The Best Places to Live in New York State (By a Local)

There are so many wonderful places to live in New York State, from waterfront towns and rural communities to booming cities. I was born and raised in New York, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the stunning nature, culture, and opportunities afforded to me. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best places in New York to call home. New York truly has something for everyone. Let me convince you why The Empire State should be your #1 choice!

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26 Best Places to Live in New York State

Saratoga Springs

A well-rounded city of arts, culture, nature, and history, that’s popular with retirees and families.

🏠 Population: 28,741 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Saratoga Springs Website | 🏫 Saratoga Springs School District Website

Saratoga Springs is a great place to live and one of the best towns in New York State. It offers a little bit of everything — arts, culture, hospitality, and history. This charming city has stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and is located only 35 miles from Albany, the state capital.

Saratoga Springs ranks as one of the best cities for retirement [source], with a calm atmosphere that contrasts the city feel. Based on 2024 findings, Saratoga County’s strongest employment sectors are semiconductors, manufacturing, tourism, and software/digital gaming [source].The school district has a stellar rating as well, with an A- from Niche.com.

The cost of living in Saratoga Springs is high at 20% higher than the national average. So, if you can afford the higher price tag, Saratoga Springs is a top choice for any age. 

👉 Need help planning your visit to New York State? Check out our perfectly planned 7-day NY road trip itinerary! You can also get a free, printable version of the itinerary here.

Albany

A vibrant city for young professionals and government employees, with a lower cost of living.

🏠 Population: 101,317 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Albany Website | 🏫 Albany School District Website

Albany is the state capital of New York. It’s a great place to live for young professionals and college students seeking work opportunities in public service. Albany also has a thriving tech sector. 

The cost of living in Albany is 38% lower than the state average, making it an attractive option to those on a budget [source]. Basically, you get the bustling city feel without the hefty price tag!

Albany is also home to a thriving arts community, music festivals, the New York State Museum, and plenty of great restaurants. There’s no shortage of fun things to do here. 

Mattituck, Long Island

This beachside hamlet will appeal to wine lovers and beach enthusiasts looking for small-town charm. 

🏠 Population: 4,204 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Mattituck Website | 🏫 Mattituck School District Website

Mattituck is a small village located on the North Fork of Long Island. If you’re looking for a friendly community and coastal lifestyle, Mattituck is the right option. 

Here, you’ll find a tight-knit community, stunning beaches, vineyards, and rural charm that’s hard to beat. There are plenty of water activities and local events like farmers markets. You can enjoy all of Long Island’s attractions, too. All of these things make Mattituck a great place to live. 

Just note that the property values are high in Mattituck. However, the school district is excellent (one of the best in Suffolk County) and the village is less than three hours away from New York City.

It’s not an ideal commuter town if you frequently need to travel to New York City. The town is better suited to remote work, retirees, and those seeking a tight, small community with a village vibe.

Manhattan, New York City

The Big Apple needs no introduction to its stunning architecture, museums, Broadway shows, and thriving job market. 

🏠 Population: 1.63 million | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Manhattan Website | 🏫 Manhattan School District Website

New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the best cities to live in. Manhattan is the center of New York City, and it’s the most popular borough. 

The list of things to do around New York City is endless. The Big Apple has art galleries, museums, world-class restaurants, and more. From ice skating in Central Park to visiting the top of the Empire State Building, it’s impossible to get bored. 

It’s no secret that Manhattan has an extremely high cost of living. But if you can afford it, the city has excellent school districts and some of the highest-paying jobs in the world. And it is possible to enjoy New York City on a budget!

Overall, Manhattan is rich with diversity, culture, and history for all ages. The city does offer a housing lottery that can make it more affordable for some lucky residents [source]. If you venture into the Queens and Brooklyn neighborhoods, you can find cheaper accommodations in less-known and less-touristy areas.

📚 Related Reading: Read our guide on where to stay in New York for more helpful information when scouting. 

Astoria, New York City

A cultural hub and hidden gem neighborhood just outside of bustling Manhattan in the borough of Queens.

🏠 Population: 206,855 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Astoria Website | 🏫 Astoria School District Website

Astoria is a waterfront neighborhood in the borough of Queens in New York City. I’ve called Astoria home for the past eight years and I can honestly say, it’s one of the best places to live in New York. 

