From Sacramento to Rochester...Need HELP! (credit, relocate, job)

[kingsfan]

Hi!

I will be moving from Sacramento to Rochester in July, leaving my beloved Kings, but looking forward to a new job in what appears to be a lovely city. My realator has done a great job of talking up the town and making me feel at ease with the transition and several websites have introduced me to a plethora of culture and activities in Rochester.

I am 35 years old, single, no kids and fully Italian. I have alot of interest of living within the city of Rochester as the good schools and outrageous taxes in suburbs are waste for me. I like friendly neighborhoods, walking about, and being apart of the community. I have a few questions that I hope some locals or people familiar with region can help me with:

1. Do I need to get a winter car?
I drive a Saab convertible but is the cold so bad that even top up driving is unbearable?

2. How high are the utilities?
I am interested in purchasing an older home--loaded with charm and great architecture-but will I need a line of credit to heat the place?

3. Central Air -is it necessary?
My realator states that it seldom gets warm enough to require AC...really?

4. Winter Driving Schools?
I have driven in snow before...but with chains on my tires....no salt in NorCal...any tips for me or special schools for out of towners?

I have really enjoyed visits to Rochester and can not wait for the whole move thing to be over. The people I have encountered were some of the friendlist and most helpful I have ever met. I am very impressed and can not wait to call Rochester my new home.

Thank you for any help you can provide...

[skbs]

1. Do I need to get a winter car?
I drive a Saab convertible but is the cold so bad that even top up driving is unbearable?

If you aren't concerned about rust caused by the salt on the roads each winter or the draft from negative windchills... drive the Saab... otherwise I might think about a more winter friendly option...

2. How high are the utilities?
I am interested in purchasing an older home--loaded with charm and great architecture-but will I need a line of credit to heat the place?

Well, I have a five years new home... 2000sqft... my highest heating bill this winter was $330...usually keep the temp set to 68... like I said... my home is pretty new and very well insulated... older homes cost much more to heat.

3. Central Air -is it necessary?
My realator states that it seldom gets warm enough to require AC...really?

It gets really humid here. On the hottest days in July/Aug you will probably be happier with A/C... but you can get away with wall units.

4. Winter Driving Schools?
There are Driving Schools here... But I have to say the towns do a great job with keeping the roads clean with the plows and salt. Think about driving in a snowstorm like driving in heavy rain... you wouldn't slam on your breaks in a rainstorm for fear of hydroplaning... Same with snow... instead of vast amounts of water to spin you about it is ice... Very similar driving- I have all weather tires and do just fine... never once have I ever resorted to chains on my tires- nor have I been witness to it. Keep your distance, don't speed, add 10-15 minutes driving time during winter snowstorms... 30 in a blizzard. I am not joking about the 30 minutes in a blizzard... make sure you have AAA and I use Windshield Washer fluid with DeIcer.


Good Luck with your move... After your first winter you will get the hang of it... it isn't anything to be afraid of.

[rochacha]

And don't forget to learn to become a Sabres fan

[juppiter]

Originally Posted by kingsfan

1. Do I need to get a winter car?
I drive a Saab convertible but is the cold so bad that even top up driving is unbearable?

Yeah, a convertible won't cut it for many reasons.

3. Central Air -is it necessary?
My realator states that it seldom gets warm enough to require AC...really?

It depends. I think it gets warm enough, but it's also so windy here that with energy costs the way they are you should be good with windows.

[juppiter]

Originally Posted by rochacha

And don't forget to learn to become a Sabres fan

haha, living here has turned me into a Bills fan (was Giants before) but I just can't get in to hockey.... it's still funny to hear people excited about hockey.

[kingsfan]

Thanks skbs!

I appreciate the analogy...I can relate to rainy weather here in soggy NorCal....I will probably pickup something to drive in the winter time.
Alot of people in the mountains drive Subarus and Audis because of the AWD....is that a good choice or will front wheel drive be enough?

Thanks for the reassurance....I am certain I will get used to the snow and driving about.

[kingsfan]

Sabres huh?

I LOVE hockey! Our local minor league team has been great fun when you can get tickets. The sport is quite popular here...

I will probably be a great Sabres fan....unless the Sharks are in town. CHOMP!

[rochacha]

Fair enough. At least you don't have to be a Knicks fan. The best we have is the Rochester Razorsharks which is a very good albeit some kind of minor professional league basketball team.

[kingsfan]

I could never be a Knicks fan. Minor league basketball is better than no basketball...I did not know that you all had a team.....I know that the Kings are originally from Rochester...the Rochester Royals I believe...Thanks for info

[notasmoker]

With your positive attitude, you will do well here. I relocated from Louisiana over 20 years ago. I originally was going to stay here 2 years, maximum, but really grew to like the place. People here generally are very "down to earth," friendly and well-educated. I have heard the Rochester area described as a "steady as you go" kind of place. There is a lot of natural beauty around here and some good festivals. I had no problems adjusting to winter driving and found it much easier than driving through floods in Louisiana. Good luck!