For those who’re planning on shifting to New York, add these cities to your listing.
From the bustle of New York Metropolis to the whispers of the Adirondack Mountains, New York has hundreds of thousands of individuals and issues to do. However regardless of its inhabitants and popularity, the state is largely rural. Some 7,600 lakes, seven million acres of farmland, and 1000’s 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 commercial hubs of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. Furthest south are New York Metropolis and Lengthy Island. Since practically half of the state’s inhabitants lives in and round NYC, most individuals merely name something north of town “Upstate” and the remainder “Downstate.”
The state’s local weather is assorted, 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 earth. 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 the perfect 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 Value:
$182,250
Median Lease Value:
$1,520
Common Commute Time:
20 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
4.5%
Buffalo tops our listing as the perfect place to dwell in New York. An Upstate icon identified for its sports activities, trade, and deep snow, Buffalo gives a superb mixture of affordability, assorted facilities, and financial development. World-class hospitals, tree-lined avenues, and quiet neighborhoods are added bonuses.
Winter climate performs an enormous position in day by day life in Buffalo. Chilly Canadian air and loads of Lake Erie moisture often 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, keep on with the north of city.
Buffalo sits on the tip of Lake Erie and is a Rust Belt metropolis by means of and thru. It was an industrial powerhouse for practically 200 years, primarily for metal manufacturing and grain delivery. 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, town has begun reworking itself. Deserted industrial areas are turning into hubs for breweries, lofts, and quirky outlets. The historic waterfront is getting a full makeover. And importantly, the federal government has labored to draw companies and startups to place down roots and put money into the area.
Even with latest development, Buffalo has remained comparatively reasonably priced. However individuals have began taking discover. Demand has shot up because the pandemic attributable to comparatively reasonably priced housing and a sturdy job market, which has begun pushing costs up and amplifying an already strained housing provide.
Buffalo properties on the market | Buffalo homes for lease | Buffalo residences for lease
2. New York Metropolis, NY
Inhabitants:
8.26 million
Median Sale Value:
$840,000
Median Lease Value:
$4,307
Common Commute Time:
41.4 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
4.2%
New York Metropolis. The Massive Apple. A worldwide middle of finance, tradition, and tourism, New York ranks among the many high cities worldwide in quite a few research measuring economics, transportation, connectivity, and extra. It’s additionally large, spanning 5 distinct boroughs. When accounting for your complete metropolitan space, New York has over 23 million residents, making it the biggest metropolis within the U.S. and sixth-largest on the earth. So, after all, it made Redfin’s listing.
Due to its age and dimension, New York incorporates a little bit of every little thing. Dense, winding neighborhoods lined with historic brownstones butt up in opposition to glowing skyscrapers and historic landmarks. Meals, leisure, and leisure of every kind dot each block nook, the place Michelin-starred eating places meet traditional bagel outlets. Locals will let you know the place to seek out the perfect bagel and schmear.
Dwelling in New York means getting used to crowds, noise, personalities, and a metropolis that by no means sleeps. Many residents desire it that means. High-tier public transit and a walkable format means most individuals get round by way of 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 most costly within the nation, and rents can skyrocket into the hundreds of thousands. Manhattan is by far probably the most costly borough, highlighted by the Hudson Yards and TriBeCa neighborhoods, whereas different boroughs are extra reasonably priced. Many renters and patrons battle to afford housing, however there are quite a few applications and worth management measures to assist.
New York Metropolis properties on the market | New York Metropolis homes for lease | New York Metropolis residences for lease
3. Rochester, NY
Inhabitants:
207,274
Median Sale Value:
$160,000
Median Lease Value:
$1,449
Common Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
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 reworking right into a hip, reasonably priced city with sights and facilities on each nook. The well-known Higher Falls, Rochester Public Market, high quality universities, and great-tasting water outline 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 long-lasting Erie Canal performed a pivotal position by serving barges and stays a preferred vacationer attraction. You may take excursions of the canal simply exterior of city at Fairport and Pittsford.
Whereas Rochester declined within the late 1900s, it has once more blossomed right into a metropolis with every little thing you need with out the crowds, worth, or noise. At this time, it’s often known as Flower Metropolis for its Lilac Competition and gardens, with a rising concentrate on greenery. Plans to revitalize the Genesee River waterfront and join the Internal North Loop are additionally underway.
Rochester has typically performed host to social change. The Underground Railroad shaped on the town within the 1830s, and among the first labor strikes occurred a few many years 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 infrequently freezes, it produces snow even in late winter. As winters heat, although, winter wonderlands have gotten much less of a assure.
Rochester properties on the market | Rochester homes for lease | Rochester residences for lease
4. Syracuse, NY
Inhabitants:
170,000
Median Sale Value:
$170,000
Median Lease Value:
$1,310
Common Commute Time:
17.6 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
5.4%
One of many snowiest cities within the nation, Syracuse is available in at quantity 4 on our listing of the perfect locations to dwell in New York. A main commerce hub that rose on the success of salt manufacturing, Syracuse noticed its inhabitants dwindle within the Nineteen Fifties attributable to industrial change, city renewal, and racial inequity. This helped present the picture that town was previous its prime. At this time, whereas it grapples with previous errors, Syracuse is redefining itself.
Whereas industries have modified, town’s character has remained. Micron and Amazon now have headquarters on the town, and the deserted Syracuse Improvement Heart is being reworked. Most significantly, the problematic Interstate 81 is getting torn down to create space for a new neighborhood, in hopes of uplifting a segregated portion of town.
