recycling collection is included with property taxes, while suburban residents typically arrange private service.
Government Services
Register with these essential government offices after your move:
Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Monroe County DMV
Main Office: 855 Panorama Trail S, Rochester
Phone: (585) 753-1604
Website: www.monroecounty.gov/dmv
Additional locations in Greece, Irondequoit, Henrietta, and Pittsford. New York State requires updating your license and registration within 30 days of moving.
Voter Registration
Monroe County Board of Elections
Address: 39 W. Main St., Rochester
Phone: (585) 753-1550
Website: www.monroecounty.gov/elections
Register to vote online, by mail, or in person. You must register at least 25 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
Post Office
USPS Rochester Area
Main Office: 1335 Jefferson Rd, Rochester
Phone: (800) 275-8777
Website: www.usps.com
File a change of address form online or at any post office location. The USPS recommends filing this form at least 2 weeks before your move.
Social Services
Monroe County Department of Human Services
Address: 691 St. Paul St., Rochester
Phone: (585) 753-6000
Website: www.monroecounty.gov/hs
Provides assistance with SNAP benefits, Medicaid, HEAP (heating assistance), childcare subsidies, and other support programs.
Healthcare Services: Finding Medical Care
Medical Systems & Hospitals
Rochester features two major healthcare systems and several specialized facilities:
University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC)
Main Campus: 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester
Phone: (585) 275-2100
Website: www.urmc.rochester.edu
URMC includes Strong Memorial Hospital (Level I Trauma Center), Golisano Children's Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Center, and numerous specialty clinics throughout the Rochester area.
Rochester Regional Health
Main Campus (Rochester General): 1425 Portland Ave, Rochester
Phone: (585) 922-4000
Website: www.rochesterregional.org
Includes Rochester General Hospital, Unity Hospital, United Memorial Medical Center, and numerous outpatient facilities.
Urgent Care Options
WellNow Urgent Care
Multiple locations throughout Rochester area
Website: www.wellnow.com
UR Medicine Urgent Care
Locations in Henrietta, Greece, Penfield, and Spencerport
Website: www.urmc.rochester.edu/urgent-care
Rochester Regional Health Immediate Care
Multiple locations throughout Rochester area
Mental Health Resources
Monroe County Mental Health Crisis Services
Phone: (585) 275-5151 (24/7 hotline)
Strong Behavioral Health
Phone: (585) 275-8350
Rochester Regional Behavioral Health
Phone: (585) 922-7770
Compeer Rochester (Mental health mentoring and support)
Phone: (585) 546-8280
Finding a Primary Care Provider
Establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor is an important step after moving:
- Insurance Networks: Start by checking your insurance provider's website for in-network physicians in Rochester
- Major Practice Groups:
- UR Medicine Primary Care: (585) 758-0800
- Rochester Regional Health Primary Care: (585) 922-8400
- Lifetime Health Medical Group: (585) 338-1400
- Wait Times: Many Rochester primary care practices have wait times of 2-3 months for new patient appointments. Begin your search early.
- Telehealth Options: Both major health systems offer virtual appointments, which may be available sooner than in-person visits.
"When I moved to Rochester, I was surprised to learn how long the wait was for new patient appointments with primary care doctors. I recommend calling several practices and getting on wait lists while you're still planning your move. It took me nearly 3 months to get my first appointment, but it was worth waiting for a good doctor who's now familiar with my health history."
