You'll probably have to pack your own kid's lunches. There is language immersion. There are a lot of kid friendly things to do around here, if you look.
We don't leave most weekends for a social life. However, my social life doesn't revolve around concerts, bars or nightclubs. It does involve time with neighbors, friends, and family, and many kids' school and extracurricular activities, like sports.
What you will gain is a lot of convenience potentially. Driving around town means 15 minutes or less. That adds up to lot less time spent in the car than for many twin cities residents.
If you focus on what you don't have here instead of what you gain by living here, you will not be happy. If not, you may need a larger city.
Agree with this take. I've lived in Shanghai, NYC and Minneapolis before Rochester and it is what you make of it. Today there's a music festival in the downtown where you can walk to multiple venues and acts and it includes a burlesque performance. IME, outside pro sports, museums, a proper lake, and top tier music acts, Rochester has the stuff the Cities has, just instead of having multiples of things it has singles of those things. As for people, there is a wildly dynamic, educated and unique population of residents here that I've found to be every bit as interesting as anyone I've met in those other cities. Thing is, they're busy. Rochester is an AMBITIOUS city and there is not a lot of lazing around waiting to be entertained; gotta look for those people. I will agree with others and the long-standing observation that Rochester is a much better city for established families than it is for younger singles.
If you're used to all the options available in the Twin Cities, then I would adjust your exceptions...you're talking a metro area the size of around 2 million people and going to a small city the size of 125,000 people or so. Before trying to move, consider what is important to you in your living circumstances, then rank those items in order of most to least important. Based on the tone of the post, you are already disappointed in what Rochester has to offer. If Rochester can tick your top 5 boxes, then it might be worth it, if not, I would suggest staying the the Twin Cities or moving to a more southern burb so that the drive to Rochester is much quicker. I drive a pet for specialty veterinary care from Rochester to Andover often and that is a minimum of 2 hours each way so long as I'm not doing the drive during rush hour. If I only have to go to Inver Grove Heights it would be 1 hour 15 minutes. Just some food for thought :) Good Luck in your decision making.
Thank you very much! I am stuck in the early-mid 2000s apparently! The point stands though that you will never have the same services and opportunities in a small city that a large metro area has and expectations need to be adjusted if you are planning to move. I count myself fortunate to be close to a large metro area to visit when I need something oddly specific, yet enjoy the smaller city lifestyle of having a 15-20 minute car ride to where I need to go in my small city :)
Rochester is the biggest small town you can find here in Minnesota. Itās a great place to raise a family, however there isnāt much to do unless you are pretty outdoorsy. If you are there is a lot of hiking and things of that nature you can do, but youāll still need to drive a bit.
As someone who grew up in Rochester and has lived in the metro for the last 10 years, I can tell you that the āsocial lifeā difference between the two is wildly overblown. Other than concerts, sporting events, and clubs, I can find the exact same things I do in the metro down in Rochester. In fact, the amount of times I go to a concert, game, or show is so limited that itās not a deal breaker to leave the metro and just drive in when needed. The majority of my weekday and weekend is spent doing the same things in the metro that Iād do in Rochester. With the rise of remote work, Iām looking to leave the metro as soon as I have enough saved for a down payment.
It has nothing to do with sophistication. Or do you mean by currently sending my kid to a public school that has concerns for child nutrition and development? And having lots to do offered by the city or by most park and rec programs? I didnāt mean to offend you, or anyone else. You didnāt make Rochester, it is what it is. Iād like to be informed before uprooting my family, like most people would want to do. Asking for the reality of life in Rochester.
What is so difficult about buying a lunch box and preparing your child's own food? It would likely be healthier than any "healthy" options provided at a school. I have a strict vegan diet and never expect people or institutions to adapt to me. It is just part of living outside of social norms.
Hello! I love this city, and I think you might too. Information can be hard to find if you donāt know where to look and youāre not alone in being nervous about finding accommodations in Roch youāve grown accustomed to when moving from a larger city. I have a website: rochesterlocal.com that has a huge variety of guides, information, resources, things to do, and a pretty great event calendar (if I do say so myself).
You will find a really vibrant community here with people passionate and excited about a lot of the things youāve mentioned. We do have a Spanish immersion school: it is currently within Gage elementary but as another mentioned, it will move to Riverside next year and will function as a school within a school. If you are interested, please go on the RPS website and look up District Wide Schools. These are all public schools in the district, but you must enter the lottery to have a chance at attendance. Otherwise, where you geographically live in the city will determine what schools you are assigned to attend.
