16th Annual Pick Up the Parks
A great opportunity for Highland and Rochester residents to help welcome spring by volunteering to clean up Highland Park—perfect for families and anyone who enjoys community service and nature.
Genessee Valley Park offers a diverse transportation network, including a well-developed cycling infrastructure and easy access to around 20 nearby bus lines. Many daily needs such as supermarkets, dining options, and clothing stores are conveniently close. Educational facilities at both primary and secondary levels are accessible from various points within the neighborhood. Green spaces like Genesee Valley Park enhance the natural ambiance, providing inviting environments for outdoor activities. The neighborhood predominantly features single detached homes and duplexes in two to three-bedroom layouts. Convenient parking options and proximity to highways such as I-390 offer straightforward connections to other parts of the city.
Despite the somewhat busy feel, there are a lot of green spaces to enjoy in Genessee Valley Park. Most locations in the neighborhood have reasonably good access to public green spaces, like Genesee Valley Park, since there are a few of them nearby for residents to visit. Finally, noise can sometimes be an issue in this area, as traffic can occasionally be loud during rush hour.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
Famous for its stunning springtime lilac blooms, Highland Park is a 150-acre Frederick Law Olmsted-designed green space that draws visitors with scenic walking paths, historic trees, and gardens, making it the heart of the neighborhood and the site of the popular annual Lilac Festival.
Located just blocks from Highland, the proximity to The Strong National Museum of Play provides neighborhood families with unique educational opportunities and easy access to a world-renowned, interactive children's museum.
A beloved neighborhood hangout set inside a repurposed church on South Clinton Avenue, Swillburger offers craft burgers and drinks alongside the Playhouse’s vintage arcade games, creating a lively, community-driven dining experience popular with locals.
Situated on South Avenue, Abundance Food Co-op is a community-owned grocery store devoted to offering local and organic foods, staples for health-conscious shoppers, and supporting neighborhood sustainability efforts.
Highland residents benefit from nearby access to the Erie Canalway Trail via the Genesee Riverway Trail, inviting locals to bike, jog, or stroll through scenic routes that connect to broader Rochester trail networks and natural spaces.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
A great opportunity for Highland and Rochester residents to help welcome spring by volunteering to clean up Highland Park—perfect for families and anyone who enjoys community service and nature.
Ideal for local birding enthusiasts or families—join experienced birders on a spring migrant walk through scenic Highland Park and enjoy spotting early migrating species.
Local gardeners and plant lovers can learn expert pruning techniques from the former Superintendent of Horticulture in the beautiful lilac collection—hands‑on and highly relevant to Highland residents.
A perfect evening for Highland locals interested in history—hear local author Geoffrey Zeiner present stories about Highland Park’s past at a respected venue close to home.
A welcoming, fun evening for LGBTQIA+ teens from Highland to connect and play board games—great social engagement in a supportive library space.
Stories, updates, and things to know in Highland
Local characteristics and demographics for Highland