Anyone else feel this way? Household incomes average around $87,767 in Rochester. The weather takes some getting used to.
40 upvotes
12 Replies
Weston Edwards
exactly what I was thinking
40 upvotes
Bennett Wright
Public transit is underrated here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
39 upvotes
Noah Gray
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from Pittsburgh and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in education. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 11 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
34 upvotes
Julia Stewart
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
Madelyn
Saving this thread
29 upvotes
Mateo Mendoza
I've lived in Downtown for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Raleigh, I was surprised by nightlife. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Close to major attractions
- The school system scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. Hope this helps!.
25 upvotes
Ethan Morris
I've lived in Old Town for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Miami, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
- The walkability scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Savannah Robinson
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it exceeded my expectations. Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
Carolyn K.
literally same
13 upvotes
born_bennett81
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 34, moved here 6 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Uptown and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Baltimore, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
7 upvotes
Jonathan M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely average and I've found it exceeded my expectations. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
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.