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

You will not be acquainted with 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 adore it, like me, weren’t shocked when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in the USA, in line with Redfin. I adore it a lot, I purchased my first (and probably endlessly) dwelling within the coronary heart of Fairport’s village.

I’ve known as many neighborhoods dwelling 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 discovered what mattered most to me: Walkability and a way of neighborhood had been non-negotiable, main me to rediscover a suburb I grew up solely 20 minutes away from.

There’s rather a lot I miss about residing in a significant metro, after all. 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 mates 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 below the gazebo, and paddling a kayak alongside the canal. Now, these desires are a actuality—every little thing Fairport has to supply is simply steps from my entrance door.

Summer time kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, probably the most in style arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration options native artisans, fashionable meals vans, stay 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 Primary 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? E-book 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 manner by city, however staying energetic can also be part of the Fairport way of life. You possibly can bike alongside the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement on the skatepark, or trek by miles of forests. Like each different millennial, I’ve thought-about selecting up pickleball, and positive sufficient, Fairport is dwelling to new state-of-the-art indoor courts. However for now, you’ll discover me strolling all over the place—previous the tour boats, trains, and historic village corridor that makes me really feel like I’m in an episode of Gilmore Ladies.

My splendid day within the village is spent purchasing 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 accountable for my unending studying record. And I really like perusing the quirky antiques and different one-of-a-kind objects at boutiques like Primary Road Mercantile and Diane Prince Furnishings & Items. 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 appeal. The canalway turns into bustling in the summertime months, and the elevate bridge featured in Ripley’s Imagine It or Not makes for an awesome 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 timber and the gazebo, illuminating the freshly fallen snow.

Above all, the persons 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 hi there quickest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport round St. Patrick’s Day, has mentioned “I really like the folks right here. It’s tremendous enjoyable.” I couldn’t agree extra.