I Bought a Home in the 4th Hottest U.S. Neighborhood—Here’s What It’s Like to Live There

You may not be familiar with Fairport, a scenic town 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. But those who know and love it, like me, weren’t surprised when it was ranked the fourth hottest neighborhood in the United States, according to Redfin. I love it so much, I bought my first (and possibly forever) home in the heart of Fairport’s village.

I’ve called many neighborhoods home over the years—Lenox Hill on NYC’s Upper East Side, Back Bay and Fenway in Boston, and Doral in Florida. And with each move, I learned what mattered most to me: Walkability and a sense of community were non-negotiable, leading me to rediscover a suburb I grew up only 20 minutes away from.

There’s a lot I miss about living in a major metro, of course. The access to entertainment, culture, and cuisine from around the world is unparalleled. But my happiest moments in these cities were also the simplest: playing with my dog at the park, catching up with friends on coffee walks, exploring flea markets. Why couldn’t I replicate those same experiences in my new zip code? I envisioned pushing a stroller on the way to the local library, picnicking under the gazebo, and paddling a kayak along the canal. Now, those dreams are a reality—everything Fairport has to offer is just steps from my front door.

Summer kicks off with Fairport Canal Days, one of the most popular arts festivals in New York state. The weekend celebration features local artisans, trendy food trucks, live 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 events, which also includes the Fairport Music Festival and Oktoberfest. 

Cafes, restaurants, and lively pubs line Main Street, making Fairport a destination for young families and singles. In search of a sweet treat? Three ice cream shops are a stone’s throw from each other (Moonlight Creamery never misses). Thirsty? Hit up any number of wine bars, breweries, and distilleries, like Iron Smoke, a fan favorite for its award-winning bourbon. Planning a date night? Book a reservation at Bonnie & Clyde, an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar that opened earlier this year in a 1928 bank.

Yes, you’ll be eating and drinking your way through town, but staying active is also a part of the Fairport lifestyle. You can bike along the picturesque towpath, hit the pavement at the skatepark, or trek through miles of forests. Like every other millennial, I’ve considered picking up pickleball, and sure enough, Fairport is home to new state-of-the-art indoor courts. But for now, you’ll find me walking everywhere—past the tour boats, trains, and historic village hall that makes me feel like I’m in an episode of Gilmore Girls.

My ideal day in the village is spent shopping small. In addition to the weekly farmers market, Lombardi’s Gourmet Foods and Red Bird Market are great for stocking up on specialty goods. Another Chapter Bookstore is to blame for my never-ending reading list. And I love perusing the quirky antiques and other one-of-a-kind items at boutiques like Main Street Mercantile and Diane Prince Furniture & Gifts. Need an assortment of colorful yarn? There’s a shop for that. Looking for handmade soaps? There’s a shop for that, too.

Every season in Fairport has its own charm. The canalway becomes bustling in the summer months, and the lift bridge featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not makes for a great vantage point. In the fall, the community’s eccentric scarecrow creations line the sidewalks. And during the holidays, festive lights are strung all over, including the trees and the gazebo, illuminating the freshly fallen snow.

Above all, the people are the reason I chose to build a life here. It’s as if there’s an unspoken competition among residents to see who can say hello fastest. Even Jimmy Fallon, who frequents Fairport around St. Patrick’s Day, has said “I love the people here. It’s super fun.” I couldn’t agree more.