Firstly why Rochester, Minnesota?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Rochester
• State: Minnesota
• Population: 121,395 people
• Rochester’s quick summary would be Known for the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and its vibrant arts community.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 12,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 800
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its healthcare industry and quality of life attracting professionals and families

Perk #1: Rochester Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 32%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $74,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Rochester is $78,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $4000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Rochester’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,831
• Property Tax %: 1.13%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $2,000
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Rochester
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Rochester, Byron, Stewartville, Pine-Island, and probably could include Kasson
• Avg. Age of Homes in Rochester: 61 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Rochester’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Rochester are  Healthcare, Education, and Manufacturing
• Rochester Job Scene: strong job market in healthcare and education
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene focused on healthcare innovation and research , ,
• Rochester Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Rochester: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 70 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Rochester

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-90 provides access to Rochester linking it across the state
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on Broadway Avenue
• Transportation Score: 36 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Rochester: 75,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Rochester: dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Rochester International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Rochester’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Winter storms
• General Weather in Rochester is best described as experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold snowy winters warm summers and distinct seasons showcasing vibrant changes throughout the year
• Winter Weather in Rochester i’d describe as very cold with snow
• Spring Weather in Rochester can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Rochester are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Rochester is usually cool with sunny intervals
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 15 days in summer
• Days in a row in Rochester below Freezing: 50
• Average Annual Rainfall: 30 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality primarily due to local regulations
• Rochester Winter Air generally acceptable air quality minor seasonal spikes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Rochester Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Rochester 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Rochesters’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Rochester Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Rochester Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Rochester only Doctors is about 300
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Rochester only Police Officers is about 220
• Crime Rate Index: 25/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Rochester’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Rochester’s Monthly Gym Membership: $50
• Rochester’s Water Quality Score: 84

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Rochester

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 8 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: home to a major medical center with a community feel
• You might enjoy concerts at the Mayo Civic Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Rochester  features a gathering of local breweries bars and music venues providing an engaging nightlife experience

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Rochester

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of casual dining and local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Rochester
• The Popular Sports Team is Rochester Honkers
• Top Level Political Climate in Rochester can be described as politically mixed city driven by healthcare and education sectors
• Rochester’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Congregational Church of Rochester

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Rochester Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Rochester has 40 Parks?
• Rochester Central Park is Rochester’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Rochester Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7:30am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Rochester Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Rochester can be described as steady pace driven by healthcare and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Rochester hiking nature trails exploring local attractions picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Rochester are Byron 12 miles away Stewartville 11 miles away Zumbrota 23 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Rochester or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on Broadway Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Rochester’s Winter storms risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Rochester is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Rochester are Byron 12 miles away Stewartville 11 miles away Zumbrota 23 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 25 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Rochester has 50 days in a row below freezing and 15 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Rochester people have an average (positive or negative) $4000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Rochester. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed city driven by healthcare and education sectors could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Rochester.

Retiree & Senior Life in Rochester

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for exemptions reducing property taxes for homeowners
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Shorewood Landing
• Rochester Senior Center features health programs and various recreational activities for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Rochester, Minnesota?

If Rochester, Minnesota ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Rochester, Minnesota, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!