Should you’re planning on shifting to New York, add these cities to your record.
From the bustle of New York Metropolis to the whispers of the Adirondack Mountains, New York has thousands and thousands of individuals and issues to do. However regardless of its inhabitants and fame, the state is essentially rural. Some 7,600 lakes, seven million acres of farmland, and hundreds of miles of shoreline cowl the land, providing each city and pure escapes.
New York is often damaged up into ten financial areas, every with their very own distinctive geography, tradition, and local weather. The rugged North County area homes forested wilderness. The snowy Central NY, Finger Lakes, and Western NY areas are house to the economic hubs of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. Furthest south are New York Metropolis and Lengthy Island. Since almost half of the state’s inhabitants lives in and round NYC, most individuals merely name something north of the town “Upstate” and the remaining “Downstate.”
The state’s local weather is various, however is usually sizzling and humid in the summertime and chilly and snowy within the winter. Areas alongside Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are a part of the Snow Belt and see among the many heaviest snowfall on the planet. Coastal places alongside Lengthy Island are milder.
So, which cities within the Empire State are best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to dwell in New York, rating them on qualities equivalent to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You’ll find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
1. Buffalo, NY
Inhabitants:
274,678
Median Sale Worth:
$182,250
Median Hire Worth:
$1,520
Common Commute Time:
20 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.5%
Buffalo tops our record as one of the best place to dwell in New York. An Upstate icon recognized for its sports activities, trade, and deep snow, Buffalo offers a superb mixture of affordability, various facilities, and financial progress. World-class hospitals, tree-lined avenues, and quiet neighborhoods are added bonuses.
Winter climate performs an enormous function in day by day life in Buffalo. Chilly Canadian air and loads of Lake Erie moisture frequently creates “lake-effect” storms that may produce toes of snow, which might be harmful. Snow normally falls 5-15 miles south of downtown, particularly round Orchard Park. If you wish to keep away from the worst of the storms, persist with the north of city.
Buffalo sits on the tip of Lake Erie and is a Rust Belt metropolis by way of and thru. It was an industrial powerhouse for almost 200 years, primarily for metal manufacturing and grain transport. Nonetheless, like most Rust Belt cities, Buffalo’s financial system and inhabitants declined within the Thirties-60s, and at this time, many buildings are deserted.
Nonetheless, over the previous 10+ years, the town has begun remodeling itself. Deserted industrial areas are turning into hubs for breweries, lofts, and quirky retailers. The historic waterfront is getting an entire makeover. And importantly, the federal government has labored to draw companies and startups to place down roots and spend money on the area.
Even with current progress, Buffalo has remained comparatively inexpensive. However individuals have began taking discover. Demand has shot up for the reason that pandemic resulting from comparatively inexpensive housing and a robust job market, which has begun pushing costs up and amplifying an already strained housing provide.
Buffalo houses on the market | Buffalo homes for lease | Buffalo flats for lease
2. New York Metropolis, NY
Inhabitants:
8.26 million
Median Sale Worth:
$840,000
Median Hire Worth:
$4,307
Common Commute Time:
41.4 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.2%
New York Metropolis. The Large Apple. A world heart of finance, tradition, and tourism, New York ranks among the many prime cities worldwide in quite a few research measuring economics, transportation, connectivity, and extra. It’s additionally huge, spanning 5 distinct boroughs. When accounting for the whole metropolitan space, New York has over 23 million residents, making it the most important metropolis within the U.S. and sixth-largest on the planet. So, in fact, it made Redfin’s record.
Due to its age and dimension, New York incorporates a little bit of the whole lot. Dense, winding neighborhoods lined with historic brownstones butt up towards glowing skyscrapers and historic landmarks. Meals, leisure, and leisure of all types dot each block nook, the place Michelin-starred eating places meet basic bagel retailers. Locals will inform you the place to seek out one of the best bagel and schmear.
Residing in New York means getting used to crowds, noise, personalities, and a metropolis that by no means sleeps. Many residents favor it that manner. Prime-tier public transit and a walkable structure means most individuals get round through subway, bus, or on foot. Main flooding in 2021 and 2023 has highlighted the necessity for local weather resilience, although.