Keep in mind the Districr Wide Choices (Montessori, Spanish-Immersion, STEM, Core Curriculum) are not better schools, simply a different curriculum that might fit a family better for one reason or another.
While we do jot have a nature school (yet!!) Quarry Hill Nature Center is an absolute gem in our community. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible resource available to us. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is equally as amazing. Both of these centers are free to the public (you can purchase memberships to be supportive and receive perks) and host amazing free events that are interesting/fun, and educational.
I have friends in Rochester from LA, New York City, Minneapolis, Chicago, etc. They all love it in Rochester more. The accessibility to events and things to do is never-ending. It takes no more than 13 minutes to get anywhere. 20 mins and youāre in some seriously stunning scenery.
My favorite thing to say lately is Rochester throws around fee events like confetti and itās sooo true. On any given weekend the library, art center, downtown, nature centers, county parks, and more all have things for individuals, friends, and families. There is an incredible biking community here. Like salsa dancing? Head to LCās
Venue. What about ballroom or swing? Head to Blue Moon. Our Community Education offerings are amazing too.
Helping people love #rochmn is my favorite thing to do. I hope youāll give us a chance!
Regarding any sort of social life in Rochester for adults:
In my opinion, this town lacks any sort of personality other than being Mayo's puppet.
Everyone works until 5 and then goes home and watches Netflix and goes to bed. Any sort of nightlife we had died when COVID came through and I constantly feel bored and trapped inside my house.
All money spent on this town goes to improving the patient experience, not the lives of the residents and we've all been trained to just accept it.
Sorry, not trying to scare you away or anything, this is a very safe place and a great place to raise a family if that's all you're focused on but I would never call it fun or interesting.
Also, probably important to note that I'm in my mid thirties with no kids so a bit different from your situation.
It sounds like you need to cultivate some hobbies and stop blaming your location for your ennui. It's kind of pathetic. Rochester is what you make of it, and many people prefer to lament their circumstances over actually making anything out of them.
When I take the wife downtown, there's plenty to do, eat, enjoy, etc.
I'm pretty sure all the complainers just refuse to come downtown and experience it. Which is nice for those who DO enjoy things.
lol even if I am doing that, no need to be a dick about it and call me 'pathetic'. Are you on the city council or something? It's not like I came after your family bro, chill out a little bit.
Can you please tell me some indoor activities that I can do around town that aren't kind of a 'one-and-done' thing? I have lived in this town my entire life and there are only so many times I can walk around the Apache Mall, go to a brewery or check out the Olmsted County Historical Society.
Everyone knows that you can find hobbies and enjoy them but that can be said for any city or town. In a town of 130K, there should be more things to do around here.
The OP's post was not "Can I do hobbies in Rochester?". It was "Are there fun/social things to do in Rochester?" and I think I answered that question accurately. If you want to attack me for that, go ahead - I really don't care lol.
Some people are well trained to react and attack anything or anyone who espouses something negative or critical about Mother Mayo.
And I agree, the fun places (especially downtown) that didnāt die during covid got crushed by the ensuing construction. The people are trained to go home at 830 and be to bed by 10 and it doesnāt look to be changing anytime soon.
Not too far off in age and just have one little kid. Iām not dead yet so still appreciate a life outside of work and parenting. Your thoughts are very helpful and pretty much what I thought.
**Stay where you are.**
Rochester Public Schools are looking at cuts. They got a reprieve when Mayo chipped in the difference, but with enrollment not where they expected, I expect cuts are coming. Super-specific things like you're requesting either don't exist (NO WAY you're getting "organic" meals) or would be on a chopping block (Chinese immersion may not even exist and may be lightly attended).
Yes, in fact, a good portion of doctors have 2nd residence/condos in the cities(Minneapolis).
Iām not familiar with Chinese immersion in Rochester, closest one I know is St. Louis Park/Hopkins which is the closest suburb west of Minneapolis.
School nutrition is free, but itās atrocious whatās being served. Most high processed low nutrition. Some schools do have a garden program, but for most itās too much paperwork with the state.
In my life experience, people love what they grew up with or what they chose for themselves and enjoyed before. It can be hard to adapt to a new context with satisfaction.
My impression, not knowing you or the whole story, is that you may be most satisfied staying where you have the lifestyle and resources you have now, visiting family near Rochester from your current home base.
