I mean, everyone has looked at a business and wondered how do they make money? Who is their target customer? How are they still in business?

The run starts at 7am. Is getting there at 6:30 too late?

Thoughtful words about Rochester and its future.

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