Review of Rochester, New York


People here are fast-paced and rude
Star Rating - 9/3/2011
I lived in Rochester for 8 years and had a really open mind about the city when I first arrived. My family is from the Western NY area, so there were many pleasant memories from childhood. Such as the breezy, mild summers and frosty winter snow scenes.

From my experience though, people here are generally anxious, high strung,and in your face loud and obnoxious. At best, they can be folksy and unassuming, but more often then not, people can be abrasive and downright rude. Being obnoxious and mean spirited is valued here. The work ethic is highly valued, appearing busy is very important. You dont have to be doing anything worthwhile, you just need to be busy and fast. Not being this way is like a sin! Even compared to people in NYC or other major metropolitan areas, Western New Yorkers can be very uptight and anxious.

I no longer live there and am happy for it.
Chris | Fairfax, VA
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Interestingly, my family has had the exact opposite experience with Rochesterians. We find them to be some of the most down-to-earth, friendly people in the country. I personally have not made so many friends since college and find the work environment to be very laid-back. I'm sure the discrepancy has to do with the comparisons being made - we've previously lived in Boston, Connecticut, New York City, St. Louis, and Rockville, MD - relative to those places, the people in Rochester are absolutely lovely. Maybe if Rochester gets compared to other upstate areas or cities in the south or west, the people seem "rude." The bottom line is that the more educated a metro area is, the more fast-paced, rude, and snobby it becomes. In my mind Rochester is a perfect balance between friendly and educated.
WNY | Rochester, NY | Report Abuse

My experience has been the same unfortunately. I'm sort of devastated because the area is very pretty, I love the parks, it's close to Syracuse where my folks live, etc. But I just can't get over the people. You put it perfectly! I'm not a negative person at all, and I've always had a high tolerance for rudeness, but this place takes the cake. I've encountered the worst and most aggressive (and dangerous) driving I've ever seen, toxic work environments, bad experiences out shopping. People are just plain anxious and mean. I lived in Buffalo for 11yrs and, although it took some time, I absolutely fell in love. With Bflo, you really have to learn the city, the culture, and people before settling in. I've been in Rochester for six years, and I pretty much just stay to myself, my husband, and son. I even went through a "is it me?" phase. Nope. I've seen three co-workers come and go citing the people as the #1 reason for leaving. It's too bad. Is it something in the water? :(
Elizabeth | Webster, NY | Report Abuse
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