Rochester Named 2nd Best Small(ish) City To Live In
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When it comes to small to mid-sized cities to call home, a website ranking puts Rochester, Minn. as the second best in the nation.
Livability released its second annual ranking of the best places to live, with Rochester ranked at No. 2, right behind Madison, Wis.
According to the ranking, Mayo Clinic is to thank for Rochester's high placement. They credit the city for its "vibrant arts culture" that attracts top physicians to the medical mecca.
"Today Rochester attracts many young residents who quickly fall in love with the city's creative vibe. In addition to excellent health care, Rochester gives residents a stable economy, recreational assets and a large collection of restaurants and unique shops," the ranking states.
The ranking also makes note of Mayo's upcoming $6 billion expansion, challenging the city of roughly 100,000 to be ready to accommodate more people in the not-so-distant future.
They highlight the city's summer festivities, as well as a thriving downtown, leading to the increase of outdoor patios and rooftop seating at local restaurants.
Other nearby cities to make the list of 100 include Fargo, North Dakota (No. 22), St. Louis Park (No. 27), Sioux Falls, South Dakota (No. 41), Bismarck (No. 51), Eau Claire, Wis. (No. 59) and La Crosse, Wis. (No. 95).
To see the complete list, click here.
