Free Vector map of the City of Rochester, New York, USA.
Free, royalty-free, unlimited use.
The map is intended for editing, media, presentations.
File format SVG, Simplified version
Fully vector, editable.
See also: detailed vector map of the Rochester
Download vector map in archive:
The Rochester area, located in western New York State, is a dynamic region with a rich blend of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, the area is known for its industrial history, cultural contributions, and scenic natural features. Below is a detailed geographic description of the Rochester area:
General Location
- Region: Rochester is in Monroe County and serves as its county seat. It is part of the Finger Lakes region and Western New York.
- Coordinates: Approximately 43°09′N 77°37′W.
- Proximity: About 75 miles east of Buffalo, 90 miles west of Syracuse, and 170 miles west of Albany.
Urban Core
- City of Rochester:
- Located on the Genesee River, which flows northward through the city into Lake Ontario.
- Downtown Rochester is the cultural and economic hub, featuring high-rise buildings, historical sites, and the East End cultural district.
- Neighborhoods like Park Avenue, Corn Hill, and South Wedge are known for their historic architecture and vibrant community life.
- Suburbs and Surrounding Communities:
- Henrietta: A major retail and commercial area south of the city, home to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
- Greece: A large suburb northwest of Rochester, with extensive residential and commercial development.
- Pittsford: Southeast of the city, known for its upscale neighborhoods and proximity to the Erie Canal.
- Irondequoit: Directly northeast of Rochester, bordered by Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Irondequoit Bay.
Natural Features
- Genesee River:
- The river is a defining feature, flowing through the city and creating a series of waterfalls, including:
- High Falls: Located downtown, with a dramatic drop of 96 feet.
- Middle Falls and Lower Falls: Further north, these are part of the river’s picturesque descent to Lake Ontario.
- The river gorge is a significant geographic feature, offering opportunities for recreation and scenic vistas.
- The river is a defining feature, flowing through the city and creating a series of waterfalls, including:
- Lakes and Waterways:
- Lake Ontario: The northern boundary of the Rochester area, providing beaches, marinas, and recreational opportunities.
- Irondequoit Bay: A large bay connected to Lake Ontario, popular for boating and fishing.
- Erie Canal: Passes through Rochester’s southern suburbs, with walking and biking paths along its towpath.
- Hills and Topography:
- The region features gently rolling hills, transitioning into the flatter terrain near Lake Ontario.
- The southern part of the area begins to rise into the Finger Lakes uplands.
- Parks and Green Spaces:
- Highland Park: Famous for its lilac collection and home to the annual Lilac Festival.
- Durand-Eastman Park: Along Lake Ontario, known for its beaches, woodlands, and golf course.
- Letchworth State Park: South of Rochester, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” featuring dramatic gorges and waterfalls.
Transportation Geography
- Highways:
- Interstate 490: A loop through Rochester connecting to the New York State Thruway (I-90).
- Interstate 390: Runs north-south, connecting the city to the Southern Tier and I-86.
- Lake Ontario State Parkway: Provides scenic access to the lakeshore west of Rochester.
- Rail and Air:
- Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC): Southwest of downtown, providing domestic and limited international service.
- Amtrak offers rail service along the Empire Corridor, connecting Rochester to major cities like Buffalo, Albany, and New York City.
- Public Transit and Trails:
- RTS Transit Center: The hub for the Regional Transit Service (RTS) bus network.
- The Genesee Riverway Trail and Erie Canalway Trail offer extensive paths for biking and walking.
Climate
- Type: Humid continental.
- Seasons:
- Winters: Cold and snowy, with lake-effect snow due to proximity to Lake Ontario.
- Summers: Warm and relatively short, with high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F.
- Precipitation: Well-distributed throughout the year, with heavy snow in winter.
Economic and Demographic Landscape
- Population: Rochester has about 210,000 residents, with a metro area population of over 1 million.
- Economy: Historically rooted in manufacturing, the city was a hub for companies like Eastman Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb. Today, it focuses on education, healthcare, and technology.
- Urban-Suburban Mix: The urban core is surrounded by diverse suburban communities, with rural areas dominating further out.
Recreational and Natural Attractions
- Waterfronts:
- The Ontario Beach Park at Charlotte is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
- Irondequoit Bay offers marinas, kayaking, and waterfront dining.
- Cultural and Historical Sites:
- George Eastman Museum: Celebrates the legacy of the Kodak founder and photography.
- Susan B. Anthony House: A National Historic Landmark honoring the suffragist leader.
- Strong Museum of Play: A unique museum focused on the history of play and toys.
- Events and Festivals:
- Lilac Festival: Held annually in Highland Park during spring.