Our Communities

Rochester, New York

Rochester, New York occupies the scenic shores of Lake Ontario in Monroe County. As the Northwestern gateway to the renowned Finger Lakes region, this mid-sized community reports a population of 219,773 people (2000 Census), making it NY's third most populous city. Rochester lies at the heart of a larger metropolitan area that spans six counties and includes a population of more than one million.

Rochester stands out as a city of firsts. In 1906, Xerox formed here (under the name of The Haloid Company). Gannett (the newspaper company), and Western Union were also formed in Rochester. Rochester is also the birthplace of amateur photography and is currently home to Fortune 1000 company Eastman Kodak. Numerous national and regional companies operate from their headquarters in Rochester, including Bausch & Lomb, Genesee Brewing Company, Rochester Midland Corporation, and Rohrbach Brewing Company. Rochester serves as the seat and center of commerce for Monroe County.

Rochester has an excellent network of healthcare facilities. Local hospitals include Highland Hospital, Rochester General Health System, and Strong Memorial Hospital. Elsewhere in Monroe County, hospital options include Lakeside Health System, Monroe Community Hospital, and Unity Health System. The New York State Department of Health holds all of the healthcare facilities in Rochester and throughout NY State to a specific code of conduct concerning the minimum standard of care. This department accepts and reviews all complaints of medical malpractice or medical negligence.

Rochester has a vibrant selection of first-rate museums and cultural attractions. History buffs are lured to the George Eastman House, the Liberty Pole, the Susan B. Anthony House, and Little Theatre, one of the nation's oldest art-house movie theaters. Rochester features guided tours, self-guided tours, and various biking and hiking paths for exploring the city.

Some of Rochester's most popular destinations include High Falls waterfall and Historic District, Midtown Plaza, Ontario Beach Park, the Port of Rochester at Charlotte, The Public Market, Seneca Park Zoo, the Strasenburgh Planetarium at the Rochester Museum and Science Center, the Strong National Museum of Play, and Water Street Music Hall. Rochester houses the world-renowned Garth Fagan Dance, Geva Theatre Center, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. The area's nature lovers have access to several scenic parks, the most popular of which are Genesee Valley Park and Highland Park.

Rochester has an outstanding public school system with numerous options for those who desire a private or parochial education. Those seeking higher education in Rochester have access to Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Monroe Community College, St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry, and the University of Rochester.

Rochester, New York's blend of quiet neighborhoods, numerous historic sites, and vibrant city districts result in an enviable place in which to live, work, or play. Money Magazine ranked Rochester as one of the 10 "best places to vacation," and USA Today referred to this scenic community as a "serendipitous and surprising getaway."