.jpg "mayo clinic rochester mn")
🏡 Neighborhood Spotlight: Living in Rochester, MN
If you're thinking about moving to Minnesota, Rochester should be high on your list. It’s more than just the home of the world-famous Mayo Clinic — it’s a growing, diverse, family-friendly city with excellent schools, green spaces, culture, and career opportunities.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why Rochester is one of the best places to live in the Midwest, from schools to job opportunities and beyond.
🌟 Why Move to Rochester, MN?
| Make Your Move—Minnesota is Ready for You. Call or text Vee at (507) 319-0311 |
Rochester offers the perfect blend of small-town friendliness and big-city amenities. Families are drawn to its highly rated public schools, abundant green space, and low crime rates. Professionals come for the career opportunities, especially in healthcare, education, and tech. Add in a vibrant food scene, cultural attractions, and easy access to the Twin Cities — and you’ve got a place that’s welcoming, walkable, and full of opportunity.
👨👩👧👦 Public Schools
The Rochester Public School District (ISD 535) serves more than 18,000 students across:
- 17 elementary schools
- 4 middle schools
- 3 high schools (Century, John Marshall, and Mayo High)
Many of these schools rank above average on GreatSchools.org, and Rochester is home to Minnesota’s first K–12 online school (RPS Online), offering flexibility to families.
⛳ Golf Courses in Rochester
Whether you're a weekend golfer or an aspiring pro, Rochester offers scenic and accessible courses:
Soldiers Field Golf Course – A classic 18-hole course in the heart of town
Eastwood Golf Club – Public 18-hole course with a clubhouse and leagues🌳 Parks & Outdoor Fun
With over 100 parks and 85 miles of trails, Rochester is built for active lifestyles. Some local favorites include:
Silver Lake Park – Paddle boats, trails, and a beautiful lake view
Quarry Hill Nature Center – Hiking, nature programs, and fossil huntingKids and families thrive here thanks to safe playgrounds, splash pads, and year-round recreation options.
🎨 Culture & Events
Rochester’s arts scene is small but mighty:
Rochester Art Center – Modern exhibitions and community events
Mayo Civic Center – Hosting everything from concerts to business conferences🌍 Diversity & Demographics
Rochester is one of the most diverse cities in Minnesota. According to the 2023 U.S. Census:
- Population: ~124,000
- White: 68%
- Black or African American: 8%
- Asian: 11%
- Hispanic/Latino: 7%
- Two or more races: 5%
Seasonal Population Growth
Rochester isn’t just diverse in its demographics — it’s also dynamic. As the home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, the city sees significant seasonal population increases due to visiting patients, researchers, students, and rotating medical professionals.
- Permanent Population: ~124,000
- Mayo Clinic’s yearly patient visits: Over 1.3 million people
- Estimated seasonal population increase: 30,000–40,000 at peak times
This constant flow of new people brings global perspectives, multicultural experiences, and a steady demand for services, housing, and hospitality — making Rochester feel vibrant year-round.
🛒 Shopping & International Grocers
Rochester has all your everyday shopping needs covered — and some amazing cultural gems:
National Stores:
- Target
- Best Buy
- Trader Joe’s
- Costco
- Scheels
Ethnic Grocery Stores:
Asian Food Store – Vietnamese and Southeast Asian goods
Rice and Spice - Indian grocery store🏢 Where to Work: Top Employers in Rochester
Rochester is an employment powerhouse, especially in healthcare, education, and tech. Here are the top 10 employers:
Mayo Clinic – One of the best hospitals in the world
Olmsted Medical Center – Regional healthcare provider🏠 Housing in Rochester: Rentals & Homes Prices
Whether you're planning to rent or buy, Rochester offers a variety of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets.
🏢 Apartment Rental Rates (as of January 2025):
Studio Apartments: Average rent is approximately $1,208/month.
1-Bedroom Apartments: Average rent is around $1,378/month.These figures reflect a slight increase compared to the previous year, indicating a stable rental market.
🏘️ Townhome Rentals:
2-Bedroom Townhomes: Average rent is approximately $1,500/month.
3-Bedroom Townhomes: Average rent is about $2,139/month.Townhomes offer additional space and amenities, making them a popular choice for families and professionals seeking a balance between apartment living and single-family homes.
🏡 Single-Family Home Rentals:
2–3 Bedroom Homes: Rental prices typically range from $1,800 to $2,500/month, depending on size, location, and amenities.
4+ Bedroom Homes: Larger homes can rent for $2,500 to $3,500/month or more, especially in sought-after neighborhoods.These homes provide ample space and are ideal for larger families or those seeking more privacy.
🏠 Home Purchase Prices:
Median Listing Home Price: As of February 2025, the median listing price in Rochester is $450,000, reflecting a 12.8% increase year-over-year.
Median Price per Square Foot: Approximately $194.
This upward trend suggests a competitive housing market, influenced by factors such as demand and local economic conditions.
🚗 Proximity to the Twin Cities
Just 75 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, Rochester gives you the best of both worlds. You're close enough for a quick weekend trip, but far enough to enjoy lower housing costs, less traffic, and quieter neighborhoods.
Need help planning your move to Minnesota? I’d love to help! Feel free to reach out if you're relocating and want advice on jobs, neighborhoods, or just finding your place in the Twin Cities.
vphord@greendragonproperties.com
Call or Text at (507) 319-0311
.jpg)
.jpg&description=Living in Rochester, MN){kind=link}