Residents enjoy a strong sense of community in Astoria. The neighborhood has wonderful parks, galleries, and local businesses. Astoria is also home to some of the best Greek food outside of Greece (seriously) and other amazing international cuisines. 

Astoria has a high cost of living but is cheaper than some parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. With a mean age of 35.8 years old, it’s a great option for young families and working professionals with plenty of employment opportunities, as you’re only a 25-minute subway ride into Manhattan. 

Astoria has access to the N, R, and W train lines, connecting you to the five boroughs.

Ithaca

A thriving arts and university city that sits on Cayuga Lake in Upstate New York.

🏠 Population: 33,768 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Ithaca Website | 🏫 Ithaca School District Website

Ithaca is a city in the Finger Lakes Region in Upstate New York. It’s one of the best cities to live in New York for its higher education, access to nature, and atmosphere. 

Ithaca is famously home to Cornell University, as well as Ithaca College. You’ll find some of the best waterfalls in New York surrounding the city, and residents enjoy Ithaca’s city feel at a slower pace.

You can enjoy a taste of pop culture in downtown Ithaca with plenty of restaurants, artisanal shops, and a rich artistic community. Ithaca has a relatively low cost of living compared to other cities on this list, at 40% lower than the state average [source].

New Rochelle

A small city north of New York City that blends urban convenience with scenic waterfront access.

🏠 Population: 85,512 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 New Rochelle Website | 🏫 New Rochelle School District Website

New Rochelle is a small city north of New York City along the Long Island Sound. New Rochelle is a great place to live for New York City commuters as well as residents of all ages. It has a vibrant local community, great restaurants, and offers waterfront living. 

New York City is an easy commute from New Rochelle because of rail services to Grand Central Station. You’re also a 25-minute drive from the city of Yonkers, another employment hub, and packed with recreation. The city has a great job scene with plenty of opportunities and lots of economic development. The school system is good too, and is home to Iona College.

White Plains

This economic hub offers a high quality of life and easy access to New York City and Westchester County.

🏠 Population: 62,561 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 White Plains Website | 🏫 White Plains School District Website

White Plains is a great place to live for its big city feel, diversity, job opportunities, and high quality of life. The city is located an hour and a half north of New York City. It’s ideal for commuters with Metro-North rail services connecting White Plains to New York City and other parts of Westchester County.

White Plains is a walkable city with lots of community events and a good public school system. It’s a shopping and dining hub with plenty of cuisines to choose from. Local employment opportunities are good, with a median income about 20% higher than surrounding areas [source]. 

Suffern

A welcoming, community-oriented town with close proximity to nature and city amenities.

🏠 Population: 11,537 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Suffern Website | 🏫 Suffern School District Website

Suffern is a charming town with excellent public schools, just 30 miles northwest of The Big Apple. This small town is safe, commuter-friendly, and makes for a great place to call home.

Nestled against the Ramapo Mountains, Suffern has a historic downtown with a thriving small business community. Residents enjoy a suburban-urban mix right on the border with New Jersey. 

Suffern has a higher-than-average cost of living but is more affordable than some of the surrounding areas [source]. The town is well-suited to families and retirees alike.

New Paltz

This town has a splendid mix of nature attractions, well-preserved architecture, and history.

🏠 Population: 8,646 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 New Paltz Website | 🏫 New Paltz School District Website

New Paltz is one of the best towns in New York State and has plenty to offer as a place to live. 

The town’s historic charm will draw you in with plenty of local shops and restaurants. This includes a thriving small business community, perfect for creatives and young professionals. 

New Paltz is located in the Hudson Valley. This means it has great access to nature including hiking trails and places for camping. 

The town has an A rating for public schools and is known for its safety [source]. New Paltz has a large state university, making the area attractive for young professionals as well. The strongest industries are local tourism, healthcare, and employment through the University of New Paltz. However, salaries are lower than in a large metropolitan like New York City.

Rochester

An affordable city with access to the Finger Lakes and proximity to Niagara Falls.

🏠 Population: 207,282 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Rochester Website | 🏫 Rochester School District Website

Rochester is an underrated city and a great place to live for young families and professionals. Sitting on Lake Ontario, Rochester is the seat of Monroe County and is under two hours from Niagara Falls, and a three hour drive from Toronto, Canada. 

The city is known for its industrial buildings, photography exhibits, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center. It’s one of the most affordable places on this list and has a low cost of living. Rochester has been called a dying city, but I think it’s truly one of the best places in New York State.

