9 Most Neighborly Towns In The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes are known for their long, narrow lakes, waterfalls, rolling hills, and scenic small towns. Another reason some communities stand out is their strong sense of togetherness. From waterfront parks where residents join together on a beautiful summer evening, to historic downtowns filled with locally owned businesses, these towns make it easy to experience the region at a slower pace. These nine communities each have attractions with the kind of community atmosphere that make the areas feel like home.

Skaneateles

With a beautiful lakefront and compact historic downtown, Skaneateles, New York, has the type of community atmosphere for visitors to slow down and wander. The area has 2,533 residents, giving its waterfront and main street a relaxing feel. Start at Clift Park, where the lake, public pier, and visitor center all come together, followed by taking a sightseeing cruise with Mid-Lakes Navigation for views from the water. The Skaneateles Historical Society offers a look into local history while the John D. Barrow Art Gallery highlights regional art. Then take a walk along Genesee Street, visiting local shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.

Penn Yan

At the northern end of Keuka Lake, Penn Yan, New York, combines a traditional Main Street with the agricultural and winemaking heritage that defines much of the Finger Lakes. The area has 5,056 residents, making it small enough for its downtown to have plenty of local laid-back character. While visiting, walk the Keuka Lake Outlet Trail that follows the historic waterway from Penn Yan toward Dresden. Then learn more about the local history at Yates County History Center. Downtown, you will find plenty of shops, restaurants, and seasonal community events. For those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, Keuka Lake waterfront provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The area's farmers' markets and annual events give even more chances to enjoy the community and reasons to return throughout the year.

Geneva

Geneva, New York, feels a bit busier than some of the Finger Lakes' tinier communities but still allows a strong sense of the neighborhood atmosphere to thrive. Found at the northern end of Seneca Lake, the community has a historic downtown, lively waterfronts, and lots of gathering places. Seneca Lake State Park gives visitors the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the beach walking areas, boat launches, and plenty of open lawns beside the water. Downtown, enjoy entertainment at the Smith Opera House. It is inside a beautifully preserved 1894 theater, hosting performances and films. Linden Street becomes a pedestrian-friendly gathering place during warm weather evenings. Those wanting to learn more about history will want to visit Rose Hill Mansion, an impressive 19th-century estate. With parks, culture, restaurants, and community events, Geneva offers an energetic version of Finger Lakes neighborliness.

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen, New York, is famous beyond the Finger Lakes, but its dramatic attractions are woven directly into the village, rather than sitting far outside the town. The community has roughly 2,000 residents, giving it a small-town feel, despite its international motorsports reputation. Watkins Glen State Park begins near downtown and leads hikers into a gorge filled with waterfalls, tunnels, towering cliffs, and stone bridges. Motorsport fans can visit Watkins Glen International for racing events and the chance to experience it at the historic course, while the International Motor Racing Research Center explores the history of the sport. Then head back into the village on Franklin Street and the waterfront, offering shops, restaurants, and more.

Hammondsport

Few Finger Lakes communities have as much history in such a small area as Hammondsport, New York. With only 583 residents, the village at the southern end of Keuka Lake has an extremely close-knit atmosphere. Pulteney Square forms the heart of the community, surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, shops, and other gathering spaces. Aviation enthusiasts will want to spend time at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, which highlights the achievements of the local aviation and motorcycle pioneer. Then visit the Finger Lakes Boating Museum and explore the region's long relationship with wooden boats and lake recreation. Depot Park gives a quiet waterfront setting to enjoy Keuka Lake, and nearby Bully Hill Vineyards combine wine, art, history, and lake views. Plus other seasonal community events, including Wings and Wheels, continue to offer even more for Hammondsport's friendly character.

Canandaigua

Canandaigua, New York, brings together the amenities of a larger Finger Lakes community but the welcoming atmosphere of a small town. The city and surrounding town are well below 50,000 residents, and the community's north-end location on Canandaigua Lake makes the waterfront a beautiful gathering place. Kershaw Park offers a beach walking area, picnic spots, and lake access, while the historic City Pier is lined with boathouses that have made it one of the area's recognizable sights. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park gives visitors the opportunity to see a grand historic estate that is surrounded by formal gardens. Then explore New York Kitchen for food and wine experiences and learn more about local history at the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum.

Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls, New York, is a town where the community is connected to both history and local attractions. With only 9,027 residents, Seneca Falls is located between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. The Women's Rights National Historical Park preserves sites associated with the historic 1848 Women's Rights Convention, including the Wesleyan Chapel, while the National Women's Hall of Fame honors women whose accomplishments have shaped American history. Visitors can then explore the Seneca Museum of Waterways and Industry to learn more about how canals and waterways shaped the community. For those wanting to do something different, It's a Wonderful Life Museum celebrates Seneca Falls' long-running connection to the Christmas film. Taking a walk through the historic downtown and along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal gives travelers a way to see how the town's past remains part of everyday community life.

Aurora

Aurora, New York, sits along the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, where waterfront scenery, historic architecture, and community define the area. The village counted 607 residents in the 2020 Census, a figure that has fallen since Wells College closed in 2024, and its historic core is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While there, explore the village's historic streets, relax at Aurora Village Park, or take advantage of public access to Cayuga Lake. The Inns of Aurora give a collection of restored historic properties along with a spa and other hospitality offerings, while the Morgan Opera House is a cultural venue for local events. MacKenzie-Childs is found just outside the village and is another wonderful spot to see colorful handcrafted home goods. These attractions give Aurora a relaxing atmosphere for a Finger Lakes getaway.

Naples

Located at the southern end of the Canandaigua Lake area, Naples, New York, is surrounded by hills, vineyards, streams, and forest, giving the small community a rural feel with only 931 residents. Grimes Glen Park is one of the area's signature outdoor attractions with a beautiful gorge, waterfalls, and walking areas just within the village. Learn local history at the Naples Historical Society Museum, and experience live performances at Bristol Valley Theater. The connection to grapes is celebrated every year during the Naples Grape Festival, a longstanding event featuring artists, musicians, food, and the town's famous grape pie tradition. With a historic Main Street, outdoor attractions, an arts scene, and more, Naples is a great option when wanting to explore the Finger Lakes.

Where Neighbors Make The Difference

The Finger Lakes have no shortage of scenic places, but the region's most memorable communities offer something beyond scenery. In Skaneateles, people gather around the lakefront, Hammondsport revolves around its village square and waterfront, Seneca Falls carries its history into the present, and Aurora keeps its tiny village center connected to Cayuga Lake. Through festivals, museums, parks, theaters, historic streets, and locally owned businesses, these nine communities demonstrate how small-town traditions can become some of the region's biggest attractions.