The Mayo Families' Connection (MFC) would like to welcome you to town and to the Mayo community. Rochester is very family oriented, so there are lots of things to do if you have children: parks, play groups, and indoor/outdoor activities for both cold and warm weather lovers. At the same time, this transition can be stressful for spouses who have left behind jobs or careers elsewhere and are seeking to simply find a job or further their careers or professional development. The following are a few recommendations that are helpful when getting settled in town.
Employment
In collaboration with Mayo Human Resources, these two presentations will help you understand the employment landscape in Rochester.
Housing
Should we buy or rent? Single-family or townhome? For many families, this is the first time you've considered owning a primary residence. Learn more on the topic at the US Department of Housing & Urban Development as well as from HUD in Minnesota.
Schools
Find information for your school-aged children at the Rochester Public Schools website.
Additionally, Rochester has several publicly funded charter schools:
Daycare
Below are several resources you can utilize to find daycare services in Rochester.
- Contact Mayo Human Resources at 266-0440 and ask for the number for their childcare referral service. The company is located in Wisconsin. The referral service will ask about your childcare needs and contact local providers for availability. They provide a provider summary on each provider that has opens that will meet your needs. Use of the referral service is free to Mayo Clinic employees.
- Family Childcare Inc.-Olmsted County Childcare Association
- Childcare Resource and Referral
- Sitter City
- Craigslist
Higher Education
Interested in pursuing an advanced degree or certificate? The Rochester Minnesota Area Higher Education Providers Council is organized with the goal of informing the region of the higher education opportunities that exist in Rochester. The Council is comprised of 10 colleges and universities serving the Rochester area.
Additionally, adult enrichment calsses from the Rochester Community Education Center can be a fun way to learn a hobby and meet others with similar interests. Learn a new language, take up a musical intstrument, discover how to use all those features on your digital camera and much more!
Community Websites
Helpful websites with additional information about Rochester:
- www.rochesterusa.com
- www.rochestermn.com
- www.ci.rochester.mn.us
- www.rochestercvb.org
- www.rochesterfamilies.com
Local News
The local paper is the Rochester Post-Bulletin. It's a good way to keep up-to-date on what is happening in the community. The local television station is NBC affiliate KTTC. However, for news outside the region you'll want to stick to major networks and media outlets.
Mayo Away Rotations
View our informational packets on Jacksonville and Scottsdale.
Contact Jacksonville/Scottsdale Liaison James Vavricek if you are looking for something you don't see here, or would like to locate/leave contact information to connect with others who have or will do away rotations.
Winter Driving & Preparation
For individuals not used to driving on snow and ice, winter travel can be intimidating during your first winter. The Minnesota Department of Transportation recommends the following to prepare for winter driving:
- Plan. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with jumper cables, road flares, a shovel, sleeping bag or blankets, mittens, stocking cap, boots, windshield scraper, and tow rope. Also add a winter survival kit (see below).
- Prepare your vehicle.Make sure your vehicle is prepared for Minnesota's harsh winters. Test your anti-freeze, battery, brakes, exhaust, and lights. Never travel with less than half a tank of gas.
- Pay attention to weather forecasts. Listen to forecasts, road reports, and storm warnings--and trust them.
- Notify others of travel plans. When road conditions are poor, tell someone where you are going and by what route. Report a safe arrival.
- Winter survival kit. Carry in your vehicle flashlights, blankets, hand/foot warmer packets, first aid supplies, high energy candy or snacks, brightly colored cloth to tie on the vehicle's antenna for help if stranded, candle to melt snow for drinking water, pencil and paper, and change for phone calls.
- Visit 511mn.org or dial 511 for 24-hour road information
Indoor Clubs
If you do not enjoy the winter activities that are available (hockey, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, ice fishing), an athletic club membership may be necessary. The winter temperatures can last for 5 months and an outlet for exercise and socialization can help. There are several clubs in town that should meet your needs. Some offer child-care as part of membership or for an additional fee.