Community Resources: Getting Involved
Neighborhood Associations
Rochester's neighborhoods each have their own distinct character and active community organizations:
City Neighborhood Associations
- South Wedge Planning Committee
Phone: (585) 256-1740 - North Winton Village Association
Website: www.northwinton.org - Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA)
Website: www.notaroc.org - 19th Ward Community Association
Phone: (585) 328-6571 - Park Avenue Neighborhood
Website: www.parkavenue.org - Charlotte Community Association
Website: www.charlottecca.org
Suburban Town Resources
- Brighton Neighborhood Association
Website: www.brightonna.org - Pittsford Community Library (Community Hub)
Phone: (585) 248-6275 - Penfield Recreation
Phone: (585) 340-8655 - Greece Community & Senior Center
Phone: (585) 723-2425 - Henrietta Recreation Department
Phone: (585) 359-2540 - Webster Community Center
Phone: (585) 872-7103
Neighborhood Benefits
Active participation in your neighborhood association offers:
- Welcome packets with local resources
- Community events and block parties
- Neighborhood safety initiatives
- Local government advocacy
- Discounts at participating local businesses
- Gardening and beautification projects
Rochester Newcomers Tips
Practical advice for connecting with your community:
- Attend a neighborhood association meeting within your first month
- Join your neighborhood's Facebook group or Nextdoor community
- Visit your local library for community events calendar
- Participate in seasonal events like clean-up days or garden tours
- Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors with a small house-warming gathering
Faith Communities
Rochester has diverse religious and spiritual communities welcoming newcomers:
Interfaith Directories
Rochester Area Interfaith Directory
Website: www.grcc.org/faith-communities
Greater Rochester Community of Churches
Phone: (585) 254-2570
Comprehensive listing of religious communities across denominations.
Community Centers
Jewish Community Center
Address: 1200 Edgewood Ave., Rochester
Phone: (585) 461-2000
Islamic Center of Rochester
Address: 727 Westfall Rd., Rochester
Phone: (585) 442-0117
Hindu Temple of Rochester
Address: 120 Pinnacle Rd., Pittsford
Phone: (585) 427-8091
Large Congregations
A selection of larger worship communities:
- St. Monica Church (Catholic)
Phone: (585) 235-3322 - Temple B'rith Kodesh (Jewish)
Phone: (585) 244-7060 - Browncroft Community Church (Non-denominational)
Phone: (585) 586-5770 - Rochester Christian Reformed Church
Phone: (585) 342-4142 - First Unitarian Church
Phone: (585) 271-9070 - Islamic Center of Rochester
Phone: (585) 442-0117
Spiritual Communities
Alternative and non-traditional spiritual centers:
- Rochester Zen Center
Phone: (585) 473-9180 - Dharma Refuge (Buddhist)
Website: www.dharmarefuge.org - Unity Church of Greater Rochester
Phone: (585) 473-0910 - Shambhala Meditation Center
Phone: (585) 270-5531
Volunteer Opportunities
Giving back is a great way to connect with your new community:
Volunteer Matching
United Way of Greater Rochester
Phone: (585) 242-6400
Website: www.uwrochester.org/volunteer
Searchable database of volunteer opportunities across Rochester.
Food Security
Foodlink
Phone: (585) 328-3380
Website: www.foodlinkny.org
Cameron Community Ministries
Phone: (585) 254-2697
Environmental Causes
Friends of Ganondagan
Phone: (585) 742-1690
Genesee Land Trust
Phone: (585) 256-2130
Sierra Club Rochester Regional Group
Children & Education
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Phone: (585) 442-2250
Literacy Rochester
Phone: (585) 473-3030
Center for Youth
Phone: (585) 473-2464
Recreation & Entertainment: Enjoying Rochester
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Rochester offers exceptional outdoor spaces throughout all seasons:
