13 Best Small Towns In the Finger Lakes For Retirees
The Finger Lakes is a region of New York State known for its magnificent natural wonders, from cascading waterfalls, rolling miles of shoreline, and stunning gorges. Eleven freshwater lakes spread like fingers across 9,000 square miles, named after the indigenous people who initially explored them: Skaneateles, Otisco, Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Canadice, Conesus and Hemlock. The Finger Lakes are visually captivating, friendly, cost-effective, and bursting with activities that can entertain all personality types. Retiring in the Finger Lakes is a dream for many, especially those inclined toward the charming American small town's quieter, slow-paced lifestyle.
Auburn, New York
This larger town of nearly 26,000 sits on the northern end of Osasco Lake. It is known for its grand historical old homes like the Steward House, home of William H. Steward, Secretary of State in the administration of Abraham Lincoln. Those curious about vital American history will be satisfied in Auburn, with the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and Willard Chapel present, to name a few. The town acts as a full-service town, offering a full-time Police and Fire Department and medical services at the Auburn Community Hospital. Several retirement communities exist, with Bluefield Manor acting as a popular independent choice or Finger Lakes Center for Living acting as more hands-on. The cost of living in Auburn is 17.7 percent lower than the American average and 32.3 percent lower than the average for New York state.
Aurora, New York
Aurora, New York, would be the most suitable option if one is looking for a smaller space with a smaller population to retire in. The 724-person village wraps around the Eastern Shore of Cayuga Lake, settled between rolling hills. It is a sight to behold and known as a wellness Mecca, all thanks to the Inns of Aurora Resort and Spa. There is a whimsical pause about the town, with tiny sweet shops like MacKenzi-Childs making a name for themselves nationally. It is a fair drive from the bustling cities of New York and Philadelphia, nearly 250 miles away. However, due to its size, the cost of living is effectively meager, with a single adult in the town only needing to make $35,930 a year, compared to the cost of living in New York City, which is $46,110. The closest hospital is the Aurora Community Medical Center, located directly in town.
Canandaigua, New York
This small town of Canandaigua is only 25 miles southeast of Rochester, a scenic community with a name that translates to "The Chosen Spot." It was dubbed that for a reason, with its sparkling blue body of water (Canandaigua Lake) and various recreational activities like fishing and swimming. The charming town is also known as one of the first towns near the Finger Lakes to host a winery and continues to this day with the Canandaigua Wine Trail. There are a fair amount of choices regarding retirement living, with Horizons at Canandaigua Senior Living acting as an assisted living community and Quail Summit, a more upscale senior independent apartment community, acting as two prime examples. The cost of living is 92 percent lower than the national average, and the town contains primary care and specific health services hospital, the Canandaigua VA Medical Center.
Corning, New York
Corning New York is known as America's Crystal due to its constant association with glass—from light bulbs invented by Thomas Edison to modern wonders like fiber optics Gorilla Glass. The Corning Museum of Glass, the world's largest museum of glass art and artifacts, is one of the many endearing and eccentric traits that make Corning fun.
Beyond its unique history, Corning also coats aesthetic and recreational ventures with the Spencer Crest Nature Center, which spans 250 acres with over 7 miles of trails. The cost of living is stunningly reasonable, sitting at 21.9 percent lower than the American average. There are three senior living communities within the town of just over 10,00: Founders Pavilion, Dayspring Apartments, and the Stewart Parks Apartments. Guthrie Corning Hospital is the leading medical facility in the city.
Geneva, New York
Radiant and pastel-shaded houses line the streets in Geneva, sitting on the Northern rim of Seneca Lake. The Bulhurt Hotel is a popular spot for destination weddings and romantic getaways, likely because it is inside an ancient castle built in 1885. Geneva's historical and architectural wonders include the Smith Opera House, built in 1894, and the Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The Seneca Wine Trail, comprised of over 30 wineries, runs through and around the town, encouraging adventure and exploration.
Retirement in Geneva would work swimmingly for those looking for a low cost of living and a tight-knit community. There are several options for retirement communities, like Geneva-North, Geneva Nursing Home, or the higher upscale community of Seneca Lake Terrace.
Hammondsport, New York
Though the Finger Lakes are known for their wineries as a collective, Hammondsport played an integral role as the first winery in the region and the first bonded winery in the country. That role continues at Bully Hill Vineyards, stretching out to breathtaking views of the glimmering Keuka Lake, where outdoor activities are aplenty. Explore museums like the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum or the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, or partake in the Wings and Wheels event every September that blends vintage and exotic car shows with a seaplane homecoming. The cost of living is relatively low, at 21.1 percent lower than the national average. Retirees can stay at affordable rates at the Lake Street Senior Apartments, located in the beautiful downtown core of Hammondsport.
