Fairport, New York, Is One of many Hottest U.S. Neighborhoods

You is probably not conversant in Fairport, a scenic city in upstate New York dubbed the “crown jewel of the Erie Canal.” It’s not in Westchester or the Hudson Valley, and it’s roughly 350 miles north of Manhattan. However those that know and like it, like me, weren’t shocked when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in the USA, in response to Redfin. I like it a lot, I purchased my first (and probably ceaselessly) dwelling within the coronary heart of Fairport’s village.

I’ve referred to as many neighborhoods dwelling through the years—Lenox Hill on NYC’s Higher East Aspect, Again Bay and Fenway in Boston, and Doral in Florida. And with every transfer, I realized what mattered most to me: Walkability and a way of group had been non-negotiable, main me to rediscover a suburb I grew up solely 20 minutes away from.

There’s quite a bit I miss about dwelling in a significant metro, in fact. The entry to leisure, tradition, and delicacies from world wide is unparalleled. However my happiest moments in these cities had been additionally the only: taking part in with my canine on the park, catching up with buddies on espresso walks, exploring flea markets. Why couldn’t I replicate those self same experiences in my new zip code? I envisioned pushing a stroller on the best way to the native library, picnicking underneath the gazebo, and paddling a kayak alongside the canal. Now, these goals are a actuality—all the things Fairport has to supply is simply steps from my entrance door.

Summer time kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, some of the well-liked arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration options native artisans, stylish meals vans, reside performances, and a whimsical rubber duck charity race held on the Erie Canal. For a village of roughly 5,000, I’m amazed by the stacked lineup of annual occasions, which additionally consists of the Fairport Music Competition and Oktoberfest. 

Cafes, eating places, and full of life pubs line Major Road, making Fairport a vacation spot for younger households and singles. Looking for a candy deal with? Three ice cream retailers are a stone’s throw from one another (Moonlight Creamery by no means misses). Thirsty? Hit up any variety of wine bars, breweries, and distilleries, like Iron Smoke, a fan favourite for its award-winning bourbon. Planning a date evening? Ebook a reservation at Bonnie & Clyde, an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar that opened earlier this yr in a 1928 financial institution.

Sure, you’ll be consuming and consuming your approach by means of city, however staying lively can also be part of the Fairport way of life. You’ll be able to bike alongside the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement on the skatepark, or trek by means of miles of forests. Like each different millennial, I’ve thought-about choosing up pickleball, and certain sufficient, Fairport is dwelling to new state-of-the-art indoor courts. However for now, you’ll discover me strolling in all places—previous the tour boats, trains, and historic village corridor that makes me really feel like I’m in an episode of Gilmore Ladies.

My best day within the village is spent buying small. Along with the weekly farmers market, Lombardi’s Connoisseur Meals and Purple Hen Market are nice for stocking up on specialty items. One other Chapter Bookstore is guilty for my unending studying checklist. And I really like perusing the quirky antiques and different one-of-a-kind objects at boutiques like Major Road Mercantile and Diane Prince Furnishings & Presents. Want an assortment of colourful yarn? There’s a store for that. In search of handmade soaps? There’s a store for that, too.

Each season in Fairport has its personal attraction. The canalway turns into bustling in the summertime months, and the elevate bridge featured in Ripley’s Consider It or Not makes for an incredible vantage level. Within the fall, the group’s eccentric scarecrow creations line the sidewalks. And through the holidays, festive lights are strung throughout, together with the bushes and the gazebo, illuminating the freshly fallen snow.

Above all, the individuals are the explanation I selected to construct a life right here. It’s as if there’s an unstated competitors amongst residents to see who can say whats up quickest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport round St. Patrick’s Day, has stated “I really like the individuals right here. It’s tremendous enjoyable.” I couldn’t agree extra.