Rochester at a glance
- Rochester has a population of about 110,000.
- It lies in Minnesota.
- It's about 968 miles to New York, the country's largest city.
- Close by: Owatonna (38 miles), Winona (41 miles) and Lakeville (58 miles).
Dating by city / United States / Minnesota / Rochester
Singles in Rochester, Minnesota
Members from Rochester and towns within 30 miles who make their profile public will appear here.
Where to meet in Rochester
For a first meeting in Rochester, keep it simple: coffee in the centre, a walk in a park or along the main street, maybe a small concert. An hour is enough to know whether you want a second date.
Staying safe
- Meet in busy public places and tell a friend where you are going.
- Never send money to people you met online.
- Report and block anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Questions about dating in Rochester
Who can I meet near Rochester?
Within 30 miles of Rochester there are 4 towns and cities — Kasson, Stewartville and Byron among them — with more than 120,000 residents in all. You set the distance yourself in the filters, from 5 miles up to 300 miles — or choose “Any distance”.
Is there a free dating site in Rochester?
Yes. YADate is a free online dating site, in Rochester and everywhere else: profiles, search filters, likes, messages, voice messages and gifts cost nothing, and there is no premium plan. Daily caps exist only to stop spam: up to 40 new conversations a day, for example.
Are the singles around Rochester real people?
YADate never creates fake profiles or writes on behalf of people who don't exist. A moderator checks every photo before it appears, every member confirms an email address, and any profile can be reported. Anyone who asks for money or pushes you to move to another app straight away is worth reporting.
Can I date someone from outside Rochester?
Yes. Pick any other city in the filters, at home or abroad, and YADate shows the people there.
Dating tips
Profile & photos
How to write a profile that gets replies
Your profile is your first hello. How to write a few honest lines and choose photos that make people want to start a conversation.
First messages
First messages that actually start a conversation
“Hi, how are you?” rarely gets far. How to write a first message that is easy and pleasant to answer — with examples you can adapt.
First dates
First date ideas that are easy and safe
The best first dates are short, public and relaxed. Ideas that leave room to talk — plus simple safety habits that let you enjoy the meeting.