6 Best Towns In The Finger Lakes For Retirees
The Finger Lakes region of New York is a peaceful patchwork of glacial lakes, wooded hills, and storybook towns—an ideal setting for those entering retirement. Beyond the natural scenery, this area is known for its walkable parks, vibrant arts scenes, and easy access to healthcare. From Finger Lakes Boating Museum in Hammondsport to the university influence in Ithaca, each town on this list brings something unique. With wallet-friendly home prices and populations under 50,000, here are the six best towns in the Finger Lakes to enjoy the next chapter.
Penn Yan
Penn Yan is a peaceful lakeside village perched at the northern end of Keuka Lake. With a population of just over 5,000 and a welcoming pace, this Finger Lakes gem attracts retirees seeking natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. The Keuka Lake Wine Trail is a local highlight, where scenic vineyards like Keuka Spring Vineyards offer tastings, lake views, and a legacy of winemaking. For those who enjoy handcrafted goods, Weaver-View Farms, run by a local Mennonite family, sells hand-stitched quilts, rustic furniture, and homemade pantry staples. The Arts Center of Yates County provides workshops, exhibits, and affordable regional artwork for collectors and creatives alike.
Retirees in Penn Yan also benefit from well-rated facilities like St. Mark’s Terrace, Penn Yan Manor, and Clinton Crest Manor, all providing varying levels of support and independence. With a median home price of $319,000 as of July 2025, well below the New York state average of $501,000, Penn Yan makes it possible to retire comfortably without compromising on lifestyle.
Geneva
Geneva may be modest in size, but it leaves a lasting impression, especially for retirees looking to stretch their savings and enjoy life to the fullest. With a median home price of just $232,000, it is easy to find comfortable housing and still have plenty left over to enjoy hobbies, take short getaways, or spend time with friends exploring the area. Meanwhile, healthcare is top of mind at Geneva General Hospital, and longer-term needs are met by facilities like the Living Center at Geneva-North, which provides support for aging in place.
Wine lovers will feel right at home in Geneva. Ventosa Vineyards welcomes guests with sweeping Seneca Lake views, Tuscan-style architecture, and tastings in a peaceful café setting. A short drive away, Ravines Wine Cellars has small-batch wines rooted in classical techniques, made from grapes grown on the region’s glacial soils. Outdoors enthusiasts often head to Seneca Lake State Park for peaceful walks, lakeside picnics, or sunny afternoons watching grandkids play in the splash zone. When the weather cools down, you can always head indoors to the Geneva History Museum, where exhibits give a glimpse into the area’s past. It is especially fun to bring visiting grandchildren to the interactive children’s room downstairs.
Hammondsport
Hammondsport, perched at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, is a serene place where retirement takes on a refreshing, unhurried rhythm. With a median home price of $386,000 as of July 2025, it remains an attainable destination in the heart of the Finger Lakes. At the same time, Lake Street Senior Apartments provide a thoughtful living option for retirees looking to enjoy life near the water without the upkeep of a standalone home.
Retirees can explore a wealth of local history with the grandkids at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, a tribute to one of aviation’s great pioneers, filled with vintage aircraft, motorcycles, and regional artifacts. Just minutes away, the Finger Lakes Boating Museum preserves the area’s nautical legacy, featuring handcrafted vessels that once ruled the waters. Both museums are ideal for visiting with grandkids. For those who enjoy fine wine paired with unforgettable views, Bully Hill Vineyards delivers both in generous measure. Tasting more than 40 varietals, chatting with the lively staff, and savoring lunch on the deck, perhaps their famous crab cakes and scallops, adds a little celebration to the everyday.
Ithaca
Set beside gorges, waterfalls, and the prestigious Cornell University, Ithaca is ideal for retirees seeking nature and community in one place. With a median home sale price of $326,000, it is a manageable investment for fixed-income retirees. At Ithaca Falls, a roaring 150-foot cascade provides a scenic escape and a popular fishing spot. Culture seekers can spend quiet afternoons exploring the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, a modernist architectural landmark designed by I.M. Pei that displays diverse global collections in an elegant, serene setting.
Curious minds of all ages love the Sciencenter, where more than 250 hands-on exhibits spark creativity and lifelong learning. Meanwhile, the Cornell Botanic Gardens soothe the soul with 25 acres of curated flora, peaceful pathways, and seasonal displays perfect for daily walks. Retirees also benefit from a strong support network here. The Tompkins County Office for the Aging helps seniors live independently while staying connected to vital resources, making Ithaca not only beautiful but reassuringly livable.
Auburn
Auburn gives retirees a deep sense of place and purpose, with just enough entertainment to keep things interesting when family visits. Priced at a reasonable $246,000 median list price, homes in Auburn leave room in the budget for life's daily pleasures, whether that means joining a fitness class at the Finger Lakes Health Center or enjoying the latest film at Auburn Movieplex 10.
There is a strong legacy here. History buffs will enjoy the Seward House Museum, once home to William Henry Seward, where original furnishings and artifacts transport visitors to the 19th century. Equally moving is the Harriet Tubman Home, where the famed abolitionist lived and worked. Across town, the Harriet Tubman National Historical Park shares the greater context of her life and activism, rooted deeply in Auburn soil. Simultaneously, art lovers find inspiration at the Schweinfurth Art Center, a community favorite that showcases fiber art, rotating exhibitions, and workshops for all levels.
Newark
Newark makes retirement not only manageable but enjoyable for those living on a fixed income. With the median home list price at just $153,000, it is easier here to own a place without breaking the bank. For those who prefer maintenance-free living, local senior communities such as Terrace at Newark Assisted Living, Newark Manor Nursing Home, and Armstrong Senior Living provide comfortable alternatives. Meanwhile, RRH Newark-Wayne Community Hospital ensures nearby access to quality care.
Retirees who enjoy history can spend time at the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society, home to fascinating records and stories from the region’s past. Just next door, the Hoffman Clock Museum houses a unique collection of timepieces that delights visitors of all ages. For peaceful outdoor moments, Ganargua Creek flows gently through the town, offering quiet spots for reflection or a casual stroll.
Wrapping Up
With postcard-worthy lakes, a deep cultural heartbeat, and access to strong senior communities, the Finger Lakes region holds quiet appeal for retirees seeking balance and beauty. From the historical park of Auburn to the Ventosa Vineyards of Geneva, each town carries its rhythm, whether it is Ganargua Creek walks in Newark or Weaver View Farms in Penn Yan. With amenities that support senior lifestyles, these communities provide comfort, connection, and room to enjoy the slower pace of retirement.
