If the 30k is after tax - very do-able. Before tax; it's more difficult. Utilities are ~$120 a month for me - less in spring and fall when AC/Natural Gas Heater isn't needed. (this is in a 3 bedroom 1440 sq foot home). Auto Gas is more expensive - maybe 20% from you. Rochester has an excellent public farmers market. Also the towns have their own market in the summer. Greece Mall has one
Bp | Rochester, NY | Report Abuse

Hey, I just saw that no one has replied to you. I don't live in Rochester anymore, but still have family there and may be moving back next year as well. I still have family there and knowledge of the area, so I hope I can give you some good advice. Heating in winter can be upwards of 300 dollars, but the bills aren't bad except in the heart of winter. I forgot what they call it, but you can get your electric and gas bill set up on a budget so they average it out for the year and you pay like 170 or 180 every month all year. Water isn't very expensive, but I'm not sure what it is, less than 60 a month. Gas is slightly expensive compared to a lot of the US, but commutes are short from anywhere in Rochester so it will save you some money there. Just about any neighborhood outside of the city of Rochester are usually safe and have great schools. Part of east Irondequoit is not very safe from what I have heard. I would recommend looking at housing in Greece (the area right near Rochester has some minor property crime stuff, but the rest of Greece is very safe). Irondequoit is nice in many parts with the exception of East Irondequoit and a few areas bordering the city, it has beautiful parks. Henrietta is nice and closer to U of R and RIT if that is where you are doing your schooling. Also Brighton is nice and close to the colleges. All these neighborhoods will have housing in your price range, but may be tough to find. You can probably get an apartment or even buy a house in that price range, but it will be tough to find a three bedroom rental house for that price. There are farmers markets and also the most amazing grocery stores in the world, called Wegmans. These stores have a fairly large organics section. There are also farms to buy produce from. If you will be looking for a church, let me know and I can point you in the direction of a good one as well depending on where you decide to go.
matt | Goose Creek, SC | Report Abuse