UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
Rochester, MN is the #3 Best City to Live in the USA
| Rochester, MN Quality of Life Liv Score 671 How We Calculate Our Data |
|---|
| Civics | 50 |
| Demographics | 62 |
| Economy | 77 |
| Education | 59 |
| Health | 69 |
| Housing | 71 |
| Infrastructure | 54 |
| Amenities | 54 |
Why Rochester is one of the best cities to live in
Rochester, MN, is always brewing with excitement, as the community boasts gorgeous Midwest scenery, an arts scene full of galleries, theaters and museums, must-try fine dining and food truck favorites, amazing breweries and wineries, and – its gem – the nearly 200,000-square-foot Mayo Civic Center, which hosts a calendar full of must-attend social and sporting events, conventions and concerts (think acts like country music star Travis Tritt).
While its entertainment options run the gamut, the city also offers affordable housing options for a variety of tastes and budgets, making it one of the best places to live in the U.S. The average home value is just $258,250, and residents can choose from beautiful apartments, condos, modest two-stories and even luxury homes. And as its strong economy suggests, finding a job in this city of more than 117,00 is a breeze. Did we mention two of its main employers are the Mayo Clinic and IBM? This means slews of life-changing patents are coming out of this city every year.
Health care, computer technology, manufacturing, food processing, and convention and tourism are the leading industries in Rochester. The Mayo Clinic, Rochester Public Schools and IBM employ many of the city’s residents.
University of Minnesota Rochester & Rochester Community & Technical College
Enjoy all four seasons in Rochester – chilly winters, cool springs, hot summers and moderate autumns. Summers are long and balmy, and winter brings lots of snow… nearly 50 inches of it each year!
Hit the trails! Residents can enjoy one of the city’s 100-plus parks or choose a portion of its more than 85 miles of paved trails for a walk or bike ride.
Rochester, MN is Remote-Ready
As the home of the Mayo Clinic, widely recognized as one of the best hospitals in the world, and with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, the city of Rochester has a long history of producing top talent. For those on the go, the Rochester Public Library has personal hotspots available for checkout. Then there is Collider, an organization that is much more than your average coworking space (there are two in town, though!). Collider aims to create an inclusive and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rochester by providing members with professional connections, educational events and an entire bank of resources for those looking to jumpstart their businesses.
What Locals Love in Rochester, MN:
Spend hours perusing the shelves at Garden Party Books, a used bookstore whose owners run Gray Duck Theater & Coffeehouse next door. Kill two birds with one stone and be sure to stop in for a great cup of joe.
Explore downtown Rochester’s many boutiques and other unique shops, then head to one of the city’s popular wineries or breweries for a drink with friends.
Hop on your bike and admire the original outdoor artwork along some of the city’s bike trails, or if you’re feeling more social, head downtown every Thursday from June to August for Thursdays Downtown, a weekly community block party.
Unwind from a long day at The Tap House in downtown Rochester, where you can choose from one of the 50-plus beers on tap and grab a burger. Its rooftop seating is a must!
The best way to relax is by spending an afternoon floating down the Zumbro River.
A vibrant arts and entertainment scene, an affordable cost of living, and a strong economy make Rochester a best place to live in Minnesota.
Thinking of Moving to Rochester?
Rochester, MN real estate is an affordable, urban enclave amid a sea of midwest farmland. Single family homes for sale in Rochester, MN make up nearly two thirds of all housing, and give the city a strong homeowner streak. With median home prices just below the national average and a small population just over 100K, local real estate agents have no problem finding buyers eager to get into this competitive Minnesota market. Look for homes around West 2nd street, which is Rochester’s uptown, for charismatic old school homes and nearby breweries.
Quick Facts About Rochester, MN
- Average Commute
- 14.82
- Median Home Value
- $282,871
- Med. Household Income
- $82,227
- Total Population
- 123,144
- Walk Score
- 30
- Median Property Tax
- $2,767