At this time, affordability, comfort, group, and out of doors entry are among the many metropolis’s greatest traits. Homes price lower than half the nationwide common, and strolling round Downtown or Armory Sq. is a breeze. Ensure 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 may 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 properties on the market | Syracuse homes for lease | Syracuse residences for lease
5. Mount Vernon, NY
Inhabitants:
71,168
Median Sale Value:
$629,750
Median Lease Value:
$1,344
Common Commute Time:
37.3 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
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 development and funding. The brand new Stadium at Memorial Discipline and The Bayou restaurant are among the greatest locations to see. And maybe the perfect a part of dwelling in Mount Vernon is the simple entry to NYC. You may simply commute into city by way of the Harlem or New Haven trains.
In 1890, town was cut up in half by the “Minimize” – a railroad observe constructed into a large trench alongside First Avenue. This venture actually and figuratively divided town, making a wealthier north facet and poorer south facet. Even with latest authorities funding by means of renewed bridges and artwork installations, this divide persists. The south facet additionally continues to cope with sewage overflows due to crumbling infrastructure, though there may be funding to exchange it. Localized flooding close to the Bronx or Hutchinson Rivers is feasible.
Although it’s primarily residential, Mount Vernon has fairly a couple 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 house is proscribed and facilities are pretty unfold out, although, so that you’ll probably need to journey round Westchester County for a greater diversity of actions.
Mount Vernon properties on the market | Mount Vernon homes for lease | Mount Vernon residences for lease
6. Tonawanda, NY
Inhabitants:
71,314
Median Sale Value:
$226,500
Median Lease Value:
$1,225
Common Commute Time:
18.8 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
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, Nineteen 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 generally residential however has pockets of facilities alongside Navy Street, Delaware Avenue, and Sheridan Drive. Trade dominates between Navy Street and the river. WWII fighter planes have been constructed at a manufacturing facility on Vulcan Avenue, however together with many different factories, it closed down after the struggle.
For those who’re searching for groceries, outlets, or a bit to eat, you’ll find every little thing 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 by way of the model new Empire State Path, which spans 750 miles throughout your complete state. Opened in 2020, the path runs from Buffalo to Albany and NYC to Champlain, offering days of uninterrupted operating, strolling, or biking. The opposite choices native to Tonawanda are the Rails to Trails and Ellicott Creek Park. Ensure to cease by Ted’s Sizzling Canine whilst you’re out.
Tonawanda properties on the market | Tonawanda homes for lease | Tonawanda residences for lease
7. Yonkers, NY
Inhabitants:
207,657
Median Sale Value:
$650,000
Median Lease Value:
$2,759
Common Commute Time:
34.6 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
4.4%
Yonkers, a quintessential NYC suburb, is available in at quantity seven on our listing. Yonkers covers a big space simply north of the Bronx, between the Hudson River and historic Bronx River Parkway. Town is house to every little thing, from fashionable residences alongside the revitalized riverfront, to tree-lined neighborhoods lined with colonial homes. It’s widespread for residents who dwell in Yonkers to work within the large metropolis.
One of many main tasks town just lately took on was restoring the historic Sawmill River. Like many different post-industrial river restorations, it was a significant enterprise, taking years and reshaping the world. At this time, although, the river runs freely by means of the guts of town and is a beloved landmark for individuals, bugs, birds, and extra.
Moreover quiet neighborhoods and loads of greenery, Yonkers is thought for its buying. Spending a day perusing high-end outlets and day by day staples at Ridge Hill and Yonkers Gateway Heart 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 means of city, so that you’ll probably want a automotive to get round. Sadly, visitors may be tough when you determine to drive, and its hilly topography can flip walks right into a exercise, too.
Yonkers properties on the market | Yonkers homes for lease | Yonkers residences for lease
8. Hempstead, NY
Inhabitants:
785,678
Median Sale Value:
$586,000
Median Lease Value:
$2,828
Common Commute Time:
32.7 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
4.2%
The City of Hempstead, normally shortened to simply Hempstead, is a Nassau County suburb simply east of Queens. Hempstead is definitely probably the most populous “city” 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 might trigger confusion.
Hempstead is previous and big, settled in 1644 and spanning from Outdated Nation Street all the way in which to the Atlantic Coast. So it’s no surprise there are literally thousands 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 fashionable 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 properties on the market | Hempstead homes for lease | Hempstead residences for lease
9. Albany, NY
Inhabitants:
101,228
Median Sale Value:
$260,000
Median Lease Value:
$1,485
Common Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
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 every little thing you need in a metropolis with out the noise or visitors. It might lack a stylish nightlife, however that’s a part of its laid-back attraction. You’ll need to find out about 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 Avenue, 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 in opposition to Gothic-style buildings like St. Peter’s Church. The long-lasting Corning Riverfront Park is close by, as are leisure choices on the Palace Theatre, MVP Area, 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 in regards to the quick access to nature, both, like at Thacher State Park, Washington Park, and Albany Pine Bush Protect.
Albany properties on the market | Albany homes for lease | Albany residences for lease
10. New Rochelle, NY
Inhabitants:
83,742
Median Sale Value:
$649,000
Median Lease Value:
$2,934
Common Commute Time:
33 minutes
Unemployment Charge:
4.5%
Located simply east of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle is a stupendous metropolis located on the sting of Lengthy Island Sound. Walkable streets, waterfront views, massive parks, and quick access to NYC by way of 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 Metropolis of the Sound,” New Rochelle has undergone super modifications over the previous 5 years, particularly, progress on a $4 billion redevelopment of the downtown hall. 10,000 new housing models, hip eating places, buying facilities, parks, and way more are on the horizon. Nonetheless, it’s a preferred 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 Foremost Avenue, 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. In brief, you’ll at all times discover one thing new in New Rochelle.
New Rochelle properties on the market | New Rochelle homes for lease | New Rochelle residences for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable determination when selecting the place to dwell. To aim 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 house, navigability, housing developments, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of fifty,000 or larger have been thought-about for our New York listing. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.