Rochester has been called a dying city. I think it’s one of the best in New York.

Since New York City is one of the world’s famous metropolises, other cities in New York State are often overlooked. One in particular is Rochester, a place that’s accumulated many nicknames throughout its history. One such title is “The Mustard City,” a fictional name appearing on the show Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or “The Flour City,” for the many flour mills along the Genesee River.

I visited a friend who bought a house in Rochester during the pandemic, and he gave me a tour of the best spots and places to go. We climbed to the rooftop of Genesee Tavern and admired the beautiful High Falls downtown, a vivid backdrop against the summer sunset. 

After taking a glance at some of the empty industrial buildings, he told me that some people consider Rochester a “dying city.” 

The area has indeed experienced an economic decline since the more robust 1980s, further exacerbated by population decline during the pandemic [source]. Once a manufacturing powerhouse with companies like Kodak and Xerox, the city has struggled to bounce back. But locals are optimistic, and there are signs of progress in the local economy. [source]

My friend is delighted to live in Rochester, and by the end of my trip, I was sold on its appeal. I think Rochester is one of the best cities in New York State and maybe even the country. 

Now, let me explain why. 

The nightlife has a small-town vibe, which creates a truly unique experience.

The bar scene is incredibly unique in Rochester. 

I found it almost difficult to understand my quick affinity for Rochester’s nightlife. It certainly looked like a city, yet it felt like a small town. The streets were always busy, so you never felt alone, yet it was tranquil and never felt overrun. 

The dichotomy between small town and big city felt obsolete; the nightlife is in its own undefinable league. 

We started the evening at Genesee Brew House, your quintessential “must-go” when starting your night out. The place has multiple floors and is packed with patrons, making the ambiance warm and inviting. The best surprise was the view from the rooftop. The High Falls are spectacular at night; the area feels alive with the pounding of the falls against relatively quiet city streets. 

After having rooftop drinks, we went deeper into the downtown to check out a few bars. Salinger’s was a local favorite to play pool and your average dive bar. The streets were busy with people of all ages, from college students to locals. 

It’s the perfect place to learn more about American history and visit preserved landmarks.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much history I learned when I visited. Of course, every place you travel has a history, but this city is uniquely multi-faceted. Rochester and The Finger Lakes region are the birthplace of the modern women’s rights movement. [source] 

I walked through Mount Hope Cemetery to view the burial sites of famous Civil Rights icons, like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. The grounds were beautifully manicured with tree-lined streets and classical colonial homes adjacent to the cemetery.  

The history of Rochester isn’t strictly limited to the Civil Rights Movement. The George Eastman Museum is the oldest photography museum in the world, and The Genesee Country Village & Museum is New York’s biggest living history museum. [source] 

The old industrial architecture is historical, well-maintained, and nostalgic at the same time.

There is something unique to Rochester, and I think it lies in the architectural design. The city’s heavy industrial atmosphere is omnipresent, but there’s a homey feel at the same time. 

Looking at High Falls from the rooftop of the brewhouse, the area feels predated and “old-world,” as if I stumbled on a city that gave up on its operations fifty years ago yet managed to stay alive. 

What’s eye-catching throughout Rochester are the residential historic houses that exude sophistication and style. With the modern obsession with minimalism and white marble everywhere (boring), I’ve come to appreciate older homes with all their character. A walk up East Avenue will introduce you to some of the most beautiful homes you didn’t know you needed to see.

It’s an intellectual city and a great option for young people to live.

New York State has so much more than the Big Apple, including a diverse range of inhabitants. Rochester is a highly intellectual city, and with its dedication to preserving local history, you will feel a cultural enrichment upon your arrival.

The University of Rochester is small but mighty, consistently ranked as one of the best research universities in the country. The school is also one of the top universities in the world for entrepreneurs [source]. Take that, MIT. 

The Rochester Institute of Technology is another fantastic academy and one of the world’s leading technological institutions. If you plan on applying to college, consider Rochester! 

Rochester sits on Lake Ontario, making it an underrated summer destination.

Since I visited Rochester in August, a quick trip to Lake Ontario was a must. 

The first thing I noticed? The beach wasn’t overrun with people. There were families, a few people lounging with music and friends, and a couple of boats on the water. Other than that, the area was far quieter than most beaches during the height of the summer.

I have a fascination with the Great Lakes, and Lake Ontario is the fourteenth largest lake in the world [source]. You see, there is power in the Great Lakes, not only in name recognition but in amplifying the region. If an area has a Great Lake, it commands a certain respect. And Rochester has Lake Ontario. 

Another unique thing about Lake Ontario is that the area is a great place to chat with locals. This destination is not as touristy as other popular summer spots in the United States, like Miami or San Diego. You get all the beauty without the crowds; a win-win. 

Thinking of moving to Rochester? You can enjoy day trips to the surrounding Finger Lakes region any time of the year.

At the end of my trip, I decided Rochester was one of the best places to live in New York State. 

Oh, there’s also plenty to do in the surrounding area. I had this funny misconception that you might feel “trapped” so far up North. Well, it turns out I was wrong. The surrounding area has no shortage of things to do.

Just under a two-hour drive away, Ithaca is one of the best towns in NY, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, and a lively downtown area. If you want to be in nature, Ithaca has some of the best waterfalls in New York, with Buttermilk Falls and Ithaca Falls drawing visitors to admire the stunning nature of the area. 

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So, with its combination of American history, historic homes, Lake Ontario, colleges, and surrounding Finger Lakes beauty, why wouldn’t someone love Rochester? Okay, maybe the winter. That far up North, the winters can be harsh. This would be my only complaint. 

Next up, read my article about things to know before you visit NYC.