📖 About Rochester

Rochester is a major city in western New York State, located on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River. With approximately 210,000 residents (metro area over 1 million), this former industrial powerhouse was home to Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb. Known as the "Flower City" for its lilac festivals and nursery industry.

Rochester has transformed from manufacturing economy to education and healthcare focus. The University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology anchor the knowledge economy. The city features exceptional cultural institutions, historic neighborhoods, and the nearby Finger Lakes wine region. Rochester represents American Rust Belt reinvention—former industrial giant becoming educational and cultural center.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Rochester's economy has shifted from manufacturing (Kodak's decline was traumatic) to education and healthcare—the University of Rochester Medical Center is the largest employer. Optics and imaging continue as strengths. Higher education and research drive growth. Entrepreneurship and startups are emphasized. The economy recovers slowly from de-industrialization but shows resilience.

Rochester culture emphasizes education, arts, and community. The Eastman School of Music is world-renowned. The city has strong traditions in photography, social reform (Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony lived here), and civic engagement. Food features "garbage plates" (local specialty) alongside diverse cuisines. The culture is intellectual, progressive, and proud of reinvention after economic challenges.

📜 History

Rochester grew rapidly after the Erie Canal opened in 1825, becoming the "Flour City" for grain milling. George Eastman founded Kodak here in 1888; photography transformed the economy. The city was known for social reform—abolitionism and women's suffrage found leaders here.

20th century prosperity came from imaging, optics, and precision manufacturing. Kodak's digital failure devastated the economy; bankruptcy came in 2012. The city has diversified toward education and healthcare. Today Rochester continues reinventing—exceptional cultural institutions, university strength, and Finger Lakes access offering quality of life despite economic transition challenges.