Rochester, New York, one of the third largest urban areas in the state, looks to the future while preserving the natural beauty of its awesome waterways and an intriguing past.

Ideally located at the heart of New York's northeast region, Rochester's business forces sit within easy reach of Washington DC, Toronto, Philadelphia, Detroit, Montreal and New York City proper. Considered a high-tech community, Rochester's skilled workers find employment in photonics, university research, imaging sciences, software development and the biotech industry.

Downtown Rochester, the area's most dynamic commercial center, is home to both regional and international corporate headquarters. It is quickly becoming a trendy place for residents to call home, with over two thousand lofts, apartments, and town homes and three exciting entertainment districts all within walking distance. The Greater Rochester Region has the third highest rate of job growth in the nation, according to Manpower Employment Outlook, and it's easy to see why more and more highly skilled workers relocate here. Rochester, NY boasts twice the national average of engineers, scientists and technical specialists.

Rochester's population of almost 220,000 (according to the 2000 census) does much more than just work. Over 11,000 acres of parkland grace the Rochester area with green beauty and opportunity for all sorts of recreation. Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, and bisected by the Genesee River, the glacier-formed terrain holds waterfalls, gorges, smaller lakes and streams. Rochester's magnificent waterways draw vacationers from all over to enjoy the great fishing, canoeing and boating. Sunset cruise ships provide romantic dinners, while Seneca Park Zoo and the Seabreeze Amusement Park are just two of the choice places to entertain the kids. 

Monroe County and Rochester residents thrive on winter sports, too. Hockey, ice-skating, ice-fishing and sledding abound. Over 95 inches of snow generally fall each year, making the area a winter wonderland. 

For the historian, Rochester is a gold mine. It contains more sites on the National Historic Register than any other city of its size. The city has worked hard to preserve its past, while marching bravely into its high-tech future, and restoration of its historic architecture and landmarks has been a top priority. Antique stores stand proudly next to some of the latest trendy shopping malls.

A unique blend of old and new, of nature and technology, Rochester, New York remains a great place to live and thrive, or simply come for a vacation and relax.