Rapid construction and top schools make Rochester a growing suburb
Rochester is a prominent Springfield suburb that draws people looking for a relaxed lifestyle without losing quick access to all the city offers. The village is experiencing rapid residential growth, with many new subdivisions built within the past decade. The Rochester school district is a significant draw to the area, and the village's central road leads commuters into Springfield toward major interstates and state employers. Residents are also within a few miles of Lake Springfield, which has abundant waterfront activities. Rochester's CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Leafy neighborhoods have new homes and older architecture
The village primarily has medium-density suburban neighborhoods with leafy lawns and relaxed atmospheres. "There are also buyers who like to buy around the village so they can live in the country with some acreage and still attend Rochester schools," says Julie Davis, Realtor with The Real Estate Group, who has sold in the area many times. Ranch-style homes and New Traditional styles are common in most subdivisions, but there are also Tudor-inspired, split-level and custom homes throughout. New construction has ramped up considerably in the past decade. Oak Mill Estates has some of the newest homes, with properties that are either still under construction or only about five years old. Prices range between $150,000 and $580,000 depending on a home's age, condition and size, but the village's median price is around $290,000.
Rochester's school district has high rankings and small class sizes
"Springfield has an excellent school district, but Rochester's schools are the major pull in the community," Davis says. "I have a lot of clients who move there just to be in the school district." Rochester Community Unit School District No. 3A has an A-minus Niche rating, and Niche ranks it as the second-best school district in the Springfield area. Among its three schools, Rochester High School, which also has an A-minus score, offers roughly 700 students a wide range of core curriculum and career prep courses. "A lot of people feel like their child won't be lost in the classroom because of the smaller class sizes," Davis says.
Locals have access to a multiuse community park and Lake Springfield
Rochester Community Park is the village's primary green space. Soccer, baseball and volleyball leagues play on the park's athletic fields, and kids run around the playground. The park is also home to an arboretum. Trails lead visitors past native trees and plants, plus an outdoor classroom. North Park is tucked beside the village water tower, offering a small playground and picnic pavilion. Residents are roughly 4 miles from Lake Springfield, a hub for waterfront recreation. Several private boat clubs, public boat ramps, fishing areas and park spaces line the shore.
Lincoln Greens Golf Course is an 18-hole course open to the public, and many families enjoy spending a day at the Henson Robinson Zoo. Two miles farther south, Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center is a park known for its wetland trails, floral gardens and distinctive wooden sculptures. "While it's a longer drive down the side of the lake, the park is still more accessible to Rochester than parts of Springfield on the western shoreline, so it's a real treat," Davis says.
Main roads and a bike trail connect to major cities and interstates
Many residents commute to Springfield for work. State Route 29 is a direct route to the city limits, connecting with Interstate 55 within 5 miles. Main Street leads to Lake Springfield. Cyclists can reach the southeast side of Springfield via the Lost Bridge Trail, a 5-mile path parallel to SR-29. There are plans to extend the trail to Taylorville , a city roughly 20 miles from Rochester. The village is about 8 miles from downtown Springfield and HSHS St. John's Hospital, while Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is 13 miles away.
Local businesses include homestyle restaurants and golf bars
Most of the village's commercial options line Illinois Avenue. Lighthouse Family Restaurant is known for its homestyle cooking, while Razzo's Family Pizzeria serves calzones, pasta and personal pies. Mockingbird Bakery has a variety of coffee roasts and a glass case filled with pastries. The Back 9 offers an indoor golf simulator, slot machines and a large bar area. DG Market is the only grocery store in the village.
Summer movies and festivals at Rochester Community Park
One of Rochester's largest events is Sparks in the Park, a three-day festival celebrating Independence Day. Crowds gather at Rochester Community Park to enjoy a carnival, vendor marketplace, live music and a parade. Kids participate in the youth fishing derby, and Saturday night ends with a fireworks spectacular. Summertime also brings free outdoor movies to the park on select weekends. During the Rochester Fall Festival, people explore a huge car show and a preserved historical building at Rochester Historical Park.