City Parks
- Highland Park - Famous for lilacs and arboretum
- Genesee Valley Park - Sports fields, golf, and river trails
- Cobbs Hill Park - Reservoir views and recreation facilities
- Maplewood Park & Rose Garden - Historic rose collection
- Ontario Beach Park - Lakefront beach and pier
- Turning Point Park - Unique boardwalk through wetlands
County Parks
- Mendon Ponds Park - Largest county park with unique glacial features
- Ellison Park - Wooded trails and creek, popular dog park
- Durand Eastman Park - Beach access and hilly terrain
- Black Creek Park - Western Monroe County natural area
- Abraham Lincoln Park - Irondequoit Bay access
- Greece Canal Park - Erie Canal trails and recreation
Monroe County Parks Website: www.monroecounty.gov/parks
Trails & Waterways
- Genesee Riverway Trail - 24 miles connecting downtown to Lake Ontario
- Erie Canal Heritage Trail - Historic canal path for walking and cycling
- Lehigh Valley Trail - Rails-to-trails conversion in southern county
- Genesee River - Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Irondequoit Bay - Boating and fishing
- Lake Ontario - Beaches and waterfront parks
Seasonal Activities
- Spring: Lilac Festival, arboretum visits, canal opening
- Summer: Public beaches, kayaking, outdoor concerts
- Fall: Apple picking, fall foliage at Letchworth State Park, corn mazes
- Winter: Cross-country skiing at Mendon Ponds, ice skating at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, downhill skiing at Bristol Mountain (30 minutes away)
Lesser-Known Rochester Outdoor Gems
Beyond the major parks, Rochester features these local favorites:
- Washington Grove - Old-growth forest within Cobbs Hill Park
- Corbett's Glen Nature Park - Hidden waterfall sanctuary in Brighton
- Lucien Morin Park - Secluded trails along Irondequoit Bay
- Channing H. Philbrick Park - Beautiful creek cascades in Penfield
- Ganondagan State Historic Site - Native American cultural site with trails in Victor
Arts & Culture
Rochester's rich cultural scene offers year-round entertainment:
Museums
- The Strong National Museum of Play
Phone: (585) 263-2700 - Rochester Museum & Science Center
Phone: (585) 271-4320 - Memorial Art Gallery
Phone: (585) 276-8900 - George Eastman Museum
Phone: (585) 327-4800 - Susan B. Anthony House
Phone: (585) 235-6124 - Rochester Public Market (Cultural experience)
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Performing Arts
- Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra
Phone: (585) 454-2100 - Geva Theatre Center
Phone: (585) 232-4382 - Rochester Broadway Theatre League
Phone: (585) 222-5000 - Blackfriars Theatre
Phone: (585) 454-1260 - Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Phone: (585) 274-1100 - JCC CenterStage
Phone: (585) 461-2000
Festivals & Events
- Lilac Festival (May)
- Rochester International Jazz Festival (June)
- Park Ave Festival (August)
- Corn Hill Arts Festival (July)
- Fringe Festival (September)
- Puerto Rican Festival (August)
- Clothesline Festival (September)
Movie Theaters
- The Little Theatre - Independent films
Phone: (585) 258-0400 - The Cinema - Classic and art films
Phone: (585) 271-1785 - Regal Henrietta - Mainstream multiplex
Phone: (585) 424-3090 - AMC Webster - Modern multiplex
Phone: (585) 671-0014 - Dryden Theatre - Film classics at Eastman Museum
Phone: (585) 327-4800
Family Activities
Rochester is consistently ranked as one of the best cities for families, with many kid-friendly options:
Top Family Attractions
- The Strong National Museum of Play
World-renowned children's museum - Seneca Park Zoo
Phone: (585) 336-7200 - Rochester Museum & Science Center
Interactive exhibits and planetarium - Seabreeze Amusement Park (seasonal)
Phone: (585) 323-1900 - Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary
