Split between Seneca and Ontario counties, with all land portions being Ontario county and all water portions being Seneca county, Geneva is situated at the two-mile-wide northern outlet of Seneca Lake. As the second largest Finger Lake, Seneca Lake is an impressive 38 miles long, and is a huge draw to both fishing and boating enthusiasts. Geneva even identifies itself as the “Lake Trout Capitol of the World” and is home to the National Trout Derby on Seneca Lake.

 

Long occupied by the Seneca Native Americans, they were pushed from the land during the latter years of the Revolutionary War, and in 1793 European-Americans settled here. The city is mostly flat with sweeping farmland. This geographical feature has helped Geneva grow and allows it to continue growing. This is reflected in the city’s many local farm-to-table restaurants, craft microbreweries and wineries that choose to use local and fresh ingredients.

 

Even though Geneva has stuck to its agricultural roots, there are parts of the city, such as Linden Street, that have a “uniquely urban” feel. In fact, in 2015, the National Civic League chose Geneva as one of ten cities from across the country to receive its “All American City” award. In 2017, it was announced that Geneva would be the recipient of a ten-million-dollar grant from New York State as part of a downtown revitalization initiative.

 

Regarding education, the Geneva City School district serves approximately 2,300 students in the community. It is comprised of one high school, one middle school, and two elementary schools. There are several private school options located in the city as well, such as St. Francis – St. Stephen Catholic School. For higher education, there are both public and private colleges within the city. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are a popular private school option, while Finger Lakes Community College also has a Geneva campus.