The Corn Hill Neighborhood

Corn Hill, a historic treasure on the banks of the Genesee River next to Center City, offers the best of the old and new. It is a revitalized landmark community full of restored 19th century homes in a variety of modest and elaborate styles—that are blended well with 20th century townhouses and condominiums. In most cities, these kinds of neighborhoods are only accessible by the wealthy. Here in Rochester, people from all walks of life make Corn Hill their home. Beautiful Frederick Douglass Circle and Park in the neighborhood honor the man who published his pioneering North Star abolitionist newspaper just a few blocks away.  Corn Hill is also proud of the fact that several of its houses served escaping slaves in the 19th century as part of the hallowed Underground Railroad. Its streets were familiar to Nathaniel Rochester, Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Ralph Avery and countless others who are made important contributions to the development of our community and our nation.  

No one is certain how Corn Hill got its name, although there is speculation that captains of the river freight barges were told that they had reached Rochester when the saw the last "corn hill," before the before the falls on the Genesee River. 

The Corn Hill Neighborhood was settled by a diverse group more than 150 years ago, and that diversity continues today. Residents whose families have lived in the neighborhood for generations, live side by side with young urban professionals who are new to Rochester. Regardless of their backgrounds, people are drawn to Corn Hill for its history, its location and for its sense of community. 

For decades the Corn Hill neighborhood has hosted, on the second weekend in July, the Corn Hill Arts Festival, which has grown from a small gathering of artists to more than 500 artists and craftspeople from throughout the United States. The festival is organized by a dedicated group of neighbors and is attended annually by more than 200,000 people. 

Corn Hill Neighbors is one of Rochester's most active neighborhood associations, working hand in hand with city government and other neighborhood groups to provide for the continuing improvement of the neighborhoods.

Today, with schools, churches, and restaurants, Corn Hill stands as a model urban community.