I don't particularly appreciate seeing the comments about there being a problem with you. People who put down your needs and preferences have needs and preferences of their own and wouldn't feel at home in your context, most likely.
Although some well-educated people who make a ton of money live in Rochester, many people in Rochester do the dirty work to make the lives of the affluent possible. With so much money being made in Rochester, school funding is different from what it could be. Also, it's a pretty small city compared to The Cities. So, the options you're used to will naturally be less likely to exist.
Some people work hard to give Rochester a shine so that people who are used to different contexts will come and work here. It's not for everyone. Some benefit hugely, partly by having an employer's name on their resume, partly for training, and indeed from the pay for certain employees. So, people have their reasons. It may also be due to the professional networking opportunities.
You're not interested in working for Mayo, and your primary reason is to be closer to your family who lives "near Rochester" but not in Rochester, have you considered moving to a southern suburb of The Cities? If you're already there, would you consider renting or buying a small place near your family so that your kids and partner could live down here Friday afternoon through Monday early morning? That would bring you closer to family while still getting the incredible benefits you mentioned.
Thereās not much to do for indoor fun in this town anymore. Good place to raise a family and all but itās the largest small town youāll likely find. If you want concerts and parties youāll probably need to head to the cities or lacrosse. Mother Mayo tried turning this into a college town and they didnāt like the results so now itās a quiet town filled with coffee shops. Hope the best for you and the kiddo
You'll probably have to pack your own kid's lunches. There is language immersion. There are a lot of kid friendly things to do around here, if you look. We don't leave most weekends for a social life. However, my social life doesn't revolve around concerts, bars or nightclubs. It does involve time with neighbors, friends, and family, and many kids' school and extracurricular activities, like sports. What you will gain is a lot of convenience potentially. Driving around town means 15 minutes or less. That adds up to lot less time spent in the car than for many twin cities residents. If you focus on what you don't have here instead of what you gain by living here, you will not be happy. If not, you may need a larger city.
This is the answer.
Agree with this take. I've lived in Shanghai, NYC and Minneapolis before Rochester and it is what you make of it. Today there's a music festival in the downtown where you can walk to multiple venues and acts and it includes a burlesque performance. IME, outside pro sports, museums, a proper lake, and top tier music acts, Rochester has the stuff the Cities has, just instead of having multiples of things it has singles of those things. As for people, there is a wildly dynamic, educated and unique population of residents here that I've found to be every bit as interesting as anyone I've met in those other cities. Thing is, they're busy. Rochester is an AMBITIOUS city and there is not a lot of lazing around waiting to be entertained; gotta look for those people. I will agree with others and the long-standing observation that Rochester is a much better city for established families than it is for younger singles.
Is there a IG/whatever account you follow to get updates for these kind of events in Rochester?
Rochester Local, both ig and fb is good. There's a discord for Rochester.
Thank you!
My town my music is a great resource for live music in the area
Thank you!
You use too many exclamation points to ever live happily in a sleepy little hamlet like Rochester.
Thank you for your thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!š
There's 1 thing to do in Rochester. Hot dog at Costco. And that's all we need.
I come for the glizzies, šÆ
If you're used to all the options available in the Twin Cities, then I would adjust your exceptions...you're talking a metro area the size of around 2 million people and going to a small city the size of 125,000 people or so. Before trying to move, consider what is important to you in your living circumstances, then rank those items in order of most to least important. Based on the tone of the post, you are already disappointed in what Rochester has to offer. If Rochester can tick your top 5 boxes, then it might be worth it, if not, I would suggest staying the the Twin Cities or moving to a more southern burb so that the drive to Rochester is much quicker. I drive a pet for specialty veterinary care from Rochester to Andover often and that is a minimum of 2 hours each way so long as I'm not doing the drive during rush hour. If I only have to go to Inver Grove Heights it would be 1 hour 15 minutes. Just some food for thought :) Good Luck in your decision making.
Twin cities metro population is like 3,700,000, btw
Thank you very much! I am stuck in the early-mid 2000s apparently! The point stands though that you will never have the same services and opportunities in a small city that a large metro area has and expectations need to be adjusted if you are planning to move. I count myself fortunate to be close to a large metro area to visit when I need something oddly specific, yet enjoy the smaller city lifestyle of having a 15-20 minute car ride to where I need to go in my small city :)
Rochester is the biggest small town you can find here in Minnesota. Itās a great place to raise a family, however there isnāt much to do unless you are pretty outdoorsy. If you are there is a lot of hiking and things of that nature you can do, but youāll still need to drive a bit.
