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Rochester,MN Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Rochester, MN

Rochester, MN, is a vibrant city known for its welcoming community and diverse neighborhoods. Exploring the best neighborhoods in Rochester reveals a city that beautifully blends a rich history with modern amenities. Whether you're considering moving here or just curious about what makes Rochester special, the city offers a range of neighborhoods each with its unique charm. From family-friendly streets to lively downtown areas, the Rochester neighborhoods map guides you through a city where comfort and convenience are just around the corner.

Demographic Insights & Community Composition

Rochester's neighborhoods are home to a diverse population, featuring a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. Areas like East Side and Historic Southwest boast a rich cultural heritage with well-established communities, while neighborhoods such as Quarry Hill attract younger residents who appreciate proximity to parks and trails. The presence of Mayo Clinic also brings an international demographic, enriching the social fabric of the city. This diversity makes Rochester neighborhoods a welcoming place for people from all walks of life, fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When it comes to housing, Rochester offers a variety of options, from charming historic homes in neighborhoods like Central Park to newer developments in Northwest Rochester. The market remains relatively affordable compared to larger metro areas, making it attractive for first-time homebuyers and families. You’ll find a healthy mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments catering to different budgets. The Rochester neighborhoods map highlights areas where housing prices are more competitive, such as in the Southtown neighborhood, providing excellent value without sacrificing access to amenities.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in Rochester has its own personality. For example, the Historic Southwest neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and vintage architecture, giving it a cozy, small-town feel. Meanwhile, the Downtown area pulses with energy, thanks to its blend of offices, shopping, and entertainment venues. Neighborhoods like Meadow Park and Silver Lake offer a suburban vibe with plenty of green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The cultural diversity and varying lifestyles across these neighborhoods make Rochester a city where everyone can find their niche.

Food & Social Scene: Are Some Areas More Popular Than Others, Hotspots

The food and social scene in Rochester is vibrant and concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Downtown Rochester is a hotspot for dining, featuring popular spots like Pescara for Mediterranean flavors and Tap House Grill for casual eats. Meanwhile, the area around 3rd Street SW offers cozy cafes and local breweries. Neighborhoods like Historic Southwest have charming bistros and artisan coffee shops that draw locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re craving farm-to-table fare or international cuisine, Rochester’s neighborhoods serve up a delicious mix of options.

Things to Do: What Are Some Popular Attractions and Things to Do

Rochester neighborhoods also shine when it comes to recreational activities and attractions. The Quarry Hill Nature Center, located in the Quarry Hill neighborhood, offers trails and wildlife exhibits perfect for a family outing. The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial and the Rochester Art Center add cultural depth to the city’s offerings. For those interested in education and history, the University of Minnesota Rochester campus brings an academic vibe to the area. With parks, museums, and lively community events scattered throughout, exploring Rochester neighborhoods is a great way to experience all the city has to offer.

Rochester Demographics

Population 120,848
Density (People/sqml.) 2,133
Median Age 36.3
Married Couples
52%
52% of the population of Rochester aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
26%
26% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Have Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Viking Hills 42.3 28.7% $316,533 $126,723 2.2
Manor Park 41.6 26.8% $336,880 $137,761 2.4
John Marshall 44.4 17.8% $203,625 $84,868 2.6
Elton Hills 35.1 21% $237,650 $90,072 2.8
Cimarron 38.2 30.8% $216,900 $84,499 2.8
John Adams 35.7 23.1% $226,856 $83,767 2.9
Indian Heights Park 44.9 13.3% $211,975 $75,897 2.9
Viking Park 40.2 22.8% $250,080 $89,915 2.9
Northwest Rochester 33.2 52.1% $316,675 $112,766 2.9
Glendale 41.8 33.2% $383,867 $133,062 2.9

Rochester neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Rochester—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Rochester, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Rochester

Violent Crime 57% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 22% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 28% Lower than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Rochester
/100k
MN
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 5 4.1 2.9 5.0
Rape 32 26.1 36.8 37.5
Robbery 32 26.1 48.9 60.6
Assault 120 97.8 168.0 256.1
Total Violent Crime 189 154 257 359
Burglary 213 173.6 184.7 229.2
Theft 1,354 1,103.6 1,208.5 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 112 91.3 213.1 258.8
Total Property Crime 1,679 1,368 1,606 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 1,868 1,522 1,863 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.