A DRIVE AROUND TOWN
Rochester 4k - Driving Downtown - 4k New York, USA
A recorded local driving tour shared by Peaceful Drives. This is not a live camera or a current traffic report.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Relocation guide
Moving to Rochester
What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.
Population
209,720
Median age 33.5
Median household income
$46,628
Median rent
$1,039/mo
Median home value
$120,600
Schools
70
15 districts
Summer high / winter low
83° / 19°
Pros
- Homes cost 60% less than the US median ($120,600).
- Mild weather in May, August, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
- 73 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- 34 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.
Cons
- Household incomes are 41% below the US median ($46,628).
- Property taxes are high: about 2.55% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
- Cold winters: January lows average 19°F.
Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.
Plan your move
Where in Rochester?
Rochester spans 16 zip codes. Median home values range from $77,900 to $705,100 by zip.
Compare zip codesThinking about a nearby city too?
Life in Rochester
See Rochester
LOCAL FOOD · YOUTUBE SHORT
Eat, sip & experience some of Rochester, NY’s most unique dining options!🍴🥂🍕
A food Short shared by Visit Rochester.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
Is Rochester a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. Homes cost 60% less than the US median ($120,600). Mild weather in May, August, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F. On the other hand: Household incomes are 41% below the US median ($46,628). Property taxes are high: about 2.55% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
How much do I need to earn to live in Rochester?
The median household earns $46,628. Rent at the median ($1,039/month) is about 27% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $41,560 a year.
How many schools are in Rochester?
70 public and private schools across 15 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Highs average 83°F in July and lows 19°F in January. The most comfortable months are May, August, September.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.