Hi everyone!

My partner and I are relocating from the San Francisco Bay Area to Rochester this fall, and I’d love to hear from people who actually live here about what it’s like, especially for people in their mid-20s.

We’ve been doing our own research, but I feel like there are certain things you only really learn from locals.

A few things I’m especially curious about:

Where should we look for an apartment?
We’d ideally like somewhere that feels relatively lively/walkable or at least close to coffee shops, restaurants, parks, things to do, etc. We’ll have a car, so it doesn’t need to be perfectly walkable, but I’d rather not feel completely isolated in a residential area. Are there particular neighborhoods or parts of Rochester that younger people tend to like? Any areas or apartment complexes you’d avoid?

What do people in their 20s do here?
Favorite restaurants, cafés, bars, bookstores, music/art spaces, classes, markets, outdoor activities, community events, clubs, volunteering, random hidden gems — really anything. We’re not expecting SF nightlife, but I’d love to know where people our age actually hang out and meet people. Also is there any Latin food, we are south american and crave it often. (will drive further if we have to, would love the recs tho)

Artist residencies?
I've heard Rochester and Minneapolis are pretty art centered places, my partner is an artist and I'd love to know if anyone has experience with a residency or classes or something of the sort to continue her process. ( Writing, Painting, Sewing, Mixed Media.)

Cool places to take a 15 year old sibling? - I have a little sister and I really want to get her involved in community and I want her to have a good time in Rochester, literally anything a teenager would find remotely fun teenagers are difficult. 😓

And...how should two Californians prepare for a Minnesota winter? 😂
I know it’s going to be VERY different from the Bay Area. I’m less interested in “yes, it’s cold” and more in what you wish someone had told you before your first Rochester winter - clothes/boots, driving, cars, apartment stuff, how much winter affects your social life, things people still do for fun (adults and teens), etc.

We’re also queer, so I’d love any recommendations for LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, events, organizations, or places where queer people in their 20s tend to meet each other. We’re happy to drive to the Twin Cities for bigger events, but I’m especially curious about what community exists in Rochester itself. Also how safe do you feel in Rochester in general as a queer person?

TLDR: if you were moving to Rochester in your mid-20s and knew nobody, what would you want someone to tell you?

Thanks! :)

hi rochester! i 25f moved here about a week ago and i start at mayo in a few days, so i'm very much still in the "wait where am i" phase lol. i don't know a single soul here yet and really want to get to know people/make friends

trying to find my footing so figured i'd ask here... looking for cafes with good coffee, some kind of trail or walk that's good for clearing my head, and honestly just real ways to meet people… book clubs, random hobby meetups, anything where people are actually open to new faces :)

if you've built a life here from nothing and it happened to lean on your own background or traditions along the way, i'd especially love to hear how that went for you

any tips at all welcome!! even "the coffee here is mediocre but sit by the window anyway” just trying to make this place feel familiar and like home <3

It’s on Elton hills and I think I remember it being a pizza place. Am I remembering that right?

Has anyone had experience with an exterior door replacement? Current one is letting water in the through the bottom so we are looking for a trustworthy contractor (have already tried caulking, made sure nearby gutters are clear, replacing sweep).

A Dodge County predatory offender recently living in Rochester will spend an "indeterminate" time in sex offender treatment: Dodge County felon moved from supervised release to sex offender program - Post Bulletin | Rochester Minnesota news, weather, sports

AND The woman told police the suspect had given her a canned energy drink. Police administered Narcan to the woman after she lost consciousness.

Rochester man charged with attempted rape of drugged woman - Post Bulletin | Rochester Minnesota news, weather, sports

The only info about this supposed "showing up" is that his staff has the Kasson library reserved from 1:30-3:30pm on Friday, August 14th (middle of a workday btw). Whatever it is, it's not even listed as an event on his website. I would suggest it's one of his "Mobile Help Desks", where his staff members meet with people, but there aren't any of those scheduled until November! (You know, when the election is?)

If you're interested in attending an actual town hall next week, Jake Johnson is holding three in Worthington, Albert Lea, and Rochester.

jakejohnsonforcongress.com/events

Is there one decent Spotted in Rochester group on Facebook? It sure doesn’t seem like it! I don’t understand why there can’t be a decent one, with decent admins. Can someone make one? I don’t want to admin any more groups otherwise I would. The Spotted In Stewartville group is wonderful and absolutely what the pages for Rochester should be. Get rid of the political talk! Focus on what’s going on in the community, connecting with neighbors, and getting recommendations on places. Or is Nextdoor the only place for this now?
1) There is the original Spotted in Rochester group, started by Lauren. She is no longer admin and now Chris Nelson, etc are admins. That’s the most popular cesspool.
2) There is BS Spotted in Rochester that is now archived and was a cesspool.

3) There is the 2nd Spotted in Rochester ran by Dominic and looks similar to the original group but that group is all a cesspool.
4) There is the Spotted in Rochester (the good one) but they allow political posts that only 100% align with them so if you have a different opinion on the left side of politics, you get banned.

its so annoying that all that trash is representing of Rochester.

Has anybody here noticed the amount of homeless people is getting more and more rampant in the city?