Phone: (585) 337-3560 - Stokoe Farms (seasonal)
Phone: (585) 889-0770
Indoor Fun
- Adventure Landing - Mini golf and arcade
Phone: (585) 467-2300 - Altitude Trampoline Park
Phone: (585) 413-0373 - Clubhouse Fun Center
Phone: (585) 352-3060 - Bowl-A-Roll Lanes
Phone: (585) 427-7250 - Lasertron - Laser tag and games
Phone: (585) 683-4450 - Rochester Yacht Club - Sailing programs
Phone: (585) 342-5511
Library Programs
Monroe County Library System
Phone: (585) 428-8300
Website: www.libraryweb.org
All branches offer children's programming, including:
- Storytimes for various age groups
- STEAM activities and clubs
- School break workshops
- Summer Reading Program
- Family movie nights
Family Resource Websites
- Kids Out and About Rochester
Website: rochester.kidsoutandabout.com - Rochester Macaroni Kid
Website: rochester.macaronikid.com - ROC Parent
Website: www.rocparent.com - Rochester MOMSBlog
Website: rochester.citymomsblog.com
Education: Schools and Learning
K-12 Education Options
Rochester offers diverse educational choices for families:
Public School Districts
Greater Rochester includes 18 school districts. Major districts include:
- Rochester City School District
Phone: (585) 262-8100
Website: www.rcsdk12.org - Brighton Central Schools
Phone: (585) 242-5200
Website: www.bcsd.org - Pittsford Central Schools
Phone: (585) 267-1000
Website: www.pittsfordschools.org - Penfield Central Schools
Phone: (585) 249-5700
Website: www.penfield.edu - Webster Central Schools
Phone: (585) 265-3600
Website: www.websterschools.org - Greece Central Schools
Phone: (585) 966-2000
Website: www.greececsd.org
Private Schools
Top private options include:
- Allendale Columbia School
Phone: (585) 381-4560 - The Harley School
Phone: (585) 442-1770 - Aquinas Institute
Phone: (585) 254-2020 - McQuaid Jesuit
Phone: (585) 256-6100 - Our Lady of Mercy
Phone: (585) 288-7120 - Northstar Christian Academy
Phone: (585) 429-5530
Charter Schools
- Genesee Community Charter School
Phone: (585) 697-1960 - Rochester Prep Charter School
Phone: (585) 235-0008 - Urban Choice Charter School
Phone: (585) 288-5702 - Vertus Charter School (boys)
Phone: (585) 747-8911 - Young Women's College Prep (girls)
Phone: (585) 254-0320
Homeschooling Resources
- Rochester Area Homeschool Families
Website: www.rochesterhomeschoolers.org - Rochester Homeschool Network (Facebook Group)
- YMCA Homeschool Programs
Phone: (585) 263-3380 - RMSC Homeschool Classes
Phone: (585) 271-4320 - NYS Homeschooling Regulations
Website: www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/homeinstruction
Higher Education
Rochester's college and university options offer continuing education opportunities:
Major Universities
- University of Rochester
Phone: (585) 275-2121
Website: www.rochester.edu - Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
Phone: (585) 475-2411
Website: www.rit.edu - Nazareth University
Phone: (585) 389-2525
Website: www.naz.edu - St. John Fisher University
Phone: (585) 385-8000
Website: www.sjf.edu - SUNY Brockport
Phone: (585) 395-2211
Website: www.brockport.edu
Community Colleges & Technical Schools
- Monroe Community College
Phone: (585) 292-2000
Website: www.monroecc.edu - Bryant & Stratton College
Phone: (585) 292-5627
Website: www.bryantstratton.edu - Finger Lakes Community College
Phone: (585) 785-1000
Website: www.flcc.edu - Isabella Graham Hart School of Nursing
Phone: (585) 922-1400
Continuing Education
- Rochester Brainery - Community classes
Website: www.rochesterbrainery.com - Creative Workshop at MAG - Art classes
Phone: (585) 276-8959 - OASIS Rochester - Classes for 50+
Phone: (585) 730-8800 - Writers & Books - Literary arts
Phone: (585) 473-2590 - Hochstein School of Music
Phone: (585) 454-4596 - Rochester Arc & Flame Center - Welding, glass, etc.
