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ESL Federal Credit Union Releases Homeowner Survey Report Focused on the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes Region

Homeowner report provides insight into local homeowner sentiment and is available as a community resource

Rochester, NY — ESL Federal Credit Union released the results of a homeowner survey conducted in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region in Q2 2025. The new survey provides insight into local homeowner sentiment.

“We’re pleased to share the results of this survey giving us a clearer picture of homeowner sentiment through the voices of homeowners themselves,” said Jim Miller, vice president/director, mortgage lending, ESL Federal Credit Union. “With such significant changes transpiring in the housing market over the last several years, we think it’s important to learn directly from local homeowners. This report provides valuable benefits to our local realtors, homeowners, and broader community in their continued navigation of the housing market.”

The survey included nearly two dozen questions about the local housing market and responses from approximately 300 people from 31 towns in the counties of Monroe, Ontario, Livingston, and Seneca.

Among the questions in the survey that included both multiple choice and open-ended questions:

  • Are you considering a move in a certain time frame?
  • What are your top location preferences if you’re planning to move within Greater Rochester?
  • Which factors would influence you to move?
  • What would be your first resource in the homebuying/selling process?
  • How would you describe the Greater Rochester housing market?

Among results of the survey:

  • More than half the homebuyers surveyed haven’t considered moving since 2023.
  • 63% of respondents are not considering a move at all.
  • For 41% of respondents who have considered moving, the main reason is downsizing.
  • Pittsford, Webster, and Penfield are the top three location preferences for homeowners who would like to move within Greater Rochester.
  • 55% of respondents decide to move to areas near their family and friends.

To read through the full survey report, please click here.

To learn more about how ESL can help you in your homebuying journey or with long-term financial planning, please visit esl.org or call us at 585.336.1502.

About ESL Federal Credit Union

With more than 100 years of locally-owned history, ESL Federal Credit Union serves as a full-service financial institution to more than 443,000 members and 17,400 businesses. Founded in 1920, the company provides personal banking, business banking, mortgage services and wealth management services through its locally based 25-branch network; telephone, mobile and online banking; and live chat center.

The Rochester-based financial institution employs approximately 950 people in the Greater Rochester area and holds more than $9.8 billion in assets. Since 1996, ESL has paid out 30 consecutive Owners’ Dividends to its members totaling more than $320 million. Since the creation of its Community Impact initiative in 2018, ESL has reinvested more than $153 million in grants throughout the community. The company has appeared on Great Place to Work® lists since 2010. ESL Federal Credit Union is headquartered at 225 Chestnut Street, in Rochester, and can be found online at www.esl.org.

For more information, contact:

Rich Pulvino, APR
Vice President/Director, Marketing
rpulvino@esl.org
585.336.1009