With NYC’s many positives comes a hefty price ticket. Housing prices are among the many costliest within the nation, and rents can skyrocket into the thousands and thousands. Manhattan is by far the most costly borough, highlighted by the Hudson Yards and TriBeCa neighborhoods, whereas different boroughs are extra inexpensive. Many renters and consumers battle to afford housing, however there are quite a few packages and worth management measures to assist.
New York Metropolis houses on the market | New York Metropolis homes for lease | New York Metropolis flats for lease
3. Rochester, NY
Inhabitants:
207,274
Median Sale Worth:
$160,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,449
Common Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
5.5%
Constructed on the southern shores of Lake Ontario, Rochester is the third-best place to dwell in New York. A gritty, industrial metropolis baked in historical past, Rochester is remodeling right into a hip, inexpensive city with points of interest and facilities on each nook. The well-known Higher Falls, Rochester Public Market, high quality universities, and great-tasting water outline the town.
Rochester celebrates its historical past. It was the world’s largest producer of baking flour within the Nineteenth-century, powered by the mighty Genesee River and 21 flour (grist) mills, incomes the nickname Flour Metropolis. The enduring Erie Canal performed a pivotal function by serving barges and stays a well-liked vacationer attraction. You’ll be able to take excursions of the canal simply outdoors of city at Fairport and Pittsford.
Whereas Rochester declined within the late 1900s, it has once more blossomed right into a metropolis with the whole lot you need with out the crowds, worth, or noise. Right this moment, it’s often called Flower Metropolis for its Lilac Pageant and gardens, with a rising concentrate on greenery. Plans to revitalize the Genesee River waterfront and join the Interior North Loop are additionally underway.
Rochester has typically performed host to social change. The Underground Railroad fashioned on the town within the 1830s, and among the first labor strikes occurred a few a long time later. Legendary activists Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass each lived in Rochester within the 1800s. Activism remains to be celebrated at this time.
The realm’s local weather is usually nice, with chilly winters and heat, muggy summers. Like Buffalo, Rochester can see heavy lake-effect snow. Plus, as a result of Lake Ontario is deep and barely freezes, it produces snow even in late winter. As winters heat, although, winter wonderlands have gotten much less of a assure.
Rochester houses on the market | Rochester homes for lease | Rochester flats for lease
4. Syracuse, NY
Inhabitants:
170,000
Median Sale Worth:
$170,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,310
Common Commute Time:
17.6 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
5.4%
One of many snowiest cities within the nation, Syracuse is available in at quantity 4 on our record of one of the best locations to dwell in New York. A serious commerce hub that rose on the success of salt manufacturing, Syracuse noticed its inhabitants dwindle within the Fifties resulting from industrial change, city renewal, and racial inequity. This helped present the picture that the town was previous its prime. Right this moment, whereas it grapples with previous errors, Syracuse is redefining itself.
Whereas industries have modified, the town’s character has remained. Micron and Amazon now have headquarters on the town, and the deserted Syracuse Growth Middle is being remodeled. Most significantly, the problematic Interstate 81 is getting torn down to create space for a brand new neighborhood, in hopes of uplifting a segregated portion of the town.
Right this moment, affordability, comfort, group, and out of doors entry are among the many metropolis’s finest traits. Homes value lower than half the nationwide common, and strolling round Downtown or Armory Sq. is a breeze. Make certain to go to Clinton Sq., Syracuse Stage, or the Downtown Farmers Market whilst you’re out. Or, seize a chunk at Purple Chili, Pastabilities, or Sturdy Hearts. You’re additionally close to Oneida Lake, the New York State Truthful, and loads of city parks.
Syracuse is commonly the butt-end of jokes about climate, and for good cause; it’s normally cloudy, wet, or snowy. You’ll be able to thank close by Lake Ontario and the Allegheny Plateau foothills for that. Syracuse sees 16 extra days of measurable rainfall than Seattle and averages 128 inches of snow every year.
Syracuse houses on the market | Syracuse homes for lease | Syracuse flats for lease
5. Mount Vernon, NY
Inhabitants:
71,168
Median Sale Worth:
$629,750
Median Hire Worth:
$1,344
Common Commute Time:
37.3 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.3%
Mount Vernon, simply north of the Bronx and east of Yonkers, is the fifth-best place to dwell in New York. Mount Vernon is a comparatively small metropolis that’s seeing a whole lot of progress and funding. The brand new Stadium at Memorial Subject and The Bayou restaurant are among the finest locations to see. And maybe one of the best a part of dwelling in Mount Vernon is the straightforward entry to NYC. You’ll be able to simply commute into city through the Harlem or New Haven trains.
