Rochester NY Moving Companies

Rochester, New York

Situated on the south shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester, New York offers vivid landscapes of scenic wonders. The city boasts over 2,000 acres of parklands, offering plenty of space for hiking, camping and recreational spots. The city is also known as a manufacturing hub of the East, thanks in part to the production of high-tech imaging and photography equipment. The city continues to receive much deserved accolades including “America’s 10 Best Cities for Families;” by Child magazine; “Top 10 Cities for Black Families,” by Essence magazine, and twice named “One of America’s Friendliest Cities” by American Demographics magazine. The health conscious will be impressed by the city’s title of “Healthiest Cities for Men” by Men’s Health magazine due to the city’s air quality, short commutes and abundant leisure time activities.

History:
In 1803, flourmills began sprouting up in the area powered by the Genesee River and its falls; by the time the Erie Canal reached the area in 1825, Rochester's concentration of flourmills caused the area to earn the nickname “Flour City.” The pioneering efforts of George Ellwanger and Patrick Barry begun in the 1840s and would eventually bring the city international recognition. Frederick Douglass, escaped slave, abolitionist orator and newspaper publisher, lived in Rochester for 25 years until his home burned down in 1872. The growing availability of the automobiles in Rochester prompted a middle-class migration to the suburbs. By the 1950s, the city's population consisted mainly of the poor and impoverished. Rochester's reputation was marked by violent race riots in 1964. In response to those riots, city leaders began major renovations of the downtown area. In recent years, many middle and upper-income residents of the suburbs have made the move back to the city, which today thrives as a high-technology center and a cosmopolitan sanctuary surrounded by exceptional natural beauty.

Economy:
Throughout the 19th century, Rochester was a thriving commercial hub. And from 1861 to 1865, the men's clothing industry there was given a boost by the Civil War of and by the subsequent demand for ready-made suits in the West. In 1866, the Vacuum Oil Company, which would later became Mobil Oil, was founded in Rochester, and in 1906, the Xerox Corporation was started in a loft above a shoe factory. The city is a leading manufacturing center of the US, dominated by Eastman Kodak, Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Delphi Automotive Systems and Xerox Corporation. The area is home to over 1,500 small and mid-sized manufacturing companies; most of which are involved in high technology sectors such as computer and electronic products, machinery and chemicals. In 2004, companies in Rochester exported more than $14 billion worth of products and services, exceeding that of 40 other states. Rochester also benefits from the Monroe County Foreign Trade Zone, which offers tax advantages for international trade.

Tourism:
Rochester, New York’s offers residence and victors endless opportunity to explore the fascinating outdoors of the great Northeast. River trails are extensive, beautiful and heavily used by walkers, joggers and cyclists. Experience the Genesee River, where three waterfalls can be seen in coursings through Rochester on its way to Lake Ontario. Next, check out Lake Ontario, one of the five fresh-water "Great Lakes." Well known for its salmon fishing, the area enjoys sandy beaches, piers, a boardwalk and a concert pavilion. Then, it is off to The Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse. This lighthouse dates back to 1822, and is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. A visit to the museum offers the history of lighthouses and more. The Memorial Art Gallery has grown since founded in 1913, with 11,000 quality works of Art in a collection that spans over several centuries. The Rochester Museum and Science Center offer many historical and scientific exhibits as well as the fantastic Strasenburgh Planetarium.

Colleges/Universities:

• Ithaca College
• St John Fisher College
• Nazareth College
• University of Rochester

Interesting Facts:

• Marshmallows were first commercially produced in Rochester.
• Rochester is where, in 1904, the first prepared mustard was manufactured by the R.T. French Company.
• The city inspired a young George Eastman to invent the flexible-film camera, making photography available to the masses.