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is a city in Oakland County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 68,825. The City of Rochester in bounded on the north, south, and west by Rochester Hills. Rochester Hills is an affluent suburb on the northern outskirts of Metro Detroit.
Rochester College is located in Rochester Hills, and Oakland University is located partly in Rochester Hills and partly in neighboring Auburn Hills, although it maintains a Rochester mailing address. Avondale School District and Rochester Community Schools are the public school districts in Rochester Hills. Other institutions located within the city limits include Leader Dogs for the Blind, and Crittenton Hospital.
The northern part (48306) of the city is especially known for having the largest homes and subdivisions. This area is also partially wooded and undeveloped, bordering Oakland Charter Township, making it appealing for those looking for privacy. The area is home to local athletes and business executives from Detroit and the metro area.
"Rochester", or the "Rochester Area", are often used to describe Rochester, Oakland Township, and Rochester Hills.
The first European settler was James Graham both arriving in 1817.
was organized in 1835. Rochester incorporated as a village within the township in 1869. The township adopted a charter in 1948 under the Home Rule Act. In 1966, Rochester residents voted to become a city, effective in February 1967. As a result, Rochester residents no longer had to pay property taxes to the township.
In 1967, the township filed a petition to become a city. In January 1968, township voters approve the petition to move forward with seeking city status. Three proposed city charters were voted down by residents, the first in March 1969, the second in May 1970, and the third in September 1971. The city of Rochester then sought to annex all of the township, which was unanimously denied by the Michigan Boundary Commission. In 1972, petitions were filed to consolidate Avon Township and Rochester. In April 1974, the consolidation petition lost by 350 votes in the township, while passing by four votes in Rochester. In May 1974, Rochester's petition to annex of Avon Township was approved by the Michigan Boundaries Commission. The township became
in August 1978. Court challenges to the 1974 annexation continued until November 1981, when the township was ordered to surrender the annexed property.
In May 1984, township voters approved a city charter. On November 20, 1984 the township became the City of Rochester Hills. However, discussions of consolidation with Rochester continued, and in 1987, voters in both cities decisively rejected consolidation.