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

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 find it irresistible, like me, weren’t shocked when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in america, based on Redfin. I find it irresistible a lot, I purchased my first (and presumably eternally) house within the coronary heart of Fairport’s village.

I’ve referred to as many neighborhoods house 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 neighborhood have been non-negotiable, main me to rediscover a suburb I grew up solely 20 minutes away from.

There’s loads I miss about residing in a significant metro, after all. The entry to leisure, tradition, and delicacies from around the globe 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 underneath the gazebo, and paddling a kayak alongside the canal. Now, these goals are a actuality—the whole lot Fairport has to supply is simply steps from my entrance door.

Summer season kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, probably the most common arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration options native artisans, fashionable 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 contains the Fairport Music Pageant and Oktoberfest. 

Cafes, eating places, and vigorous pubs line Foremost Road, making Fairport a vacation spot for younger households and singles. Seeking 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 night time? 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 method via city, however staying lively can also be part of the Fairport life-style. You’ll be able to bike alongside the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement on the skatepark, or trek via miles of forests. Like each different millennial, I’ve thought-about choosing up pickleball, and certain sufficient, Fairport is house 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 superb day within the village is spent purchasing small. Along with the weekly farmers market, Lombardi’s Gourmand Meals and Pink Hen Market are nice for stocking up on specialty items. One other Chapter Bookstore is accountable for my endless studying listing. And I like perusing the quirky antiques and different one-of-a-kind gadgets at boutiques like Foremost Road Mercantile and Diane Prince Furnishings & Items. 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 attraction. The canalway turns into bustling in the summertime months, and the elevate bridge featured in Ripley’s Imagine It or Not makes for an excellent vantage level. Within the fall, the neighborhood’s eccentric scarecrow creations line the sidewalks. And throughout 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 hiya quickest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport round St. Patrick’s Day, has mentioned “I like the folks right here. It’s tremendous enjoyable.” I couldn’t agree extra.