Moving to rochester, Mn guide

Why Rochester, MN is a great place to live

Kids hiking among bluebells. Real Estate website Sandra Reid Remax Results. Things to do with kids in Rochester MN guide

So you’re moving to Rochester, Minnesota. That’s exciting news! Want to learn more about Med City?

Rochester, Minnesota attracts professionals, students, families, and people of all stages in life for a multitude of reasons. Some of the top ones include a job at the world famous Mayo Clinic, a medical or technology sector job which are fast-growing industries here, people seeking a high living standard and a lower cost of living, excellent healthcare, highly rated educational system, low unemployment, short commute times, and affordable houses compared to many major cities, to name a few. Rochester, MN ticks a lot of boxes on people’s lists. While many come for these excellent lifestyle benefits, the reasons they stay are often less obvious at first. But trust me, if you ask most people living in Rochester why they stay (despite the long, harsh winter) they will say the strong community ties, excellent friendships, family-friendly amenities, a healthy mix of both local and international residents, and the warm and inviting culture. Rochester is a truly unique and special Midwest City that needs to be experienced to truly appreciate.

Hot air balloon over Manorwood Lake Rochester MN. Real Estate website Sandra Reid Remax. Things to do in Rochester MN guide
Girl with ducks at Quarry Hill Rochester MN. Real Estate website Sandra Reid Remax. Things to do with kids Rochester MN guide
Boy diving in Manorwoods lake Rochester MN. Real Estate website Sandra Reid Remax. Things to do with kids Rochester MN guide

Fun Facts:

  • Rochester MN is the 3rd-largest city in the state and nicknamed Med City

  • Ranked on Forbes’ best 25 places to retire in 2023 and the 3rd-best place to live in the US in 2022

  • #1 most livable mid-sized city in 2020 and #5 Top 100 Place to live in 2020

  • Population is roughly 120,000 in 2023 and growing rapidly due to the massive growth from the Destination Medical Center project

  • Named by George Head and his wife, Henrietta, after their hometown Rochester, NY

  • Dr. W.W. Mayo and Louise Mayo once mortgaged their home to buy a microscope!

  • A true four season climate (which can be good or bad depending on your taste)

  • Rochester is consistently rated as a leader for healthy, happy lifestyles

  • Most of the downtown buildings are connected via skyways or underground subways (walking, there are no trains here), making getting around easier in Winter. We even have large indoor playgrounds, so children can continue to stay active and healthy, enjoying the park and playground experience year round!

Winter Got You Worried? CLICK HERE For My ‘4 Tips for Surviving a Rochester MN Winter’

Looking For Ways to Stay Active with kids? CLICK HERE For My ‘Top 7 Ways to Stay Active with Kids in Rochester, MN’

Moving to Rochester, MN with Kids? CLICK HERE For My ‘Top 7 Favorites Things to Do with Kids in Winter’

Not so Fun Facts:

  • Rochester averages 32 inches of rainfall and 51 inches of snowfall per year

  • Rochester is the second windiest city in the United States; the average wind speed is 12mph

  • Despite the license plate slogan “the land of 10,000 lakes”, Rochester, MN in Olmsted county is one of only four counties in Minnesota WITHOUT a natural lake. Artificial lakes do exist, so more on that later.

  • While some would prefer a city with greater diversity and population, Rochester, MN is expanding quickly as the city and the Mayo Clinic in particular draws people of all backgrounds and beliefs for educational and work opportunities.

Icicle art in snow in Rochester MN. Real Estate website Sandra Reid Remax. Things to do with kids Rochester MN guide
Lantern Festival on lake Rochester MN. Real Estate website Sandra Reid Remax. Things to do with kids Rochester MN guide