8 Best Small Towns to Retire in Upstate New York in 2024

Discovering the best small towns in upstate New York for retirement involves finding communities tailored to the unique needs of older individuals. Affordability, quality healthcare, safety, and mild climates are vital factors. Additionally, a range of recreational and cultural activities, social engagement, good transportation, and the availability of senior services contribute to an ideal retirement town. Proximity to family and friends, low taxes, and educational opportunities add further appeal. As preferences vary, retirees should carefully consider their needs when selecting a place to call home.

Aurora

Aurora, in picturesque Cayuga County, offers a serene setting on Cayuga Lake, with historic architecture and a tight-knit community. Founded in 1795 after the Revolutionary War, the town is a National Historic District today. Much of the architecture in the city has been maintained—from 19th-century mansions to quaint cottages—and tours are available for visitors to the area. 

An ideal home for newly-retired seniors, plenty of activities keep visitors of all ages busy. Active seniors will enjoy spending the day at Long Point State Park—on the shores of Cayuga Lake—where they can engage in activities like boating, swimming, picnicking, and walking on the well-groomed park trails. The Aurora Senior Center, conveniently located in downtown Aurora, is a social hub for retirees wanting to stay active and healthy with exercise classes, day trips, and excursions. Several good hospitals in and around Aurora include the Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca and Saint Joseph’s Hospital Health Center. 

Built in 1833 by Colonel E.B. Aurora, a resident and co-founder of the New York Times, the Aurora Inn combines modern luxury with historic charm. A stay at the inn includes cozy parlors with fireside games, homemade granola bars, a bottle of local Finger Lakes wine, and a nightly turndown service. The 1833 Kitchen & Bar features creative menus highlighting local farm fresh ingredients.

Camillus

A suburb of Syracuse, Camillus provides a tranquil environment with access to parks, including the pretty Camillus Erie Canal Park, which has scenic walking paths along the canal, historical exhibits, and the Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct built in 1841. It's an excellent place for long walks and enjoying the outdoors. There are numerous golf courses in Camillus for retired and non-retired golfers, including the Westvale Golf Club, the Camillus Country Club, and the West Hill Golf Course. Go for the golf, but stay for the Friday night fish fry. 

The Camillus Senior Center publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, The Senior Adventurer, which includes a comprehensive list of activities and outings for seniors aged 55+. The center offers fitness classes, daily lunches, arts and crafts, and hosts bridge, bingo, and book clubs. Subsidized and non-subsidized senior housing is available in and around Camillus. 

Honeoye Falls

The small village of Honeoye Falls near Rochester is characterized by its waterfall, historic charm, and relaxed pace of life. Explore the picturesque High Falls, located in the heart of Honeoye Falls. This scenic waterfall is easily accessible and offers beautiful views year-round. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails along the falls and capture stunning photographs of the natural scenery.

Honeoye Falls is ideal for independent retirees. The historic village's Pinehurst Senior Independent Living Community has well-appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments with a patio or balcony, restaurant-style dining, and housekeeping services. Transportation and a wide selection of social activities for seniors are also available. 

The historic village center of Honeoye Falls pays tribute to its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Visitors can learn about the history of Honeoye Falls at the Mendon Historical Society Museum. Explore exhibits detailing the village's past, including its role in the milling industry, and discover artifacts from the area's early settlers. While in town, browse local shops and boutiques and grab a bite to eat at one of the charming cafes or restaurants.

The friendly Lima Family farms is a local farm renowned for its fresh produce and farm-to-table products. Take a farm tour, pick your own fruits and vegetables, and shop for locally sourced goods at the farm store.   

Skaneateles

Nestled by Skaneateles Lake–one of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in the United States–the town of Skaneateles is known for its peaceful atmosphere, crystal clear waters, and beautiful shoreline. Take a leisurely boat tour along the lake, or rent a sailboat and explore the lake at your own pace. 

Downtown Skaneateles has quaint shops, boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Stroll on the tree-lined streets and browse for antiques, gifts, and souvenirs. For retirees, the Manor is an affordable senior living community in the heart of the village, within walking distance of many lakeside parks and trails. The residence offers exercise classes and arts and crafts programs. It also facilitates visits to local churches, restaurants, and museums. The Manor prides itself on providing its senior residents with a safe and secure environment.

The Skaneateles History Society provides an overview of the region's rich history, with exhibits that showcase the village’s past, including its role in the Erie Canal and the Underground Railroad. 

The town hosts the Skaneateles Festival in the summer, a renowned chamber music festival that attracts world-class musicians and performers worldwide. Performances are held at various venues throughout the village, including the beautiful lakeside amphitheater. 

