Why Live in Rochester
Rochester in Centralia is a neighborhood known for its diverse housing options, ranging from midcentury homes on large lots to newer developments and custom-built houses. Many properties feature sizable plots of land, often an acre or more, making it suitable for gardening, small-scale farming, or simply enjoying extra space. Architecturally, homes vary from classic ranch-style houses to modern farmhouses and contemporary designs, with some including outbuildings, barns, or workshops. The area is surrounded by natural beauty, with Capitol State Forest just 5 miles west, offering over 100,000 acres of wilderness and 60 miles of mixed-use trails. Rochester Community Park provides sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, while the nearby Chehalis River offers fishing and kayaking opportunities. The main commercial area along Highway 12 includes local businesses like Bailey’s IGA, with additional shopping available 10 miles south in Centralia or 20 miles north in Olympia and Tumwater. Dining options include local favorites such as Highway 12 Drive In and Bigfoot Barbecue, and the nearby Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel offers various dining experiences. Rochester's location along Highway 12 provides easy access to Interstate 5, facilitating commutes to Olympia and Centralia, with minimal traffic. The Amtrak station in Centralia offers rail service to Seattle and Portland. Schools in Rochester are managed by the Rochester School District, with Rochester Primary School and Rochester Middle School receiving moderate ratings, while Rochester High School offers diverse career pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester a good place to live?
Rochester is a good place to live. Rochester is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Rochester is a neighborhood with a crime score of 2, making it safer than the average neighborhood in the U.S. Rochester has 12 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 43. The average household income is $101,293 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 20.4% of residents. A majority of residents in Rochester are home owners, with 17.9% of residents renting and 82.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Rochester can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Rochester neighborhood guide.
Is Rochester, WA a safe neighborhood?
Rochester, WA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 2 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Rochester?
The median home price in Rochester is $599,876. If you put a 20% down payment of $120,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.72%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,100 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $133K a year to afford the median home price in Rochester. The average household income in Rochester is $101K.
What are the best public schools in Rochester?
The best public schools that serve Rochester are:
What are the best private schools in Rochester?
The best private schools that serve Rochester are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Rochester, Rochester, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Rochester, Rochester, WA?
Home Trends in Rochester, WA
On average, homes in Rochester, WA sell after 246 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Rochester, WA over the last 12 months is $487,000, up 34% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$487,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$630,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$487,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$625,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$306
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Median List Price
$599,876
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
34%
