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Rochester & the Finger Lakes Region |
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The upstate NY Finger Lakes region and the city of Rochester offer numerous cultural and recreational opportunities. The city has a population of about 370,000, and the area approximately 1 million. The city of Rochester, while having many of the attributes of larger cities such as theater and other performing arts, a renowned museum and science center, several historical sites and events, and many well-known and respected educational institutions, lacks many of the disadvantages of the big city, including traffic congestion, parking problems, and an exorbitant cost of living. In fact, the cost of living in Rochester is similar to many midwestern cities such as Milwaukee or Madison, WI. The school systems in the surrounding suburbs and communities are excellent.
Outdoor recreational activities abound in all seasons including water sports, hiking, bicycling, cross-country and downhill skiing, antique hunting, and touring the many Finger Lakes wineries. The Finger Lakes (Canandaigua Lake a mere 40 minutes from downtown), provide fabulous scenery and a wide range of activities. The Adirondack Mountains begin approximately two and one-half hours drive from Rochester, and offer 4 full seasons of recreational activities, including some of the best downhill skiing in the east. Syracuse is 90 min. away by car, Buffalo, 70 min. and Toronto about 3 hours. The beautiful and famous Niagara Falls is but 75 minutes drive.
Throughout the year, Rochester and the surrounding communities celebrate with festivals and activities. If you have children, Rochester is a wonderful place, offering many educational, sports and other recreational activities, as well as a generally safe environment. St. Mary's Hospital has an on-site child care center, recommended and used by many faculty, staff, and residents.
Climate? Yes, it does snow in the winter, but the snow is promptly removed from the roads and doesn't interfere much with daily activities. Winter temperatures are generally in the 20's or 30's, making outdoor activities pleasant. Rochester has a full four seasons, with a more prolonged spring and fall than in the midwest, resulting in beautiful tree and flower blossoms and spectacular fall foliage. Summers are pleasant, with temperatures usually in the low to mid 80's.
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