About New York
Tompkins County, New York stands out as a region of
breathtaking beauty and diverse lifestyle. Ice Age glaciers
moved through the area, leaving behind deeply cut gorges and
stunning waterfalls, along with Cayuga
Lake, the largest of New York's Finger
Lakes.
Just like the topography, Tompkins
County weather is known for its many variations. Sometimes
called the 'land of the lost umbrella', residents tend to
dress in layers and be prepared for anything. The fall colors
dazzle here, as well as the blooms of spring. Ithaca,
the county seat, claims the title of the 'Forsythia City'.
The business
climate is equally diverse. Tompkins County began its life
as a trading post in the 1700's, with its easy access to water
transport. Manufacturing has been a major industry here, and
remains so today, with the area producing computer chips and
software, along with airplane and auto parts. New high-tech
companies are discovering this beautiful region every day.
Tompkins County boasts one of the strongest economies in the
northeast. Unemployment remains consistently low and the
highly skilled workforce proves a huge draw for incoming
firms.
Tompkins County considers education its most vital
industry, starting with its public school system, rated one of
the finest in the nation. Cornell
University was founded here in 1868, and today, Ithaca
College and Tompkins
Cortland Community College serve the region, drawing in
more than 25,000 students to the area. Tompkins County is home
to many inventors, authors, artists and professors.
Tompkins County's population of 96,500 people (Census 2000
data) enjoys the stunning natural beauty around them. Forests
and lakes, preserves and trails provide premier recreation.
Boating, fishing and camping are summer activities, while
winter offers skiing, snow shoeing and ice-skating. Hockey
remains a local passion.
Nine towns comprise Tompkins County, along with six smaller
villages. The largest is the county seat of Ithaca, with a
population of just over 18,000. Residents searching for
smaller town life can find it in the villages of Freeville
and Trumansburg,
with populations of less than 2,000. Throughout the region,
museums and galleries
abound. The Hangar Theatre Hangar
Theatre and the Kitchen Theatre Kitchen
Theatre provide local dramatic performances, while the
college productions can often rival Broadway. The colleges
offer a wide array of concerts and music of every type.
Tompkins County, NY is by far one of the most diverse and
intriguing regions in upstate New York. Whether one is looking
for a great vacation in wild, natural beauty, or a wonderful
place to live, study and work, Tompkins County has it! |
