9 Best Places To Call Home In The Finger Lakes In 2025
Celebrated for its world-class wineries, rolling landscapes, and cultural depth, the Finger Lakes region offers an ideal balance of leisure, outdoor adventure, and small-town character. For those considering a move in 2025, Finger Lakes stands out for its mix of affordability and quality of life, with communities that provide safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and reasonable living costs. From canal-side villages to lakeside towns framed by vineyards, the region combines natural beauty with vibrant cultural offerings and year-round recreation. Here are the 9 best places to call home in the Finger Lakes in 2025.
Ithaca
Nestled at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is a standout for its breathtaking natural scenery among Finger Lakes towns. With a population of approximately 34,422 residents, the city has experienced steady growth, reflecting its appeal to a diverse community. Ithaca is renowned for its educational institutions, including Cornell University and Ithaca College, which contribute to a vibrant intellectual community. The Ithaca City School District maintains high educational standards, ensuring quality education for residents. The median home sale price in Ithaca is around $448,000, making it more accessible compared to many urban centers.
With easy access to parks, gorges, and waterfalls, plus opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding on the lake, Ithaca's outdoor adventures are endless. Downtown, the Ithaca Commons buzzes with local restaurants, craft breweries, shops, and year-round cultural events, making it a lively hub for residents and visitors. For those craving more outdoor exploration, Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park offer additional gorge trails, each showcasing dramatic waterfalls and lush landscapes. Ithaca offers a lively calendar of festivals year-round, from the Apple Harvest Festival and Cider Week in September, celebrating the fall harvest with pastries and fresh cider, to the Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off in December.
Geneva
Geneva, a vibrant lakeside city at the northern tip of Seneca Lake, stands out in the Finger Lakes for its combination of rich history, scenic beauty, and strong community amenities. While the median age of residents is 33, the town boasts a healthy mix of young and older adults, with 15% of residents aged 64 and above, making it a welcoming community for retirees. The median home price sits near $299,000, well below the national average, while the cost of living remains reasonable, making it an attractive choice for retirees and families alike.
History enthusiasts can explore the charming downtown with its historic architecture, while visitors and residents enjoy Seneca Lake wine tours, boating, and waterfront parks. The Smith Opera House, a beautifully restored 1894 theater, hosts concerts, films, and performances that make it a hub for the arts. For history enthusiasts, the Geneva Historical Society preserves and shares the city’s heritage through exhibits, programs, and tours, offering insight into the area’s evolution from a frontier settlement to a vibrant Finger Lakes community.
Corning
Corning traces its roots back to the late 18th century as a lumber town before rising to prominence in the mid-19th century as a hub for glass manufacturing. Its deep connection to the industry earned it the nickname “America’s Crystal City.” Today, Corning celebrates this legacy at the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass, which showcases the history, artistry, and everyday impact of glass. With a population of approximately 10,551, it offers a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The median home value is about $179,000, significantly below the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable living.
Beyond its glassmaking fame, the city also offers a charming art museum and well-preserved historic districts, giving visitors a glimpse into the culture and way of life of earlier centuries. The Gaffer District offers a charming downtown experience with boutique shopping, dining, and events like the annual GlassFest. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Finger Lakes provide opportunities for hiking, boating, and wine tasting. People can enjoy leisurely brunches at spots like The Cellar, tee off at the scenic Corning Country Club, or take relaxing walks along the Chemung River that winds through town.
Penn Yan
Perched at the northern tip of Keuka Lake, Penn Yan is a picturesque village and one of the Finger Lakes’ most inviting towns. Established in 1799 and incorporated in 1833, its name reflects its origins; settlers from Pennsylvania and New England, known as "Yankees," combined to form "Penn Yan". With a population of approximately 5,134, the village offers a cost-effective lifestyle, boasting a median home value of $499,100, and residents benefit from a strong sense of community, with most owning their homes and a median household income of $51,878. The local school district is above average, contributing to the area's appeal for families and retirees alike.
The village is split into two charming areas: downtown Penn Yan, with its historic small-town atmosphere, offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for a summer morning of kayaking on the lake followed by a leisurely lunch. The surrounding Penn Yan region is known for its excellent wineries and farm-to-table dining experiences, which are ideal for food and wine enthusiasts. It is also home to the Yates County History Center, one of the oldest rural historical societies in New York State, showcasing the region’s rich past. It’s made up of three unique museums: the Oliver House Museum, the L. Caroline Underwood Museum, and the Scherer Carriage House Museum. Nature lovers enjoy the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail, a six-mile path for hiking and biking, or follow the Keuka Lake Wine Trail to sample the area’s vineyards.
