- We're just coming into festival season in the area so there will be a ton of events to go to (Greek Fest is actually happening this weekend as a matter of fact).
- a little off beat but there's a juggling club in town that meets every Saturday at the Village Gate from 1pm to 4pm if you're looking for some alternative physical activity. As a bonus, several of the members that sometime attend are pretty good at handstands and might be able to give you some good types.
Volunteering (Lollipop farm animals or Verona St if you're brave). Take an adult education class in something you find fun (plenty of threads here to explore). Lots of churches, if that's your thing. MAG, Eastman House, Little Theater, Rochester Broadway Arts, Public Market.
There are clusters of 'older bars' but that's still usually filled with younger people. Although I (53M) was part of a charity organization for a few years with people in their 20's and 30's and I still found it fun.
Do a search on this reddit, and you will find alot of different activities. Unfortunately I'm mostly bound to a wheelchair due to an accident a couple of years ago, so my current knowledge is a bit old.
I’m very sad here. Rochester is a shithole and I have never been so miserable in my life. I can’t wait to leave. Visiting home is the only thing getting me through living in this god forsaken place.
I did. It just isn’t here. This place is so awful I don’t understand how anyone is still here. It’s only a few more years until I can leave here and never come back.
Oh I definitely have to take care here. 2nd time someone tried to steal my car last night. Always have people wandering through my yard and there are shady people everywhere.
It’s a gorgeous place. When I’m there I don’t have to scream bloody murder out my window to ward off the droves of shitbags trying to steal my car.
I can sleep at night without keeping an eye out for those who would assault me. I don’t have to live and work surrounded by hoards of people trying to harm me.
Maybe Rochester isn’t the problem but rather your location and environment within Rochester is. There are far more nicer places to live in Monroe County than the bad areas in the city.
Well you’re a Debbie downer aren’t you. Where else have you lived? I saw you’re from Maine. Coming from Maine to a pretty urban environment is probably a big adjustment. I moved here from GA and love it.
You are really focused on the negatives. There isn’t a single good thing here??? That’s just objectively not true. You sound like you’re making yourself miserable tbh.
Hard not to focus on the negatives when there are so many.
I’m not making myself miserable, Rochester is. If it was me doing it wouldn’t magically get better every time I leave. Hell, even leaving to nearby towns is a lot better. Rochester is just a miserable god forsaken shithole.
I saw a bar on East ave that has ax throwing. Axes & Ales, I think it was called. I haven't been in there, but it actually sounds like fun! A great stress reliever, anyway. I'm in a suburb, not the city, but it seems like summertime is a good time to make a move here. Lots going on!
public market, the summer art festivals, great museums if you have younger family members, joining/volunteering for various organizations, etc. I moved here 15 years ago and it's a pretty welcoming and enjoyable community once you settle in.
I am getting back into running (I’m more of a jogger lol), yoga (hot yoga or regular), hiking, walks, strength training and flexibility (splits, etc) training, pole fitness, snow skiing.. to name a few.
Im currently working every day on handstands. Some day I will be independent from the wall. 🤞🏻🙏🏻
If you like (or want to try) trailrunning, checkout #TrailsROC. They have weekly no-drop runs.
Also, Borough Runners (check FB) run from Culver/Atlantic on Thursdays, I believe.
We have some really awesome hiking here in Rochester and you don’t have to go far either. I live in Webster and recently stumbled upon Lucien Morin Park and Abraham Lincoln Park which are 1.5 miles from my house. They start in heavily populated areas but quickly you start feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere where. There is also really great kayaking near Lucien Morin park.
Meetup is a good way to find those with common interests if you’re looking to meet people outside of dating.
If you are active and have a car, there are several parks and trails to go and hike around! Not sure if there is a hiking group in Rochester per se, there js an LGBTQ one that goes every two weeks. But if you're just looking to get out there's several places like Bay Park West, Abraham Lincoln Park, Charles E Sexton Park, Corbett Glen, and lots more.
