What's it really like living in Rochester?

Elijah Mitchell Jan 27, 2026

Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in Eastside for 12 years. Moved from Minneapolis for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.

**Employment:**
tech is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are challenging. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Road conditions need improvement. And public transit can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.

38 upvotes

Delilah H. Jan 28, 2026

Bought a house here in 2016 and it's not perfect but it works for me. Property values have gone up significantly since then.

1 upvotes