📍 Location & Geography
Rochester, a city located in Strafford County, New Hampshire, is in the southeastern part of the state. The city is bordered by Barrington and Strafford to the north, Farmington and Milton to the west, and Dover and Somersworth to the east. The Salmon Falls River, which forms the border between New Hampshire and Maine, runs to the east of the city. Rochester is characterized by a mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas, with several parks, forests, and bodies of water within its boundaries.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Rochester are approximately 43.3045° N latitude and 70.9756° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Rochester is part of the New England region of the United States. It covers a total area of 45.8 square miles, of which 45.2 square miles is land and 0.6 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Rochester is estimated to be around 31,366. The city’s population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age of residents is approximately 41.8 years.
🏛️ History
Rochester was first settled in 1722 and was officially incorporated as a city in 1891. The city was named after Lawrence Hyde, 1st Earl of Rochester, and was one of the earliest towns incorporated in the state of New Hampshire. Rochester’s early economy was primarily based on farming and lumbering. In the 19th century, the city experienced significant industrial growth, with the establishment of several mills along the Cocheco River.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Rochester is home to several parks and recreational areas. The city’s largest park, Rochester Common, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The city is also close to several state parks and forests, including the White Mountain National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🏫 Education
Rochester’s public school system is managed by the Rochester School Department, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The city is also home to the Monarch School of New England, a private, nonprofit school that serves students with significant disabilities. Higher education opportunities can be found nearby at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.
🚧 Transportation
Rochester is served by the COAST public transit system, which provides bus service to several cities in the region. The city is also easily accessible by car via several major highways, including U.S. Route 202 and New Hampshire Route 16. The nearest airport is the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, located approximately 20 miles southeast of the city.
📜 Trivia & Events
Rochester hosts several annual events, including the Rochester Fair, a traditional New England fair that features agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment. The city also hosts an annual holiday parade in December. A fun fact about Rochester is that it was once known as the “Lilac City” due to the many lilac bushes that once grew in the city.