Hi Barb. We moved here from the Chicago area in late 2015. We LOVE this area and Rochester. We spend many weekends traveling to the nearby small towns and have found that each one has its own personality and culture. Many of them have live theater, fairs and various celebrations throughout the year. It's especially fun to drive through the little communities along the Mississippi, even into Wisconsin and Iowa. We have also made it a point to visit different restaurants in Rochester to support the local merchants. There is so much to see and do here for a city the size of Rochester, and it's been fun to explore. There is a newcomers group in town, as well, and they have very informal coffees and lunch and dinner meetings. If anyone would like any more information, I'd be happy to make some suggestions!