New York / Monroe County

Moving to Rochester, NY

Thinking of making a move to Rochester, NY? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rochester, NY

Considering a move to Rochester, NY? This welcoming community of 210,606 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $114,400 and average rents near $1,070. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (47% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rochester's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rochester, NY

Rochester has a population of 210,606 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 39% White, 39% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 16% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
210,606
Density
5,880 per sq mi
Median Age
32.3
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
15.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
38.6%
Black
39.2%
Asian
3.7%
Others
18.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Rochester, NY?

The cost of living in Rochester is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 85.2. Median home values are around $114,400 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,070. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$114,400
Gross Rent
$1,070
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$510
State Taxes
Low: 4.0%| High: 8.82%
Cost Of Living Index
85.2
Grocery
97.6
Housing
52.7
Utilities
102.3
Transportation
89.2
Health Care
98.4
Miscellaneous
91.5

Crime

Is Rochester, NY a safe place to live?

Rochester is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 793 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 30. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New York.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
793
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,290
Crime Index
4,083
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 126
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 30

Weather

What is the weather like in Rochester, NY year-round?

Rochester experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 47% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
60°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
33.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
47%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $40,083 and a low poverty rate of 30.4%. Over 83% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$24,947
Household Income
$40,083
Family Income
$49,012
Per Capita Income
$23,400
Income Male
$28,200
Income Female
$24,100
Poverty Rate
30.4%
Non English Speakers
15.6%
Rent
$1,070
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
Public Transport Usage
10.2%
Commute Time
19.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
83.3%
Bachelors or More
23.1%

Education

How are the schools in Rochester, NY?

Rochester offers quality education options, with public schools like School of the Arts and Wilson Magnet High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
School of the Arts
Street
45 Prince St
Phone
585-242-7682
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8
Name
Wilson Magnet High School
Street
501 Genesee St
Phone
585-328-3440
Students
1,200
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5

Private Schools

Name
McQuaid Jesuit High School
Street
1800 S. Clinton Ave
Phone
585-473-1130
Students
850

Colleges

Name
University of Rochester
City
Rochester
State
NY
Distance
0 miles
Students
12,000
Name
Rochester Institute of Technology
City
Rochester
State
NY
Distance
6 miles
Students
19,000

Healthcare

Rochester residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Strong Memorial Hospital and Rochester General Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.5 per 1,000 people and 95.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Strong Memorial Hospital
Address
601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642
Phone
(585) 275-2100
Type
General & Teaching
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Rochester General Hospital
Address
1425 Portland Ave, Rochester, NY 14621
Phone
(585) 922-4000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.5
Health Insurance Coverage
95.1%
Health Care Index
72.9

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rochester, NY?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $114,400 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 38%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 11.3%. Rochester offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$114,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,070
Owner Occupied Rate
38.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
11.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.2%
New Construction Rate
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate
1.1%

DMV Information

Residents of Rochester handle vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Rochester. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New York
Department
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
200 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone
(518) 486-9786

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Rochester, NY

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rochester, review the core fields on this page: population 210,606, median home value $114,400, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,070, commute time 19.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 47%.

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