Phone: (585) 349-7110
Library Learning
Rochester public libraries offer free adult learning:
- Computer skills workshops
- Language learning resources
- Career development classes
- Financial literacy workshops
- Book clubs and discussion groups
- Free museum passes for checkout
Central Library: (585) 428-7300
Local Services: Practical Resources
Banking & Financial Services
Establish your financial connections in Rochester:
Local Banks
- Canandaigua National Bank
Phone: (585) 394-4260 - ESL Federal Credit Union
Phone: (585) 336-1000 - Genesee Regional Bank
Phone: (585) 249-1540 - The Summit Federal Credit Union
Phone: (585) 453-7000 - Family First Credit Union
Phone: (585) 586-8225
National Banks with Local Presence
- Bank of America
- Chase Bank
- Citizens Bank
- Key Bank
- M&T Bank
- Five Star Bank
Financial Education Resources
- ESL Financial Education Center
Free workshops and resources - Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester
Phone: (585) 546-3440 - Rochester Financial Empowerment Center
Phone: (585) 252-7110 - CASH (Creating Assets, Savings & Hope)
Free tax preparation and financial coaching
Phone: (585) 900-1004
Insurance Agents
Local independent insurance agencies:
- Paris-Kirwan Associates
Phone: (585) 461-4400 - Flower City Insurance
Phone: (585) 663-8230 - The Richards Group
Phone: (585) 787-2190 - Hatch Insurance Agency
Phone: (585) 334-5544 - The Feltner Group
Phone: (585) 663-1810
Shopping & Services
Where to find what you need in your new hometown:
Grocery Stores
- Wegmans - Rochester's iconic supermarket
Multiple locations, many open 24/7 - Tops Friendly Markets
Multiple locations - ALDI
Multiple locations - Trader Joe's
Pittsford location - Whole Foods
Brighton location - Rochester Public Market
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Shopping Areas
- Eastview Mall (Victor)
Upscale shopping center - The Marketplace Mall (Henrietta)
- Pittsford Plaza
Outdoor shopping center - Culver Road Armory
Boutique shopping and dining - Village Gate
Eclectic shops and restaurants - Park Avenue
Local boutiques and specialty shops
Home Improvement
- Rochester Appliance
Phone: (585) 271-2185 - Mayer Hardware
Phone: (585) 288-7665 - Debbie Supply
Phone: (585) 265-0790 - Home Depot
Multiple locations - Lowe's
Multiple locations - Chase-Pitkin Paint Center
Phone: (585) 427-2160
Local Specialty Stores
- Parkleigh - Gifts and home goods
Phone: (585) 271-4930 - Record Archive - Music and vintage items
Phone: (585) 244-1210 - Craft Company No. 6 - Artisan goods
Phone: (585) 473-3559 - Stever's Candy - Chocolates since 1946
Phone: (585) 473-2098 - Abundance Food Co-op - Community-owned grocery
Phone: (585) 454-2667 - House of Guitars - Musical instruments
Phone: (585) 544-3500
Rochester Small Business Directory
Support locally-owned businesses with these resources:
- ROC Shop Local Directory
Website: www.rocshoplocal.com - LocalNomics (Rochester Business Directory)
Website: www.localnomics.com/rochester - Buy Local Greater Rochester (Facebook Group)
- UNFI Rochester - First Friday art gallery events throughout city
Transportation: Getting Around Rochester
Public Transportation
Options for navigating Rochester without a personal vehicle:
Regional Transit Service (RTS)
Phone: (585) 288-1700
Website: www.myrts.com
- Primary bus service for Monroe County
- Download the Transit App for real-time updates
- $1 per ride or $3 daily pass
- Monthly passes available for frequent riders
- Most frequent service on major routes (East Ave, Monroe Ave, Lake Ave)
Ridesharing Services
- Uber - Available throughout Greater Rochester
- Lyft - Available throughout Greater Rochester
- RTS On Demand - Zone-based rideshare service
Download the app or call (585) 288-1700
Taxi Services
- Rochester Taxi
Phone: (585) 232-2222 - Park Avenue Taxi
Phone: (585) 232-2090 - All City Taxi
Phone: (585) 467-7777 - Suburban Taxi
Phone: (585) 621-3777
Bicycle Options
- HOPR Bike Share
Download the HOPR app - R Community Bikes - Free bikes for those in need
Phone: (585) 234-2008 - Rochester Cycling Alliance - Advocacy and events
Website: www.rochestercyclingalliance.org - Tryon Bike - Repairs and sales
Phone: (585) 413-4444 - Full Moon Vista - Sales and maintenance
Phone: (585) 546-4030
Winter Driving in Rochester
Essential knowledge for navigating Rochester's snowy season:
- Snow Tires: Highly recommended from November through April. Many locals use dedicated winter tires for improved safety.
