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Moving to Rochester in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Rochester.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Rochester.

Planning to move to Rochester?

Rochester is a vibrant city in New York that offers a lot to its residents and newcomers. Moving to a new town is full of challenges, and most people find financing a move difficult. But with detailed planning and following a checklist, you can experience an easy move. Van Lines Move will help you learn everything about the new city through this moving guide. Rochester is a city filled with art, culture, and traditions, as every year, locals celebrate several festivals. The cost of living in the city is generally considered reasonable. The residents enjoy four distinct seasons with significant snowfall due to the “lake effect” from Lake Ontario. The economy of Rochester relies on several industries, including healthcare, education, technology, and more. You can enjoy the strong sense of community in the city and find plenty of options for recreation. Some other details are essential for your move-

Quick Facts of Rochester

Check out some unique features about Rochester-

The city is home to Eastman Kodak Company, which revolutionized photography.

The roots of The Haloid Company, which later became Xerox, are in Rochester.

The Strong National Museum of Play is a dedicated museum of the history and exploration of play.

The "Garbage Plate" is a local culinary specialty and unique dish.

The city enjoys significant snowfall due to the “Lake Effect”.

Rochester is known for its unique “white hot” hot dogs.

Marshmallows were first commercially produced in Rochester.

Rochester has several sister cities around the world.

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Top reasons to move to Rochester

A move is a major step that you take in your life to achieve something better. So, before you start packing your house, find some strong reasons to move to Rochester-

Cost of living – The city boasts a significantly low cost of living, lower than the national average. If you move here, you will enjoy affordable housing and an opportunity to own a home.

Education – Rochester is home to several renowned educational institutions providing excellent higher education options. The city has a strong public school system.

Culture – The city offers a diverse cultural landscape and celebrates several festivals throughout the year. It also has a thriving art scene.

Quality of Life – Rochester offers a high quality of life with minimal traffic congestion and access to outdoor spaces. There are parks, lakes, and the nearby Finger Lakes region.

Family-friendly – The city offers a range of family-friendly activities and has many safe neighborhoods.

Pros & Cons of Living in Rochester

Pros and cons of the city help you prepare for the challenges of living in the new city. Here are some pros and cons of living in Rochester-

Pros of living in Rochester	Cons of living in Rochester
The cost of living is lower and housing is significantly affordable	The city experiences heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperature due to “lake effect”
Home to renowned universities providing excellent educational and career opportunities	Some areas reported to have higher crime rates
The city is rich in culture with thriving art and music scene	Job market is limited to a few sectors and salaries can be lower
It has family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools and recreational opportunities	Public transportation in the city is not extensive
Food scene in the city is diverse with many local foods	Rochester has relatively high property taxes

Tip: When you've got a home to move in Rochester, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the Rochester

While moving to a new city, you will be worried about the neighbors and neighborhood. A safe, friendly, and happy neighborhood is the priority as they will help in the transition. Rochester has many neighborhoods that can meet your requirements. Explore these neighborhoods online before moving-

Park Avenue – The neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, vibrant atmosphere and walkable streets. This is a popular location for young professionals and features cafes, restaurants and shops.

Browncroft – This is a residential neighborhood with quiet and peaceful environment. It has beautiful historic homes, tree-lined streets and offers scenic views and recreational opportunities due to proximity to Cobbs Hill Park.

South Wedge – This is a trendy neighborhood with a thriving art scene. It is a preferred location for young professionals, students, and creatives. This location features local businesses and live music venues.

Corn Hill – This is one of the oldest and historic neighborhoods of Rochester and it features beautifully preserved 19th-century homes and cobblestone streets. This location offers a strong sense of community.

Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) – This area is a hub for arts and culture and features museums, galleries, and more. If you love arts, this location is for you.

Downtown Rochester – This location offers a mix of entertainment, modern living, and dining. If you prefer an active urban lifestyle, move here.

Cost of living in Rochester

Before you move to a new city, it is crucial to learn about the cost of living there. This will be a major deciding factor for your move and help you manage your finances. If you learn about the cost of living in Rochester, you can plan your moving budget and determine the cost of your relocation as well. Rochester offers an affordable cost of living, which is slightly lower than the national average. The housing costs are significantly lower, and other amenities are available at a cost of living lower than the national average. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Rochester

Category	Rochester (in USD)
Housing (Rent)	$1,094
Housing (Home Owners)	$274,338
Groceries	$248
Utilities	$130.55
Transportation	$100
Healthcare	$142.08
Sales Tax	8%

Housing Market in Rochester

The housing market in Rochester is the most affordable factor when used to determine the cost of living. Home prices have been showing a trend of steady appreciation and are somewhat competitive. The median sale price for a house in Rochester is $274,338.

