Olcott, NY

Set right along the shores of Lake Ontario in Niagara County, Olcott (often called Olcott Beach) is a relaxed lakeside community with a classic small-town feel. Life here revolves around the water, particularly where Eighteen Mile Creek meets the lake to form a premier fishing and boating harbor. Around a thousand residents live here year-round, enjoying quiet neighborhoods and easy access to Krull Park, a massive waterfront park with ballfields, a splash pad, picnic spots, and plenty of open lawn for community festivals.

ATTRAd Meskens / CC BY-SA 3.0

The area grew as a bustling lakeside resort over a century ago, and that historic charm is still everywhere you look. Families spend sunny afternoons riding the restored wooden carousel and vintage rides at Olcott Beach Carousel Park, walking out to the harbor lighthouse, and grabbing ice cream near the marina. It is an unpretentious, friendly place to live, offering a peaceful routine through the cooler months and an energetic, welcoming atmosphere all summer long.