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Ryan Smith
moving
What to expect moving to Rochester?
Been meaning to ask this. What do you all think? The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
23 upvotes
13 Replies
Ezra W.
This.
35 upvotes
Allison Davis
Totally agree!
33 upvotes
Zoey Nelson
Used to live on the West side, now on the Meadowbrook side. Completely different vibe. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Luke Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from New York about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from New York about 6 years ago. The main reasons were school and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Property taxes are high
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Justin C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
If you value school system, you'll love it. The cultural scene is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Eastside) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
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.
24 upvotes
Julia Ross
hmm interesting perspective
22 upvotes
lalocal2021
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
20 upvotes
Jameson T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 14 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Rising rent and home prices. Homeless population growing downtown. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Serenity King
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cost of living is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Douglas C.
Can confirm, been here 3 years.
12 upvotes
Peyton Sanders
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Maple Ridge. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally tough. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Russell C.
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in East area are excellent. Kids love it here.
2 upvotes
William A.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. public transit used to be much reasonable but now it's tough.
0 upvotes