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

You might not be accustomed to 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 stunned when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in america, in keeping with Redfin. I like it a lot, I purchased my first (and presumably ceaselessly) residence within the coronary heart of Fairport’s village.

I’ve referred to as many neighborhoods residence through the years—Lenox Hill on NYC’s Higher East Facet, 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 have been non-negotiable, main me to rediscover a suburb I grew up solely 20 minutes away from.

There’s lots I miss about residing 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 have been additionally the best: taking part in with my canine on the park, catching up with pals 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 beneath the gazebo, and paddling a kayak alongside the canal. Now, these goals are a actuality—all the pieces Fairport has to supply is simply steps from my entrance door.

Summer time kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, one of the fashionable arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration options native artisans, stylish meals vehicles, 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 contains the Fairport Music Pageant and Oktoberfest.

Cafes, eating places, and full of life pubs line Principal Avenue, making Fairport a vacation spot for younger households and singles. Searching for a candy deal with? Three ice cream outlets 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 12 months in a 1928 financial institution.

Sure, you’ll be consuming and consuming your approach by way of city, however staying lively can be part of the Fairport life-style. You may bike alongside the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement on the skatepark, or trek by way of miles of forests. Like each different millennial, I’ve thought-about choosing up pickleball, and positive sufficient, Fairport is residence 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 Women.

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

Each season in Fairport has its personal appeal. The canalway turns into bustling in the summertime months, and the carry 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 in the course of the holidays, festive lights are strung throughout, together with the bushes and the gazebo, illuminating the freshly fallen snow.

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