<p>@whenhen - as a resident of the Rochester area, I have to object to your characterization of Rochester. The area around RIT is suburban,and mid-range in affordability. The U of R is on the edge of the city, but there are some very nice areas right near the University. Rochester has not been economically decimated either; although Kodak’s decline has had a negative impact on the area, the area has held steady thanks to the high level of education in the population. Like most urban areas, the center city of Rochester is struggling. However, the suburbs of Rochester have some of the best school districts in the state and a great standard of living. The housing prices are moderate relative to most other northeast cities, but high property taxes counterbalance that benefit.</p>
<p>OP - your best best for cheap housing is where the school is in a more rural area, aside from a large University like Penn State. Many of the SUNY’s and smaller PA state universities are going to have very affordable housing, for example.</p>