Rochester NH

Rochester – Known as the “Lilac City,” Rochester offers the charm of a small New England town with the convenience of modern living. Tucked in New Hampshire’s Seacoast Region, it’s a place where community spirit shines, nature is never far, and history lives around every corner. From quiet strolls downtown to lively events year-round, Rochester invites you to explore its friendly vibe and scenic beauty.

• Population: ~32,500
• Weather: Four full seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers (20–85°F).
• Places To Visit: Rochester Opera House, Studley Flower Gardens, Rochester Common, and Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (nearby).
• Top Activities: Walking along the Cocheco River, browsing local shops, attending arts festivals, hiking local trails, and catching live theater shows.
• Famous Food: North Country Smokehouse sausages, fresh oysters from the coast, maple syrup treats, and hearty New England clam chowder.

Rochester, New Hampshire is a growing city in the Seacoast region with a mix of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Its strategic location and community-focused economy make it an ideal place for career growth in several fields. Below are some of the top jobs in Rochester, NH.

Top 5 Jobs in Rochester, NH

Rochester, NH, might be a small city, but it boasts a variety of spots where students can unwind, relax, and have a good time. Whether you're into nature, food, or artsy vibes, Rochester offers something for everyone.

Rochester Common – This central park is perfect for lounging on the grass, tossing a frisbee, or having a picnic with friends. It's a great escape for a sunny afternoon.

The Governor's Inn & Restaurant – Combining history with a cozy vibe, stop in for a bite or catch one of their live music nights. It’s a popular spot for good food and relaxation.

Rochester Opera House – Catch a show or event in this charming historic venue. Whether it's theater, concerts, or community events, there's always something happening to keep you entertained.

Studley Flower Gardens – Take a stroll through these beautiful gardens. It’s the perfect place to clear your mind with nature's beauty and get some great photos, too.

Pickering Ponds Trails – For those who love the outdoors, these trails offer serene views and quiet walking paths, ideal for a peaceful hike or a leisurely walk.

Lilac City Grille – For casual eats and a lively atmosphere, this grill is a go-to spot for students. It's a great place to grab a meal and hang out with friends.

Waterstone Art Gallery – Explore local art and find inspiration. This gallery showcases a variety of works and is a great place to relax and soak in some culture.

Rochester, New Hampshire, offers a blend of access to community colleges and proximity to some of the region’s finest private institutions. Though the city itself is smaller in size, it offers strong pathways to higher education for students pursuing technical trades, healthcare, business, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Rochester, NH

Great Bay Community College (Rochester Campus) – This local branch of Great Bay Community College provides associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as nursing, welding, and business administration. Its affordability and practical training make it a top choice for local students.

University of New Hampshire (UNH) – Durham – While not in Rochester proper, UNH is the state’s flagship public university and is located just 30 minutes away. It offers nationally recognized programs in engineering, environmental science, business, and liberal arts.

Lakes Region Community College – Located in nearby Laconia, this college offers hands-on training in automotive technology, electrical systems, and health science. It is known for preparing students directly for the workforce.

NHTI – Concord’s Community College – Located about an hour from Rochester, NHTI offers rigorous two-year degrees in areas such as dental hygiene, radiology, and computer engineering. Many students choose NHTI for its affordability and job-readiness.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Apprentice School (near Kittery, ME) – Though technically across state lines, this highly specialized program is a key local public education option. It trains students for careers in marine mechanics, electrical work, and shipbuilding trades.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Rochester, NH

Franklin Pierce University – Manchester Center – With a satellite campus nearby, Franklin Pierce provides flexible programs in business, healthcare administration, and education. Known for personalized instruction and small class sizes.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Though based in Manchester, SNHU is a popular private institution for Rochester-area residents. It offers fully online and on-campus degree options in business, psychology, technology, and liberal arts.

St. Joseph School of Nursing (Nashua, NH) – This private institution focuses exclusively on nursing education and is well-known throughout the state. Its associate degree in nursing prepares students for high-demand positions in hospitals and clinics.

University of New England (Biddeford, ME) – Just over the border in Maine, UNE is a private university praised for its health sciences, including pharmacy, dental, and marine biology programs. Many Rochester students apply due to its strong reputation and location.

Rivier University (Nashua, NH) – A Catholic liberal arts university known for its commitment to teaching and student success. Popular programs at Rivier include nursing, education, and public health.

Rochester, NH, offers a supportive environment for high school students, with access to strong public and private education. These schools focus on academic growth, extracurricular activities, and college preparation, helping students reach their full potential.

Top Public High Schools in Rochester, NH

• Spaulding High School – The primary public high school in Rochester, Spaulding offers a wide array of academic courses, Advanced Placement classes, and career-oriented programs. It is known for its dedicated teachers and active student community.
• Dover High School (Dover, NH) – A nearby option for Rochester families, Dover High provides a well-rounded education with strong STEM and arts programs. Its modern campus encourages student engagement and community connection.
• Kingswood Regional High School (Wolfeboro, NH) – Located a short drive away, Kingswood is known for its beautiful campus and academic excellence. It offers various honors and AP classes, a strong music department, and athletic involvement.
• Coe-Brown Northwood Academy (Northwood, NH) – Though privately governed, Coe-Brown serves public school students and is considered one of the top regional options. It combines rigorous academics and close-knit student relationships.
• Marshwood High School (South Berwick, ME) – Just over the border, Marshwood accepts tuition students from nearby New Hampshire towns and is respected for academics, leadership training, and a strong sports community.