Average rental cost in Rochester

The average rental cost in Rochester is around $1,251 per month. However, the rent cost depends on multiple factors. including size, location, and type of the property.

Rochester job market

Explore the job market in the new city and find the best opportunity to upgrade your career. The job market in Rochester presents a mixed picture with strength in certain sectors and challenges in certain areas. The job market is influenced by broader economic trends and there is a great demand for skilled workers.

Top Career Options in Rochester

Here is the breakdown for top career options in Rochester, their average salary, and entry-level salary-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary	Number of Employees
Software Engineer	$82,652	$68,000	-
Mechanical Engineer	$77,552	$61,000	-
Nurse Practitioner	$106,600-$148,000	-	-
Project Manager	$76,398	-	-
Electrical Engineer	$89,612	-	-
Operations Manager	$73,254	-	-

Median Salary in Rochester

The median salary of a household in Rochester is around $46,628 a year.

Transportation And Navigation In Rochester

A high quality of life is defined by the extensive transportation services in the city. Before you move to Rochester, let us explore the transportation options in the city- Public Transportation- Regional Transit Service (RTS) is the primary public transportation systems in the city that provide bus service throughout the city. It also offers “RTS on Demand” providing curb-to-curb transportation. The city has an international airport- The Frederick Douglass-Greater Rochester International Airport offering flights to various destination. Amtrak provides rail service to Rochester. Personal Transportation- Driving a car is the most popular method of commuting. People also prefer to walk and ride a bike to get around the place. Navigation- The city has a good network of highways connecting different routes to the city. It can be easily navigated by using apps like Google Maps and Waze.

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Major industries in Rochester

The city is home to several major industries including-

Healthcare

Education

Technology and Optics

Manufacturing

Business and Finance

Education System in Rochester

Moving the checklist has a major task of finding a new school for your children. But when you start looking for a school in a new city, it might be confusing and time-consuming. So, to simplify your search we have compiled a list of top schools and colleges in Rochester-

Elementary Schools in Rochester
School 23-Francis Parker
Thornell Road School
Harris Hill Elementary School
Genesee Community Charter School
Exploration Elementary Charter School for Science & Technology

Middle Schools in Rochester
Barker Road Middle School
Twelve Corners Middle School
Calkins Road Middle School
Bay Trail Middle School
Henry V. Burger Junior High School

High Schools in Rochester
Pittsford Sutherland High School
Pittsford Mendon High School
Brighton High School
Penfield High School
Rochester Early College International High School

Colleges and Universities in Rochester
University of Rochester
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
St. John Fisher University
Nazareth College
SUNY Brockport

Best things to do in Rochester

The best way to connect with a new city is by exploring it, and here are some ideas to explore Rochester-

Explore museums in the city including Strong National Museum of Play, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House and George Eastman Museums. These museums exhibit the historical and cultural picture of the city.

Visit the University of Rochester Museum to explore a diverse collection of art at Memorial Art Gallery.

Indulge in the outdoor activities like hiking, wine tasting, and nature exploration at destinations like High Falls, Highland Park, the Erie Canalway Trail and Finger Lake Region.

Plan a family outing at Seabreeze Amusement Park.

The city is thriving with art and music, with local theaters and music venues.

Taxes in Rochester

Taxes play a major role in the cost of living. Before moving to Rochester, learn about different taxes in the city.

Income Tax - The residents of the city pay both Federal and New York State income taxes. The tax rates in Rochester are progressive, which means with higher income you have to pay higher tax rates.

Sales Tax - There is a tax on goods and services in Rochester. It is a sum of different taxes including New York State sales tax: 4%, Monroe County sales tax: 4%, and clothing items under $110 are exempt from sales tax.

Property Tax - These taxes are levied on real estate. The tax rates can vary depending on the location within the city of Rochester.

Type of insurance required in Rochester

Each person needs insurance to ensure the safety and security in a new city. Here is the breakdown for insurance in Rochester:

Auto Insurance - This insurance is mandated by the law of New York State, in case you own a vehicle. This provides coverage for liability, property damage, and medical expenses. Here is the breakdown for the minimum liability:

Bodily Injury Liability - $25,000 per person

Bodily Injury Liability - $50,000 per accident

Property Damage Liability - $10,000 per accident

Homeowners Insurance - This insurance is applicable if you own a home in Rochester. This will protect your property from damage caused by fire, storms, and vandalism.

Renters Insurance - If you rent, then this insurance will protect your belongings from theft and damage. It will also provide liability coverage if someone is injured on your rented space.

Life Insurance - This insurance will provide financial support to your family in the event of your death.

Disability Insurance - This insurance will provide income replacement if you become disabled due to illness or injury and you cannot work.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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