Kelly Jones, 26

The story of why, when, how you decided to move here (or stay here): I was born and raised in Rochester, NY.  Upon graduating from Pittsford Sutherland High School in 1999 I moved away for college. Like most ambitious local high school-ers, I wanted out of my hometown. After graduating from Cornell University I moved to New York City to work for Sirius Satellite Radio (in 2004 & 2005).  I worked in the Sports & Event Marketing Division and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities I was given there. However, the cost of living was a serious struggle even with a good corporate job. I felt like I was always on the go with work and found that Manhattan limited the availability of outdoor activities that I enjoy in my spare time. While looking to relocate from NYC, an opportunity opened up here in Rochester in January of 2006 so I moved back as opposed to taking job offers in Boston or New York. Being closer to my family had something to do with the decision as well, but overall it has proved to be a great move for me. I am very happy to be back, and always tell everyone that I think you have to have experienced living somewhere else to truly appreciate Rochester.

Where you went to undergraduate college / graduate school: Cornell University, Class of 2003

Degree(s) you earned: Bachelor of Science, Hotel Administration – Sales & Marketing concentration

Where you work now and your job title: Clover Capital Management, Inc. (Registered Investment Advisory Firm), Senior Client Representative (Sales & Marketing Division)

Where do you live? Townhouse in Pittsford

What do you like about life in Rochester? The cost of living is hard to beat. After living in Manhattan for 2 years, it is nice to be able to save some money as opposed to spending almost every penny I earned just to get by. Housing, restaurants, entertainment are all more financially reasonable. As silly as this sounds, everyone that moves away says how much they miss Wegmans! NYC, Boston, DC, Toronto are all close-by, so when you want to get away it’s easy enough to do. The area is so beautiful with the lakes and all the outdoor parks, I couldn’t imagine living back in a concrete built, metropolitan area like Manhattan. Here I can enjoy the outdoors to my heart’s content. Cheesy, but true.

What do you do for fun? Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Biking, Fly Fishing, Travel, BBQs with friends and outings with my dog.

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? If you can find a job that motivates and challenges you, this is an amazing place to be. I have a lot of fun here now and can envision myself staying here to have a family down the line. I believe the sense of community you feel here is what you make of it.

What's the downside to living here? The downside can be if you thrive on the energy of a big city.  Having lived in NYC, I know many people who are happiest with a million things going on around them at all times. Rochester, while still a large city, can feel very small town like at times when you consider shopping, the arts, and the nightlife. You do have to be proactive about meeting new friends, but I believe that is true anywhere after college.

What's the best first step to making friends and finding your way around? If you go to college here in the Rochester area, you already have a step up on knowing what parts of town you enjoy and what options are out there for activities. Getting involved in sports and alumni groups has been how I have made new friends. I have met people through the tennis club I belong to, through the volleyball facility I play at, and through my job. Likewise, I belong to the Cornell Club of Rochester for local alumni and have gone to some Rochester Young Professional events. Even though I grew up here, none of my friends from high school live near here so all of my social outlets have been made through just putting myself out there. While it can be challenging to meet new people, it’s been easier to meet new friends in Rochester than my time in Manhattan.