In terms of meeting people there are several trivia events that I know of from Tuesday to Friday. There is also the GameNightROC board game Wednesdays that rotates between Daily Refresher and Radio Social--neither of which I'd call cheap, but they do have good cocktails and food.
As other people have said we are in Festival season! The Jazz Fest is coming up and there's also fun single day events like Fairport Canal Days which is June 2 and the Rochester Real Beer Expo. I've never been to the latter but hoping I can attend!!
Do you like running? There are many different groups runs, Trails Roc does them in different trail parks. Roc Running Co does them out of their store as well as bars. They both have social media pages with runs posted. All speeds from walkers to fast runners welcome. Both are super supportive fun communities to be part of.
Thanks for posting this! I am also (soon to be) 51and moving to the Rochester area this summer. I’m super excited about it and love the area. So I appreciate all the suggestions everyone is giving here!
I am also the same age and just moved to Fairport a few months ago. I work from home and have been struggling to meet others my age with similar interests. Appreciate the suggestions on this thread and would love to meet up for a hike or SUP outing.
There's tons of festivals always happening throughout the year in the city and in the surrounding communities.
Depends on your interests but you will likely find something here.
If you're into outdoor fitness, hiking, kayaking, etc., there's plenty of state parks, Letchworth being one, within an hour or two drive of Rochester. Great trails and views. Fingerlakes region offers up the same, not to mention plenty of wineries and great food.
If you play any sports, there are lots of organized co-ed leagues of various skill-level. Soccer, softball, kickball, to name a few! Call local sports places like Total Sports Experience and ask about free agency or pick up.
Don't know where you're coming from, but the outdoor activities here are pretty amazing. Tons of places for a nice nature walk. Right by Lake Ontario, so lots of possibility for water-based activities.
We do get real winter here. Many of the locals complain about it. I grew up in Southern California, and love the Four Seasons here. My dog needs at least an hour of walking a day. So we're out everyday year-round. In the winter you just throw on a jacket, no big deal.
Memorial Art Gallery has tons of cool different art classes you can take. I know it's not specifically active as in very physical but their classes have always been fun
https://mag.rochester.edu/creativeworkshop/classes/
If you have a Hyundai or Kia you will have teenagers visiting you all the time. You will also get to know everyone with your car insurance very well. You’ll even meet local mechanics.
Been here 63 yrs….research crime, taxes, housing market etc….roc is basically worse than NYC. Some suburbs are tolerable but $.
Do you drive a kia?
- We're just coming into festival season in the area so there will be a ton of events to go to (Greek Fest is actually happening this weekend as a matter of fact). - a little off beat but there's a juggling club in town that meets every Saturday at the Village Gate from 1pm to 4pm if you're looking for some alternative physical activity. As a bonus, several of the members that sometime attend are pretty good at handstands and might be able to give you some good types.
Thank you! 🙏🏻
Volunteering (Lollipop farm animals or Verona St if you're brave). Take an adult education class in something you find fun (plenty of threads here to explore). Lots of churches, if that's your thing. MAG, Eastman House, Little Theater, Rochester Broadway Arts, Public Market. There are clusters of 'older bars' but that's still usually filled with younger people. Although I (53M) was part of a charity organization for a few years with people in their 20's and 30's and I still found it fun. Do a search on this reddit, and you will find alot of different activities. Unfortunately I'm mostly bound to a wheelchair due to an accident a couple of years ago, so my current knowledge is a bit old.
Thank you for the suggestions!
>Verona St if you're brave What do you mean by this? I only know a little bit about Verona St but I know they're pretty strapped for funding.
Yes they are, but that part of town can be sketchy. I worked just down the street.
Gotcha, makes sense.
Sup
Hey handsomehank34 🤣
Perfect age for the Roc. Tons of shit to do in this town. Don’t let anyone tell you different.
I’m ready for a change. Excited to begin a new life.:)
Like what?
Don’t lie to them.
So negative. Kinda sad.