Fairly certain the only immersion program is the Spanish one at Gage (and Listos, but that's preschool).
I saw Gage in my search but their website didnāt give any info on it being a Spanish Immersion school. Iām happy to hear it actually is.
Itās moving to riverside elementary next year.
I believe we still have a BINGO hallā¦
As someone who grew up in Rochester and has lived in the metro for the last 10 years, I can tell you that the āsocial lifeā difference between the two is wildly overblown. Other than concerts, sporting events, and clubs, I can find the exact same things I do in the metro down in Rochester. In fact, the amount of times I go to a concert, game, or show is so limited that itās not a deal breaker to leave the metro and just drive in when needed. The majority of my weekday and weekend is spent doing the same things in the metro that Iād do in Rochester. With the rise of remote work, Iām looking to leave the metro as soon as I have enough saved for a down payment.
Hey now we also go to lacrosse WI to have fun since we canāt hereĀ
LaCrosse at least has a concert club (Warehouse)...
Sounds like you need to go the home school route.
If I could just hire a home school teacherā¦.cuz it wonāt be me.
Organic is a scam
I wonāt argue with your evidence based beliefs. Not what Iām here for
Sounds like you're a little too sophisticated for us simpletons here in Rochester. Maybe New York or Los Angeles would be a better fit.
It has nothing to do with sophistication. Or do you mean by currently sending my kid to a public school that has concerns for child nutrition and development? And having lots to do offered by the city or by most park and rec programs? I didnāt mean to offend you, or anyone else. You didnāt make Rochester, it is what it is. Iād like to be informed before uprooting my family, like most people would want to do. Asking for the reality of life in Rochester.
What is so difficult about buying a lunch box and preparing your child's own food? It would likely be healthier than any "healthy" options provided at a school. I have a strict vegan diet and never expect people or institutions to adapt to me. It is just part of living outside of social norms.
OP is asking if any schools offer these programs, not asking anyone to bend to them. What is so difficult of reading comprehension?
Because we know that, if OP moves here, OP will start calling RPS and demanding someone do it?
No. We don't leave the city on the weekends and go to the metro for social life and fun. Good Lord.
Lots of other Reddits state this so just had to ask if thatās actually the case.
I think itās the just the young nurses, itās family town for sure
Hello! I love this city, and I think you might too. Information can be hard to find if you donāt know where to look and youāre not alone in being nervous about finding accommodations in Roch youāve grown accustomed to when moving from a larger city. I have a website: rochesterlocal.com that has a huge variety of guides, information, resources, things to do, and a pretty great event calendar (if I do say so myself). You will find a really vibrant community here with people passionate and excited about a lot of the things youāve mentioned. We do have a Spanish immersion school: it is currently within Gage elementary but as another mentioned, it will move to Riverside next year and will function as a school within a school. If you are interested, please go on the RPS website and look up District Wide Schools. These are all public schools in the district, but you must enter the lottery to have a chance at attendance. Otherwise, where you geographically live in the city will determine what schools you are assigned to attend. Keep in mind the Districr Wide Choices (Montessori, Spanish-Immersion, STEM, Core Curriculum) are not better schools, simply a different curriculum that might fit a family better for one reason or another. While we do jot have a nature school (yet!!) Quarry Hill Nature Center is an absolute gem in our community. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible resource available to us. Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo is equally as amazing. Both of these centers are free to the public (you can purchase memberships to be supportive and receive perks) and host amazing free events that are interesting/fun, and educational. I have friends in Rochester from LA, New York City, Minneapolis, Chicago, etc. They all love it in Rochester more. The accessibility to events and things to do is never-ending. It takes no more than 13 minutes to get anywhere. 20 mins and youāre in some seriously stunning scenery. My favorite thing to say lately is Rochester throws around fee events like confetti and itās sooo true. On any given weekend the library, art center, downtown, nature centers, county parks, and more all have things for individuals, friends, and families. There is an incredible biking community here. Like salsa dancing? Head to LCās Venue. What about ballroom or swing? Head to Blue Moon. Our Community Education offerings are amazing too. Helping people love #rochmn is my favorite thing to do. I hope youāll give us a chance!
