11 of the Friendliest Towns in Upstate New York

The state of New York usually gets a bad rap for being unsafe and, even more so, for being unfriendly. This information is probably based on the fact that New York City has a higher population than any other city in America and everyone seems always busy. Upstate New York, though, possesses numerous towns and villages which are not only considered safe, as far as crime goes, but are also quite friendly. Here are eleven of the friendliest towns and villages in upstate New York, from Montour Falls to Honeoye Falls, as well as a variety of aspects for why they are considered welcoming.

Montour Falls

Nestled in the heart of Schuyler County, Montour Falls, a haven of tranquility, invites explorers for an intimate rendezvous with nature. Picture cascading waterfalls - She-Qua-Ga, Havana Glen Park, and Eagle’s Cliff, presenting breathtaking spectacles of natural grandeur. You'll be welcomed into a safe, friendly community with a negligible crime rate of 1% (10.16/1000). Planning a night under the stars of Montour? Cozy retreats await you at Catharine Cottages and Cook Mansion - breakfast, of course, on the house. And when hunger pangs strike, local flavor explodes from every plate at the Blue Ribbon Diner and Curly’s Family Restaurant. Welcome to Montour Falls - it's more than a visit, it's an experience.

Skaneateles

Located at the northernmost tip of Skaneateles Lake, the quaint, quiet town of Skaneateles offers several amenities that may not be available in in other parts of the state, as well as a sense of safety - with a crime rate of 0.92% (9.17/1000). The Charlie Major Nature Trail is always fun to explore year-round. Along with normal activities available on and around the lake in the summertime, visitors can enjoy the changing of the foliage in autumn, the new buds appearing on the trees during spring and, during the holiday season, the town of Skaneateles welcomes visitors to experience their Dickens Christmas Festival, which starts in late November and runs, each weekend, through December.

Sackets Harbor

Perched on the eastern fringe of the majestic Lake Ontario, just a stone's throw from Watertown, Sackets Harbor shines as a beacon of friendliness and safety. With a crime rate as low as 0.92% (9.22/1000), it’s no wonder this is considered one of New York State's most congenial townships. Picture yourself savoring a delicious meal at Good Fellos or Battlefield Eatery, both nestled in the heart of Main Street, or snuggling in at the charming Harbor House Inn for the night. Sackets Harbor prides itself on the joyous Old McDonald’s Farm on N. Harbor Rd., a delight for all ages. Sackets Harbor: where warm smiles, safety, and joy are a way of life.

Corinth

Located in Saratoga County, Corinth sits along the southern edge of Adirondack Park, less than fifteen miles north of Saratoga Springs. Yet, Corinth boasts a 1.2% (11.91/1000) crime rate, making it a friendly town to visit with the family. The Corinth Reservoir Recreational Area, Spruce Mountain Trail, and Saratoga Corinth and Hudson Railway all offer adventure. If you are looking for something tasty, Rocco’s Pizzeria, and Amore Pizza are both close by. If you’re looking for a place to camp for the weekend, Alpine Lake Campground, Rustic Barn Campground, and Agape Farm are all in the vicinity. And, if you chose not to bring your own bed, they have cabins as well.

Addison

Addison, located in New York's Steuben County, is a sanctuary of safety that sparkles west of Elmira, proudly boasting a minimal 0.77% crime rate. It radiates a comforting aura of small-town charm and a welcoming attitude to locals and tourists. The Addison Vista Loop, perched in the heart of Pinnacle State Park, invites you to a picturesque, nearly two-mile trek beginning from Crystal Hill Trail. The town's culinary scene will spoil your taste buds. Try Buzzy's Dream or Traeger Pellet Grill for some mouthwatering delicacies. Don't forget to reward the little ones with a refreshing ice cream treat at Stone Cone while you're there. A visit to Addison promises unforgettable moments and heartwarming hospitality.

