Seneca Falls has proximity to shopping, dining and recreation
Seneca Falls, the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, is a historic town in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Residents enjoy the town’s natural landscape, proximity to shopping and dining and community-centered atmosphere. “It’s really pretty, it’s a nice town to live in, it's close to the Waterloo outlet mall, and Seneca Lake. It’s a homey town to live in,” says Sherry Cascini, a Realtor with HUNT Real Estate, who's been working in the industry for 15 years. “Not a lot of homes go up for sale because people live out their lives there.” Seneca Falls is believed to have inspired Bedford Falls, the setting of the 1946 Christmas classic, "It’s a Wonderful Life."
Historical landmarks and parks along Seneca Falls Canal and Van Cleef
Seneca Falls is bisected by the Seneca Falls Canal, which is bordered by landmarks and parks commemorating the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention and the women’s rights movement. The National Women’s Hall of Fame is near the canal and celebrates the achievements of women. Across the street, the Ludovico Sculpture Trail is a mile-and-a-half art trail with a scenic view of the canal. Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School has a play structure that's open to the public during school hours. The Women’s Rights National Historical Park is on the other side of the canal and has statues and displays of prominent figures. Next door, the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, the site of the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention, has a small courtyard surrounded by a wall inscribed with the Declaration of Sentiments. Academy Square Park along Cayuga Street is an open green space with sculptures and monuments. Closer to Van Cleef Lake, Suffrage Park has an open field with paved walking paths and a wooden pavilion. Seneca Falls is between Cayuga Lake, 8 miles away, and Seneca Lake, 11 miles away. State parks surround these lakes, such as Seneca Lake State Park, Sampson State Park and Long Point State Park. During the summer, many visit these lakes to swim, fish, hike and boat.
1800s and ranch-style homes
Homes are along gridded streets on manicured lawns. Narrow sidewalks border some houses, especially those near major roadways and schools. “You have 1800s Victorians and a lot of ranches, and the majority of homes are older,” says Cascini. “Once in a while, you’ll find beautiful two-story older brick colonials. Like many towns here, Seneca Falls was a farming community, so you’ll see buildings from the 1800s along the streets.” National and ranch-style homes are the most common in the area, with the occasional Victorian or Colonial Revival residence. Homes range from $75,000 to $420,000.
Seneca Falls schools receive Bs
Seneca Falls Central School District, which receives a B from Niche, serves the area. Frank Knight Elementary also gets a B for pre-kindergarten through second grade, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary gets a B-minus for third through fifth grade. Seneca Falls Middle also gets a B-minus. Mynderse Academy, the community's high school, gets a B and allows students to take technical and career courses at the Finger Lakes Technical and Career Center.
Shopping and dining around the Finger Lakes
Downtown Deli serves massive New York-style sandwiches in a red brick building along Fall Street. Nearby, Parker’s On Fall Bar & Grill serves classic bar food, American fare, and handcrafted cocktails and brews. Across the canal, Café 19 is a trendy coffee shop that serves breakfast and lunch. For groceries, Aldi and the Sauders Store are a mile away. Finger Lakes Premium Outlets are 10 miles away near Waterloo, and has restaurants and retailers such as Clarks, Coach and Levi’s. For more shopping and dining, Skaneateles is 24 miles away and is home to the popular 1807 Sherwood Inn. “The Sherwood Inn is a humongous hotel, and they have a really nice dining area with high-end food and bar food,” says Cascini.
Events celebrate the town's history and community
The town of Seneca Falls releases a monthly newsletter to inform residents about community events, such as Dungeons & Dragons at the Seneca Falls Library and summer concerts. The Seneca Falls Farmers Market runs every Tuesday from July to October at the Seneca Falls Community Center. In December, the It’s A Wonderful Life Festival celebrates the town as the inspiration for the movie’s fictional setting, Bedford Falls. The festivities consist of family contests, a 5K run and appearances from the cast. In the summer, the Women’s Rights National Historical Park hosts Convention Days, celebrating the women’s rights convention with speakers, tours and family activities.
Commuters use U.S. Route 20 and Interstate 90
U.S. Route 20 leads 10 miles to Geneva and 24 miles to Skaneateles. Interstate 90 leads 47 miles to Syracuse and 52 miles to Rochester. Geneva General Hospital is 10 miles away, and the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is 45 miles away. The First Presbyterian Church of Seneca Falls, Finger Lakes Christian Fellowship, Trinity Episcopal Church and other houses of worship are along U.S. Route 20.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
