Bedford Falls, the fictional town in the 1946 movie classic It's a Wonderful Life is said to be based on Seneca Falls, New York. For one, both are mill towns and the Victorian architecture seen in the movie is very much alike to that of Seneca Falls. This speculation is widely believed in the town itself as the community has a Seneca Falls: It's a Wonderful Life Museum. Karolyn Grimes, the actress who played George and Mary Bailey's youngest daughter Zuzu, was present during its ribbon-cutting ceremony when it opened in 2010.
Situated between the two major cities of Rochester and Syracuse, Seneca Falls has a total area of 27.4 square miles, 24.2 square miles of which is land, while the remaining 3.2 square miles is water. There are two counties neighboring the town: on its west is Ontario County, and Cayuga County on its east.
Moving to the City
For soon-to-be or new residents of Seneca Falls, the local government only has two reminders: about getting a new driver's license and the garbage/recyclable collection policy.
With regards to getting a driver's license, new residents are given 30 days after establishing their permanent residency to change their out-of-state driver's license to a valid license. Resident must show proof of US citizenship, verification of Social Security Number and two proofs of New York residency (this can be the rental/lease/purchase agreement).
Meanwhile, recyclable materials are collected every other week on the same day as the schedule of the garbage pick-up. There are designated blue recycle bins, which are picked up at the Town Clerk's Office.
For those looking for places to live in, Seneca Falls offers a range of options. A wide variety of apartment complexes in Seneca Falls are available in different areas of the town. Price of apartment rentals varies on the location, size and number of bedrooms/bath. For those looking for 3 bedroom houses for rent, the ones available also vary with size from some less than a thousand square feet to others that are more than 2000.
Neighborhoods in Seneca Falls
Most of the older houses found in Seneca Falls are of Second Empire Victorian architecture, and are tantamount to the village's rich history. If you prefer the more sought-after options, Seneca Falls has the following neighborhoods to choose from.
Rumseyville: The Rumseyville area was named after 19th-century factory owner John Ramsey, who helped new residents settle in by lending them money and building low-cost housing. It is also home to the Rumseyville Sportsmans Club.
Recreational Facilities: These are aplenty in Seneca Falls, especially near the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. People's Park overlooks the Cayuga-Seneca Canal featuring the community bandstand, while Stanton Park, named after Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the famous American suffragette, is a small green space connecting Women's Rights National Historical Park to People's Park. Finally, Academy Square Park is located along Cayuga Street between North and South Park Streets, and includes the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Veterans Monument and the DAR Fountain.
Route 89: On State Route 89, the number of houses available for rent and sale are a bit more spacious with more amenities. The John Morris Manor Bed and Breakfast, Eleven Lakes Winery, Seneca Falls Country Club and a gas station are among the business establishments located here.
Living in Seneca Falls
The town is less than one hour away from the Rochester International Airport and Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The average time of commute in Seneca Falls is 20 minutes with most of the residents driving their own cars to work.
As a town that is focusing on tourism as one of its major industries, Seneca Falls is home to a number of historic sites and recreational centers. Among these are the Women's Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls Heritage Area, Cayuga Lake State Park, Seneca Meadows Wetland Preserve and Frank J. Ludovico Sculpture Trail.
A number of restaurants can also be seen around town, with most located at Fall St. including Parkers Grill and Tap House, Downtown Deli and Happy Family.
There are two events that are celebrated annually at the town. The Seneca Falls Convention Days is to commemorate the original Women's Right Convention held at the town on July 13, 1848. Meanwhile, the "It's a Wonderful Life Festival" takes place every December wherein the town is decorated with Christmas lights to make it look like the movie setting.
