Jessica Lord

The story of why, when and how you decided to move here (or stay here): I was born and raised in the same house in Canandaigua. At 18, I moved to Richmond, Va., to attend college. After graduating, I stayed there for a couple years and eventually took a job at Remedy Intelligent Staffing (also called RemX Office Staff). I loved Richmond; it was a busy, beautiful city with great business opportunities around every corner and truly gorgeous weather, mind you! But throughout the seven years that I lived there, I would come back and visit Rochester about every four months. I guess it’s true: There is no place like home. I moved back almost a year ago and was lucky enough to transfer from the Remedy in Richmond to another Remedy in Rochester/Henrietta. It’s good to be back!

Where you went to undergraduate college / graduate school: B.A., English, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va.

Where do you live? Victor

What do you like about life in Rochester? It’s a drivable, affordable city. And then there’s Java’s—the best coffee shop ever.

What do you do for fun? Go boating on Canandaigua Lake, happy-hour hop in Rochester/Pittsford, organize theme parties (I am a proud holiday dork), attend Rochester Young Professionals events, discover new ‘dives,’ and spend as much time outside while the weather is warm!

What would you tell a college student (who is trying to decide where to live after graduation) about what life is like here post-college? It’s a great place to be—you don’t need to make a million dollars to be able to afford to live here. The nightlife is fun, and if you want to escape to the country for a day on the lake, it’s within 20 minutes.

What’s the best first step to making friends and finding your way around? People in Rochester are pretty low-key and approachable too, so personal and professional networking is key. Rochester Young Professionals holds events throughout the city, craigslist.com posts community events, the parades are crowded with 20-somethings, and dollar draft nights are crowded and fun as hell.
[Posted in 2009]