It may be home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic but that’s not the only thing Rochester, Minnesota has up its sleeve. In fact, the city slogan is “More than you know.” OooooOOOhh, tell me more... Right?
Rochester is also home to more than 100 parks and over 100,000 happy residents. Living here is about much more than snow days. Rochester offers an abundance of recreational activities, as well as some of the best shopping Minnesota has to offer.
How much will you love your new life in this North Star state? More than you know.
Neighborhoods in Rochester:
Rochester is broken down into major areas (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast) and inside every major area exist great neighborhoods to choose from. Additionally, most neighborhoods are near parks, bike paths and trails, giving residents the ability to stay active in their own backyard.
Southwest: The Southwest end of Rochester is home to neighborhoods (Bahily Meadows), as well as the Historic District. The appeal of the Southwest area is that so many of the homes were built in the 1960s and ‘70s, feature split level styles and are a welcomed break from cookie cutter neighborhoods. The housing around here is focused on single-family homes (larger with large wooded lots) that are a bit more established, as well as apartment style living. The area tends to be a bit pricier (one bedrooms for around $1000) but the proximity to entertainment, shopping (Crossroads Shopping Center/Apache Mall) highways and recreational activities make it worth the extra money.
Northwest: Northwest Rochester has a lot to offer the relocator. For outdoor activities, stroll over to Kutzky Park or spend an afternoon shopping at the Miracle Mile (no, not the one in Chicago). The area is comprised of a blend of single family homes (3 bedrooms and up)—some with large yards and some a bit smaller depending on the area— and some apartment & townhome complexes. Many of the homes here are older/established (resembling homes from the ‘40s). Many complexes around here were built in 2001 or later so upgrades are aplenty in this area, with some offering shuttle service, fireplaces and heated underground garages (to keep your car and your walk to it nice and toasty). A busier end of town, popular due to proximity to shopping and major highways, living here makes for a good, short commute.
Northeast: Many of the apartment complexes offer short term leasing and furnished apartments. Aside from short term housing, there are other areas here that are appealing to residents seeking long term living. Home to popular neighborhoods such as Churchill Elton Hills, the Northeast end of town is relatively affordable in terms of apartment living (one bedrooms available for around $630).
Southeast: Some mature neighborhoods, tree lined streets, charming established houses as well as newly built single family homes and apartment complexes. Living in this area puts you in good proximity to hiking paths, orchards, golf courses and even pumpkin patches (during fall, of course). A great location for the avid outdoor runner or a nature lover, the southeast part of town is close to downtown (within walking distance, depending where you live) and home to welcoming neighborhoods such as Marion Park, Stoneridge and Slattery Park.
Tips for Rochester Relocators:
In many apartment complexes in the Rochester area, water is paid. This is a definite perk!
Ramblin’ Around Rochester:
A city this size, with so much going on, needs reliable transportation systems. Rochester uses a skyway system, a subway walking system, a city bus and a taxi service in addition to the major highways.
When residents aren’t traveling above the city (if the Jetsons could see us now!) or underground, they rely on three major highways to get in and around Rochester. U.S. 14, U.S. 52 and U.S. 63 connect drivers to the southern end of Rochester, downtown and other city areas. For everyday driving, residents sometimes opt to travel on Highway 22 which covers all the ground around the city.
Weather:
Rochester is a city of four seasons. Residents welcome a breezy spring and warm summer after a very cold winter and blustery fall. Snow and rainfall here are aplenty but it also allows residents the chance to participate in fun activities such as ice skating, sledding and stocking up on fashionable wellies (rain boots).
So pack your parka, your raincoat and your running shoes and don’t forget, Rochester awaits.