Hello, My family moved here when I was a kid. Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 12,939, Rochester is a small town. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. What are your go-to spots?
12 upvotes
15 Replies
Grace Long
big facts right here
36 upvotes
Peyton Anderson
I work in marketing here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is tough. No regrets on my end..
35 upvotes
Nolan Diaz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 38, moved here 6 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Winters are long and cold
3. The walkability situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- North: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
33 upvotes
Helen O.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 6 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Uptown side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Jonathan Alvarez
Hot take but I love the pace of life here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 13 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Emma Reed
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it was the best decision I ever made. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
28 upvotes
Evan
Moved here from LA about 4 years ago. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Still getting used to housing market but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
William Taylor
I'm a social worker and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
24 upvotes
jayden_life
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Atlanta about 9 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Definitely worth checking out..
22 upvotes
Michael Roberts
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely underrated and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
22 upvotes
Kennedy Harris
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Cedar Grove area are solid. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Madelyn
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Boston it's hit or miss.
20 upvotes
Mia
I'm a sales manager and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Dominic Turner
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 2 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Eastside side vs the Midtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
5 upvotes
Autumn T.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much stable but now it's hit or miss.
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