The Genesee-Jefferson neighborhood, often known as S.W.A.N. (Southwest Area Neighborhood Association), holds some of Rochester’s most iconic locations. Joseph C. Wilson Magnet High School, rated one of the top high schools in the U.S., is located on the site of the historic West High School. In 1857, Rochester’s first hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital (now Unity Health, part of Rochester Regional Health) began in a stable nearby.

The neighborhood is primarily residential, although its two main thoroughfares, Genesee Street and Jefferson Avenue, are a walkable mix of homes and businesses, while Dr. Samuel McCree Way has some community and religious organizations. 

S.W.A.N was founded by the Honorable Willie W. Lightfoot (1940-2001), an African-American community activist and County Legislator (25th District) for almost four decades. Since 1976, S.W.A.N. has kept a watchful and protective eye on its boundaries: Samuel McCree Way on the north, Genesee Street on the west, Cottage Street on the south and Reynolds Street on the east. Currently the organization works in many areas of community development. The Grow Green program works to teach the concepts of STEM (science and math) along with agriculture in a family-friendly outdoor setting. There are after-school and summer camp programs for children, and other family support systems available.

Close to Genesee Valley Park, the University of Rochester, the Erie Canal, Brooks Landing riverfront development, the Greater Rochester International Airport, and more, Genesee-Jefferson is a convenient and attractive place to live.

Resources:

Neighborhoods are living breathing entities, which can change over time. Although we have tried to capture the essence of this area, the Coalition will be reviewing information twice a year to determine if any updates should be made. If you have suggestions for an update, please contact us and we will consider it at the next review.

Corn Hill

Events in Genesee Jefferson

Fri 06

Odyssey│Warriors Come Home

December 6 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Flower City Arts Center
Rochester NY
United States
Fri 06

Photography Garage Sale Fundraiser

December 6 @ 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Flower City Arts Center
Rochester NY
United States
Sat 07

Odyssey│Warriors Come Home

December 7 @ 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Flower City Arts Center
Rochester NY
United States
Mon 09

Odyssey│Warriors Come Home

December 9 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Flower City Arts Center
Rochester NY
United States
Tue 10

Odyssey│Warriors Come Home

December 10 @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Flower City Arts Center
Rochester NY
United States