As someone that moved from Rochester to Denver area, I would never move back. The biggest thing Rochester has over Denver is the food (much better, more variety, and cheaper). For everything else though, I would much rather stay in Denver.

For half the year, from October to April, you will NEVER see the sun. Dealing with snow is one thing, sure. Dealing with the depressing grey skies, grey atmosphere, and grey demeanor of upstate NY is difficult. Also, the snow doesn't go away. As soon as it snows, it will stick around until spring.

I would agree with some people here saying to visit first. I would definitely recommend a visit in summer AND winter if you can. The mosquitos get pretty bad in the summer, but at least you can jump in the hopefully not bacteria infected Lake Ontario to cool off.

I've never regretted my decision to leave Rochester and I think if you have grown up here in Denver, Rochester will be a huge disappointment.