Short answer: choose Fairport if you want a lively canal village with a wide range of home prices. Choose Pittsford if you want one of the region’s most sought-after school districts and are ready to compete for fewer homes. Both are 20 minutes or less from Rochester, and both sit right on the Erie Canal.
The quick comparison
Vibe: Fairport feels like a busy small town, with the Lift Bridge, Main Street restaurants and events on the canal. Pittsford feels quieter and more polished, with Schoen Place and a classic village center.
Schools: both districts are well regarded. Pittsford Central Schools are often the single biggest reason buyers choose Pittsford.
Homes: Fairport offers a wider mix, from village homes with porches to newer subdivisions in Perinton. Pittsford leans toward colonials and larger lots, with fewer entry-level options.
Competition: well-priced homes move fast in both towns, but Pittsford buyers should expect the most competition for the fewest listings.
Who Fairport fits best
Fairport is a great match if you want to walk to dinner, ride bikes on the towpath and still have options at different price points. First-time buyers and move-up buyers both find homes here, especially once you look beyond the village into the rest of Perinton. Drew Hannan, who leads our team, lives in Fairport, so we know the streets, the traffic patterns and which pockets hold their value.
Who Pittsford fits best
Pittsford is usually the pick for families who put schools first and want a quieter, established neighborhood. Plan on a larger budget and a faster decision process. The buyers who win in Pittsford are fully pre-approved, know their must-haves before they tour, and have an agent watching for new listings every day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairport or Pittsford closer to Rochester?
Pittsford sits a little closer to the city line, but both are typically a 15 to 25 minute drive to downtown Rochester depending on where you live and the time of day.
Which town is more affordable?
Fairport generally offers more price points, so it’s easier to find an entry-level home there. Ask us for a current comparison of recent sales in both towns before you decide.
Can I live on the canal in either town?
Yes. Both villages have homes near the Erie Canal and the towpath. They’re in high demand, so set up alerts early.
Still deciding? Call or text The Hannan Team at 585-752-3506 and we’ll walk you through both towns, street by street.
