Rochester, New York is the second largest city in upstate New York. It is known as the "Roches of Rochester." It is also the hometown of actor Rochester Whipple and singer Rochester Mayo. The United States National History Museum is nearby and an interesting history museum. Rochester is the home of both May and Tyler Perry.Rochester is a gorgeous city on Lake Rochester, in upstate New York. Old industrial buildings often cluster near the Genesee River's high falls. The George Eastman Museum has a great history museum and photographic exhibits. The Strong Museum has a Planetarium and a botanical garden. The Rochester Museum & Science Center includes gardens, exhibits and an earth science center.The Rochester skyline includes two seven-story brownstones that stand on what is known as the erie canal. The area was once an Italian shipyard. Two of the most notable landmarks are the first Rochester Bridge and the twenty-three-mile-long John Hancock Tower. Other notable landmarks include the City Hall, Rochester's state capitol, the Rochester Museum, public libraries, historic shopping areas and the U.S. Air Force Museum.The eastern part of Rochester is mostly centered around the downtown area. Center city locations include the U.S. Congress, Monroe County Administration Building, the Rochester Commons, rochester county government offices, airport facilities and the state capitol. The western part of Rochester encompasses the W. Main Street area, which has a variety of residential neighborhoods including but not limited to Circle R, Hillsboro, North End, Eastwood and Cedar Lake. The downtown area is home to more than half of Rochester's residents and more than a quarter of its businesses. This downtown area is where you will find all the cultural hotspots including the Rochester Museum, Great Barco, the Rochester Commons, the U.S. Air Force Museum and the Rochester Children's Museum. All these areas are also great places to shop, eat and participate in various civic events.In the late part of winter is when Rochester becomes a year round destination. Rochester takes advantage of its geographic location and weather conditions to be a year round tourist hot spot. Snowbirds come to the city and enjoy everything from ice skating on the frozen lake to walking through the wooded park. Another reason to visit Rochester in the winter months is that in late January through early February the town hosts an outdoor concert featuring country music stars at the famous Crystal Garden. Several other popular outdoor concerts are held in the parks and public square each year.Rochester has grown in recent years to become one of New York's premier suburban communities. Its easy access to I-Ridge, Lake Rochester and the campuses of hospitals and colleges make it a desirable place to live. Living in Rochester enables residents to travel and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Residents enjoy walking, biking, skating, tennis, golfing, swimming, baseball and other activities. The cost of living in Rochester is considerably lower than many of the nearby suburbs and is one of the best in the nation.