The Town of Rochester was founded in 1679 and incorporated in 1686. At that time, the areas now known as Marion, Mattapoisett and West Wareham were all part of Rochester. These towns were subsequently separated from Rochester, and by 1857 Rochester stood alone, having had the foresight to reserve rights on the seashores of the other towns. Today residents of Rochester enjoy rights for shellfish licenses and beach use in communities other than their own.

Zoning in Rochester includes industrial, general commercial and residential/agricultural uses. The town's center includes the town hall, library, First Congregational Church and vestry. Across from these buildings is the Plumb Corner Mall, a source of pride to town residents because it was designed to harmonize architecturally with the town green.

Residents describe their community as rural and residential and point out that it still retains many of the farms which were originally the foundation of the town 300 years ago. Residents view Rochester as a quiet, beautiful place within which to live and grow.