Rochester 92 Exceptional
Rochester Livability #1 ranked city in Minnesota#19 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Rochester

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • 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.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • 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.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons to mention for this area, as all of the categories were rated above average.

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What's it like Living in Rochester?

Rochester is a mid-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 117,134 people. At 78%, the majority of the Rochester population is White; this is followed by 9% Black and 7% Asian. 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 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Rochester is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before relocating to any new city in Minnesota, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. 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, crime, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Minnesota and national averages.

The livability score in Rochester is 91/100 and the city is ranked in the 99th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the US average, Rochester ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Rochester ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we take a closer look at each of the categories on their own, we see that Rochester ranks well for cost of living (A-), education (A-), employment (A+) and housing (A+).

Living in Rochester offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Rochester provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Plummer House, Assisi Heights, and Chateau Theater.

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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Rochester. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Rochester are affordable. Median real estate prices in Rochester come in at $219,400, which is 14.6% higher than the Minnesota average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Rochester, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 3.3% lower than the Minnesota 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, MN Livability

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      Rochester transportation information

      Statistic Rochester Minnesota National
      Average one way commute17min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.7%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.9%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit5.8%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk4.3%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home7.4%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Rochester, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).