Top Private High Schools in and around Rochester, NH

• St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Dover, NH) – A respected Catholic high school offering faith-based education with a focus on academics, character development, and leadership. The school prepares students for both college and values-driven careers.
• – A prestigious day school just outside New Hampshire, Berwick offers a rigorous curriculum, small class sizes, and individualized learning plans. The school is known for its strong arts and innovation programs.

• Portsmouth Christian Academy (Dover, NH) – This private Christian high school emphasizes spiritual growth, academic achievement, and service leadership. Students benefit from a close community and challenging college-prep courses.

• Tilton School (Tilton, NH) – A private boarding and day school offering project-based learning and comprehensive college preparation. Tilton fosters independence, creativity, and self-discovery through its academic and athletic programs.

• Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, NH) – A highly regarded boarding school that focuses on academic excellence and well-rounded development. Students enjoy personalized instruction and a close mentor system to help them succeed in and out of the classroom.

Rochester, New Hampshire is a charming city nestled in Strafford County, offering a close-knit community and outdoor lifestyle. While it does not host any major league professional sports teams, sports enthusiasts in the area still find plenty to cheer for through nearby regional teams and minor league organizations that reflect the passion for athletics across New England.

🏈 Football – New England Patriots (NFL)

• New England Patriots – While not based in Rochester itself, the Patriots are the most popular football team in the region. Located about an hour to the south in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Patriots have won six Super Bowls. Stars like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman helped build a modern football dynasty during the 2000s and 2010s under head coach Bill Belichick. Rochester residents frequently support this beloved team.

⚾ Baseball – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (MiLB)

• New Hampshire Fisher Cats – The Fisher Cats are a Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays and play in Manchester, NH, just over an hour from Rochester. They provide a great opportunity for fans to enjoy professional baseball in a family-friendly setting. The team won Eastern League championships in 2004 and 2011.

🏀 Basketball – Maine Celtics (NBA G League)

• Maine Celtics – Based in Portland, Maine, about an hour from Rochester, the Maine Celtics are the G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics. They offer an up-close look at rising basketball talent, with many players moving on to the NBA. The team is a great local gateway to professional hoops action.

🏒 Hockey – Boston Bruins (NHL) & Manchester Monarchs (Former AHL Team)

• Boston Bruins – One of the “Original Six” NHL franchises, the Bruins are a favorite throughout New England. Based in Boston, they have won six Stanley Cups, most recently in 2011. Rochester hockey fans often root for the Bruins and attend games during the season.
• Manchester Monarchs – Although they ceased operations in 2019, the Monarchs were once a major presence in regional hockey as an AHL (and later ECHL) affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. They won the Calder Cup in 2015, and their legacy lives on among fans in New Hampshire.

⚽ Soccer – New England Revolution (MLS)

• New England Revolution – Based in Foxborough, alongside the Patriots, the Revolution is one of Major League Soccer’s original teams. Although they have not yet secured an MLS Cup, they reached the final five times and won the Supporters’ Shield in 2021. Soccer fans in Rochester follow the team closely, with many heading south to Gillette Stadium to see matches in person.

While Rochester itself may not have a professional sports team, its location in New England places residents near some of the most storied franchises and rising minor league clubs in the country. The city’s strong community spirit reflects the same dedication and passion that define professional sports fandom across America.

Rochester, New Hampshire is a charming New England city with a rich past, vibrant culture, and its own share of fun surprises. From historic mills to famous fairs, here are some fun facts that make Rochester stand out:

1. The Lilac City – Rochester is nicknamed the "Lilac City" because of the many lilac bushes that bloom throughout the spring and summer months.
2. A Historic Mill Town – The city grew rapidly in the 1800s thanks to its location on the Cocheco River, which powered textile and shoe mills.
3. Famous Fairgrounds – The Rochester Fair, started in 1875, is one of the oldest fairs in New England and draws thousands of visitors each year.
4. World-Class Opera House – The Rochester Opera House, built in 1908, has a stunning tilting floor that can convert from theater seating to a flat surface for dances and events.
5. Presidential Ties – President Calvin Coolidge gave a major campaign speech in Rochester in the 1920s, drawing national attention to the city.
6. The Granite State’s Largest City in Strafford County – Rochester is the largest city in Strafford County, known for its friendly neighborhoods and growing economy.
7. Home to Skyhaven Airport – Rochester is home to Skyhaven Airport, a key resource for small aircraft and recreational flying enthusiasts.
8. Car Show Capital – The city's annual car shows attract classic car lovers from all over New England during the warm months.
9. Central Location – Rochester offers easy access to the White Mountains, Seacoast beaches, and Lakes Region, making it a perfect home base for exploring New Hampshire.
10. Art in the City – With organizations like the Rochester Museum of Fine Arts, the city offers a growing arts scene with public installations and rotating exhibits.