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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!
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