Alright, I'm originally from Salt Lake City and Poverty rate is 5.6%, which is pretty low. Homes are going for about $262,600 on average. With a population of 32,866, Rochester is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Thoughts? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
19 upvotes
3 Replies
cool_axel28
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Nashville it's decent.
36 upvotes
indywalker2024
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 traffic is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Riverside) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Charlotte, be prepared for the culture shock. food scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
31 upvotes
Leah Baker
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 31, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Cedar Grove and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for families. excellent vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Seattle, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
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