In 1890, the town was cut up in half by the “Cut” – a railroad monitor constructed into an enormous trench alongside First Road. This challenge actually and figuratively divided the town, making a wealthier north aspect and poorer south aspect. Even with current authorities funding by way of renewed bridges and artwork installations, this divide persists. The south aspect additionally continues to take care of sewage overflows due to crumbling infrastructure, though there’s funding to interchange it. Localized flooding close to the Bronx or Hutchinson Rivers is feasible.
Regardless that it’s primarily residential, Mount Vernon has fairly a number of facilities on the town. Fleetwood is a hotspot for eating places at locations like Jungle and Johnny’s Pizzeria, whereas the Bronx River Pathway is a superb spot for strolling or biking. Inexperienced area is restricted and facilities are pretty unfold out, although, so that you’ll possible should journey round Westchester County for a greater diversity of actions.
Mount Vernon houses on the market | Mount Vernon homes for lease | Mount Vernon flats for lease
6. Tonawanda, NY
Inhabitants:
71,314
Median Sale Worth:
$226,500
Median Hire Worth:
$1,225
Common Commute Time:
18.8 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
2.7%
Formally the City of Tonawanda, Tonawanda is a suburb simply north of Buffalo alongside the Niagara River. The close by Metropolis of Tonawanda is commonly lumped along with the City, however they’re separate locations. Affordability, Fifties-style neighborhoods, and comfy winter climate are main attracts of the world. You’re additionally simply 20 minutes from Niagara Falls and two hours from Toronto.
Tonawanda is usually residential however has pockets of facilities alongside Navy Street, Delaware Road, and Sheridan Drive. Trade dominates between Navy Street and the river. WWII fighter planes had been constructed at a manufacturing facility on Vulcan Road, however together with many different factories, it closed down after the battle.
Should you’re searching for groceries, retailers, or a bit to eat, you will discover the whole lot you want on the crossroads of Sheridan and Delaware. Acquainted chains like Chipotle and native shops like Kingpin Comics & Gaming are mainstays.
Importantly, Tonawanda has distinctive entry to the outside through the model new Empire State Path, which spans 750 miles throughout the whole state. Opened in 2020, the path runs from Buffalo to Albany and NYC to Champlain, offering days of uninterrupted working, strolling, or biking. The opposite choices native to Tonawanda are the Rails to Trails and Ellicott Creek Park. Make certain to cease by Ted’s Sizzling Canines whilst you’re out.
Tonawanda houses on the market | Tonawanda homes for lease | Tonawanda flats for lease
7. Yonkers, NY
Inhabitants:
207,657
Median Sale Worth:
$650,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,759
Common Commute Time:
34.6 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.4%
Yonkers, a quintessential NYC suburb, is available in at quantity seven on our record. Yonkers covers a big space simply north of the Bronx, between the Hudson River and historic Bronx River Parkway. Town is house to the whole lot, from fashionable flats alongside the revitalized riverfront, to tree-lined neighborhoods lined with colonial homes. It’s frequent for residents who dwell in Yonkers to work within the huge metropolis.
One of many main tasks the town not too long ago took on was restoring the historic Sawmill River. Like many different post-industrial river restorations, it was a serious endeavor, taking years and reshaping the world. Right this moment, although, the river runs freely by way of the guts of the town and is a beloved landmark for individuals, bugs, birds, and extra.
Apart from quiet neighborhoods and loads of greenery, Yonkers is thought for its buying. Spending a day perusing high-end retailers and day by day staples at Ridge Hill and Yonkers Gateway Middle is a deal with. Other than buying, you’ll additionally discover parks, historic websites, and museums, like Untermyer Park and Gardens, Van Cortlandt Park, and the Hudson River Museum. The Empire Metropolis On line casino and Raceway even hosts horse races, and is getting a makeover within the coming years.
