Ithaca named among friendliest NY towns for retirement

The Finger Lakes are known for their magnificent waters, hiking trails amidst unique landscapes, vineyards and countless small towns that dot the region. 

It's also a spot where many seniors seek to retire.

New Yorkers are settling into homes in upstate New York rather than visiting for a weekend or seasonal getaway. A purposeful move toward smaller communities with a welcoming vibe and a far more affordable cost of living when considering a lifestyle in large metropolitan areas like New York City.

Skaneateles, NY

Skaneateles, with its unique shops and restaurants, sits astride the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve and of course Skaneateles Lake, the town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost 900 feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Clift Park, Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park. Described by the World Atlas as a "picture-perfect example of lakeside community living," Skaneateles also offers recreational activities at the community center and live concerts near the lake on Friday nights in July and August. The historic district boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th-century buildings and has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Seneca Falls, NY

The National Women’s Hall of Fame is across the river and street from the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls on Oct. 11, 2025. The Hall of Fame is housed in a former mill.

History is aplenty in this Seneca County town, located between the northern ends of Seneca and Cayuga lakes. Known as the birthplace of the American women's rights movement, Seneca Falls fully embraces its unique history. Must-see stops include the Women's Rights National Historical Park and the Wesleyan Chapel, which held the first women's rights convention in 1848. The town is also home to the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve for nature lovers and charming shops and cafes within its downtown district. Each December, downtown Seneca Falls transforms into the fictional Bedford Falls for a festival, as it's said that the town inspired the setting featured in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." The town sits along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, "offering a picturesque waterfront and a walking trail perfect for an early morning stroll," according to the World Atlas.

Ithaca, NY

Ithaca is located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. This unique spot, a progressive city with a small-town feel, is home to two top-level colleges: Cornell University and Ithaca College. Cornell, with its sprawling and hilly campus, offers continuing education classes. Central within the city is Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall that spans several blocks in Tompkins County's county seat. The area features many shops and eateries and is also a gathering spot for many, as well as a location where activists gather. The weekly farmer's market, on the waterfront, is also a must-see. There are also several spectacular state parks nearby: Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls. Gorgeous gorges and waterfalls also cut through parts of the city, including the famed Ithaca Falls and the multiple cascades known as Cascadilla Falls along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. Nearby are many wineries in New York's Finger Lakes.

Auburn, NY

Harriet Tubman was a member of several A.M. E. Zion Churches and supported the construction of this one, Thompson A.M.E. Zion Church. It was built on Parker Street in Auburn in 1891. The church has since moved to a new building. This building and the parsonage next to it is now a part of the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park along with the parsonage next door.

Located at the northern end of Owasco Lake, Auburn is known for its history, arts and culture. The seat of Cayuga County became an important center for abolitionist movements, politics and education. Historic sites include national landmarks such as the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park, as well as her final resting spot at Fort Hill Cemetery, and the Seward House Museum, which honors William Henry Seward, a former New York governor, U.S. senator and Secretary of State in the mid-1800s.

Geneva, NY

Belhurst Castle in Geneva.

Located on the northern shores of Seneca Lake, Geneva is a small lakeside city in Ontario County. Geneva has a dynamic downtown area that is home to farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, farmers' markets, and more. Linden Street in downtown Geneva is closed to traffic on weekend evenings in the summer months as well, creating a lively urban pedestrian area. Also in Geneva are Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Belhurst Castle, on the western side of Seneca Lake.

Hammondsport, NY

Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars overlooks Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, Steuben County.

A village within the town of Urbana, Steuben County, Hammondsport is located at the southern end of Keuka Lake. The community was the birthplace of Glenn H. Curtiss, a pioneer in aviation and flight enthusiasts may want to visit a museum in his name here that looks at the advancement of aviation. Hammondsport is also home to some world-class wineries and breweries along the Keuka Lake Wine Trail including Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, one of the first vineyards that introduced Rieslings into the region. The village's main street is also bustling – there are art galleries, quaint cafes and boutique shops. Depot Park, a former train depot that was transformed into a community park, is a favorite spot for locals.

Watkins Glen NY

Visitors walk along the Gorge Trail and pass underneath the iconic Rainbow Falls at Watkins Glen State Park. The park had over 1.2 million visitors in 2024.

This Schuyler County town is a historic community surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Home to Watkins Glen State Park and its spectacular gorges and hiking trails, Watkins Glen is at the southern end of Seneca Lake. The quaint community is also known for its race track, Watkins Glen International, which regularly draws racing enthusiasts and also wine connoisseurs for a mid-summer wine festival. Watkins Glen also has a vibrant — and walkable — downtown area with many stores, restaurants and shops. There are also several smaller parks downtown, including Seneca Harbor Park, a lakeside park that features City Pier and its iconic pier house. According to the World Atlas, its draw for retirees includes a serene lakeside setting, walkable downtown and proximity to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, the largest wine trail within New York with dozens of wineries.