- Emergency Kit: Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle including blanket, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, and sand/cat litter for traction.
- Alternate Side Parking: Many Rochester neighborhoods have winter parking regulations that switch which side of the street you can park on. Check local signage carefully.
- Snow Emergencies: During major snowstorms, the City of Rochester may declare snow emergencies with special parking restrictions. Sign up for alerts through the city website.
- Lake Effect Snow: Rochester's proximity to Lake Ontario creates "lake effect" snow bands that can produce significant accumulation in specific areas while leaving others untouched. Check weather reports carefully.
- Primary Roads: Major arteries like 390, 490, 590, East Ave, and Monroe Ave receive priority plowing and are typically more reliable during snowstorms.
"When I moved to Rochester from North Carolina, winter driving terrified me. My best investment was a set of dedicated snow tires, which made an incredible difference. I also learned to keep extra distance between cars and to be patient. Rochester drivers are generally courteous during snow events — everyone understands the challenges."
Airport & Long-Distance Travel
Options for leaving and returning to Rochester:
- Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Phone: (585) 753-7020
Website: www.rocairport.com
Serves major airlines with direct flights to many East Coast and Midwest destinations. Connections worldwide. - Amtrak Train Station
Address: 320 Central Ave, Rochester
Phone: (585) 325-5334
Empire Service line connects to New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and beyond. - Greyhound/Trailways Bus Terminal
Address: 186 Cumberland St, Rochester
Phone: (585) 232-5121
Intercity bus service to destinations throughout the Northeast. - Megabus
Website: www.megabus.com
Low-cost bus service to select cities including New York, Buffalo, and Toronto.
Healthcare Specialties & Support Groups
Medical Specialties
Rochester is known for excellence in several medical specialties:
Specialized Treatment Centers
- Wilmot Cancer Institute
Phone: (585) 275-5823 - Golisano Children's Hospital
Phone: (585) 275-7551 - UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance
Phone: (585) 275-5321 - URMC Neuromedicine
Phone: (585) 275-7626 - Rochester Regional Lipson Cancer Institute
Phone: (585) 922-4020 - UR Medicine Complex Care Center
Phone: (585) 276-7900
Women's Health
- Rochester Gynecologic & Obstetric Associates
Phone: (585) 473-2846 - Highland Women's Health
Phone: (585) 487-3350 - Rochester Regional Women's Health
Phone: (585) 368-3800 - UR Medicine Midwifery Group
Phone: (585) 275-7892 - The Birth Partners (Doulas)
Website: www.thebirthpartners.com
Mental Health Resources
- Rochester Mental Health Services
Phone: (585) 922-9900 - UR Medicine Mental Health & Wellness
Phone: (585) 273-5050 - Villa of Hope
Phone: (585) 865-1550 - The Mental Health Association
Phone: (585) 325-3145 - Compeer Rochester
Phone: (585) 546-8280
Pediatric Care
- Golisano Children's Hospital
Phone: (585) 275-7551 - Panorama Pediatric Group
Phone: (585) 586-5200 - Lewis Pediatrics
Phone: (585) 442-1421 - Rochester Regional Pediatric Associates
Phone: (585) 922-KIDS - Westside Pediatrics
Phone: (585) 247-5400
Support Groups & Community Resources
Connect with others facing similar health challenges:
Family Support
- Parents Without Partners
Website: www.parentswithoutpartners.org - Single Parent Resource Center
Phone: (585) 436-9789 - Parenting Village
Phone: (585) 270-1832 - Cameron Community Ministries
Phone: (585) 254-2697
Chronic Illness Support
- Lupus Foundation Support Group
Phone: (585) 288-2910 - MS Society Greater Rochester
Phone: (585) 271-0801 - Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Phone: (585) 737-0743 - Rochester Fibromyalgia Support
Website: www.rochesterfibrosupport.org
Recovery Resources
- Rochester AA
Phone: (585) 232-6720 - SMART Recovery Rochester
Website: www.smartrecoveryrochester.org - Unity Chemical Dependency
Phone: (585) 723-7723 - ROCovery Fitness (exercise-based recovery)
Phone: (585) 484-0234
Grief & Loss Support
- Grief Resource Network
Phone: (585) 223-1713 - Compassionate Friends (child loss)
Phone: (585) 234-0398 - GriefShare (multiple locations)
Website: www.griefshare.org - Lifetime Care Hospice Grief Services
Phone: (585) 214-1000
Newcomer Tips: Local Knowledge
Rochester Tips from Locals
Insider advice to help you acclimate more quickly:
- Weather Preparedness: "In Rochester, we say if you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes." Be prepared for rapid weather changes, especially in spring and fall.