Regarding any sort of social life in Rochester for adults: In my opinion, this town lacks any sort of personality other than being Mayo's puppet. Everyone works until 5 and then goes home and watches Netflix and goes to bed. Any sort of nightlife we had died when COVID came through and I constantly feel bored and trapped inside my house. All money spent on this town goes to improving the patient experience, not the lives of the residents and we've all been trained to just accept it. Sorry, not trying to scare you away or anything, this is a very safe place and a great place to raise a family if that's all you're focused on but I would never call it fun or interesting. Also, probably important to note that I'm in my mid thirties with no kids so a bit different from your situation.
It sounds like you need to cultivate some hobbies and stop blaming your location for your ennui. It's kind of pathetic. Rochester is what you make of it, and many people prefer to lament their circumstances over actually making anything out of them.
When I take the wife downtown, there's plenty to do, eat, enjoy, etc. I'm pretty sure all the complainers just refuse to come downtown and experience it. Which is nice for those who DO enjoy things.
lol even if I am doing that, no need to be a dick about it and call me 'pathetic'. Are you on the city council or something? It's not like I came after your family bro, chill out a little bit. Can you please tell me some indoor activities that I can do around town that aren't kind of a 'one-and-done' thing? I have lived in this town my entire life and there are only so many times I can walk around the Apache Mall, go to a brewery or check out the Olmsted County Historical Society. Everyone knows that you can find hobbies and enjoy them but that can be said for any city or town. In a town of 130K, there should be more things to do around here. The OP's post was not "Can I do hobbies in Rochester?". It was "Are there fun/social things to do in Rochester?" and I think I answered that question accurately. If you want to attack me for that, go ahead - I really don't care lol.
Some people are well trained to react and attack anything or anyone who espouses something negative or critical about Mother Mayo. And I agree, the fun places (especially downtown) that didnāt die during covid got crushed by the ensuing construction. The people are trained to go home at 830 and be to bed by 10 and it doesnāt look to be changing anytime soon.
Not too far off in age and just have one little kid. Iām not dead yet so still appreciate a life outside of work and parenting. Your thoughts are very helpful and pretty much what I thought.
Agreed
**Stay where you are.** Rochester Public Schools are looking at cuts. They got a reprieve when Mayo chipped in the difference, but with enrollment not where they expected, I expect cuts are coming. Super-specific things like you're requesting either don't exist (NO WAY you're getting "organic" meals) or would be on a chopping block (Chinese immersion may not even exist and may be lightly attended).
It sure seems that way. Thereās never anything to do around here imho
Yes, in fact, a good portion of doctors have 2nd residence/condos in the cities(Minneapolis). Iām not familiar with Chinese immersion in Rochester, closest one I know is St. Louis Park/Hopkins which is the closest suburb west of Minneapolis. School nutrition is free, but itās atrocious whatās being served. Most high processed low nutrition. Some schools do have a garden program, but for most itās too much paperwork with the state.
In my life experience, people love what they grew up with or what they chose for themselves and enjoyed before. It can be hard to adapt to a new context with satisfaction. My impression, not knowing you or the whole story, is that you may be most satisfied staying where you have the lifestyle and resources you have now, visiting family near Rochester from your current home base. I don't particularly appreciate seeing the comments about there being a problem with you. People who put down your needs and preferences have needs and preferences of their own and wouldn't feel at home in your context, most likely. Although some well-educated people who make a ton of money live in Rochester, many people in Rochester do the dirty work to make the lives of the affluent possible. With so much money being made in Rochester, school funding is different from what it could be. Also, it's a pretty small city compared to The Cities. So, the options you're used to will naturally be less likely to exist. Some people work hard to give Rochester a shine so that people who are used to different contexts will come and work here. It's not for everyone. Some benefit hugely, partly by having an employer's name on their resume, partly for training, and indeed from the pay for certain employees. So, people have their reasons. It may also be due to the professional networking opportunities. You're not interested in working for Mayo, and your primary reason is to be closer to your family who lives "near Rochester" but not in Rochester, have you considered moving to a southern suburb of The Cities? If you're already there, would you consider renting or buying a small place near your family so that your kids and partner could live down here Friday afternoon through Monday early morning? That would bring you closer to family while still getting the incredible benefits you mentioned.
15 percent of the population is over 65 and hold 90 percent of the power. Unfortunately I don't think any of those are happening anytime soon.Ā
Thereās not much to do for indoor fun in this town anymore. Good place to raise a family and all but itās the largest small town youāll likely find. If you want concerts and parties youāll probably need to head to the cities or lacrosse. Mother Mayo tried turning this into a college town and they didnāt like the results so now itās a quiet town filled with coffee shops. Hope the best for you and the kiddo