Cazenovia

Surrounded by Cazenovia Lake, the small town of Cazenovia (population 2,800) offers a tranquil environment, beautiful landscape, and a community-focused atmosphere. Nominated in Budget Traveler’s “Coolest Small Towns in America,” Cazenovia is akin to stepping back in time and strolling through 19th-century America. Take a leisurely walk through the town and marvel at the architecturally and historically significant buildings that line both sides of the streets.

Built in 1835, the Lincklaen House is a historic twenty-three-room guest house in the center of town, complete with a colonial-style four-poster bed and period decor. Casual fine dining is available in the central part of the guest house, or enjoy pub fare in the Seven Stone Steps bar. 

The Stone Quarry Art Park is a contemporary art space founded in 1991 dedicated to exploring art and land. The park hosts concerts, theatre performances, and other cultural events and is open to the public year-round, from dawn until dusk. With a pay-what-you-want admission policy, visitors can spend an afternoon exploring the well-groomed trails, but be sure to pack a lunch and picnic in the pavilion in the Secret Garden. 

Community Resources for Independent Seniors (CRIS) is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to help individuals 55+ and older stay active and engaged in the community with an array of programs, including arts and crafts, scrabble, tai chi, and information sessions held at the Cazenovia Public Library. CRIS also provides medical transportation to seniors via the CRIS-CAT (Cazenovia Area Transportation) program. 

Pittsford

A suburb of Rochester, Pittsford is known for its picturesque Erie Canal views, historic homes, low crime rate, and a sense of community. The Pittsford Community Center provides Pittsford Seniors with services, programs, and activities for retired citizens and those 50 age and over to support independent living, health, and well-being. Fun, healthy, and educational programs the center offers include Tuesday lunches, local trips, and free fitness classes for residents like yoga for seniors, tai chi for arthritis and fall prevention, Zumba, line dancing, and more. 

Situated along the Erie Canal, visitors enjoy long views of the waterway, historic locks, and waterfront dining in Schoen Place—an area along the canal featuring shops, restaurants, and a seasonal farmer’s market. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the natural beauty of Powder Mills Park, which has miles of marked walking trails, fishing opportunities, and picnic areas. Visit the Fish Hatchery, a popular family destination where you can view several species of fish in various stages of development. Over 20,000 fish, including trout, Chinook salmon, and perch, are being raised at the hatchery. 

Canandaigua

The town of Canandaigua combines a peaceful atmosphere with a vibrant downtown, wineries, and recreational opportunities to keep active seniors busy and engaged. There are numerous senior living communities in the area, catering to both independent and assisted living requirements. The Ontario County Office for the Aging is a human service agency in Canandaigua that serves individuals over 60 and their caregivers. The office provides advocacy, information, and assistance. It also offers no-cost hot home-delivered meals, community dining, nutrition advice, fitness classes, and resources for caregivers. 

The Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park is a 50-acre estate—one of two public gardens in New York State. Located blocks from downtown Canandaigua, the gardens were donated to the community by its previous owners and today serve as a beautiful oasis visited by tens of thousands of people every year, 

Canandaigua Lake is one of the Finger Lakes and offers beautiful scenery and recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Enjoy the region's natural beauty by walking one of the many trails in nearby parks and nature preserves like Grimes Glen or Ontario County Park. Downtown Canandaigua has an excellent selection of charming shops, restaurants, and art galleries housed in historic architecture. 

Clifton Park

A suburb of Saratoga Country, Clifton Park, with a population of 39,000, is known for its low crime rate, good schools, and strong community. The town offers plenty of amenities for seniors, including shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational parks. The Vischer Ferry and Nature and Historic Preserve features numerous walking trails along the old Erie Canal towpath, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.  

Clifton Common is a large recreational area with walking trails, playgrounds for visiting grandchildren, and picnic areas, and is also the location of the Clifton Park Senior Community Center. The center hosts numerous activities designed to enrich the lives of Clifton Park’s senior population, including a Senior Skate where seniors can enjoy the ice rink free of younger skaters, indoor games, jewelry making, computer skills, and much more. They also sponsor week-long getaways to places like Nashville, New Orleans, Memphis, and Mount Rushmore. 

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library hosts various events, workshops, and activities for all ages. Check their calendar for author readings, craft nights, educational programs, and more.

Finding Your Perfect Retirement Haven in Upstate New York

Before making any decisions, individuals looking to relocate to upstate New York during their golden years should thoroughly research each town and consider factors like healthcare facilities, cost of living, and proximity to family and friends. Additionally, visit the towns to get a firsthand feel for the community and assess if it aligns with your retirement goals. Consult with local experts and real estate professionals for the most up-to-date information on safety and community dynamics.