Nonetheless, a draw back is the difficult day by day commute. Only one prepare (the Hudson Line) runs by way of city, so that you’ll possible want a automobile to get round. Sadly, site visitors might be tough if you happen to determine to drive, and its hilly topography can flip walks right into a exercise, too.
Yonkers houses on the market | Yonkers homes for lease | Yonkers flats for lease
8. Hempstead, NY
Inhabitants:
785,678
Median Sale Worth:
$586,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,828
Common Commute Time:
32.7 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.2%
The City of Hempstead, normally shortened to only Hempstead, is a Nassau County suburb simply east of Queens. Hempstead is definitely essentially the most populous “town” within the U.S., though the title of city refers primarily to authorities construction. Throughout the city are 50 separate villages and hamlets, together with the pricier Village of Hempstead, which may trigger confusion.
Hempstead is outdated and big, included in 1644 and spanning from Outdated Nation Street all the way in which to the Atlantic Coast. So it’s no surprise there are millions of issues to do at quite a few parks, museums, and nation golf equipment. Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Lake State Park, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Cherry Valley Membership, and extra are all widespread spots.
You even have nice meals choices all through the city, together with The French Work Store, La Fuente, and Napolini Pizzeria. Because you’re within the coronary heart of Nassau County, it’s additionally straightforward to jump over to a different city to discover what they’ve to supply. Many locals love meals in Backyard Metropolis, East Meadow, and Lynbrook – all simply minutes away.
Hempstead houses on the market | Hempstead homes for lease | Hempstead flats for lease
9. Albany, NY
Inhabitants:
101,228
Median Sale Worth:
$260,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,485
Common Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.3%
One of many oldest cities within the nation, Albany is the capital and ninth-best place to dwell in New York. Albany is lovingly nicknamed “Smalbany” for its small-town really feel and quaint character, containing the whole lot you need in a metropolis with out the noise or site visitors. It might lack a classy nightlife, however that’s a part of its laid-back enchantment. You’ll need to study hockey earlier than you progress.
Albany’s historic downtown is its centerpiece. It was settled within the 1600s alongside the Hudson River, and at this time is anchored by Pearl Road, the Empire State Plaza, and the New York State Capitol. Brownstones line each block, some house to fashionable eateries like The Hole Bar + Kitchen and 677 Prime, whereas others jut up towards Gothic-style buildings like St. Peter’s Church. The enduring Corning Riverfront Park is close by, as are leisure choices on the Palace Theatre, MVP Enviornment, and The Egg.
Maybe its highest quality is its employment alternatives. The state authorities and State College of New York (SUNY) are main employers, and Verizon, American Categorical, GE, and Worldwide Paper all have places of work on the town. Don’t neglect concerning the easy accessibility to nature, both, like at Thacher State Park, Washington Park, and Albany Pine Bush Protect.
Albany houses on the market | Albany homes for lease | Albany flats for lease
10. New Rochelle, NY
Inhabitants:
83,742
Median Sale Worth:
$649,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,934
Common Commute Time:
33 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.5%
Located simply east of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle is a lovely metropolis located on the sting of Lengthy Island Sound. Walkable streets, waterfront views, massive parks, and easy accessibility to NYC through the New Haven line are main advantages. It has lengthy been a premier suburb of New York due to its unspoiled seashores, tree-lined hills, and forward-thinking ethos, however the metropolis is simply getting began.
Nicknamed the “Queen City of the Sound,” New Rochelle has undergone great modifications over the previous 5 years, specifically, progress on a $4 billion redevelopment of the downtown hall. 10,000 new housing models, hip eating places, buying facilities, parks, and rather more are on the horizon. Nonetheless, it’s a well-liked spot to dwell, which is a part of why it’s costlier than close by Westchester County cities.
Many of the metropolis’s hotspots are positioned alongside historic Important Road, like Casaroma Cafe and Colombian Home. Close by, you’ll discover the marinas, yacht golf equipment, and waterside parks, like Horseshoe Harbor, Hudson Park and Seashore, and Glen Island Park. Briefly, you’ll all the time discover one thing new in New Rochelle.
New Rochelle houses on the market | New Rochelle homes for lease | New Rochelle flats for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to dwell. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open out of doors area, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, earnings, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or better had been thought-about for our New York record. Extra details about our methodology might be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