Do note that jobs are more scarce in Rochester, and the winter can be tough this far north. It’s a city best suited to young professionals. Rochester can be a great option if you work from home but want to own a house in a lively city.

New Windsor

This tight-knit town offers art, culture, and tranquility close to urban amenities. 

🏠 Population: 8,427 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 New Windsor Website | 🏫 New Windsor School District Website

New Windsor is a small town located in Orange County in the Hudson Valley area north of New York City. One of the best things about New Windsor is its strong sense of community. It’s a great place to live because it’s diverse, has a suburban atmosphere, and has access to nature and great hiking trails.

New Windsor is one of the best places for families and working professionals to live in New York State. The cost of living is lower than the state average, and most residents are homeowners [source].

New Windsor is only 10 minutes from the town of Newburgh, which has plenty of waterfront dining options and craft breweries. However, certain areas are unsafe. Just be mindful and do your research before making a decision about moving. 

Beacon

This Upstate New York town has a vibrant art scene and stunning views of the Hudson River. 

🏠 Population: 15,292 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website

Beacon is one of the best places to live in the state. It’s nestled along the Hudson River in Dutchess County and has scenic riverfront views and a thriving contemporary art scene. The town is home to unique shops, cafes, and art galleries.

The cost of living in Beacon is higher than the national average [source]. However, employment opportunities are good in nearby Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls. Dutchess County as a whole offers good opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, and education through local Vassar College and Marist College. 

The public school district in Beacon gets an A- rating [source], making it perfect for young families, too. 

Livingston Manor

This small town nestled in the Catskill Mountains is nature-centric and charming.

🏠 Population: 689 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Livingston Manor Website | 🏫 Livingston Manor School District Website

Livingston Manor is the ideal low-key, small town to live in New York State for retirees and digital nomads. The surrounding Catskills Mountains make it a peaceful place to live, but the town itself is vibrant with a close-knit community and thriving small businesses in the village center.

The slower pace of life makes Livingston Manor a good choice for retirees. However, the employment options are fewer [source]. The town has less than 1,000 residents, the smallest number of people on this list. This being said, Livingston Manor’s charming small-town feel and local hospitality are attractive to digital nomads. 

The cost of living in Livingston Manor is just below the U.S. national average [source].

Newfield

A historical town in the Finger Lakes region that offers refuge from bigger cities. 

🏠 Population: 5,018 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Newfield Website | 🏫 Newfield School District Website

Newfield is a tiny rural town southwest of Ithaca and in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. This is a great place to live in New York if you’re retiring and want to enjoy the seasonal changes and recreational opportunities of the lakes. The lush landscapes and rural hills are a stark contrast to busier cities.

The cost of living in Newfield is one of the most affordable places on this list, at 23% lower than the state average [source]. Employment options are limited, but Ithaca is just 20 minutes away with more job opportunities.

Sleepy Hollow

This small town with suburban charm is immortalized by the legendary tale of writer Washington Irving.

🏠 Population: 11,427 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Sleepy Hollow Website | 🏫 Sleepy Hollow School District Website

Sleepy Hollow is a gorgeous town that sits on the Hudson River. It has a rich history and fine dining, and is home to one of the best New York State Parks: Rockefeller State Park Preserve. 

Sleepy Hollow has a high cost of living due to its proximity to New York City through the Tappan Zee Bridge and Metro-North Railroad. The median property value is $756,700 [source], so frankly, it isn’t cheap. However, the public schools have an A rating, and the area is highly accessible to employment opportunities [source].

Buffalo

This city offers affordable housing in New York with an inviting atmosphere and urban lifestyle. 

🏠 Population: 276,617 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Buffalo Website | 🏫 Buffalo School District Website

Buffalo is a great place to live for those who want or need a short drive to Niagara Falls and the Canadian border. It’s also a great place if you love buffalo wings (I’m serious). 

Buffalo is a city with character. It’s located in Western New York along Lake Erie and is renowned for its historic architecture, dynamic art scene, and diversity. It’s especially popular with working professionals and families because it’s affordable. The cost of living is 4% lower than the national average, and 44% lower than the state average [source].

Only 26 minutes from Niagara Falls, you can enjoy frequent trips to Canada if you live in Buffalo. The wintertime can be hard for older residents, but property values are much lower than comparable cities.

Piermont

A village at the foot of the Tappan Zee Bridge where you can enjoy a high quality of life. 

