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

You will not be 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 stunned when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in america, in line with Redfin. I like it a lot, I purchased my first (and probably eternally) 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 realized 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 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 had been additionally the only: enjoying 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 way in which to the native library, picnicking beneath the gazebo, and paddling a kayak alongside the canal. Now, these goals are a actuality—every part Fairport has to supply is simply steps from my entrance door.

Summer time kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, one of the crucial in style arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration options native artisans, stylish 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 Major Avenue, 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 12 months in a 1928 financial institution.

Sure, you’ll be consuming and ingesting your manner via city, however staying energetic 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 via 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 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 superb day within the village is spent purchasing small. Along with the weekly farmers market, Lombardi’s Connoisseur Meals and Purple Chook Market are nice for stocking up on specialty items. One other Chapter Bookstore is guilty for my endless studying listing. And I like perusing the quirky antiques and different one-of-a-kind gadgets at boutiques like Major Avenue 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 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 amazing vantage level. Within the fall, the neighborhood’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 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 howdy quickest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport round St. Patrick’s Day, has mentioned “I like the individuals right here. It’s tremendous enjoyable.” I couldn’t agree extra.