Is Rochester Safe for Travel in 2024?

Safety Score

United States : Safety by City

Rochester is a city in the United States, in western New York, on the shores of Lake Ontario. The municipality (Monroe County) has a population of 1,039,028, the third-largest in the state. The number of residents of Rochester itself is 212.5 thousand. The urban agglomeration belongs to the Megalopolis Great Lakes mega-region.

Warnings & Dangers in Rochester

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

In this city, you need to take special precautions, watch out for your belongings and surroundings, and do not walk alone late at night.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

Public transport is well-developed and safe. Keep an eye on your wallets on buses to avoid pickpocketing. Use only licensed taxi services.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpocketing happens just like everywhere else - in the area of train stations, in the main squares, and in places where tourists gather. Always keep track of your belongings, do not leave your wallet and phone unattended.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

In the winter months, Rochester might experience heavy snowfall, which might cause snowstorms as well. This can affect driving and flights, so travelers should get informed about the current situation.

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

The risk of severe robbery and armed attack in Rochester is shallow. Avoid communicating with suspicious individuals and do not walk late at night in areas remote from the city center.

TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM

Terrorism is frequently happening in the USA these days and each city can be a target. If you happen to be in the middle of a terrorist attack, you should seek cover or, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms.

SCAMS RISK : LOW

Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Women traveling alone can feel relatively safe in Rochester. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.

How Safe Is Rochester for Tourists?

Rochester is not the safest city to travel to.

The crime index here ranges from medium to high.

The main problems are related to robbery, drug trafficking, and vandalism.

That being said, Rochester is generally safe for tourists, but some areas are more prone to crime than others.

The most dangerous parts of the city are commonly referred to as the Poverty Crescent because of their geographic shape.

The borough runs roughly north of Arnett Boulevard in the 19th arrondissement and skirts the city center, heading east towards Culver Road.

Keep in mind that there are few areas of particular interest to tourists in these areas, so it is unlikely that you will get to these places.

However, use common sense and situational awareness anyway, and crime won’t be a problem.

The suburban areas of Rochester tend to have low crime rates.

As elsewhere, keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings, use common sense.

Do not trust those who ask or offer you help; they may turn out to be deceivers.

Also, always keep an eye on your belongings and do not lose sight of them.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Rochester?

Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one visa-exempt country or Visa Waiver Program country. A valid passport is a must.

Which Currency Is Used in Rochester?

The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).

How's the Weather like in Rochester?

In Rochester, the summers are warm and partly cloudy, and the winters are freezing, snowy, windy, and mostly cloudy. The best time of year to visit Rochester for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September.

What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Rochester?

Rochester Airport is an active general aviation airport located 1.5 nautical miles south of Rochester, Medway, southeast England, with the Medway River 1.5 km from the end of Runway 34, 3.4 miles from Chatham, and its historic shipyard and the Medway area.

Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?

A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.

What Are Some Things to Do in Rochester?

Rochester, New York grew from the biggest supplier of flour in the country to a booming, thriving city known for innovation, 140 fantastic festivals, 60 golf courses, and over 12,000 acres of parks. Top things to do in Rochester, NY with kids include the Seneca Park Zoo, The Strong – National Museum of Play, and Rochester Museum & Science Center.

Is the Water in Rochester Safe to Drink?

Tap water is safe to drink.

Is Uber Safe in Rochester?

There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a cab from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day and the distance traveled.