🏠 Population: 2,547 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Piermont Website | 🏫 Piermont School District Website

Piermont is a tranquil, less-than-a-square-mile village within the town of Orangetown. The homey atmosphere, community events, and access to nature make Piermont a great place to live in New York. The village itself has small-town shopping, art galleries, and incredible food. 

Piermont has a high cost of living, but this is typical for any area close to New York City. The public schools are highly rated [source], and the town is voted as the second best to retire in New York. In fact, Piermont is nicknamed “Last Stop USA,” as soldiers headed for WW2 boarded vessels from the Hudson River to Europe.

Tarrytown

A historical town located on the eastern shore of the Hudson River with a diverse local community and thriving downtown area. 

🏠 Population: 11,829 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Tarrytown Website | 🏫 Tarrytown School District Website

The village of Tarrytown is one of the most beautiful places to live in Westchester County, with views of the eastern shore of the Hudson River. Just 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan, this is a dream town with a vibrant local community, great restaurants, and exceptional public schools.

The cost of living in Tarrytown is 57% higher than the national average, making this a popular choice for high-wage earners seeking a good commuter town just outside New York City. [source] 

Tarrytown has many historical landmarks to visit, such as Washington Irving’s estate and the Lyndhurst Mansion. If you plan on going for a night, the Castle Hotel and Spa is formally a castle and offers views of the Hudson River from one of the highest points in the region. 

Cold Spring

A village in Putnam County, New York, home to one of the best hiking spots in the Hudson Valley, Breakneck Ridge. 

🏠 Population: 1,995 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Cold Spring Website | 🏫 Cold Spring School District Website

The village of Cold Spring in Putnam County is a great place to live for a small town filled with hills, biking trails, and plenty to do on Main Street. Located just 60 miles north of Manhattan, the Metro-North Railroad operates hourly to Grand Central Terminal. 

Cold Spring does have a higher cost of living than the U.S. and New York State average [source]. This is a great town to raise a family.

Main Street has plenty of action, with antique shops, coffee houses, restaurants, and parks overlooking the Hudson River. The village has beautifully preserved 19th-century Victorian architecture, even in restaurants like The Foundry Rose and Le Bouchon. Cold Spring is also a great day trip from New York City! 

Pleasantville

A village located in the town of Mount Pleasant, in Westchester County, home to the second Pace University campus and a historical downtown area. 

 🏠 Population: 7,351 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Pleasantville Website | 🏫 Pleasantville School District Website

Pleasantville is located just 31 miles north of Grand Central Terminal in Westchester County. The town is well-known to locals for its wide variety of homes, from colonial-style houses to split-levels and even Cape Cod styles. 

The downtown area is walkable, hosting the world-renowned Jacobs Burn Film Center and highly rated restaurants like The Southern Table Kitchen & Bar and Dolphin South Trattoria. If you’re a fan of hiking, you can easily reach one of New York State’s best state parks: Rockefeller State Park Preserve. 

While the area is family-friendly with excellent schools and a smooth commute to New York City, it is pricey. You will need an income of $157,320 for a family and $70,400 for a single person to live here comfortably. [source]

Dobbs Ferry

This riverfront village in Westchester County offers a strong community, tree-lined streets, and is just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan.

🏠 Population: 11,513 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Dobbs Ferry Website | 🏫 Dobbs Ferry School District Website

Dobbs Ferry is an affluent village in Westchester County with a walkable downtown, a close-knit community, and an excellent public school district. 

Friends of Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park has picnic areas, playgrounds for children, a fishing pier, a boat dock, and exercise equipment. The sunset views of the Hudson River are some of the best in Westchester County. You can walk from the park to downtown Dobbs Ferry in 15 minutes and enjoy a mix of casual and fine dining on the water. 

The Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District is A-rated [source], and the community prides itself on being close-knit and family-centric. The village is commuter-friendly to New York City, with the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson line getting you to Grand Central in under one hour. 

The village of Dobbs Ferry, as well as most of Westchester County, has a very high cost of living, 20% higher than the state average [source]. The accessibility to Manhattan, safety, and excellent school districts are well worth the price tag for high-income earners. 

Yonkers

Known as the gateway to the Hudson Valley, New York’s third-largest city is thriving with employment, shopping, and outdoor recreation.

