Families in Strong Neighborhood (Rochester, Brighton: neighborhoods, buy, school districts)

[pdxlibrarian]

We will be moving to Rochester this summer. My husband is looking at the Strong neighborhood because it is within walking distance of the University where he will be studying. We would like to start a family in Rochester and plan to live there for 5-7 years. I have noticed that Brighton seems to be the place to be to raise a family (good school districts etc.) -- however, it is not within walking distance of the University. My question: Are there any young families in Strong or is it mostly single grad students? Would we have to send any potential kids to private school if we lived there? You all have been very helpful so far with my questions. Thanks.

[ckhthankgod]

If you live in the city, it seems like the Park ave. area is good, if you can afford it. Maybe Maplewood, Swillburg, the neighborhoods East of Culver and some others pockets here and there.

[I'minformed2]

The Strong/Highland/Ellwanger Berry neighborhoods will probably be just right for a family in the city. Remember though that the city schools aren't very good and many people in those and other family-friendly city neighborhoods send thier kids to private (usually Catholic) schools. All of these neighborhoods could be conisdered "walking distance" to the hospital. Park Avenue, Maplewood and the others CKthankgod has mentioned are also good family neighborhoods, but not within walking distance to the hospital.

[juppiter]

You can definitely find something in Brighton that would be on the bus line to UofR... dig deeper.

Also, what you would spend for private school could buy a car... so it doesn't make sense to live in the city and send kids to private school when Brighton schools are free and, frankly, probably better than private schools!

[pdxlibrarian]

Thanks. It sounds like we will need to actually walk different distances and try to catch bus lines when we visit next weekend to see how practical the distances are. I appreciate the feedback about the schools and am glad to know I'm on the right track with my research.

[I'minformed2]

Juppiter brings up a great point. Public transportation from Brighton to UofR/Strong would be a much more viable option. Brighton schools are excellent, among the top 100 in the nation I believe, and it is definitely family friendly. And I'm sure your husband would appreicate being able to take a bus to work as opposed to walking in winter!