Living in Rochester, NY: Blooming in the Flower City — One of the Best Kept Northeast Secrets

Is Rochester, NY, a good place to live? Absolutely. This upstate gem delivers big on quality of life without demanding a big-city budget. Living in Rochester, NY, comes with affordable living, solid job opportunities, and a great arts scene that keeps things interesting year-round. In other words, it’s a place where your paycheck stretches further — and your weekends are anything but boring.

Rochester at a Glance

• Located in Upstate New York, Rochester sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario.
• Rochester covers an area of 35 square miles.
• The population in Rochester is just over 207,300.
• The median age in Rochester is 34 years old.
• Rochester is the birthplace of many innovations, including French’s Mustard and Jell-O.

20 Things To Know About Living in Rochester, NY

What is Rochester, NY, like? Whether you’re deciding between a local or cross-country move to Rochester, it’s important to weigh key factors, like the cost of living, harsh weather in the winter, job opportunities, and varying safety in the city’s neighborhoods.

1. Cost of Living in Rochester, NY

Those looking for more of an affordable lifestyle can find it in Rochester. The city’s cost of living score is 88.6 —11.4 percent lower than the national average index of 100 and 27.1 percent lower than the New York state average.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Rochester, NY  

Take a look at some of the standout pros and cons you can expect to encounter while living in Rochester, NY.

Pros of Living in Rochester, NY

• Affordability
• Thriving arts and culture scene
• Strong education options
• Outdoor recreation

Cons of Living in Rochester, NY

• Competitive housing market with projected inflation
• High crime rates
• Limited public transportation
• Harsh and snowy winters

Those living in Rochester, NY, enjoy relatively affordable housing prices, with an average home value of $222,400.
(Source: The Angie Flack Brown Team - Real Estate via Facebook)

3. The Rochester, NY, Average Home Price Is Currently Affordable, but Expected To Rise

Recently ranking No. 2 among top housing markets in the U.S., Rochester’s affordable homes are a major factor for those seeking to relocate from high-cost areas. However, the city’s housing market has faced struggles, including inventory shortages, buying competition, and a projected increase in home values. The city’s average home value of $222,400 is still well under the state average of $498,400 and the national average of $357,400.

Rochester’s diverse housing market offers everything from single-family homes, including common styles like Colonials, to multi-family homes, townhouses, apartments, and condos.

4. Rochester’s Rental Market Faces Similar Struggles to the Housing Market

Similar to the housing market, the rental market in Rochester is generally more affordable than the national average; however, the average monthly rent price is continuing to increase. From urban lofts to suburban townhomes, the average rent will ultimately depend on how much space you desire and the neighborhood you reside in.

The average rent for apartments of all sizes in Rochester is $1,500, compared to the state average of $2,450 and the national average of $1,725. The average apartment size can range anywhere between 500 square feet for a studio to nearly 1,650 square feet for a three-bedroom.

5. The Best Places To Live in Rochester Are Calling Your Name

From vibrant urban centers to calm, family-friendly communities, each neighborhood in Rochester has its own distinct vibe. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in the city:

• Swillburg: With affordable homes, a strong community spirit, and access to top recreational areas, the neighborhood of Swillburg is one of the best places to live in Rochester for families.
• Park Avenue: A hub for a vibrant nightlife scene and easy walkability, Park Avenue is a top neighborhood in Rochester for singles and young professionals.
• Ellwanger-Barry: The walkable and friendly community of Ellwanger-Barry (also referred to as Highland Park) is a great neighborhood to settle down for retirees, with a reputation as the “Finest and Healthiest Part of the City.”

6. Be Mindful of the High Crime Rate in Rochester, NY

Is Rochester, NY, safe? The city has a reputation for having some of the highest crime rates in the nation when compared to other cities across the U.S. of similar size. The overall crime score, according to NeighborhoodScout, sits at a four, meaning the city is safer than just four percent of U.S. cities. Your chances of being a victim of either violent or property crime while living in Rochester, NY, are one in 17, which is one of the highest rates within the state — even among the best small towns in New York.

7. The Best Things To Do in Rochester, NY, Are Diverse & Abundant

From world-renowned museums to the great outdoors and lively festivals, Rochester offers an array of activities. Here are some of the best things to do in the city:

• Bring the whole family to a world-class museum: Take the family to an interactive museum experience like The Strong National Museum of Play to explore the history of toys and video games.
• Enjoy the outdoors at one of the city’s scenic parks: View massive waterfalls and take a hike at Letchworth State Park, or enjoy a natural sandy beach at Ontario Beach Park.
• Enjoy festival season: The festivals in Rochester are sure to keep residents entertained. Check out the Rochester International Jazz Festival for live music or the Corn Hill Arts Festival to see the works from hundreds of artists.

8. Rochester Weather Is Characterized by Four Seasons

With its proximity to Lake Ontario, Rochester comes with a humid continental climate. Winters can be especially rough in the city, with cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, while summers are warm and sunny, with a moderate amount of rain. Luckily, severe weather is not much of an issue in Rochester, though there can be periods of extreme winds and rare small tornadoes.

Living in Rochester, NY, comes with bold flavors and local favorites like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.
(Source: Dinosaur BBQ via Facebook)

9. Rochester Is a Foodie’s Paradise

Blending local specialties with a wide range of ethnic cuisines, Rochester’s food scene is diverse and continuing to evolve. Here are some of the top dining spots that mark the city’s culinary landscape:

• Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: A casual eatery best known for its St. Louis ribs and smoked wings.
• REDD: This trendy and upscale restaurant sources local ingredients and includes popular menu options such as tuna tartare and duck confit.
• Chortke: Enjoy classic Persian cuisine options in an elegant setting, such as lamb lollipops and Faro Island salmon.

