8 Safest Small Communities to Settle in the Finger Lakes
For those looking to settle down somewhere safe in New York, the Finger Lakes region deserves a close look. Every town on this list has had zero homicides in the past five years, with violent crime rates well below the state average, according to recent FBI data. But safety is just the starting point. In Skaneateles, the historic downtown has buildings dating back to 1796, while Watkins Glen offers a waterfront setting on Seneca Lake and one of the state's most famous gorge trails. Across the region, residents enjoy access to world-class wineries, towering waterfalls (including one taller than Niagara Falls), and landmarks tied to the women's rights movement. These eight towns pair that beauty and history with the peace of mind retirees and families are looking for.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles is a quiet community with a population of about 7,000. This more rural community is incredibly safe, boasting a crime rate less than half of the state average. It hasn’t had any aggravated assaults or homicides in the last five years either.
When you arrive, there is plenty to do and see. Nearby Skaneateles Lake is lined with scenic parks if you’re looking for a day in the sun. Thayer Park, Shotwell Memorial Park, and Clift Park all sit along the water's edge, and visitors can explore any of the three to sit by the water with a book, take a dip, or go for a paddle. If you’re more into history, you can also visit the downtown Historic District to see buildings that go as far back as 1796! Between January and April, the Barrow Gallery also opens on Genesee Street. This gallery hosts a collection of over 400 original oil paintings by artist John D. Barrow.
Canandaigua
Canandaigua lies on the northern end of Canandaigua Lake and offers residents a safe environment. Notably, the town has had zero homicides in the past 5 years.
Once you’ve settled, take an afternoon and visit the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park. This gorgeous state park covers approximately 50 acres and is a great spot for history lovers and garden enthusiasts alike. The property was initially a summer home for Frederick Ferris Thompson, a New York City banker. Aside from the park’s mansion, visitors can also explore its nine gardens and the Finger Lakes Wine Center for local wine. History lovers can also enjoy the Granger Cottage, a historic home on Granger Street. This 1850 building is a fantastic example of Federal architecture.
Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park is also a great spot to stop if you’re into boating. The park’s boat launch facility lies directly on the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake. The park has three hard-surface boat ramps in total.
Aurora
Aurora is a beautiful little village originally inhabited by the Cayuga Nation. It has a total year-round population of less than one thousand residents and has a rich history, having been a new home for many veterans of the American Revolutionary War in the late 1700s. The town also has crime rates well below the New York average and zero homicides in the past five years.
The town is brimming with history. Some attractions include the Aurora Steam Grist Mill and Mosher Farmstead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill itself is a three-and-a-half-story stone building and sits on the banks of Cayuga Lake. This building was one of the very first mills of its kind built west of the Hudson River. The nearby Mosher Farmstead is a site dating back to 1887 and lets visitors explore a traditional early 19th-century farm. If you’re looking for a day in the great outdoors, then be sure to visit Long Point State Park. This park is a perfect destination for those wanting to take a swim in the lake, have a picnic, or enjoy some time fishing.
Trumansburg
Tompkins County is home to Trumansburg, a small village well worth visiting or settling down in. The town’s crime rate is well below the state average, and once again, the municipality has had no homicides in the past five years. The town is most well known for Taughannock Falls, a 3/4 mile Gorge Trail that takes you up a 215-foot waterfall. Not just any waterfall, either, but the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains - taller than Niagara Falls!
Town residents can also enjoy visiting several local wineries, including Frontenac Point Vineyard and Estate Winery, a small facility with a fantastic view of the local scenery. Idiot Brothers Cider is another great local spot to visit if you’re in need of a beverage.
Trumansburg is also home to Salmon Pottery Gallery and Studio. This studio and gallery is fantastic for art lovers and even offers classes for those interested in learning how to make their own pottery.
Naples
Naples, New York (not Italy), is a great destination for nature lovers or perhaps a spot for them to settle down. The local landscape offers rolling hillsides and stunning deciduous forests. While the town was named for Naples, Italy, it isn’t very much alike. The town sits in Ontario County, whose crime rates are well below the state average and include no homicides in the past five years.
Like most of the Finger Lakes region, Naples is in close proximity to vineyards and is well known for its grape pies. It is also known for its artistic spirit. If you want to see a show, Bristol Valley Theater on Main Street offers visitors fantastic performances in an iconic 125-year-old building. Top talent from across the state and country, even from New York City itself, can be found performing here.
Grape lovers can also enjoy the Naples Grape Festival every September. This festival is known for the "World's Greatest Grape Pie Contest." But if you want a pie any other time of the year, head over to Cindy's Pies for not just grape pies but a host of other flavors as well.
Montour Falls
Montour Falls is famous for its waterfall, and rightfully so. Shequaga Falls is a dramatic 165-foot waterfall that cascades right into town, giving the main strip a fairytale feel that you might never get used to.
Shequaga Falls isn't the only waterfall in town, however. You can also visit Eagle Cliff Falls for a more secluded waterfall experience and a quiet afternoon in nature. These falls can be found in Havana Glen Park, a short ten minutes from Watkins Glen State Park.
If you want to take a trip back in time, you can also visit one of four historical properties maintained by the Schuyler County Historical Society. One such building is the Brick Tavern Museum, the oldest brick structure in Schuyler County. The building was originally a tavern that thrived since it lay on the local stagecoach route, but it has also been home to a school for boys and was once a boarding house.
Schuyler County is also incredibly safe, with a rate of assault that sits significantly below the average for New York State and zero homicides within the last five years (or ten years, for that matter).
Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls is located near the north shore of Cayuga Lake. This beautiful small town is historic, stunning, and safe. The town hasn’t had any homicides for the past decade, and its rate of aggravated assault is below the state average.
The town is home to the Local Wesleyan Chapel, which played host to the First Women's Rights Convention. This history is a prominent part of the town, with the Women's Rights National Historical Park acting as a center for visitors and locals to learn about the history of women’s rights in the area. You can take tours of locations like the Wesleyan Chapel and the house of the convention’s organizer, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, if you want to learn even more.
If that isn’t enough, you can also stop by the National Women's Hall of Fame. This center commemorates the contributions of women across fields, including Maya Angelou and social reformer Jane Addams.
If nature is more your thing, then the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot to visit. This refuge sits on about 10,000 acres and is a great spot to see several species of migratory birds.
Watkins Glen
Watkins Glen can be found on the southern shore of Seneca Lake and is a safe and beautiful waterfront town. The town hasn’t reported any homicides for over a decade and also has a well-below-average rate of assault.
Residents of the town can enjoy its beautiful core. Franklin Street, in particular, is known for its historic buildings and its previous role as a meeting point for both rail and boat lines. While downtown, sit and enjoy a cup of joe or a delicious pastry at Central Sip, a well-known local cafe, or take it to go and have a relaxing stroll by the lake. Wine-lovers can also enjoy several local vintages at the Seneca Harbor Wine Center. This center lives inside an old red-brick machine shop. This makes it a truly one-of-a-kind spot to enjoy a glass of red or white. Finally, once you've settled, be sure to take advantage of your close access to Watkins Glen State Park. This park is famous for its gorge, a stunning location with stone bridges and waterfalls.
Wineries, History, and, of Course, Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is home to some of the most beautiful wineries in the country, but the wine isn’t the only reason to settle in the area. Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors at one of the region's many lakes, like Cayuga Lake or Skaneateles Lake. Explore its waterfalls in towns like Montour Falls. Enjoy local performances at renowned venues like Bristol Valley Theater. And while you are enjoying so many of the region's attractions, settle in comfortably knowing that the region is as safe as it is beautiful.