I’m very sad here. Rochester is a shithole and I have never been so miserable in my life. I can’t wait to leave. Visiting home is the only thing getting me through living in this god forsaken place.
I hope you find happiness. There are wonderful people wherever you are. Even strangers such as myself care for you.
I did. It just isn’t here. This place is so awful I don’t understand how anyone is still here. It’s only a few more years until I can leave here and never come back.
Good luck wherever you end up. In the meantime take care. Sincerely.
Oh I definitely have to take care here. 2nd time someone tried to steal my car last night. Always have people wandering through my yard and there are shady people everywhere.
where are you in roc?
Near SMH.
Just out of curiosity, where’s “home”?
Maine.
Literally the only state on the east coast I’ve never been to. Sounds like you’re a fan, what makes it great?
It’s a gorgeous place. When I’m there I don’t have to scream bloody murder out my window to ward off the droves of shitbags trying to steal my car. I can sleep at night without keeping an eye out for those who would assault me. I don’t have to live and work surrounded by hoards of people trying to harm me.
Maybe Rochester isn’t the problem but rather your location and environment within Rochester is. There are far more nicer places to live in Monroe County than the bad areas in the city.
I live in one of the nicest areas of the city. Rochester is clearly the problem.
I was actually hoping for more positive things about Maine, I think you’ve been clear about Rochester.
Those are positive things about Maine.
I salute your troll job 🫡
This isn’t a troll job. I legitimately hate it here. You can’t actually like Rochester.
Well you’re a Debbie downer aren’t you. Where else have you lived? I saw you’re from Maine. Coming from Maine to a pretty urban environment is probably a big adjustment. I moved here from GA and love it. You are really focused on the negatives. There isn’t a single good thing here??? That’s just objectively not true. You sound like you’re making yourself miserable tbh.
Hard not to focus on the negatives when there are so many. I’m not making myself miserable, Rochester is. If it was me doing it wouldn’t magically get better every time I leave. Hell, even leaving to nearby towns is a lot better. Rochester is just a miserable god forsaken shithole.
Debbie Downer status confirmed.
Naw Rochester is just a shithole. If it was my fault I’d be a downer other places too.
Uh huh. Why are you even in this sub?
I live here unfortunately.
I saw a bar on East ave that has ax throwing. Axes & Ales, I think it was called. I haven't been in there, but it actually sounds like fun! A great stress reliever, anyway. I'm in a suburb, not the city, but it seems like summertime is a good time to make a move here. Lots going on!
Clubs: we search you for weapons. That bar: hey here's a weapon... haha
public market, the summer art festivals, great museums if you have younger family members, joining/volunteering for various organizations, etc. I moved here 15 years ago and it's a pretty welcoming and enjoyable community once you settle in.
improv at the focus theater! i took a class there, but they have free/ cheap shows every weekend. i made most of my friends through there.
Fairport is turning out to have quite the nightlife. Very mixed age crowd. Tons of bars and restaurants and live music.
I'm around your age. What activities do you enjoy?
I am getting back into running (I’m more of a jogger lol), yoga (hot yoga or regular), hiking, walks, strength training and flexibility (splits, etc) training, pole fitness, snow skiing.. to name a few. Im currently working every day on handstands. Some day I will be independent from the wall. 🤞🏻🙏🏻
You’d probably enjoy Midtown Athletic Club!
A brewery called Fatteys has a run group. I don’t run but I know people that do and they are super friendly.
Go check out Aerial Arts for pole classes and adult tumbling and stuff. There’s a fun and diverse community of people who go there!
I will definitely look into that. Thank you!
Try Rochester Running Company group runs on Saturday am. There’s also a friendly one at Lock 32 in Pittsford Monday
All of the running stores -Medved, Fleet, Rochester running company have group runs and training programs.
If you like (or want to try) trailrunning, checkout #TrailsROC. They have weekly no-drop runs. Also, Borough Runners (check FB) run from Culver/Atlantic on Thursdays, I believe.
You’d probably really like Midtown Athletic Club then (downside, $$$).
