Random thought, I'm retired and Average temperature is around 49°F, so expect cold winters. Household incomes average around $87,767 in Rochester. It's a a mid-size city city with about 122K people. Crime rate is something to consider — Rochester sits at 214.8 per 100K. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. What would you do? I'd say it's better for families than young singles.
60 upvotes
11 Replies
Anna Allen
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Cooper R.
Weather-wise, the summers are solid and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
34 upvotes
Quinn M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Highland side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Willow Nguyen
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value healthcare, you'll love it. The job market is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Diego, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
32 upvotes
Genesis P.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is nightlife. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
30 upvotes
denver_eliana
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 56, moved here 10 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Old Town and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Close to major attractions
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for young professionals. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K 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.
26 upvotes
Martha P.
underrated comment
14 upvotes
Luke Edwards
I'm a contractor and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Paisley
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Chicago about 7 years ago. The main reasons were weather and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are manageable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Lawrence J.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Cooper Watson
I work in marketing here and it was the best decision I ever made. The job market for my field is hit or miss. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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