Rochester’s Quirks From A to Z: The Ultimate Local Guide

Whether you're new to Rochester or a lifelong local, some things here just feel like home. Every city has its quirks, but Rochester has a very specific personality. And once you’ve been here long enough, you start to realize there’s an unofficial checklist of things that define life in the Med City.

So I figured I’d lay it all out. From A to Z.

A - America's best hospital! Obviously, we have to start with the main attraction - Mother Mayo! Likely the thing that brought you to Rochester in the first place, if you're new. ;)

C - Crows GALORE. They are basically the city bird at this point. Watch where you park your car. Crews have tried to get rid of them numerous times, but they just live here now.

D - Down by the Riverside. I know, I know, they officially renamed it the Riverside Music Series, but either way, it's a summer tradition you can’t miss.

E - Everybody works at Mayo. Seriously... I think a read a stat somewhere that said 80% of the city is employed by Mayo, or maybe I made that up lol. Google tells me it's more like 30%, but I was close.

F - Famous visitors. If you're lucky, you'll spot these folks downtown. We've seen Gerard Butler, Hugh Grant, Bill Murray, just to name a few.

H - Half streets! Why so many half streets?? So confusing!

I - Insects: mosquitoes, lady bugs or those asian lady beetles (I never can tell the difference), stink bugs, box elder bugs, no-see-ums...

J - Jay walkers. It's real bad in downtown. Like a daily game of frogger.

L - Land of no natural lakes. In a state famous for lakes, we somehow drew the short straw.

M - Multiple locations of several businesses - Two Targets, two Walmarts, two Aldis, multiple Hy-Vees, Whistlebinkies, Applebee's, Chipotles… you get the idea.

N - Nurses everywhere

O - Only one lane open.. You know, because of all the construction and Mayo's massive 5-billion-dollar expansion plan.

P - Passive aggressive personalities AKA Minnesota nice.

Q - Quality of living. Rochester is consistently named one of the best places to live and a great place to raise a family.

R - Renting a mediocre place in Rochester will cost you a pretty penny. Not the most expensive in the state, but definitely not cheap.

Also See: Unexpected Rochester Zip Code Named the Most Affordable Spot to Rent in MN

S - Second Street Waving Guy - Joe! Drive down Second Street and Joe will definitely put a smile on your face. He's out there all hours of the day, no matter the weather, flag in hand, just waving and making days brighter.

T - Thursdays Downtown - A downtown Rochester tradition every summer with music, food, local vendors, and good vibes!

U - Unpredictable weather.

V - Volunteers. Minnesota ranks 3rd in the country for volunteerism and I know Rochester is footing a ton of that, as we are a generous crew.

X - Xrays - Whether you’re heading to Mayo or OMC, there’s always a place nearby for an X-ray. We are the Med City after all.

Y - You're just a short drive from the Twin Cities

Z - Zero places to park in downtown, but hey, at least you get your steps in!