Located on Lake Ontario's southern shore and the mouth of the Genesee River, Rochester is perfect if you are the outdoorsy type-- with beaches, boat tours and multiple parks and hiking trails, the city is a growing tourism hotspot. Rich with history and decorated with art, it is affordable, full of personality, and home to the country's fattiest food--the aptly-named "Garbage plate".
If you are planning or considering a move to this exciting city, this informative guide will help you to relocate smoothly.
Rochester Climate
Rochester has a varied climate with four distinct seasons. If you love snow, you won't be disappointed-- winters are long, cold and snowy, producing about 95 inches of the fluffy white stuff a year. The city's location on the shores of Lake Ontario subjects it to a phenomenon known as the lake effect-- when cold air fronts pass over warmer lake waters and form clouds and precipitation.
Summers are comfortable, with moderate temperatures rarely rising above the 80s and medium to high humidity. In the autumn, you can enjoy one of Rochester's many breathtaking tours of brilliantly colorful fall foliage aboard a historic trolley car or by boat along the Erie Canal.
Rochester Neighborhoods
The Neighborhood of the Arts, or NOTA, is one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods. Once crime-infested and ridden with dilapidated and decaying industrial buildings, it has been transformed into a culturally-rich haven. Old buildings and warehouses have been renovated and converted into trendy lofts and unique shops. The streets are lined with chic public art, creating an outdoor art museum without walls. NOTA is not only swanky, but affordable, so you can immerse yourself with its culture without breaking the bank.
The historic Corn Hill is the oldest residential neighborhood in the city. It is the perfect home for any history buff or lover of antiques. Full of beautiful Victorian homes, Corn Hill hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as The Rochester International Jazz Festival in June, the Corn Hill Arts Festival in July and the Lilac Festival in May.
Charlotte is booming resort town, located at the mouth of the Genesee River and along Lake Ontario. It is an ideal location for any lover of the outdoors. Charlotte is home to the port of Rochester and a hub for aquatic activities, such as swimming, sunbathing on the beach, boating, and fishing. Enjoy a drink or a seafood dinner at one of the many rustic lakefront bars along Lake Avenue or go hiking or bicycling at the Ontario Beach Park.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in New York after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of 30 days to update your registration before you may be required to pay a penalty. The state of New York also has laws that require your vehicle to pass standard emissions tests prior to registering your car. Also, you must provide proof of insurance that is valid in the state of New York.
A New York Driver's License can be obtained at any New York DMV location. The state requires new New York residents to update their license from their previous state to a New York driver's license. You may be required to pass several tests prior to receiving your new license. Also, there is a $10 fee to update your driver's license.
Rochester Schools
Public education in the city is operated by the Rochester City School District, which serves 32,000 students in about 120 facilities. In 2007, the New York State Education Department named 14 of Rochester's elementary schools "most improved" in English and math studies. Additionally, Newsweek Magazine named Wilson Magnet High School 49th in a list of the nation's top 100 schools for advanced curriculum.
The University of Rochester is one of the nation's top research universities. The private institution is also one of the smallest--with only about 5,500 undergraduates and 3,300 graduate students, the 10:1 student to teacher ratio allows for a more interactive learning experience. The school was ranked the 35th-best in the nation by US and World News Report in 2011. The university contains six schools, including the Institute of Optics--founded in 1929, it was the nation's first program dedicated to the study of optical science.
Rochester Employment
Because of its prevalence in the industry of optical science, the city has been nicknamed the "World's Image Center". It is home to the headquarters of American multinational imaging and photographic company Kodak, and was the birthplace of digital imaging and document service company Xerox. Xerox has since moved its headquarters to Norfolk, CT, but still employs a number of people in Rochester.
In addition to Kodak and Xerox, major sources of employment include optics and contact manufacturer Bausch & Lomb, Wegman Food Markets, Inc., the University of Rochester, Viahealth, and the Rochester City School District.
Rochester Moving Resources
There are numerous moving and storage companies located in Rochester that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Rochester is moderate, at 1.6 percent below the national average. The cost of groceries, housing and utilities fall slightly below average, but healthcare, transportation and education costs are above average. The typical cost of rent for a one bedroom apartment in Rochester is $965, and the average home is listed at $132,000.
Rochester Transportation
The public bus system in the city is operated by the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, which runs bus routes throughout the city and surrounding suburbs. Rail service is provided by Amtrak. Rochester experiences minimal traffic congestion for a city, so it is not impractical if you plan to own a car.
Culture & Contemporary Life
The city is abundant with artistic and cultural attractions, beautiful architecture, diverse cuisine, theatres, dance studios and shops. Your first stop for culture should be the Neighborhood of the Arts, or NOTA, a revamped historic neighborhood saturated with art and reinvention. Visit the Village Gate marketplace--an old factory warehouse that was transformed into a bohemian plaza of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Stroll around the famed ARTWalk, a trail of public artwork stretching from the George Eastman House to the Memorial Art Gallery along University Avenue. Sculpture, decorative benches and sidewalk art adorn the path, forming a unique outdoor museum.
Rochester's East End district, located downtown, is the city's hub for nightlife. The strip known as East Avenue is jammed with a plethora of bars, fine dining restaurants, night clubs, lounges and coffee shops. It is also home to the Eastman Theatre, which hosts shows by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and other musical events.
If you are interested in trying some of Rochester's trademark cuisine, make sure you bring your appetite. Stop by Nick Tahou Hots, the landmark establishment that invented the regional staple "garbage plate"--a dish featuring a hamburger, sausage or a "white hot" (an uncured pork hot dog), topped with home fries, baked beans, macaroni salad, mustard, onions, and a spicy meat sauce.
Rochester Relocation Tips
- Dress warm. Rochester is famous for long, snowy winters. Be sure to come equipped with plenty of warm clothes, coats, scarves, gloves and snow boots.
- Plan a summer move. Because of the large amount of snowfall in Northwestern New York cities, moving in the winter could create poor driving conditions and make it more difficult to move in your belongings. Plan to move during the spring or summer, and be sure to book your moving company several months in advance. Summer is the busiest season for movers.
- Research your neighborhood. Before purchasing property or signing a lease, make sure you are fully informed of the region you choose to live. While most of the city is lovely, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Conduct ample research on the city's varied neighborhoods to decide which is the best for you.