With over 200000 residents Rochester is the third largest city in the state of New York. Nicknamed the “Flower City,” Rochester blossomed from a small settlement into a thriving urban hub thanks to the Erie Canal and a booming manufacturing industry.
Today, Rochester is best known as the original home of giants like Kodak, Xerox and Bausch + Lomb. The city also boasts a rich history, lively arts scene, affordability and natural beauty along the Genesee River Gorge.
Keep reading this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about living, working and exploring the exciting City of Rochester, New York
History and Origins
The area was originally inhabited by the Seneca tribe before French explorers first arrived in the 1660s. Rochester started as a small village that developed around three falls on the Genesee River, becoming an important source of flour milling.
In 1817, the settlement was formally incorporated as Rochesterville after one of the original landowners, Colonel Nathaniel Rochester. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 was a major turning point, allowing Rochester to easily ship flour and other goods to major cities.
With the arrival of railroads and emergence of technology companies like Eastman Kodak, Rochester transformed into a booming industrial city. Its strategic location near the Erie Canal and major transportation networks fueled rapid population and economic growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Government
Rochester utilizes a mayor-council form of government. The mayor serves as the city’s chief executive while the city council makes legislative decisions.
Rochester’s current mayor is Malik Evans, elected in 2021 as the city’s 71st mayor. The nine member city council is led by President Miguel Meléndez Jr.
The city is divided into five major administrative departments – Environmental Services, Finance, Human Resource Management & Labor Relations, Law, and Neighborhood and Business Development. These departments oversee city operations, budgets, policies and public services.
Economy and Major Industries
Rochester has a diverse economy anchored by technology, healthcare and education. Major employers include the University of Rochester, Rochester Regional Health, Paychex, Wegmans Food Markets and Carestream Health.
While no longer the global HQ, Eastman Kodak still maintains a strong presence along with other tech giants founded in Rochester like Xerox, Bausch + Lomb and Western Union. The city is also home to regional offices for major banks like JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup.
Advanced manufacturing, photonics and optics are key emerging industries that leverage Rochester’s educated workforce and history of innovation. Rochester continues to foster startups and redevelopment through public-private partnerships.
Geography and Climate
Rochester covers 37 square miles along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The Genesee River bisects the city flowing northward over three major waterfalls – High Falls, Middle Falls and Lower Falls.
The cityscape includes a mix of dense urban neighborhoods, commercial districts, industrial zones and green suburban areas. High-rise residential towers downtown complement historic 19th century architecture.
Rochester has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Lake Ontario moderates temperatures, especially during winter. The average high is 75°F in July and 31°F in January.
Culture and Lifestyle
Rochester hosts over 400 events and festivals annually that celebrate the city’s diversity and heritage. Popular traditions include the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Park Ave Summer Arts Fest, Clothesline Festival and Corn Hill Arts Festival.
Residents enjoy affordable housing prices compared to other Upstate metro areas. Rochester’s 19 public golf courses offer excellent recreational amenities. The city maintains over 12,000 acres of parkland, including hidden natural gems like Highland Park and Genesee Riverway Trail.
Downtown Rochester offers a theater district and trendy East End neighborhood packed with live music venues, microbreweries, art galleries and farm-to-table eateries. Rochester is known for local specialties like “garbage plates” and craft beers.
Pro sports teams include the Rochester Red Wings (baseball), Rochester Americans (hockey) and Rochester Razorsharks (basketball). The city provides quality healthcare through the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester General Hospital network.
Education
The City School District operates 65 public schools attended by over 25,000 K-12 students. Higher education options include the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, St. John Fisher College and Monroe Community College.
Nearly 40% of city residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, reflecting Rochester’s skilled workforce. The University of Rochester’s medical school, engineering programs and Eastman School of Music are internationally-renowned.
Transportation
Greater Rochester International Airport provides domestic and international flights. Amtrak trains stop at the Rochester Station linking to cities like New York, Toronto and Chicago.
The New York State Thruway and highways 104, 390, 490 and 590 run through Rochester for east-west and north-south connectivity. Public transit includes buses, shuttles and light rail operated by the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority.
Rochester’s compact downtown is very walkable and bike friendly. The city operates bike sharing and scooter rental programs and is expanding infrastructure like protected bike lanes.
For over 200 years, Rochester has thrived thanks to determined citizens, visionary leaders and a spirit of innovation. The city offers an exceptional blend of progressive urban living, vibrant culture, natural beauty and affordability.
Home to global pioneers like Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony and George Eastman, Rochester will continue empowering generations to turn bold ideas into world-changing realities. Experience the energy of this dynamic city situated between Lake Ontario and the rolling Finger Lakes region.
City of Rochester Budget Q&A – What is City’s Budget and How Does It Work?
FAQ
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Where can I find information about a property in Rochester?
We can only show information about properties located within the City of Rochester. For neighboring towns such as Brighton, Chili, Gates, Greece, Irondequoit or Penfield, check the Monroe County Real Property Portal My assessment or other tax information is wrong. My water bill is wrong. Please call 311 (or 585-428-5990 if you’re outside the city).
What is the city of Rochester’s Property Information application?
The City of Rochester’s Property Information Application provides public access to general information for properties within city boundaries, including assessment, property tax, and water billing information. For more advanced property information, check out our BuildingBlocks application.
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Why is Rochester a poor city?
The city experienced significant population decline due to deindustrialization in the late 20th century, although less severely than its Rust Belt peers. The Rochester metropolitan area is the third-largest regional economy in New York, after New York City and Buffalo-Niagara Falls. [ 11 ] 12
Does Rochester have a public market?
Rochester’s City-run Public Market has served the community at its 280 The the Riverway program consolidates more than two dozen Our mission is to serve Rochester’s people and animals, to maintain Safety is among the most basic human needs.
What is the University of Rochester known for?
The University of Rochester is the metropolitan area’s oldest and most prominent institution of higher learning, and one of the country’s top research centers. It includes a nursing school, the Simon School of Business, and the Eastman School of Music. It was founded and endowed by George Eastman in his years as a philanthropist. [ 196 ]