Turning remote talent into long-term community investment

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After Greater Rochester gained national attention as a top destination for remote workers following the COVID-era shift to remote work, Greater ROC Relocate was launched in 2022 to build on that momentum through population growth and workforce attraction. From 2022 to 2025, the program received nearly 8,000 applications from all 50 states and helped 84 households relocate, focusing on remote workers with in-demand skills and a strong commitment to the community.

With an average household size of 2.37 and an 82% retention rate to date, early results suggest lasting regional impact — from increased homeownership and family growth to local jobs secured and additional family members following.

With the incentive-based program now fully subscribed and new applications paused, the Greater ROC Relocate relocation guide continues to serve as a resource for future movers considering Greater Rochester.

Ben and Katelyn Blair relocated to Greater Rochester through the Greater ROC Relocate program and are sharing what the move has been like — from settling in and building community to what surprised them most along the way. Here, they reflect on their experience and offer insights for others considering a move to the region.

Can you share a bit about where you were living before and what led you to consider relocating here?

Before moving to Rochester, we were living in Texas, building our lives and planning for the future. When we started talking seriously about starting a family, we realized we wanted a place that offered community, stability and real potential. The more we learned about Rochester, the more it stood out. It felt genuine, welcoming and aligned with the kind of life we wanted to build together. Ultimately, we chose Rochester because it felt like the right place for our family to begin, and it’s lived up to that from day one.

What inspired you to participate in the Greater ROC Relocate program? What drew you to Rochester specifically?

What inspired us to join the Greater ROC Relocate program was how unique the idea felt. It wasn’t just about attracting talented workers, it was about creating a community while moving people into one. As a couple starting a family, we were especially drawn to that sense of connection and support. We truly believe that talent can take you places, but community is what makes a place worth going to. We only found one other city offering something similar, and Rochester’s program felt more intentional, personal and connected. That’s what drew us: the chance to be part of a community where people are building their lives AND supporting each other at the same time.

Why Greater Rochester? What stood out to you about the region?

We chose Greater Rochester for its balance of opportunity, culture and community. The family-friendly resources, parks, community centers, strong schools and rich cultural experiences make it a place where families can truly thrive. The sense of community and culture here is tangible and noticeably more advanced than what we experienced where we were living before. We feel a city’s true value isn’t just in its buildings or businesses — it’s in the experiences it offers and the people it nurtures. Rochester isn’t just a place to live; it’s a place to grow and raise a family surrounded by culture, connection and opportunity — values that were high on our list when we looked to start our family.

Walk us through your relocation experience — from applying, to moving, to settling in. Any surprises or challenges?

Our relocation was exciting but came with unexpected challenges that really tested us. The ROC Relocate application process was fantastic — Melanie Russo, Workforce Innovation Partner at the Greater Rochester Chamber, guided us through every step, answering all our questions and helping us feel prepared. Moving across the country was stressful on its own, but the real challenge came the morning we started our two-day drive from Texas: Our realtor called to tell us that the seller of our new home wasn’t ready to move out, despite the agreed-upon closing date. That left our family in Rochester without a home for three weeks. We quickly adapted, finding storage for all our belongings and securing a temporary place that welcomed our dogs, turning a potentially overwhelming situation into a manageable adventure. It was stressful and eye-opening, but also a true lesson learned that closing dates aren’t always set in stone. Looking back, it reinforced our resilience and determination, and finally settling into our Rochester home made the entire journey feel like a victory we achieved together.

How has your life changed since moving here?

Our lives have transformed in ways we never could have imagined. After many years of trying, we welcomed our first child in late November. We’ve also spent over a year mentoring a youth in foster care, and they’ve become an incredible part of our lives. Being able to support them has added depth, purpose and a real sense of connection to our new community. Ben made a major career shift, as well, leaving behind 14 years in the furniture industry to join the nonprofit sector at Coordinated Care Services Inc. Today, he serves as a senior fatherhood specialist, helping fathers reunite with their children in foster care. It’s meaningful work that aligns with our values and the family-centered life we envisioned when we decided to move here. One of the most unexpected joys has been watching our extended family relocate to Rochester after visiting us and experiencing for themselves everything the region has to offer. We’re energized by the opportunities in Rochester. Its growth, community and resources made our move not just a personal milestone, but a strategic decision we’re excited to build on as our family and lives continue to grow.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Greater Rochester now?