🏠 Population: 211,040 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Yonkers Website | 🏫 Yonkers School District Website

Located in Westchester County, Yonkers is a one-hour drive from New York City and the third-largest city in New York State. The area is an excellent place to live for working professionals looking to escape Manhattan’s ever-increasing rent, as well as young families and retirees. 

The city of Yonkers has a mix of low, middle, and higher-income earners, with a median household income of $81,816 [source]. The city has excellent public transportation, so you could forgo a car if you need to. With 40 public school districts and 93 private schools [source], parents have a large selection of quality choices for their children. 

The area has no shortage of recreational outdoor activities, like Untermyer Gardens and Lenoir Nature Preserve, both of which have Hudson River views. Tibbetts Brook Park is a great place to go for a run or bring kids to the aquatic complex in the summertime. 

Downtown Yonkers is a hub for dining and community, and has a strong and evolving employment sector. Ridge Hill open-air shopping complex is the most impressive in the area, offering entertainment like rock climbing, children’s playgrounds, and even a Legoland Discovery Center. 

Greenwood Lake

A quaint village in the greater town of Warwick with lakeside homes and surrounding mountains.

🏠 Population: 2,994 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Greenwood Lake Website | 🏫 Greenwood Lake School District Website

Greenwood Lake is an excellent choice for a home base if you want lakeside views, proximity to New York City, and a community-oriented village. Located in the town of Warwick in Orange County, the homes are reasonably priced for the area. 

The town centers much of its recreational activities on utilizing the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and ice skating during the winter. Harriman State Park is just a 20-minute drive away, known for scenic hiking trails. I spent many summers on the lake, both boating and swimming, and found it easy to meet people and make local friends. 

The cost of living is reasonable, with homes 14% below the New York State average [source], and the town is commuter-friendly to New York City for better employment opportunities. There’s no direct train, but the New Jersey Transit bus line can take you to Manhattan in under 1.5 hours. 

The public schools are highly rated, and students have a choice between Chester Academy and Warwick High School after eighth grade [source]. 

Mahopac

A hamlet in the town of Carmel with some of the best and underrated outdoor recreation in New York State.

🏠 Population: 9,171 |📍Google Maps | 🌆 Mahopac Website | 🏫 Mahopac School District Website

Located in Putnam County, 55 miles north of New York City, Mahopac is a lesser-known hamlet with stunning natural beauty in New York State.  

Nimham Mountain Nature Preserve has fantastic trails for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with Nimham Tower Fire Loop being the best for scenic views. The crown jewel of the town is the 587-acre Lake Mahopac, home to three separate publicly and privately owned islands. Water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating are popular during the summertime. Membership at the Mahopac Golf and Beach Club is required to access the lake. 

The area has no shortage of restaurants and shops, both on Lake Mahopac and in the surrounding town of Carmel. The Metro-North Railroad from the Croton Falls station gets you to Grand Central in Manhattan in roughly 1.5 hours. 

The cost of living is 11.3% higher than the state average [source], accessible to middle-income and higher-income earners alike. The Mahopac Central School District boasts a B+ rating, with Mahopac High School the third-best public high school in Putnam County [source]. 

Blooming Grove

An Orange County town offering privacy, picturesque mountain beauty, and a 10-minute drive from the city of Newburgh.

🏠 Population: 18,811 | 📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Blooming Grove Website | 🏫 Blooming Grove School District Website

Blooming Grove is a town in Orange County, southwest of the city of Newburgh. The village of Washingtonville and the hamlet of Salisbury Mills make up the larger part of Blooming Grove. The town has a central location in Orange County, a short drive from popular Hudson Valley towns like Monroe and Goshen. It’s also a great place to stay for a weekend getaway.  

The surrounding area is peaceful and safe, making it an ideal place for families and working professionals. The town has seen an increase in the cost of living, with the average home value at $611,039 [source]. Depending on where you live within the town’s boundaries, parents have options for school districts [source]. 

The remarkable Schunemunk Mountain and the surrounding scenery make Blooming Grove an alluring place to call home. Brotherhood, America’s Oldest Winery, is one of my favorite summer or fall activities, just a 5-minute drive away in Washingtonville. 

You’re also a short drive from more bustling areas like Monroe and Newburgh, while maintaining that small-town feel. The town isn’t exactly commuter-friendly to New York City, with the drive just under two hours.  

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New York State truly has so much to offer for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles. For more New York destinations, read our guide on day trips from New York City.

(Featured Image Credit: Spiroview Inc / Shutterstock)