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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18 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: 28,593 |📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Saratoga Springs Website | 🏫 Saratoga Springs School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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. 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.
Albany
A vibrant city for young professionals and government employees, with a lower cost of living.
🏠 Population: 97,593 |📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Albany Website | 🏫 Albany School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Albany is the state capital of New York. It’s a great place to live for young professionals and college students seeking employment opportunities in public service. Albany also has a thriving tech sector.
The cost of living in Albany is 19% 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: 4,584 |📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Mattituck Website | 🏫 Mattituck School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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.
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 | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 in Manhattan and throughout 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).
📚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: 166,000|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Astoria Website | 🏫 Astoria School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Astoria is a waterfront neighborhood in the borough of Queens in New York City. I’ve called Astoria home for the past six 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 ( source). Astoria also 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: 31,710|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Ithaca Website | 🏫 Ithaca School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 22% 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: 83,682 |📍 Google Maps | 🌆 New Rochelle Website | 🏫 New Rochelle School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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. 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: 59,526 |📍 Google Maps | 🌆 White Plains Website | 🏫 White Plains School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 also 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: 11,402|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Suffern Website | 🏫 Suffern School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 one of the best places to live in New York.
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).
New Paltz
This town has a splendid mix of nature attractions, well-preserved architecture, and history.
🏠 Population: 7,702 |📍 Google Maps | 🌆 New Paltz Website | 🏫 New Paltz School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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.
Rochester
An affordable city with access to the Finger Lakes and proximity to Niagara Falls.
🏠 Population: 210,606|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Rochester Website | 🏫 Rochester School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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.
The city is known for its industrial buildings, photography exhibits, and the Rochester Museum & Science Center. One of the most affordable places on this list, Rochester has a low cost of living.
Do note that jobs are more scarce in Rochester, and the winter can be tough this far north. 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: 8,693|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 New Windsor Website | 🏫 New Windsor School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 to live in New York State for families and working professionals. 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: 13,737|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 City Website | 🏫 School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Beacon is one of the best places to live in New York. 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: 784|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Livingston Manor Website | 🏫 Livingston Manor School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Livingston Manor is one of the best small towns to live in New York 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.
The slower pace of life makes Livingston Manor a good choice for retirees. However, the employment options are fewer ( source). 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: 5,138|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Newfield Website | 🏫 Newfield School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 opportunities.
Sleepy Hollow
This small town with suburban charm is immortalized by the legendary tale of writer Washington Irving.
🏠 Population: 10,955|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Sleepy Hollow Website | 🏫 Sleepy Hollow School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Sleepy Hollow is one of the most desirable places to live in New York State. This gorgeous town sits on the Hudson River and has a rich history, fine dining, and 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 $743,500 ( 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: 276,807|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Buffalo Website | 🏫 Buffalo School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
Buffalo is one of the best places to live in New York State for those wanting 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 5% lower than the national 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: 2,512|📍 Google Maps | 🌆 Piermont Website | 🏫 Piermont School District Website | 👉 Browse Hotels on Booking for Your Scouting Trip
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 historic. In fact, Piermont is nicknamed “Last Stop USA,” as soldiers headed for WW2 boarded vessels from the Hudson River to Europe.
FAQs About Living in New York State
What are some family-friendly places to live in New York?
Some family-friendly places to live in New York are Saratoga Springs,New Rochelle,Suffern,Beacon, and Sleepy Hollow.
What are good places to live in New York for young adults?
Good places to live in New York for young adults are New Paltz,Albany,Astoria,Manhattan, and Buffalo.
What are some affordable places to live in New York?
Some affordable places to live in New York are Ithaca,Rochester,Livingston Manor,Newfield, and Buffalo.
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Did you discover new places to live in New York State? I hope so! This 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)
