Neighborhoods in Rochester, NY

Upper Falls

Upper Falls

April 26, 20252 min read

Discover Upper Falls: Rochester’s Riverside Renaissance Neighborhood

Where the roar of historic waterfalls meets modern urban energy, Upper Falls is emerging as one of Rochester’s most compelling neighborhoods for those who crave authentic industrial character with downtown convenience. This riverside district, stretching along the dramatic Genesee River gorge, offers unparalleled historic atmosphere, outdoor recreation, and revitalization momentum—all at prices that remain surprisingly accessible compared to other downtown-adjacent areas.

A Neighborhood Where History Meets Reinvention

Upper Falls’ landscape tells Rochester’s industrial story through:

  • Converted 19th-century mills now housing loft apartments with exposed brick and timber beams

  • Workers’ cottages that sheltered generations of factory employees

  • Massive abandoned industrial complexes awaiting creative reuse

  • New mixed-income developments rising along the river

The area’s heritage shines through in:
Cobblestone streets near the High Falls
Original factory signage preserved on buildings
The 1842 Susan B. Anthony Dam still controlling the river

Urban Adventure at Your Doorstep

Residents enjoy:

  • 5-minute walk to High Falls’ restaurants and entertainment

  • Direct access to the Genesee Riverway Trail

  • 10-minute stroll to downtown offices and nightlife

  • Breathtaking gorge views from apartment windows

Emerging neighborhood assets:
New microbreweries in industrial spaces
Artist studios in converted factory buildings
Riverside patio dining with waterfall views

Community Shaping the Future

The Upper Falls Neighborhood Association drives progress through:

  • Historic preservation advocacy

  • Clean-up initiatives along the gorge

  • Partnerships with developers for sensitive reuse

  • Arts programming celebrating industrial heritage

Recent signs of transformation:
New market-rate apartments in former factories
Improved pedestrian connections to downtown
Increased police patrols along the riverwalk

Why Urban Pioneers Are Flocking Here

  1. Most dramatic natural setting near downtown

  2. Authentic industrial character you can’t replicate

  3. Walkable urban lifestyle with parking available

  4. Below-market prices for downtown proximity

  5. Front-row seat to neighborhood transformation

For those who want more than just an apartment—but a chance to live in Rochester’s most iconic industrial landscape—Upper Falls offers the ultimate urban adventure. Here, your morning run winds past roaring waterfalls, your home could be a converted factory space, and your backyard is the spectacular Genesee gorge.

Ready to be part of Rochester’s next great neighborhood? Let’s explore Upper Falls’ unique living spaces together.

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Austin Moyer Team

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