- Driving Routes: The Inner Loop highway's partial removal has changed downtown navigation. Use GPS until you learn the local shortcuts.
- Seasonal Activities: Take advantage of each season's unique offerings—Lilac Festival in spring, beach access in summer, apple picking in fall, and winter sports during snowy months.
- Garbage Plates: Try this iconic Rochester dish at Nick Tahou's (the original), Dogtown, or Mark's Texas Hots at least once—it's a local rite of passage.
- Wegmans Worship: Understand that Rochesterians have an unusual devotion to Wegmans supermarkets. They really are that good.
- Neighborhood Exploration: Each Rochester neighborhood has a distinct character. The South Wedge, Park Avenue, Neighborhood of the Arts, and Charlotte all offer unique experiences.
Local Lingo & Terminology
Understanding these Rochester terms will help you sound like a local:
- The Can of Worms: The interchange where I-490 meets I-590 (now somewhat tamed after reconstruction)
- The Fast Ferry: A failed high-speed ferry to Toronto that became a running joke and reference point
- The Inner Loop: The downtown highway loop that's been partially filled in
- The Lake: Always refers to Lake Ontario, not the Finger Lakes
- ROC: The airport code that's become shorthand for the city itself
- Lilacs: A source of civic pride and celebration each May
- Brick City: Nickname for RIT campus, which is built primarily of brick
- Amerks: The Rochester Americans hockey team
- Red Wings: Rochester's minor league baseball team
- White Hots: Unique local white hot dogs
- Zweigle's: Famous local hot dog and sausage brand (pronounced "ZWY-gulls")
Rochester's Unique Culture
Rochester has several distinctive cultural elements that might surprise newcomers:
- Intense Loyalty: Many people who grow up in Rochester return after college or later in life
- Six Degrees of Rochester: The community is surprisingly interconnected—you'll quickly discover mutual connections
- BYOF (Bring Your Own Firewood): Summer gatherings often include backyard fires
- Winter Warriors: Locals take pride in weathering harsh winters without complaint
- Unpretentious Identity: Despite significant cultural assets, Rochester maintains a down-to-earth attitude
Free & Low-Cost Activities
Enjoy Rochester without straining your budget:
- Free Museum Days: Many Rochester museums offer free or discounted admission days:
- Memorial Art Gallery: Half-price Thursday evenings
- RMSC: Reduced admission Sundays for SNAP/EBT cardholders
- George Eastman Museum: Free to SNAP/EBT cardholders
- Public Markets: Rochester Public Market (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) offers farm-fresh produce and an authentic community experience
- Hiking & Parks: Explore Monroe County's extensive park system at no cost
- Concerts: Free summer concerts at parks including Charlotte Beach, Highland Park, and Wedge Point
- Movies: Free outdoor movies in Manhattan Square Park during summer months
- First Friday: Gallery openings and events on the first Friday of each month
- Library Events: Rochester libraries host free classes, performances, and activities