Is Rochester, NY a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What is Rochester, NY known for?

Rochester is situated in Western New York, along Lake Ontario's southern shore. The city is famously a hub for innovation in optics and imaging sciences. It also boasts beautiful natural scenery, including Lake Ontario's shoreline. The city has a robust cultural underpinning with various festivals, and the public schools are generally regarded as solid educational institutions.

Rochester leans more toward the liberal side. You'll find a mixture of races, with prominent African American and Hispanic communities. While not a mecca for LGBTQ+ culture, the city maintains a welcoming atmosphere towards different sexual orientations.

Families often find plenty of parks and educational programs for their children. Retirees enjoy a range of senior services and quieter neighborhoods. Students can exploit numerous research opportunities and vibrant arts scenes. Couples often partake in the city's growing culinary scene. For people of varying backgrounds, beliefs, and genders, Rochester offers a variety of cultural festivals and faith-based communities.

Highlights

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Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Rochester, NY, include innovation centers, natural beauty, cultural offerings, and more. While some Cons are around seasonal affective disorder (sad), economic disparities, and public transit limitations.
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Safety and Crime

Rochester, NY is ranked 241st out of the top 333 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 225th on safety from violent crime, and 275th on safety from property crime.
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Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Rochester, NY is 23% lower than the national average.
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Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Rochester, NY leaves $1,991 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
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Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Rochester, NY in January is 27°F and 74°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average -16°F cooler in January and is on average -5°F cooler in July.
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Politics and Voting

Rochester, NY voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 58.9% of the votes counted going to this party.
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