$538,802Average Value$305Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
Rochester allows for a countryside home within commuting distance of Olympia
Rochester is a quiet, rural community that offers a peaceful place to call home in the greater Olympia area. "You get more bang for your buck. The price of homes down there is a little more affordable," says Jason Munoz, a Realtor and owner of Munoz Home Group with Keller Williams South Sound, who has over a decade of experience. "It's more rural and has more space. There are fewer people, so you have more of a small-town feel." The community is on U.S. Route 12 just off Interstate 5, offering convenient regional commutes. Nearby natural areas and recreation sites allow residents to escape into nature, while the spacious lots and tall pines provide a natural feeling at home.
Spacious lots provide room for gardens, farms and backyard activities
Homes in Rochester are often midcentury ranch-style or manufactured houses, although there are some vintage Craftsmans and bungalows from the early 1900s. There is little new development, but buyers can find some 21st-century homes. Properties are almost always a quarter-acre or more, with many being at least an acre. The lot sizes make it ideal for gardening, small-scale farming, or simply enjoying extra space. Some homes come with outbuildings like barns or workshops. Munoz says there are no homeowners associations in the area, so buyers can use their land however they want. The median sale price is around $550,000. The Black and Chehalis rivers pose a significant flood risk to the area. Rochester has a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Craftsman homes are abundant in Rochester.
Spacious homes sit on woodsy lots in Rochester.
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Forests and wildlife areas offer hiking and hunting opportunities
Natural recreation surrounds Rochester. "There's a lot of hunting and fishing in the area. Actually, you can find pretty much whatever outdoor activity you want," says Larry Weaver, broker/owner with Dreamweaver Real Estate and fourth-generation area resident. "There's basically endless trails at Capitol State Forest, and it's an hour and a half to ocean beaches and an hour and a half to snow skiing in the Cascades." Capitol State Forest has over 100,000 acres of public land for hiking, horseback riding, camping and wildlife viewing. Wildlife areas like the Scatter Creek and Black River units offer more hiking options, plus hunting for pheasants and other birds. Rochester Park is a green space within the community with baseball fields, a playground and walking paths.
Explore miles of hiking and biking trails in Rochester's Capitol State Forest.
Rochester Community Park offers a playground and a walking trail.
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Highway 12 is the spot to be for shopping and dining in Rochester
Rochester's commercial activity is centered along Highway 12 and includes chain and locally owned businesses. Highway 12 Drive-Inn is an old-school fast-food spot serving burgers and milkshakes. Talking Cedar in nearby Grand Mound is a restaurant, distillery and brewery serving traditional pub food and house-made drinks. Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel has multiple dining options, plus slots and table games. Groceries are available at Bailey's IGA Market or Country Corner Market. Olympia and Tumwater have more shopping, including stores like Costco, Walmart and Home Depot on I-5.
Highway 12 Drive-Inn serves up burgers and shakes with a retro feel in Rochester.
Rochester residents frequent IGA Bailey’s for their grocery needs.
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Highways offer convenient commutes throughout Washington
Highway 12 and I-5 offer commutes throughout Washington, making Rochester a convenient spot for people working in the larger cities. "Most people in the area these days commute to Olympia, a few to Centralia," says Weaver. "There's hardly ever any traffic on the way to either town, so it's pretty easy to get around." Olympia is about 21 miles north via I-5, while Centralia is about 11 miles south. Rural Transit operates a bus route in the area that connects Rochester to Tumwater.
Rochester schools prepare students for careers
Rochester Primary School earns a B-minus from Niche, while Rochester Middle School and Rochester High School each receive a C-plus. The high school offers several career pathways, including agriculture and engineering and robotics. Students are required to take at least two semesters of career and technical education courses to graduate.
Rochester students begin their education at Rochester Primary School.
Students in Rochester continue their education at Rochester Middle School.
Rochester High School offers a variety of career pathways.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
Photography Contributed By
Marcus Yzaguirre
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Geia Roberts,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Rochester, WA sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Rochester, WA over the last 12 months is $524,999, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for manicured acreage w/sprawling front/backyard lawn surrounded by perimeter of trees w/lush landscape & parklike feel? This is the home for you! With a shallow creek on the eastern end, an established trail loops back to your Pacific NW backyard w/outdoor activities all set up; deer protected garden beds, newer hot tub on entertainment sized patio & double door shed w/private driveway!
Attention to detail shines throughout this stunning 2018 custom-built 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home nestled on 5 gorgeous, private acres! The kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting stainless steel appliances, elegant granite countertops, and a stylish sliding barn door opening to a spacious pantry. High-quality laminate flooring flows through the main living area, which features expansive vaulted
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An abundance of workshop and hobby space is a prime feature of this 1.5 acre property. This estate sale home was loved and cherished by the past owner. Although built in 2001 it seems fresh and vibrant. Inside is bright and cheerful being bathed in ample natural light from the large picture windows facing out to view colorful landscaping. 3 good size bdrms. Primary bedrm features a 5 piece bath
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Set on 12+ beautiful acres in the heart of Rochester, this once in a lifetime property offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and country living with unbeatable convenience. This well built 3-bedroom, 13⁄4-bath home features vaulted ceilings and an open-concept layout is both bright and welcoming. The spacious kitchen includes an eating area and flows seamlessly into the living room
Originally the Padham homestead, this fully restored 1900 farmhouse blends historic character with exceptional modern upgrades. Southeast-facing windows fill the home with natural light, highlighting restored wood floors, detailed millwork, and craftsmanship rarely found today. The kitchen features handcrafted custom cabinetry, carefully selected finishes, and a propane range that balances warmth
Beautiful 5 acre rambler up for grabs! Michigan Hill property built in 2016 features 2 horse stalls and a fenced acreage. Enjoy privacy among picturesque and territorial views. The home features a covered porch, outdoor deck space, beautiful scenic windows, walk in pantry, utility room off the garage, propane fireplace, an open kitchen with quality cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
The Lincoln Creek Mallard Crossing features year-round Lincoln Creek running through the property and about a 5 acre pond to keep it accessible to waterfowl throughout the year. There are big game hunting opportunities as well. Commercial grade timber adds to the privacy and provides a revenue opportunity in the future. Paved Lincoln Creek Rd runs through the property for easy access and allowing
Experience the perfect blend of privacy, functionality, and comfort on this exceptional 5.9-acre property. Offering just under 4,000 sq ft of well-designed living space, this home features vaulted ceilings, rich hardwood floors, a cozy gas fireplace, and central vacuum. Expansive windows flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The spacious
Discover the perfect blend of privacy, utility, and modern comfort in this stunning 1,920 sq. ft. Rochester rambler. Set on a sprawling, fully fenced, and gated acre, this property is a rare sanctuary designed for both relaxation and ambition. Inside, the expansive open floor plan shines under soaring vaulted ceilings, creating an airy atmosphere that flows seamlessly from the spacious living
Welcome to your private acre retreat—where comfort, space, and thoughtful updates come together just minutes from I-5. Nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac, this beautifully maintained 1,480 SF rambler sits on a rare, fully level 1.16-acre lot, offering the perfect blend of convenience and peaceful living. Step inside to discover a home that’s been updated for both style and efficiency. Enjoy brand
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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