<p>As I read a similar thread, I got to wondering if anyone has any opinions, observations or recommendations about possible retirement locations in in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Specifically, the colleges towns of Geneva, Clinton and of course Ithaca. Tidbits about any other towns/villages will be appreciated, too. Is the winter season that bad? Is it true what some college students say, that the skies are often gray and dreary? I spent a brief vacation near Syracuse many summers ago and it was quite pleasant.</p>
<p>We have a vacation home in the western Finger Lakes region, and yes, the winters are hard. Lots and lots and lots of snow! It’s a lovely area, though, with many very nice small towns. Skaneateles is one of my favorites and Ithaca is very nice. I prefer Canandaigua to Geneva. Clinton, by the way, is not in the Finger Lakes region, it’s east of Syracuse.</p>
<p>H and I have a home in Ithaca (we live primarily in NYC) where we hope to spend increasing amounts of time. Yes, winter is fairly brutal and relentless in terms of duration, cold, and copious amounts of snow. It is often very grey and sunless. However, there is a lot going on culturally, some great restaurants in the area, and the other three seasons of the year are pretty great. Lots of outdoor recreation options too.</p>