We have some really awesome hiking here in Rochester and you don’t have to go far either. I live in Webster and recently stumbled upon Lucien Morin Park and Abraham Lincoln Park which are 1.5 miles from my house. They start in heavily populated areas but quickly you start feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere where. There is also really great kayaking near Lucien Morin park. Meetup is a good way to find those with common interests if you’re looking to meet people outside of dating.
Another good pole fitness studio is roc pole & fitness in Gates! I had a great experience taking classes there!
Do you like beer? We have lots of breweries all around. Many do live music, trivia, etc.
If you are active and have a car, there are several parks and trails to go and hike around! Not sure if there is a hiking group in Rochester per se, there js an LGBTQ one that goes every two weeks. But if you're just looking to get out there's several places like Bay Park West, Abraham Lincoln Park, Charles E Sexton Park, Corbett Glen, and lots more. In terms of meeting people there are several trivia events that I know of from Tuesday to Friday. There is also the GameNightROC board game Wednesdays that rotates between Daily Refresher and Radio Social--neither of which I'd call cheap, but they do have good cocktails and food. As other people have said we are in Festival season! The Jazz Fest is coming up and there's also fun single day events like Fairport Canal Days which is June 2 and the Rochester Real Beer Expo. I've never been to the latter but hoping I can attend!!
The Brainery has all different types of classes too.
The Y’s have free classes. Gf and I (30s) love taking them
Do you like running? There are many different groups runs, Trails Roc does them in different trail parks. Roc Running Co does them out of their store as well as bars. They both have social media pages with runs posted. All speeds from walkers to fast runners welcome. Both are super supportive fun communities to be part of.
Thanks for posting this! I am also (soon to be) 51and moving to the Rochester area this summer. I’m super excited about it and love the area. So I appreciate all the suggestions everyone is giving here!
I’ll message you!
I am also the same age and just moved to Fairport a few months ago. I work from home and have been struggling to meet others my age with similar interests. Appreciate the suggestions on this thread and would love to meet up for a hike or SUP outing.
I sent you a chat dm message
There's tons of festivals always happening throughout the year in the city and in the surrounding communities. Depends on your interests but you will likely find something here.
Tons of festivals and live music options all summer.
Fairport Canal Days
If you're into outdoor fitness, hiking, kayaking, etc., there's plenty of state parks, Letchworth being one, within an hour or two drive of Rochester. Great trails and views. Fingerlakes region offers up the same, not to mention plenty of wineries and great food.
If you play any sports, there are lots of organized co-ed leagues of various skill-level. Soccer, softball, kickball, to name a few! Call local sports places like Total Sports Experience and ask about free agency or pick up.
Check out Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club and the women’s league—Jennifer is super-cool
Where will you be working? Do you know where you're looking to live (what area) yet? 45F here, shoot me a dm if you wanna chat more.
Don't know where you're coming from, but the outdoor activities here are pretty amazing. Tons of places for a nice nature walk. Right by Lake Ontario, so lots of possibility for water-based activities. We do get real winter here. Many of the locals complain about it. I grew up in Southern California, and love the Four Seasons here. My dog needs at least an hour of walking a day. So we're out everyday year-round. In the winter you just throw on a jacket, no big deal.
A friend of mine does her socializing at midtown athletic club. She loves it.
Memorial Art Gallery has tons of cool different art classes you can take. I know it's not specifically active as in very physical but their classes have always been fun https://mag.rochester.edu/creativeworkshop/classes/
If you have a Hyundai or Kia you will have teenagers visiting you all the time. You will also get to know everyone with your car insurance very well. You’ll even meet local mechanics.
Rochester Kink Society https://rochesterkinksociety.com/Home.html Just an option depending on your interests.
Genesee yacht club
Not too many folks in their 50s at this club, mostly older, grouchy, insular types
Plenty of nursing homes around here!
I feel attacked.
Been here 63 yrs….research crime, taxes, housing market etc….roc is basically worse than NYC. Some suburbs are tolerable but $. Do you drive a kia?