Skaneateles
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the Finger Lakes,” Skaneateles rests on the shores of one of the cleanest lakes in the United States. Its crystal-clear waters invite boating, swimming, and lakeside relaxation year-round, while the town’s 19th-century colonial architecture along East Genesee Street adds timeless charm. Known for its exceptionally low crime rates, Skaneateles records a total crime rate of just 6.35 per 1,000 residents, far below the national average, making it one of the safest communities in the country. The town also boasts excellent schools and a poverty rate of only 4.8%, all of which contribute to its reputation as one of the Finger Lakes’ most desirable places to live.
Skaneateles offers a wealth of attractions for residents and visitors alike. The Skaneateles Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases 19th-century architecture and is a hub for local events. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities at Clift Park, a lakeside green space perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. The annual Dickens Christmas festival brings Victorian-era charm to the village each winter, featuring carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and holiday markets.
Seneca Falls
Just 11 miles from Geneva, Seneca Falls sits at the northern tip of Cayuga Lake and makes an excellent base for exploring the Finger Lakes. Steeped in history, the town is widely regarded as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, with the first Women’s Rights Convention held here in 1848. Its rich heritage includes the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention, held at the Wesleyan Methodist Church, now part of the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, as well as landmarks such as the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House and the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Housing remains highly affordable here, with median home values ranging from about $199,000, greatly undercutting state and national averages. Perfectly situated between Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake, the town also serves as a gateway to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, home to nearly 30 wineries offering seasonal tastings and lively spring events. The Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry showcases the region’s waterways, industrial history, and social impact. Interactive exhibits let visitors try historic activities, while rotating arts and crafts displays add a creative touch.
Naples
Tucked on the southwest shore of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is a picturesque town of about 1,000 residents with one defining passion: grapes. The housing market remains notably affordable: the median sale price of homes is around $439,900. Naples is a year-round playground: winter brings skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Hunt Hollow Ski Club, while the surrounding hills and trails provide endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring in warmer months. One of its biggest draws is the town’s deep-rooted connection to grapes and winemaking. Vineyards stretch across the hillsides, wineries welcome visitors year-round, and the entire community celebrates its heritage through touches of purple décor on utility poles and fire hydrants, the signature local delicacy of grape pie, and the famous Naples Grape Festival, held every fall.
Beyond wine, Naples blends tradition and culture with a touch of Mediterranean flair. The Italianate-style Memorial Town Hall and St. Januarius Catholic Church, built in 1966 and dedicated to the town’s patron saint, reflect its European influence. The community spirit is further enriched by wineries such as Inspire Moore, which fosters values of “love, wisdom, and grace,” and by local philanthropic groups dedicated to preserving the region’s beauty. Naples also embraces its craftsman roots. Known as a carpenter’s hub, it continues to thrive as a center for woodworking, with Lake Country Woodworkers producing some of the area’s most notable furniture exports.
Auburn
Nestled at the northern tip of Owasco Lake with around 27,000 residents, Auburn combines deep historical roots with strong community amenities, making it a standout among Finger Lakes towns. The median home sale price sits around $192,250, rising modestly year-over-year and offering exceptional affordability compared to broader New York state trends. Educationally, the city benefits from local institutions such as Cayuga County Community College.
Rich in history, the city boasts numerous landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Harriet Tubman Home and the William Seward House, which honor the legacies of these two remarkable figures and offer museums showcasing their pivotal roles in the fight for freedom and equality. For outdoor leisure, Emerson Park offers scenic lakefront views, picnic areas, a pavilion, and boat ramps, making it a favorite gathering spot. Culture lovers will also find plenty to enjoy at the Auburn Public Theater, a hub for plays, films, stand-up comedy, and live concerts, cementing Auburn’s reputation as a destination where history, arts, and recreation come together seamlessly.
Watkins Glen
Nestled at the southern tip of Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is home to around 1,800 residents, fostering a close-knit, small-town feel. Housing is notably affordable, with the median home value hovering around $255,000, significantly below national and state averages. Watkins Glen State Park is the crown jewel, a gorge path that plunges 400 feet over two miles and features 19 waterfalls, offering hiking paths that wind beneath cascading falls and through dramatic cliffside terrain.
The scenic village of Watkins Glen is best known as a haven for racing fans, thanks to the iconic Watkins Glen International racetrack, but it also charms visitors with its walkable downtown centered on Franklin Street. This inviting main thoroughfare, lined with classic brick architecture, unique shops, and local eateries, includes quirky gems like the World’s Smallest Diner, a 32-square-foot spot serving Coney Island-style hot dogs on weekends. Cultural and historical sites like the First Baptist Church and St. James Episcopal Church showcase both architectural beauty and local heritage.
Choosing where to call home in the Finger Lakes comes down to what you value most, whether it’s the affordability of small villages, the cultural richness of historic towns, or the endless outdoor recreation found around the lakes and hills. With welcoming communities, access to year-round activities, and a cost of living that’s often below the state average, the Finger Lakes continues to shine as one of Upstate New York’s most appealing regions to settle down in 2025.
