Living in Rochester, MN

A Local's Guide to Living in Rochester, MN

If you are thinking about living in Rochester, MN then here is some great information you should know. Rochester is a city located in the southern Minnesota.  It is the birthplace to the world renowned Mayo Clinic. Rochester is in Olmsted County and has a population of about 116,000 residents. Rochester offers residents a dense suburban feel, several park/trails, excellent schools, restaurants and other amenities. Rochester ranks #3 as one of the best places to buy a house, #23 as one of best cities to raise a family and #28 as one of the best cities to live in America.

Parks to visit when living in Rochester, MN

Chester Woods Park

Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo

Root River Park

Cascade Lake Park 

For a full list of all parks in Rochester, MN click here.

Things To Do In Rochester, Minnesota

Rochester, Minnesota is a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. There is plenty to do and see in this charming city, no matter what your interests are. Here are just a few of the many activities to explore while visiting Rochester.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers plenty of opportunities to get outside. Visit Quarry Hill Nature Center, with its miles of trails, or wander around Silver Lake Park, with its peaceful shoreline and fishing pier. If you love to bike, you can explore the city’s extensive bike trail system, or check out the city’s historic downtown district and take part in the Rochester Downtown Biking Tour.

If you’re looking for some culture, the Rochester Art Center is an excellent choice. Here, you can experience the best of art, from masterpieces from around the world to local Minnesota art. The Rochester Civic Theater is another great option for theater lovers, with a wide range of musicals, plays, and special events. The Mayo Civic Center is also a great spot for entertainment, with a variety of concerts, performances, and events.

For shoppers, the city is full of options. Visit the popular Apache Mall or the Shops at University Square for all your shopping needs. If you’re looking to find unique items, check out the city’s many antique stores and unique boutiques. Or, head to the Rochester Farmers Market to find locally-sourced produce and handmade items.

No matter what you’re looking for, Rochester has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore nature, take in some culture, or find the perfect souvenir, you’ll find plenty to do in this beautiful city. So come explore Rochester and see what it has to offer!

Shopping in Rochester, Minnesota

The best place to go shopping Rochester, MN is the Apache Mall. This mall features stores such as H&M, Scheels, Champs, American Eagle, Victoria Secret and more. For eating options you can check out HuHot, Red Lobster and Applebees.

Dining in Rochester, MN

Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria

Forager Brewery

Pescara

Bleu Duck Kitchen

Schools in Rochester, Minnesota

Rochester Public Schools is a high performing school district. In the year 2017-2018 they had a 4 year graduation rate of 87% and their graduation rates continue to surpass the state average of 83%. Also, 63% of teaches hold a Master’s Degree or the equivalency.

Public

Elementary Schools

Lincoln K-8 Choice Elementary

Folwell Elementary

Longfellow Choice Elementary

Washington Elementary

George W. Gibbs Elementary

Middle Schools

Lincoln K-8 Choice Elementary

Friedell Middle

Mayo Senior High

Century Senior High

Rochester Math and Science Academy

Highschool

Mayo Senior High

Century Senior High

John Marshall Senior High

Rochester STEM Academy

Rochester Beacon Academy

College

Rochester Community & Technical College (RCTC)

University of Minnesota Rochester

Cost of Living in Rochester, MN

Rochester is overall more affordable than the average city in the United States. It has a score of 94.1 compared to the U.S. average of 100. The median home price is about $260,000 and average rent price is $1,300.

 

Neighborhoods to consider when living in Rochester, MN

Kutzky Park

Elton Hills

Slatterly Park

Baihly Woodlands

Northwest

Historic Southwest

Lincolnshire – Arbor Glen

Fox Croft

East Side Pioneers

Pill Hills

Golfview

Folwell

Southern Hills

Apple Hills

Glendale

John Adams

 

Arts and Entertainment

Rochester Art Center 

The Rochester Civic Theatre Company

Rochester Repertory Theatre Company

Grey Duck Theatre and Coffee House

Art Heads Emporium

 

Golf

Oak Summit 

Willow Creek 

Rochester Golf & Country Club

Soldiers Memorial Golf Course 

 

Wineries & Breweries

Forager Brewery

Kinney Creek Brewery

Thesis Brewery

Little Thistle 

LTS Brewery 

Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery

Villa Belleza
Not technically located in Rochester but its a beautiful winery located in Pepin, Wisconsin just about one hour away.

 

Is Rochester, MN Safe?

According to Neighborhood Scout, Rochester has a crime index score of 27 out of 100. Overall it’s a very safe place to live in and it’s ranked as one of the best places to raise a family.

 FAQs

  • Rochester, MN is generally considered to be a safe place to live. The city has a low crime rate, and the police department works hard to keep the community safe. Additionally, the city has a variety of programs in place to ensure that individuals feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods. For example, the city has Neighborhood Watch programs, and the police department regularly holds community meetings to discuss safety and security. So overall, yes, Rochester, MN is a safe place to live.

  • The cost of living in Rochester, MN is very reasonable. According to a recent cost of living index report, Rochester has a score of 92.5, which is 7.5% lower than the national average. The housing market in Rochester is fairly affordable, with the median home cost being around $290,000. Additionally, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $800 per month. Overall, the cost of living in Rochester is quite reasonable and offers a great quality of life for those looking to settle down in the area.

  • Absolutely! Rochester, Minnesota is a wonderful place to live. It has a wide variety of activities and attractions, ranging from museums and parks to restaurants and shopping centers. The city is also home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, providing excellent healthcare options. The city is safe and has a strong sense of community. It also offers a range of housing options, making it a great place to call home.

  • Here are a few great ideas of things to do in the area:

    1) Take a stroll through the Quarry Hill Nature Center, where you can explore trails and take in the stunning views of the town.

    2) Explore the downtown area and check out the various shops, restaurants, and galleries.

    3) Catch a show at the Rochester Civic Theatre, which puts on a variety of plays and musicals.