Penn Yan

Located five miles west of the center of Seneca Lake, in Yates County, the town of Penn Yan has a crime rate of 1.5% (14.84/1000), making it one of the safest, friendly-oriented places in the entire state of New York. If you are looking for tasty food while in Penn Yan, the Keuka Restaurant and Union Block are both located on Main Street, while the Tavern Restaurant and Silverbird Woodfired are around the corner on Elm. There are also several family-friendly things to do in and near Penn Yan, like visit the Windmill Farm and Craft Market, which offers fresh fruit and local produce, as well as a great deal more.

Allegany

Tucked in the serene cradle of Cattaraugus County, between the tranquil towns of Salamanca and Olean, lies the peaceful haven of Allegany. With a minuscule crime rate of merely 1.3%, Allegany offers a safe harbor amidst the storms of life, a stark contrast to the bustling Ellicottville, whose crime rate stands at a noticeable 7.4%. This tranquil town promises an unhurried lifestyle; its immaculate streets whisper tales of simple pleasures and quiet moments, inviting one and all to soak in its tranquility. If your soul yearns for a respite from the relentless rush of city life, Allegany promises an oasis of calm. Unwind in the comfort of a cozy cabin or local inn, and let the serene landscapes of the Allegany River Valley Trail work their magic on your senses, a must-experience escapade when in town.

Jordan

Though most people have not heard of the village of Jordan, or maybe because most people have not heard of the village of Jordan, this town boasts a significantly low crime rate, 0.5% (5.27/1000), and is one of the friendliest towns in all upstate New York. Located in Onondaga County, just south of Cross Lake and north of Elbridge, Jordan offers visitors all the amenities of being in a much larger town while also presenting opportunities not available anywhere else in the state. Camillus Erie Canal Park in nearby Camillus and Beaver Lake Nature Center just north of town in Baldwinsville both provide an excellent respite from the tribulations of a hot day, while Skaneateles Lake and Owasco Lake are both within driving distance south of town.

Waterville

Immerse yourself in Waterville, New York, a hidden gem among its namesakes across the United States. Here, tranquillity and safety reign supreme, with a crime rate that's only a third of its counterpart in Maine. This charming town is a treasure trove of family-friendly delights. Sample mouth-watering delights at Waterville's New York Pizzeria or Roc-Star Ice Cream and Eatery that will have you licking your fingers. Seek refuge in nature at Root Glen, a verdant paradise that thrums with wildlife, offering endless photographic opportunities. Explore the heart of this quaint town, teeming with history in the Waterville Triangle Historic District. So why wait? Pack your bags and unravel the allure of Waterville, New York.

Sherburne

Sherburne is one of those hidden gems of New York. Having a crime rate of 1% (10.17/1000), Sherburne is a quiet, idyllic town with a friendly outlook on country life. Whether you are visiting the area to check out the Northeast Classic Car Museum in nearby Norwich or stopping by to capture a magnificent photograph of the Rexford waterfall in Rexford Falls Park in downtown Sherburne, there is always something to do or see in and around this quaint, peaceful town. Sherburne also offers several amenities, including a visit to the Sherburne Diner for a bite to eat or the Sherburne Historic District to see the architecture of the region.

Honeoye Falls

Not to save the best for last, but the town of Honeoye Falls may just be the friendliest town in upstate New York. Possessing a crime rate of 0.6% (5.97/1000), Honeoye Falls is one of those idyllic, peaceful towns people mention in conversation but the average traveler doesn’t get to truly experience. Located in Monroe County, New York, just below Mendon Ponds Park, Honeoye Falls offers several opportunities for visitors to get back to that country way of living, either through a visit to Main Street Café or Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria for a bite or through a visit to Ock Hee’s Gallery, which offers sights on a variety of local art.

Conclusion

So, whether you are looking for the safest town you can find in upstate New York or you are looking for a friendly place where the local people throw you a wave and a smile as you walk by, these eleven towns and villages, arrayed sporadically across the entire upper half of the state may be perfect for a vacation, taken by yourself or with family and friends, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.