Rochester 76 Exceptional
Rochester Livability #190 ranked city in New York#2,959 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas

Rochester, NY - The Flour City

Rochester, NY, known as "The Flour City," offers a rich blend of history, culture, and innovation. Located in the western part of New York State on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester is just 74 miles east of Buffalo and 90 miles west of Syracuse. This medium-sized city provides a balance of urban amenities and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive place to live.

Rochester's climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes. The city boasts numerous parks and outdoor spaces, such as Highland Park, known for its annual Lilac Festival, and Genesee Valley Park, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities along the Genesee River.

Rochester is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, and the Rochester Museum and Science Center. The city is also home to a thriving arts community, with the Eastman School of Music and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra contributing to a rich musical heritage. Annual events like the Rochester International Jazz Festival attract visitors and residents alike.

Education is a cornerstone of the community in Rochester, with the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology being major institutions that attract students from around the globe. The city's public and private schools offer quality education, making it a desirable place for families. Rochester's commitment to education is evident in its numerous schools and community programs.

Living in Rochester combines the benefits of urban living with a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to excellent healthcare facilities, diverse recreational activities, and a robust job market driven by sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. Public transportation options, including buses and the Amtrak station, make commuting and exploring the region convenient. Rochester offers a fulfilling and dynamic living experience with its blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Pros and Cons of Living in Rochester

PROS
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Employment

    In the employment category, a low score could be attributed to low income levels and high unemployment in the area, suggesting potential difficulties in finding lucrative employment.

  • Ratings

    AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.

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What's it like Living in Rochester?

Rochester, New York is a large city with a population of 206,357 inhabitants. With a population density of 5,770 people per square mile, Rochester is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (45%) and Black or African American (39%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Rochester residents is 32. In Rochester, only 31% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. 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 20 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Rochester, New York could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. 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, commute, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New York and national averages.

Rochester has a livability score of 75 out of 100 and is ranked #206 in New York and #3,077 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Rochester could be a great choice! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Rochester ranks well for amenities (B-), cost of living (A+) and housing (A-) Rochester does not score well for the following: crime (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're living in Rochester, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Rochester an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: National Museum of Play at The Strong, Seneca Park Zoo, and Geva Theatre Center.

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.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Rochester is actually affordable. The median home price for Rochester homes is $88,100, which is 69.2% lower than the New York average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Rochester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.4, which is 48.9% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Rochester

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Rochester?

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Compare Rochester, NY Livability

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      Rochester transportation information

      Statistic Rochester New York National
      Average one way commute20min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.1%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.3%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.4%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.4%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.5%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home5.9%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Rochester, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).