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 factor that New York City has a higher population than any other city in America. 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 some of the friendliest towns.

Montour Falls

Nestled in the center of Schuyler County, Montour Falls is a peaceful retreat that offers visitors an intimate encounter with nature. Imagine spectacular waterfalls like She-Qua-Ga, Havana Glen Park, and Eagle’s Cliff, which showcase stunning natural beauty. The community is welcoming and safe, with a very low crime rate of just 10.16 per 1000. Planning a night beneath Montour’s stars? Cozy accommodations are available at Catharine Cottages and Cook Mansion, both offering breakfast included. When hunger strikes, enjoy flavorful dishes at the Blue Ribbon Diner and Curly’s Family Restaurant. Welcome to Montour Falls—more than just a destination, 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 other parts of the state, as well as a sense of safety—with a crime rate of 9.17 per 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 foliage in autumn, the new buds appearing on the trees in 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

Nestled on the eastern edge of majestic Lake Ontario near Watertown, Sackets Harbor stands out as a friendly and safe community. Its crime rate is remarkably low 9.22 per 1000 residents, making it one of New York State's most welcoming towns. Imagine enjoying a tasty meal at Good Fellos or Battlefield Eatery, both located in downtown Main Street, or spending the night at the cozy Harbor House Inn. The town also hosts the lively Old McDonald’s Farm on N. Harbor Rd., fun for visitors of all ages. Sackets Harbor offers a place where friendliness, safety, and happiness are part of everyday 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

Although many people have not heard of the village of Jordan, possibly because of its obscurity, this town has a remarkably low crime rate of 5.27 per 1000 and is known as one of the friendliest places in all upstate New York. Situated in Onondaga County, just south of Cross Lake and north of Elbridge, Jordan offers visitors the benefits of a larger town while providing unique opportunities not found elsewhere in the state. Visitors can enjoy a break from hot days at Camillus Erie Canal Park in nearby Camillus and Beaver Lake Nature Center just north of town in Baldwinsville. Additionally, Skaneateles Lake and Owasco Lake are both easily accessible within a short drive south of Jordan.

Waterville

Discover Waterville, New York, a charming hidden gem among the many towns sharing its name across the U.S. Here, peace and safety are paramount, with a crime rate only a third of Maine's. This delightful town offers plenty of family-friendly experiences. Enjoy delicious food at Waterville's New York Pizzeria or Roc-Star Ice Cream and Eatery, sure to leave you wanting more. Connect with nature at Root Glen, a lush sanctuary alive with wildlife and perfect for photos. Wander through the historic Waterville Triangle District, full of stories from the past. Why not plan a trip? Come explore the unique charm 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

While not to save the best for last, Honeoye Falls might be the friendliest town in upstate New York. With a crime rate of 5.97 per 1000 residents, Honeoye Falls is one of those peaceful, idyllic towns people talk about but rarely experience fully. Located in Monroe County, just below Mendon Ponds Park, the town offers several ways for visitors to enjoy a country lifestyle, whether through a meal at Main Street Café or Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria, or by exploring Ock Hee’s Gallery, which showcases 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.