Relocating from Anchorage Alaska to Rochester MN (Orono, Plainview: sale, crime)

[johanfahed]

I had been 4 years living in Anchorage AK. I'm thinking to relocate by the end of July with my 30 months old son and husband to Rochester to start a job with Mayo clinic by August . I really like Alaska , the salary is good ,winters are ok . Im relocating because of my son education , be near the family . Alaska is kind of isolated , travel to my hometown takes me about 17 hours of flight . I heard education and health care are good in Rochester, crime is low . The quality of life seems to be better . This is big decision im really confused about what im going to do . Im running out of time .
Money vS Quality of life ? I will make about $25,000 less in Rochester .

Any suggestions .

Thanks

[golfgal]

You will make less money in Rochester but things cost a lot less there too. My guess is that you won't really notice the salary difference once you get there.

[Navelinski]

Originally Posted by johanfahed

I had been 4 years living in Anchorage AK. I'm thinking to relocate by the end of July with my 30 months old son and husband to Rochester to start a job with Mayo clinic by August . I really like Alaska , the salary is good ,winters are ok . Im relocating because of my son education , be near the family . Alaska is kind of isolated , travel to my hometown takes me about 17 hours of flight . I heard education and health care are good in Rochester, crime is low . The quality of life seems to be better . This is big decision im really confused about what im going to do . Im running out of time .
Money vS Quality of life ? I will make about $25,000 less in Rochester .

Any suggestions .

Thanks

If you look for a home just outside of Rochester, you could save money on the home, but be careful to consider the cost of gasoline too. There are many very nice small towns in that area that are less expensive - if you have a vehicle that gets good gas milage - it might be an option for you. Gasoline yesterday was $2.93 in much of the Twin Cities area. There is a website http://www.twincitiesgasprices.com/ where you can check on gasoline prices in and around the Twin Cities. That should give you some idea.

And just for comparison, here are some prices you might use to compare with your area - just to get an idea of the cost of living. Just a few items off the top of my head:

• Gallon of Milk (most expensive - not treated with hormones) $3.92.
• Gallon of milk (the cheapest) $2.50 on sale at gas station.
• License plate renewal for a 2004 vehicle = $104.00
• Haircut = 9.00 (Men)
• Case of beer (Miller High Life) = 13.99
• Chinese restaurant lunch specials = $4.95 to $5.95
• New furnace (including installation) starting at $1500
• 12 pack of pop (brand name like 7up, Coke, Pepsi) on sale recently - 3 for $8.88

One other thing you need to consider. Minnesota doesn't have a special income tax break like you do in Alaska and our state taxes are high compared to other states. BUT, we invest a lot in our environment, keeping our lakes stocked with fish, state parks, recreation, and public programs of all sorts. We have a pretty nice standard of living which is supported by income tax.

Also, small towns like Oronoco, Cedar Beach, Chester, Zumbrota, Mazeppa, Pine Island, Elgin, Plainview, and several others are an easy commute to Rochester. Even Spring Valley isn't that bad of a drive and that's REALLY nice down there (Amish community).

Much of the area is in what is known as the "driftless zone" which is an area that was left untouched by the glaciers during the last ice age. That means the hills and valleys are still there. Most of the rest of the state was scoured by glaciers and that caused them to be flatter, but with more lakes. The area around Rochester has more streams, rivers, and caves. Great place for trout fishing, canoeing, and exploring. If you get the chance, visit Harmony Cave.

[powerfulpup]

Like someone pointed out, even if you don't live in Rochester, any of the small towns in the surrounding areas are nice (and probably cheaper). I live just across the river, in WI, but visit there enough to know its a nice place. My guess would be that saving a few cents on items here and there won't make up for the $25,000 hit, and you will have less disposable income. But a lot of that depends on how you shop and what you buy.

[neace]

I have a friend that is now moving back home to Anchorage from Rochester; she likes Alaska much better than Minnesota (but then she was born in Alaska.)
Rochester is a fine place to live but you need to know that crime is more prolific than it once was; the population has now exceded 100,000, and there has been an increase in gang activity and a sharp increase in crime resulting in a group called the Gaurdian Angels coming into the area to help out.
I work at Mayo too and overall I enjoy living here, but Rochester has changed a lot in the six years since I moved here. I will be sending my son to private school so I know his education will be excellent, as for the public school system here - they are dealing with the population growth and budget cuts like many other places.
I wouldn't dissuade you from moving here but I would ask you to look at all sides of the story. Rochester is safer by far than the twin cities area, but it isn't what it once was.