Photo of Rochester, MN
( 21 Ratings )

Living in Rochester, MN

Rochester Area Facts

  • Rochester has a Livability Score of 92/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Rochester crime rates are 11% lower than the Minnesota average
  • Cost of living in Rochester is 5% higher than the Minnesota average
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Rochester Reviews

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Can't wait to move! User Rating 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 27, 2019) We moved her for my husband's job 1 year ago based on its ranking as "one of the best cities to live in". Rochester has been a HUGE let down from everything ranging from healthcare to general "feel" and life style. It is entirely ran by Mayo, which values out-of country patients ...Read More that are willing to "donate" millions of dollars IN EXCHANGE for top-tier care. Rochester citizens are colder than the weather, rude, extremely conservative; which I found shocking, largely unwelcoming of other ethnicities, and most of all; BORING. There's no energy in this town, no sense of HONEST community, no empathy, no efforts from Government or Mayo to genuinely care for its employees and residents. There's no pride in any of it's outdoor recreational facilities, no initiative to make the town beautiful or appealing for people looking for nature. We are looking forward to leave as soon as we can sell our house. Read Less
Rochester, MN - More than Just the Mayo Clinic User Rating 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jul 22, 2010) I have visited Rochester, MN on several occasions to visit the Mayo Clinic. There are many other attractions in Rochester other than some of the worlds best medical facilities. The city is surrounded by gorgeous landscapes including hills, trees, forest, farm lands and historical ...Read More buildings. There are some lovely parks within Rochester, as well. Most importantly to many visitors is that the city of Rochester has some of the nicest, friendliest and welcoming residents of any city I have ever visited.

Two of the attractions that I have enjoyed in Rochester, MN are Assisi Heights and the Plummer House. The Plummer House is a historic mansion with elegant gardens and wonderful architecture that sits on a hill above the town of Rochester. Another especially interesting and beautiful site is Assisi Heights which is the historic home and current home of the Sisters of St. Francis. Tours are offered daily at two in the afternoon. I have so sincerely enjoyed every visit I have made to Rochester. It is such a nice, clean, beautiful mid-western city. Read Less
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      Rochester, MN

      Rochester, Minnesota, is the third-largest city in Minnesota and is frequently rated as one of the best places to live in America. With a population of around 150,000, it has many of the cultural advantages of big-city living coupled with the comfort and charm of hometown America. Rochester is famous for its culture of caring, its extensive parks systems, and its spirit of innovation.

      Known worldwide as the home of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester's nickname is "Med City." The Mayo Clinic employs around 50,000 people and is Rochester's major industry. Every year, more than 2 million people from every state, and more than 150 countries, are treated at the Mayo Clinic. All the doctors receive a fixed salary, giving rise to a citywide feeling of fairness and equality.

      Because of the Mayo Clinic's commitment to cutting-edge research, many talented young medical professionals are attracted to Rochester. IBM also has a large facility in Rochester making it a hub for technological innovation as well.

      Nature lovers love Rochester! There are over 100 parks and 100 miles of paved biking and hiking trails. Whether you are interested in a leisurely lunch-break stroll or a challenging all-day hike, there is something in Rochester for you. Visit the Quarry Hill Nature Center, Sekapp Orchard and Pumpkin Patch, or Silver Lake Park for a relaxing brush with nature. However, remember that winters in Rochester are snowy and cold, so come prepared.

      Rochester has a strong agricultural tradition. Visit their year-round farmers market every Thursday, tour one of their many pick-your-own farms and orchards, or enjoy a good meal at a farm-to-table restaurant.

      A large variety of public art abounds in Rochester. The Mayo Clinic has long been committed to displaying works from world-famous artists as well as giving those just starting out a chance to be seen and appreciated. The Rochester Art Center offers a contemporary and innovative art experience.

      Rochester has an interesting history. Take a tour of the Mayowood Mansion, the History Center of Olmsted County, the Mayo Clinic, the Assisi Heights Spiritual Center, the Rochester Trolley Company, or the Historic Chateau Theatre House for a fascinating step back in time.

      Rochester has an excellent public transportation system. Because so many people fly in for treatment at the Mayo Clinic, all forms of public transit are readily available and affordable. Eco-friendly forms of transportation such as biking, park-and-ride and carpooling are strongly encouraged.

      Relocating to Rochester, Minnesota, is cost-effective. All major indicators for cost-of-living (housing, health care, transportation, groceries and utilities) are slightly below the national average. The quality-of-life indexes are well above the national average. If you love nature, crave a healthy living style, like a city with big city conveniences and a small-town feel, and want to be at the center of medical and technological advances Rochester is the city for you.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Rochester? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Plummer House
      Splash Park
      Soldiers Field Memorial Park
      Water Slides
      Outdoor Fitness
      Little Sluggers Practice Area
      United Way Park
      Four Square Park

      Entertainment

      Plummer House
      Scheels Mini-Bowling (2nd floor)
      threshold Arts
      Semva
      Spark
      Heritage House
      Rochester Civic Theatre
      Rochester Art Center

      Food & Drink

      KFC
      McDonald's
      Arby's
      Cousin's Subs
      Potbelly
      McDonald's
      HuHot Mongolian Grill
      Brother's

      A- Commute

      Is public transit available in Rochester? Of all people who commute, 5.8% take public transportation in Rochester.
      Drive to Work
      69%

      8% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      6%

      1% higher than the US average

      Walk to Work
      4%

      2% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Rochester a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      Mayo Eugenio Litta Children's Hospital
      Mayo Clinic Hospital Methodist Campus
      Olmsted Medical Center Southeast
      Mayo Clinic Saint Marys Campus
      Olmsted Medical Center Hospital
      Olmsted Medical Center
      Olmsted Medical Center - Northwest Clinic
      Mayo Family Clinic Northeast

      Pharmacies

      CVS Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Walgreens
      Hunt Drug
      Hy-Vee Pharmacy

      Doctors

      Mayo Family Clinic Northwest
      Essence Skin Clinic
      Baldwin Building
      Mayo Family Clinic Northeast
      Olmsted Medical Center
      Olmsted Medical Center Hospital and 24-Hour ED