Our favorite thing about living in Greater Rochester has to be the sense of community. People here genuinely care about each other, and that makes a huge difference when raising a family. We love that it’s a place where our family can grow, our work matters and there’s always something nearby — parks, schools and family-friendly activities that make life feel full.

Have you noticed differences between your previous city and Greater Rochester?

The difference in community has been incredible. Back in our previous city, it felt like everyone was looking out for themselves. Rochester is completely different. People genuinely care, support each other and make you feel like you belong. That sense of connection has made a huge difference for our family.

What’s been your experience with the Greater Rochester community and making connections after relocating?

We’ve been amazed at how easy it is to find your people in Rochester. There truly seems to be a community for just about everyone, no matter your hobbies or interests — from sports and arts to volunteer work and local events. That variety makes it exciting to explore, get involved and quickly feel connected.

How does remote work factor into your decision to live in Rochester?

Remote work played a big role in our decision to move to Rochester. It gave us the flexibility to choose a city based on quality of life, community and family opportunities rather than proximity to an office. Knowing we could work from anywhere made it possible to focus on finding a place that fit our long-term goals and build the life we want here.

Did the relocation incentives or support resources make a difference in your decision? If so, how?

They absolutely made all the difference. Honestly, we couldn’t have made the move without them. They not only made the logistics of relocating across the country manageable but also gave us the confidence to take the leap and start our family here in Rochester.

What do you think employers and other remote workers should know about living and working here?

Rochester offers a unique balance of professional opportunity and quality of life. The city is full of history, and its neighborhoods and organizations have fostered a place or group for just about everyone, no matter your interests. Between the strong sense of community, family-friendly resources, and cultural and recreational activities, it’s a city where you can stay connected professionally while truly enjoying life outside of work.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone considering relocating to Greater Rochester?

Embrace the community. Get out and explore the neighborhoods, join local groups and take advantage of the city’s resources. There really is something for everyone. The more you get involved, the more quickly you’ll feel at home and discover everything this city has to offer.

If you could change one thing about your relocation experience, what would that be?

The timing of our home closing. We were caught off guard when the seller wasn’t ready to move out, which left our family without a home for a few weeks in Rochester. While it was a stressful period, we learned a lot about resilience, planning and adapting on the fly, and it made finally settling into our home even more rewarding.

What are your hopes for your future here in Greater Rochester?

To raise our family in a city that offers opportunity, strong community connections, and room to grow professionally and personally. We want to contribute to the community through our work and mentoring, building a life that reflects both our ambitions and the city’s potential.

Tell us a moment since moving here that made you feel, ‘Yes — this is home.’

Walking along the pier at Ontario Beach at sunset or strolling through the Rochester Holiday Village as snow fell gently around us with our newborn son, surrounded by other families enjoying the community. Even simple things, like the lack of traffic, make everyday life feel peaceful and connected.

Is there a local business, park, neighborhood, or event you’ve grown to love and would recommend to others?

For anyone looking to start or grow a family, we can’t recommend Beautiful Birth Choices enough. The education and support have been amazing. Additionally, we love the diverse experiences the city offers, from the Lilac Festival and haunted hayrides to Bruster’s Ice Cream. Letchworth State Park is a favorite getaway, especially with a stop at the Charcoal Corral halfway through. The recreational centers and libraries have also become staples for us. This is just a small sampling; there are countless other businesses, events and places we’ve grown to enjoy that make Rochester such a special place to live.

This Q&A is part of a series produced in partnership with Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and OneROC to highlight the experience of families that moved to Rochester as part of the Greater ROC Relocate program.