Cortland County is situated at the geographic convergence of three regions: Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. It is part of the Central New York Economic Development region, the Finger Lakes Tourism region and the Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board.
Cortland County is in the Central New York economic development region, but is also the gateway to the Finger Lakes, a region that is world renowned for its beauty and fine wines. The following is a snapshot of the Finger Lakes region:
Location
Spreading from the fertile farmland on the Lake Ontario border south to low rolling hills carved by 11 slender glacial bodies of water that give the region its name
Area
4,692 square miles
Market access
The area's excellent transportation systems, highly educated workforce and international presence in high technology have helped make the region a leading export center. The Finger Lakes Region's central location in New York State places it in close proximity to 10 of the largest cities in North America.
Transportation
The region is served by four major expressways: I-90 and I-86 (NYS 17) running east-west, and I-390 and I-81 running north-south.
More than 550 miles of track are operated through the region, with Amtrak offering east-west passenger service and rail freight provided by Norfolk Southern Finger Lakes Railway.
Education
More than 64,000 students are enrolled in the region's 13 two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities.
Quality of Life
Excellent educational opportunities, affordable housing, an advanced health care system and a wide range of cultural and recreational offerings make the Finger Lakes a highly desirable region in which to live and work. The 11 lakes, 100 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline and several state parks -- one of which is known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" -- are scenic highlights.