About the City of Rochester, NH
City Hall Location Map
City Map (Including Voting Wards)
City-Wide Zoning Map
Industrial Park Locations
Major Shopping Areas
Skyhaven Airport
The Rochester Fair
State and Federal Legislators
Rochester Historical Society
Rochester Weather
Rochester, known as the Lilac City, is located in southeastern New Hampshire. With a population of almost 30,000, Rochester is one of the largest cities in New Hampshire. Encompassing over 44 square miles of rolling hills and rivers, Rochester is conveniently located only a short distance from New Hampshire's famous Lakes Region, the White Mountains with its ski resorts and the Seacoast with its superb beaches.
Whether covered with its famous lilacs in the spring, flowers blooming in the summer, spectacular autumn foliage or fresh-fallen snow, the Rochester area is a scenic delight.
One of Rochester's many attributes is its excellent air, highway, rail and water transportation connections. Major highways include routes 11, 108, 125, 202 and the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16), a four lane, limited access highway with six exits to the City. This expressway provides easy access to Interstate 95, the Pease International Tradeport, Boston's Logan Airport, Manchester International Airport, the Portland International Jetport and the Port of Portsmouth. The New Hampshire Northcoast rail line and Skyhaven Airport also serve Rochester.
Rochester enjoys many of the conveniences of a prospering city combined with the delights of small-town New England traditions. Due to the restoration of the historic Rochester Opera House, cultural and civic activities are offered to residents in the area. Rochester celebrates an annual Lilac Family Fun Festival in the spring, a summer festival at the Rochester Commons, a Fourth of July celebration complete with activities and fireworks in the summer, over 120 years of the Rochester Fair (an old fashioned agricultural fair) held in the fall, and a holiday parade in the winter.
Traditions of strong family values, strong work ethic and lasting community spirit sustain the lasting pride among residents and businesses in Rochester. Awareness of Rochester's many natural assets and its recent industrial growth contributes to that pride. A great sense of volunteerism exists that is second to none. Whatever the need, whether for an individual or organization, Rochester opens its heart each and every time to help with a worthwhile cause.
Rochester's commitment to economic development has spurred major growth of manufacturing and high-tech companies. The City continues to diversify, strengthen and grow as business and industrial expansions attract new residents to the area.
Excellent educational advantages are available to residents. The Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center trains students for well-paid positions and assures companies in the area of a skilled workforce.
Shopping in Rochester provides residents in the city and surrounding communities with an attractive downtown area and several malls and plazas. Antiques, footwear, appliances, pharmacies, restaurants and a variety of services are found in downtown Rochester and small boutiques to large department and grocery stores are found at several plazas and malls located throughout the City.
Cultural and recreational activities include plays at the Rochester Opera House, theater, the Rochester Country Club golf course, ball fields, hiking, walking paths, rivers, ponds and lakes.
Combined with its natural beauty, easy access and many opportunities, Rochester is The Place To Be.