Rochester ranks third for best NY cities to live in and 16th for U.S. cities with best quality of life

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester ranks third for best cities in New York State to live in, according to a new U.S. News and World Report analysis.

In the survey’s national rankings, Rochester ranked #42 for best cities to live in. It also ranked 55th for best places to retire and 16th for overall quality of life.

Albany took the prize for best city to live in within New York State, followed by Syracuse. Buffalo ranked fourth while New York City ranked fifth.

The report said that Rochester features a unique blend of history and innovation. For decades, Rochester-area residents lived in the suburbs rather than the city. However, more people are moving downtown because of recent developments.

Honoring the city’s history is an important part of life in Rochester.

“For decades, Rochester-area residents have opted to live in the suburbs rather than the city proper. However, with recent development in the city’s downtown, the tide may be turning,” said the report.

The report also says that Rochester’s biggest asset is its welcoming people. A survey in September ranked Rochester as the most “neigborly city in America”.

“Residents are generally considered to be warmer, kinder and more welcoming than their downstate brethren”, said the report. “Maybe it’s due to the region’s family focus or maybe it’s because residents spend a lot of time inside together during the long, cold winters. But whatever the reason, Rochester is largely a welcoming and friendly place.”

The report ranked Huntsville, Alabama as the best American city to live in. The town gained national recognition in the 1960s when it became the location of NASA’s design of Saturn V, the rocket that sent Apollo astronauts to the moon. Now, the city is one of the fastest-growing metro areas with a bustling arts scene and craft breweries.

You can explore more rankings here.