Ithaca, New York
Natural wonders are everywhere one turns in Ithaca, a small town located four hours from New York City. Waterfalls are in the Greek village, which includes Taughannock Falls, Lick Brook Falls, and Triphammer Falls. The cascading wonders are a beauty for those who want to live close to several natural landmarks, like Cayuga Lake, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and many other cleared trails. Regarding retirement, Ithaca is ranked #7 on the list of small towns in America that are successful in aging. This has a lot to do with the fact that there is always something going on in the College town, home to Ithaca College and Cornel University, and the many options for senior living facilities. Popular options are Longview, a community center made for independent living, and Bridges Cornell Heights, where an approach to caregiving focuses on creativity and nurturing.
Naples, New York
This town, sometimes called a village, is a tight-knit community settled within Ontario County. Naples Creek runs through the city, eventually connecting to one of the 11 sublime Finger Lakes, Canandaigua Lake. This town contains the most hills out of all of the villages in the Finger Lakes, so hiking, hunting, and bird watching at the High Tor Wildlife Management area or the Cumming Nature Center are not for the faint-hearted. Retirees can enjoy various wineries, such as Inspire Moore and Hazlitt Red Cat Cellars, or join Hunt Hollow Ski Club. The average cost of living is 9.2 percent lower than the national average and offers several options for retirement, from assisted living facilities to independently owned apartments.
Penn Yan, New York
Penn Yan, with a sweet population of barely 5,000, is located on the north end of Keuka Lake. It was recognized by "The 100 Best Small Towns In America" and "The Nationwide Guide to The Best Small Town Living" as an outstanding community. With its plethora of public parks, beaches, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, there is no doubt why. The Keuka Lake Outlet connects Keuka and Seneca Lakes, perfect for hiking and biking along forested trails. The Windmill Farm and Craft Market is famous for locals and tourists, offering 250 vendors of fresh foods, quilts, and antiques every Saturday from May to December. The cost of living is 13.4 percent lower than the national average and an astounding 28.7 percent lower than the average for the state. Popular retirement homes in the area are Clinton Crestor Manor and St. Mark's Terrance.
Seneca Falls, New York
Seneca Falls, with a population of just over 10,000 people, is known as the birthplace of American Feminism, a historic location along a branch of the Erie Canal. It is also believed that Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the 1946 film 'It's a Wonderful Life,' was inspired by Seneca Falls itself. Tourists and residents alike can learn more by visiting the Women's Rights National Historical Park, the It's a Wonderful Life Museum, and the National Women's Hall of Fame. Beyond its historical relevance, Seneca Falls has a stunning Lakeside view of Lake Ontario and a lower-than-average cost of living. Seneca Falls Community Residence is an assisted living community right in the heart of the town, and the main hospital is the Seneca Family Health Centre in Waterloo, which is only an eight-minute drive away.
Skaneateles, New York
Skaneateles is another small town with gems of historical knowledge scattered throughout its tiny population. Architectural treasures date back to the 1830s, as do well-known canoes, motor launches, and sailboats, including the Lightning and The Comet, which were crafted from 176 to 1945. Skaneateles Lake has a shining, tropical turquoise shade and is known as one of the cleanest lakes in the country. Swimming, fishing, and various water sports are very popular for tourists and residents alike.
The cost of living in the small town is 12.6 percent lower than the American average and a whopping 28.1 percent lower than the average for New York. Retirees can own their homes or try affordable housing at The Manor, which has a homey vibe and offers various activities like exercise classes and holiday parties.
Waterloo, New York
Waterloo is situated in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, between the northernmost tips of Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. It is known as the birthplace of Memorial Day and has several historical landmarks meant for those curious about their nation's narrative. Outdoor seekers can hike the Cayuga-Sneeca Canal Trail or the Silver Creek Gold Course. The cost of living in Waterloo, New York, is 21.1 percent lower than the national average, and the area has several senior living community centers within and around it. Seneca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Huntington Living Center are in town, whereas Seneca Lake Terrace, an assisted living center, is in Geneva nearby.
Watkins Glen, New York
The biggest draw to Watkins Glens is most certainly Watkins Glen State Park. The park leaves visitors breathless, with its sublime scenery akin to a fairytale. Hikers can follow the Gorge Trail, which explores all nineteen of the area's magical waterfalls, a walk that can be done in just under two hours. The town has its wine tour, run by FLX, Rooster Fish Brewing Tasting Room, Beer Garden, and Seneca Lake Wine Trail. Retirees who adore nature will have ample opportunities to immerse themselves at Watkins Glen, with retirement communities only ten minutes outside the main town. The closest full-service hospital in the small town is Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls.
The Finger Lakes are abundant in activities, natural landmarks, history, and recreational activities. Retiring there is a no-brainer; it is merely the decision as to which small town fits each person's given preferences when living out the sparkling days of their golden years.
