Rochester, Minnesota, known as "Med City," is renowned for its world-class healthcare and vibrant community. Home to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most prestigious medical centers in the world, Rochester offers a high quality of life for its residents. The city's blend of healthcare excellence, cultural richness, and welcoming atmosphere makes living in Rochester an attractive option.
Residents of Rochester enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, trails, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Silver Lake Park and Quarry Hill Nature Center are popular destinations for hiking, biking, and picnicking. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events, including the Rochesterfest and Thursdays on First & 3rd Summer Market & Music Festival.
Rochester's strong economy is supported by the healthcare industry, with the Mayo Clinic being the largest employer. The city's commitment to education is evident with institutions like the University of Minnesota Rochester and Rochester Community and Technical College. These institutions contribute to the city's vibrant academic and cultural environment.
The cost of living in Rochester is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Minnesota, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from historic homes in charming neighborhoods to modern apartments and condos. The city's strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere further enhance its appeal.
Public transportation in Rochester is provided by Rochester Public Transit, facilitating easy commutes within the city and to neighboring areas. Rochester's climate features four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers, allowing for a variety of seasonal activities. Overall, Rochester offers a blend of healthcare excellence, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Amenities
A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Nothing Found
There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.
Rochester is a mid-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 117,134 people. At 78%, the majority of the Rochester population is White; this is followed by 9% Black and 7% Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Rochester is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Rochester is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Minnesota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Rochester and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.
The livability score in Rochester is 91/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the US average, Rochester ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Rochester ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Rochester ranks well for cost of living (A-), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+).
Living in Rochester offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Rochester provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Plummer House, Assisi Heights, and Chateau Theater.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Rochester apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Rochester. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Rochester are affordable. Median real estate prices in Rochester come in at $219,400, which is 14.6% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rochester, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Minnesota average.
| Statistic | Rochester | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 68.7% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.9% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 5.8% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.9% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.3% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Minnesota
See the best places to live in Rochester
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Minnesota
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Minnesota