10. Rochester’s Job Scene Is a Major Attraction for Young Professionals

Previously focused on traditional manufacturing, the economy in Rochester has transformed to a high-tech hub for healthcare, higher education, and precision optics. One of the largest employers in the region is now the University of Rochester.

Rochester’s unemployment rate is lower than that of other communities in New York, such as Buffalo and Syracuse, which sit at around 4 percent.

11. Public Transportation in Rochester Is Centered in Downtown

Managed by the Regional Transit Service (RTS), Rochester’s public transit is great for some high-density areas, but faces some challenges with frequency and coverage in suburban areas. RTS Connect is the main fixed-route bus service that operates out of the RTS Transit Center in downtown, while RTS On Demand offers curb-to-curb service for Americans with disabilities and areas not covered by the traditional routes.

While the fixed routes reach major hubs like colleges and large employers, the car-centric layout of the city means most residents will still need their own vehicle.

12. The Educational System in Rochester Is Top Notch

Rochester is home to some of the highest-performing school districts in the state, along with acclaimed higher education opportunities. The Pittsford Central School District is currently ranked No. 1 in the Rochester area, while also ranked No. 15 in New York. Brighton Central School District is also one of the top districts, ranking among the very highest in the state.

The University of Rochester is highly-regarded for medicine and nursing, while other schools, such as the Rochester Institute of Technology, are leaders in game development.

13. Rochester’s Sports Scene Has a Strong Presence

From professional to collegiate sports, Rochester’s sports fans are passionate and proud to root for their local teams. Professional sports teams include the Rochester Red Wings Minor League Baseball team and the Rochester Americans hockey team, along with the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team and Flower City Union soccer team.

The University of Rochester Yellow Jackets are one of the most prominent collegiate athletics programs, competing in over 20 intercollegiate varsity sports.

14. The Performing Arts Scene in Rochester Is Exceptional

Often ranked as one of the most arts-vibrant communities in the U.S., the performing arts scene in Rochester is one with much to be explored. Broadway fan? The Rochester Broadway Theatre League is a staple of the performing arts community in Rochester, which hosts major productions at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Check out the Eastman School of Music or the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra for live music.

15. The Nightlife Scene in Rochester Makes for a Fun Night Out

Rochester’s lively nightlife offers a wide range of experiences, from high-energy clubs to intimate lounges and music venues. Here are some popular areas to explore:

• Vertex: This nightclub is a popular destination in the East End, serving up great live music, reasonably priced drinks, and an open-air dance floor.
• Lux Lounge: This establishment is a popular dive bar in the South Wedge with a great backyard patio and a fire pit.
• ROAR: This establishment is a great LGBTQ+ friendly nightclub that offers a variety of entertainment, including drag shows and karaoke.

From vibrant flower markets to the Lilac Festival, enjoying the blooms is one of the best things to do in Rochester, NY.

16. Rochester Embraces Its “Flower City” Nickname

Rochester is known as the "Flower City" due to its longtime association with the seed and nursery industry, as well as its annual festivals and botanical gardens. The city officially embraces this nickname through events like the Rochester Lilac Festival, held every year in Highland Park. This region is home to the largest lilac bush collection in North America, featuring more than 500 varieties. Numerous parks and gardens are also maintained by the city of Rochester.

17. Find Fresh Produce Year-Round at Rochester’s Farmer’s Markets

The city of Rochester's reputation for fresh produce is closely tied to its proximity to the Finger Lakes, an agricultural region that spans several counties and is one of the most diverse in the nation. Rochester is home to several farmers' markets offering a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other local goods, including the year-round Rochester Public Market and seasonal options such as the Brighton Farmers' Market and the Town of Pittsford Farm stands and markets.

18. The Horse Statues Around Town Have a Story To Tell

If you look around Rochester, you might notice the abundance of horse statues found in the city. This can be attributed to the "Horses on Parade" project, which was carried out in 2001. It involved placing life-sized fiberglass horses in various locations throughout the region.

Although many of the statues were purchased by private patrons, many of them remain in place as public fixtures. One prominent example is the Freedom Horse, which can be found in the median of Interstate 490 between Winton Road and Culver Boulevard.

19. Beware of Rochester’s Challenging Road Conditions

Many of Rochester's roads are rated mediocre or poor, and the driving conditions on these rough roads can result in hundreds and even thousands of extra dollars in repairs and operating costs for local drivers. When driving throughout the city, it's important to be mindful of road conditions, such as potholes formed by harsh winter weather. While the city makes ongoing efforts to repair these potholes, the problem still persists.

20. Rochester’s Central Location Makes It Easy To Take a Fun Day Trip

Because Rochester is conveniently located in Western New York, you can easily take a day trip to one of the major cities across the Northeast and even into Canada. With quick access to the New York State Thruway, a number of vibrant urban centers are within easy reach when you’re looking to get away.

Nearby destinations include:

• Toronto, ON, Canada: 3.5-hour drive
• Cleveland, OH: 4.5-hour drive
• Pittsburgh, PA: 5-hour drive

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Moving to Rochester, NY, With PODS

Deciding to move to Rochester is the easy part. The challenge is getting there. PODS can make the process flexible with a portable storage container delivered right to your driveway. You can load it on your own or hire local packing and loading assistance if you need help with the heavy lifting. Once you're ready to move, have your container picked up and delivered to your new home or to a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it. One month of storage is included in every move so you can take your time without feeling rushed.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}