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!
Also
serving Lansing, Groton, Newfield, Danby,
Trumansburg, Ulysses and Freeville.
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