Rochester Becomes Climate Refuge for California Families

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — After enduring significant wildfires in Southern California, Jasmin Singer and her wife, Moore Rhys, left Los Angeles for a new life in Rochester in 2020. They sought a stable climate and progressive policies to combat climate change.

“We were all kinds of nutty about climate,” Singer said when explaining their decision.

Rochester is attracting people like Singer and Rhys, who are fleeing extreme weather events. This former manufacturing town offers a less volatile climate, with natural water resources that help it avoid drought, unlike warmer coastal cities.

Despite the increasing interest, experts caution there isn’t yet evidence of a large demographic shift. “There hasn’t been a clear signal that people are leaving to climate-friendly regions,” said Alex de Sherbinin, a researcher at Columbia University.

Jon Randall and his wife also relocated to Rochester after wildfires in the Bay Area impacted their health. “For six weeks you couldn’t go outside,” he recalled. They chose Rochester to be closer to Randall’s family in Long Island.

Rochester’s average annual temperature is about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and it features numerous colleges, including the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. The city is also known for its unique cuisine, particularly the local “garbage plate.”

Additionally, Rochester has initiated progressive climate policies, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. These steps include enhancing its electric vehicle network and providing financial incentives for new residents.

While climate may not be the sole reason for moving, many individuals consider affordability and quality of life essential factors. The city, which hosts a growing Latino population, has become a beacon for those looking for new beginnings.

Arelis Gomez, who moved from Puerto Rico in search of better opportunities, spoke about her experience: “I love Rochester.”