Are There Two Rochesters In New York State?

Is it possible that New York state is the home to towns, hamlets and villages that have the same name but in different counties?

Local residents have always wondered why the Hudson Valley has two wallkills. There is the Town of Wallkill which is located in Orange County, NY and the Hamlet of Wallkill which is located in Ulster County, NY.

Hudson Valley residents also explained on social media that those who live in these locations get questioned about this matter and how it can be confusing. There have been plenty of times that I have asked people, "Which Wallkill" to understand if they are referring to the one in Orange County or Ulster County.

Some also claim that the crime rate may be lower in the Hamlet of Wallkill as compared to the Town of Wallkill. Additional information about the difference between the Town of Wallkill and the Hamlet of Wallkill in the Hudson Valley can be found on 94.3 Lite FM.

Along with two Wallkills in the Hudson Valley, New York state has two Rochesters as well.

Are There Two Rochesters In New York State?

I've been aware of Rochester, NY located in Monroe County in upstate New York. While I was driving through Ulster County, NY I came across a sign saying, "Town of Rochester". I was instantly intrigued learning that there are two Rochesters in one state.

The Town of Rochester in Ulster County, NY may be a hidden gem to those who are not familiar with it. I continued to wonder what was in this area that I have never heard before.

What's The Size And Population Of Ulster County, NY's Rochester In New York State?

The Town of Rochester explained that this area is

"In the heart of the Rondout Valley and nestled between the Catskill Mountains and the Shawangunk Ridge".

The Town of Rochester also explained that this area was settled in the 1680's by European settlers.

They also shared that this Ulster County, NY town,

"boasts the largest number of continuously inhabited old stone houses in New York, some dating back to the 17th century."

In the early 1700's, the town of Rochester's population was 334 people. The 2000 U.S. Census date for the Town of Rochester in Ulster County, NY was 7,018.

Let's take a look at Upstate New York's Rochester.

What's The Size And Population Of Monroe County's Rochester In New York State?

The City of Rochester explained that the area, 

"Combines small-town accessibility with big-city services."

They also claim that the City of Rochester has 

"Some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States".

Visit Rochester, NY explained that this city is filled with historic museums, architectural sites, monuments and more.

This city also went by names such as "Young Lion of the West", Flower or "Flour City" and "America's first Boom town."

Historical influences on society such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, George Eastman and more played a role in the City of Rochester's past and their legacy lives on in Monroe County today.

How Did Monroe County, NY's Rochester Get It's Name?

Visit Rochester, NY shared information about how Rochester got its name. 

"The City of Rochester, NY is named for Colonel Nathaniel Rochester, a Revolutionary War soldier and wealthy landowner who set out from Maryland in search of acquiring land in the “New Frontier” in 1800."

City Population provided information about the City of Rochester's population in Monroe County, NY. In 2023, the estimated total was 207,274 residents.

Did you know about the two different Rochesters in New York state? Have you been to either of them before? Tell us more below.