Rochester is a mid-sized city in upstate New York, blending historical character with a vibrant urban lifestyle.
The absence of vacation home appeal emphasizes its urban residential character rather than a recreational destination.
Moderate public transit friendliness and car accessibility contribute positively to transportation options.
Home Stratosphere
This urban energy appeals primarily to younger demographics seeking lively city life rather than quiet or luxury-oriented lifestyles.
Recent years have shown continued steady growth, albeit at a slightly moderated pace.
Housing Stock and Neighborhoods
Rochesters housing stock is older and full of character.
Nearly 48% of housing units are single-family homes (mostly detached houses with yards).
The rest are duplexes, small apartment buildings, and some larger apartment complexes.
A Brief History of Rochester
Rochesters story begins in the early 1800s.
Later, it was nicknamed Flower City for its nurseries and lilacs.
In the early 20th century, Rochester became a center of innovation and industry.
This industrial heritage earned Rochester a reputation as a prosperous manufacturing city.
Overall, Rochesters living costs are about on par with the U.S. national average.
Whats notable is that Rochester is much cheaper than places like New York City or the West Coast.
Utilities (electricity, heat, water) run about 10% cheaper than the U.S. average.
Groceries and healthcare costs are also a bit below average (on the order of 12% less).
In short, a salary tends to stretch further in Rochester than in many U.S. cities.
Safety and Crime
Safety is an important consideration for anyone moving to a new city.
Like many cities, Rochester faces challenges with crime.
Overall crime rates in Rochester are higher than the national average.
In 2019, Rochester had about 748 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
This was roughly double the U.S. average violent crime rate of around 367 per 100,000 people.
However, recent data suggest things are improving.
Rochesters police and community organizations have been working to reduce gun violence and crime.
Many parts of Rochester are generally safe, and the majority of crimes are concentrated in specific high-poverty neighborhoods.
Downtown and several residential neighborhoods have active community policing and neighborhood watch programs.
The University and its health system employ over 31,000 people locally, making it the regions top employer.
While the old giants like Kodak and Xerox are much smaller now, they are still present.
In summary, Rochesters economy is diverse but dominated by eds and meds (education and medical sectors).
Youll find opportunities in hospitals, universities, tech companies, banks, and government.
Highway access is excellent: Rochester sits at the intersection of a few major routes.
Traffic jams are relatively rare and mild compared to big cities commute times are typically under 20 minutes one-way.
RTS buses cover the city and many suburbs, and the hub is downtown at the RTS Transit Center.
So, the bus is the only public transit option within the city.
and a Greyhound/Trailways bus station downtown.
The Greater Rochester International Airport offers flights by major airlines.
Property Taxes
Property taxes in the Rochester area are significantly above the national average.
In the City of Rochester, the tax rate has multiple parts (city and school district).
That is about 1.1% of the homes value annually.
The tax rates range from 4% up to 10.9% on the highest incomes.
There is no separate city income tax in Rochester.
Groceries and prescription medications are exempt from sales tax in New York.
Healthcare Access and Quality
Rochester offers excellent healthcare facilities and access for a city its size.
Rochester General Hospital (part of Rochester Regional) is another well-regarded hospital, known especially for cardiac care.
Public Health Indicators
Health insurance coverage is high among Rochesters population.
For families, theres the Golisano Childrens Hospital at URMC, providing comprehensive pediatric care.
Education System Overview
Education is a mixed picture in Rochester.
This is far lower than the U.S. average graduation rate of around 87% for high school students.
In fact, Rochesters graduation rate is one of the lowest in New York State.
Educational Options
There are some bright spots.
Rochester has a number of charter schools and alternative programs that families can consider.
Additionally, for younger children, the city has been expanding pre-kindergarten programs to give kids a better start.
Some families opt for magnet schools or charter schools in Rochester to find a suitable environment.
Parks and Recreation
One of Rochesters greatest assets is its abundance of parks and outdoor spaces.
The city prides itself on having over 3,500 acres of parks for the public to enjoy.
These parks range from large, historic landscapes to small neighborhood playgrounds.
Seneca Park houses the Seneca Park Zoo, a popular family attraction.
High Falls in downtown is a 96-foot waterfall with a scenic viewing area.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Culturally, Rochester punches above its weight.
The city has a thriving arts and entertainment scene with many amenities you might expect only in larger cities.
For theater and the performing arts, Rochester offers several options.
The Geva Theatre Center is a professional theater that produces plays and musicals.
The East End district downtown has clubs, bars, and music venues making it a nightlife hub.
Housing is exceptionally affordable, with median home values around $120,000.
The healthcare system is strong, with two major hospital networks providing high-quality care.
Rochesters parks, museums, and cultural institutions provide a quality of life that rivals much larger cities.