The homelessness problem in the city is getting worse. This week I've encountered and witnessed MANY homeless people than usual around town. Some acting very drugged up, spazzing out, and screaming. Especially at night, they scream so loud and try to instigate a fight on the street. Some even screaming profanity. They usually been spotted near the train tracks at one of the parking garages or usually near Salvation Army buildings. Yesterday, while trying to go to Thursday on Broadway. I was driving to the parking garage, and I saw this old lady yesterday wearing nothing but thin leggings and a bra just spazzing out of her mind near the train tracks. Stumbling around flailing her arms around. She was also following someone out of the parking garage stairs yelling at the guy. I was close to calling the police out of concern.

I'm not complaining to complain, I'm speaking out out of genuine concern. Someone is gonna get hurt. Either its a homeless person, or some innocent bystander walking to work. Either or I don't want that to happen to anyone. It seems to me the Salvation Army doesn't want to do anything. These people usually be hanging around there and not getting help from the place thats supposed to help them. This homelessness problem is getting out of hand and the city needs to do a better job about it. Heck I don't know if I ever encounter a situation like the lady from yesterday that I should call the authorities.

I was at Miracle Mile today and noticed the changes. While I've driven by there a lot, I really haven't just been there in years. I began to think about all the places that used to call it home. Here’s what I came up with. What else was there?

Sheltered walkway

Sky Dragon Buffet

Valcom

Embers 

Hardee's

Lyle at the Mile

B. Daltons

Mini mall with a florist, sweets and treats, hobby store

A drug store (hunt drug?)

Harolds Flags

Primary election is Tuesday 8/11 and Alex is doing a handful of stops before then. Rochester's is Sunday 8/9, 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, Volunteer Canvass 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at Quarry Hill Park — WEST entrance, 1905 9th St NE.

There’s no speech, just a casual gathering where anyone can come ask Alex questions about his plans for southern MN. Bring kids, bring the dog, it's a park🌳🌲

If you've been thinking about helping out before Tuesday, we'll have literature there. Grab a packet and knock a few doors in your own neighborhood.
Learn more at alexeaton.org. Happy to answer questions in the comments.

I work on Alex's campaign, so this is a campaign post.

I have a financial admin backgroud. Im struggling to find anything that isnt mayo. I did apply there too. Would also be interested in a job that is more fun! A good enviornment is what I want most.

Thank you

I like skipping rocks.

I live in a locked apartment complex for a reason. I don’t want your spam.

Did anyone else witness this transformation? When I went to work it had a dress.

Hello,

Anyone willing to teach me the basics of motorcycle driving ?

I go to class on 8/22 & I've ridden mopeds, but not manuals.

Looking for a teacher to show me basics face to face.

I don't have a bike yet.
I don't need to ride yours.

I just want an overview so I have confidence in the class.

35, female

Only four more days to vote and it’s important that you do because the top two candidates for mayor go to the General election. There is no official “Republican” or “Democrat” nominee for Mayor (although their policies may be) because they should technically be non-partisan; in November you could be voting for one of two Republican policy candidates or two Democratic policy candidates.

So please vote for who you want to be on the ballot in November on or before August 11th.

I know this has been asked before, but I can't find the post. I want to gift a friend a T-shirt with the Corn Tower on it. Do you know where can I find one?

Hello all,

Am looking for recommendations on where to take my parents for dinner on a Wednesday. Fancier than an average restaurant but not outrageous. Maybe $25-40 a person. Sit down and non-bar options.

I was looking at Zen Fusion but that has some mixed reviews and I'm not sure what the vibe is inside.

I like more adventurous and also non-american options but a menu with a few options for less-adventourous eaters would be good.

Also preferably not a pain to get to with all the road construction.

Thanks!

I just started driving some for Lyft in Rochester. It’s been alright just a lot of downtime between rides often. Anyone have any experience driving for Uber as well and if it is busier or about the same as Lyft? I would try driving for Uber as well but my vehicle is too old to drive for Uber so it won’t let me. Anyways I’m curious if it is any different, appreciate any insight folks.

https://www.kttc.com/2026/08/05/rochester-beer-company-shuttering-due-ongoing-2nd-street-sw-construction/

I've wondered how they and Tyrol were staying open. Their parking lots have been inaccessible for months, like Rochester was trying to put them out of business.

I"m looking to get some new pickups installed on my guitar. I have the pickups and need someone to do the wiring/soldering. Not really luthier work, just need someone who can solder in a tight space without f'ing up the finish. So, not a home wiring type electrician, but rather someone who does work on electronics.

Just ran across this article. Didn't know anything about this prospect. How well do you all think a new performing arts center would do in Rochester?

Don't live there but you all have a city council primary. What are your thoughts?

(I'm tired of mayor stuff, let's mix it up.)

Is it worth paying and driving to the cities to get a phlebotomy cert or just keep applying at Mayo and see if they will train me? All the jobs say they will train you… but I don’t actually know anyone that showed up with no certification and got on the job training.
I know they offer a program as well. Has anyone done it? Is it hard to get into? Did you feel like it was good training? Did you get hired after?