Alex and Paige Lavell came to Greater ROC in 2023 to unwind. They had lived in other places, including Boston, Austin, Atlanta and New York City while working in tech and were ready for a change of pace. This region’s natural beauty, easier and more accessible lifestyle, and “remarkable” education system that encourages lifelong learning swayed them to make their new home here.
It was a homecoming for Alex, as he had grown up in Rochester but moved away for college and his career. Paige is originally from Philadelphia and also relocated to other places for school and work. While dating, they would visit Alex’s family locally and retreat to the Finger Lakes.
“Every time we came up, we felt like we were uncoiling, and the stress that we were constantly under just dissipated,” Alex explained. “We were on Canandaigua Lake during peak foliage, it's beautiful out and Paige looked at me and said, ‘Why don't we just move up here? This is where we come for vacation. This is where we come to relax. It's peaceful and tranquil and everybody here is so nice.’ And I was like, ‘Let's do it.’”
Paige realized she had hit a point in life where living in a large city was no longer worth it. She wanted more downtime, to relax in her surroundings and to not feel completely drained just getting through the commute to work. Here she feels she can breathe easier and enjoy amenities she was worried she’d miss, like award-winning cuisine and wine, a thriving art scene and intriguing historical sites.
"Rochester is rebuidling. There's tons of opportunity. It's incredible to come back and be part of that change." —Alex Lavell
Alex says it’s been both eye-opening and life-changing to be back in Greater ROC, as he now recognizes all the advantages he didn’t notice before. “I sleep really well here. There's not a lot of traffic. You can go to dinner and not wait two hours to get a table. Neighbors are super friendly and helpful. Rochester is rebuilding. There's tons of opportunity. It's incredible to come back and be part of that change.”
Because he travels regularly for work, Alex especially appreciates the convenience of the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. “There’s less congestion, it’s quick and easy to get to, and there are frequent direct flights to the major hubs in the Northeast.”
What Paige loves about the community is the genuine care of philanthropic people and purpose-driven organizations supporting regional businesses, talent and growth.
“You have New York Kitchen, which is sponsored by Wegmans and Constellation Brands, and it pulls in its staff from the hospitality programs at local schools. So you get to have this amazing food and wine experience and you also know you're supporting the region, its companies, its institutions.”
The change of seasons energizes the Lavells because they find fun year round. Alex admits, “Winters aren't nearly as bad … the infrastructure here is built for it and to thrive in winter … We're less than an hour from some awesome places to downhill ski and snowboard.”
The couple emphatically agrees this is the most welcoming place. They’ve introduced Greater ROC to friends unfamiliar with this area who’ve been “blown away” by all its appeal. To them, we say, “Come on in and make yourself comfortable!”
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