Inspiration blooms quickly when strolling the tree-lined streets of the North Winton Village. Nestled between the buzz of Rochester’s urban center and the calm of the surrounding suburbs, North Winton has quietly evolved into one of the city’s most beloved areas.
Bordering the prestigious Browncroft neighborhood, the North Winton Village stands apart with a blend of historic charm and new energy. Marked by storied architecture and picturesque paths, the neighborhood is home to multi-generational businesses, new creative ventures and a diverse group of dedicated residents who take great pride in their community.
Reflecting on the Past
Once farmland in the early 1900s, the village transitioned into a residential neighborhood in the 1920s. A second housing boom in the 1960s brought new life to the community, but its next major turning point didn’t come until nearly 40 years later with the opening of ARTISANworks in the early 2000s. This ignited a wave of new business growth and community investment. Empty storefronts found new life, while icons such as the Winfield Grill and Mayer’s Paint & Hardware—staples since the 1930s and 1960s—remained reliable cornerstones of the community.
Today, the North Winton Village thrives with charming residential streets and a booming commercial corridor that hums with activity.
Living Here
What sets the neighborhood apart is its livability. A mix of single-family homes, two-family dwellings and apartments create a diverse and inclusive housing landscape. With close proximity to downtown, expressways, and nearby parks, the neighborhood offers an easily accessible urban lifestyle. Nearly everything residents need is within walking distance—from grocery stores and pharmacies to banks, a local library, household repair shops, salons, and pet groomers. Realtor.com gave the neighborhood national recognition as one of the country’s “hottest” zip codes, for its affordability, charm and accessibility.
Much of this success is the result of collaboration among longtime residents, forward-thinking developers, and a dedicated neighborhood association, which was formed in 1995 to focus on the beautification, preservation, culture and safety of the area.
From neighborhood watch groups and clean-up days to garden tours and seasonal festivals, residents are invested in shaping the future while preserving the past. After years of consistent grassroots effort, the North Winton Village is not just “on the rise”—it has arrived.
Highlights of the North Winton Village
Today, the streets buzz with energy. The scent of fresh-baked goods lingers in the air while the soft glow of porch lights illuminates its sidewalks.
Beloved businesses like Lamp Repair and Rizzi's restaurant now share the streets with new arrivals like the Boot Room Pub and Jen’s Artisan Bakery. The blend of old and new is not just incidental—it’s intentional. Start-ups such as Pandamonium Coffee and The Hive Beetique prioritize local sourcing, sustainability and community partnerships, collaborating with local nonprofits to strengthen neighborhood ties.
On any given night, the streets come alive as locals head to neighborhood bars, live music venues and late-night eateries. The flourishing arts scene also adds a vibrancy that further distinguishes North Winton from other parts of the city. Annual events, like the North Winton Village Festival, reinforce the neighborhood’s sense of community.
From gardens to parks, art and shopping, there are many neighborhood gems to experience.
Linear Garden
Over four decades, this charming community garden has blossomed into a vibrant, volunteer-powered green space stretching from Mayfield Street to East Main, offering a peaceful retreat, gathering place, and venue for beloved events like the annual North Winton Village Festival.
Tryon Park
Tucked between Browncroft and Empire Boulevards, this 82-acre park offers scenic hiking trails and wetlands views, along with space for baseball, softball, and tennis—all within a largely undeveloped natural setting.
ARTISANworks is a 50,000 square-foot, self-funded, not-for-profit art space that features a diverse collection of art, antiques and memorabilia and hosts a wide range of events.
Visit the North Winton Village and explore a variety of local shops, restaurants and boutiques that are just a short walk or drive away.
Mayer Paint & Hardware: A community staple since the 1960s, this multi-generational, family-run store offers the service of a local shop with the selection of a superstore, supplying everything from Benjamin Moore paints to power tools and gardening gear.
The same homemade pasta, ravioli and sauces that are made fresh daily and served at Merchants Wood Fired Pasta & Bistro can be purchased to go at The Pasta Shoppe.
Expressions Flowers & Gifts
Located on Merchants Road, this beloved florist has served the community for nearly 50 years, offering quality flowers and gifts.
Laughing Gull Chocolates
Combines a passion for exceptional, handcrafted confections with a commitment to social impact, using chocolate as a vehicle to support community initiatives and ethical practices.
Rochester Picture Framing
A family-owned business serving the area for 50 years, Rochester Picture Framing is renowned for its custom framing expertise and craftsmanship.
“The area has changed over the years but has kept the small village feeling...” Cortney McKenna, Rochester Picture Framing
"There's an authenticity that reminds me of my childhood, where neighbors still look out for each other and small businesses aren't just stores--they're gathering places that keep our community's spirit alive." Angela Liu, Pandemonium Coffee