6 of the Friendliest Towns To Retire In Upstate New York
Retirees considering a move should consider upstate New York as their new home. This area of the state is filled with breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture and history, and friendly small towns. Many small towns in upstate New York also have a large percentage of residents age 55 and over, giving retirees who move there a sense of belonging. Additionally, New York does not tax Social Security benefits, making the state even more attractive to retirees looking to change their home base. Check out these six friendly, welcoming upstate New York towns for retirees.
Lake Placid
Situated in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County, the village of Lake Placid is one of the best towns to retire in upstate New York. It is about 50 miles southwest of the city of Plattsburgh, and 87 miles from Montreal, Canada. As of 2023, about 45% of its population of just over 2,100 is age 55 and over, according to the US Census Bureau. Lake Placid's high percentage of senior citizens, slower pace of life, and walkability make it one of the most welcoming places to retire in upstate New York.
The village of Lake Placid is highly walkable, contributing to its sense of a tight-knit community. Shops such as The Bookstore Plus and Irish Treasures, both on Main Street, are favorites of townsfolk and visitors of all ages. The Lake Placid Senior Club welcomes members age 55 and older and, for over 20 years, has offered trips, dinners, and leisure activities. Golfers (and others) can enjoy views of the Adirondacks at courses such as Lake Placid Club Mountain Course. Lake Placid offers many activities to keep retirees busy and content.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles, in Onondaga County, sits at the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Just 22 miles southwest of Syracuse, Skaneateles is known for its historic downtown. Even better for seniors considering retiring to Skaneateles, approximately 50% of its just over 2,500 population is age 55 and over. The town's high level of community engagement and annual events make it the ideal setting for retirees.
Skaneateles Lake boasts the cleanest water of all of the Finger Lakes. It is the only body of water approved by the New York State Department of Health for drinking without filtration, and provides drinking water to over 165,000 people living in nearby towns. Retirees who move to Skaneateles can enjoy clean water while marveling at the lake's beauty. The Skaneateles Community Center holds adult recreation programs for all ages, including yoga classes and a pickleball clinic. Each July and August for more than 45 years, the Skaneateles Festival has been held in town, a four-week festival featuring music from different genres. This annual event brings townsfolk and outsiders together. The Dickens Christmas Festival, held in late November/early December, has been held for the past 30 years and draws townspeople and visitors to Skaneateles. All of these community events help to bring town residents together and may appeal to retirees looking to relocate to upstate New York.
Saratoga Springs
Lying in Saratoga County, at the southern foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, the town of Saratoga Springs is considered part of the capital region of New York. It is just 35 miles north of the state capital of Albany. About 30% of its 28,500 population is age 55 and over, appealing to many retirees hoping to move here. Saratoga Springs attracts many who seek small-town amenities and friendliness but still want to live closer to a larger city.
Saratoga Springs' walkable downtown area is enticing to many retirees. In addition to its shops and restaurants, downtown hosts year-round events, such as Saratoga's All American Celebration on July 4 and the Fall Festival in late October. Horse racing enthusiasts will love the proximity to Saratoga Race Course, home to world-class races such as the Belmont Stakes. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of entertainment options year-round, including performing arts, education, culinary arts, and more. It is a great place for seniors and those of all ages to gather.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua, the county seat of Ontario County, sits at the northern end of Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Considered a suburb of Rochester, Canandaigua is about 30 miles south of that larger city. As approximately 35% of its 10,500 population is age 55 and over, many retirees prefer moving to the smaller Canandaigua to enjoy its natural beauty and small-town feel, especially because it is close enough to Rochester whenever necessary.
The downtown shopping district of Canandaigua is attractive to many retirees, with everything in easy walking distance. The seasonal Canandaigua Farmers Market, the only of its kind in Ontario County, is held downtown year-round and features fresh produce and goods from local farmers and artisans. It is a great gathering spot for townspeople of all ages. Craft beer enthusiasts can check out Peacemaker Brewing Company downtown, serving locally made IPAs and food. Between March and November, the town holds Sip & Stroll in Downtown Canandaigua on nights at The Central on Main. The popular Fire & Ice Winter Festival takes place at the end of February each year, drawing visitors and residents to downtown.
Glens Falls
Known as the "Gateway to the Adirondacks," the town of Glens Falls in Warren County sits along the "big bend" of the Hudson River, just south of Lake George and north of Saratoga Springs. It is about an hour north of the state capital of Albany, and is considered part of the "Capital Region." Glens Falls' population is just under 14,000, with about 35% of them age 55 and over. Retirees who want to enjoy small-town camaraderie and still be within driving distance of a larger city often choose Glens Falls as their home.
The Glens Falls Arts & Entertainment District in downtown features theaters, shops, and galleries to entertain people of all ages. Art lovers should check out the Hyde Collection Art Museum in Glens Falls' downtown area, one of the most popular small art museums in the northeast. The Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra performs at the Hyde Collection from time to time. Downtown Glens Falls hosts many annual events, including the Glens Falls Brewfest Weekend in March, a celebration of craft beer featuring entertainment, food trucks, and more. The Moreau Community Center in Glens Falls is an intergenerational center that welcomes seniors and residents of all ages for recreation and programs.
Seneca Falls
Another Finger Lakes town, Seneca Falls, in Seneca County, sits between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes just east of Geneva. It is the birthplace of the Women's Rights movement and home to Women's Rights National Historical Park, a must-see landmark for retirees moving to Seneca Falls. About 38% of the town's population of almost 7,000 is age 55 and over. Retirees who relocate to Seneca Falls do so for the recreational opportunities as well as the sense of community the town offers.
The Seneca Falls Community Center provides year-round recreational programs for all ages, including a fitness center and boating amenities. On Tuesdays from June through October, townsfolk gather on Water Street for the Seneca Falls Farmer's Market, where farmers, bakers, and craftspeople from the area sell their wares. Seneca Falls Canal Fest occurs over three days at the end of June/beginning of July each year. It was designed to celebrate the Erie Canal's beauty and significance to the town's history and to include activities, food, and entertainment. Community events such as these are a big draw for retirees looking to relocate to a welcoming upstate New York town.
These small towns in upstate New York could provide the perfect new address for you as you approach retirement. Each of these towns offers a variety of activities for seniors and ways to interact and meet new people. If you are searching for a small town with a welcoming, friendly community, offering inclusive annual events, and in the midst of spectacular mountain vistas, choosing any of these six towns as your retirement base could be the best move you make in your retirement years.
