If you happen to’re planning on shifting to New York, add these cities to your checklist.
From the bustle of New York Metropolis to the whispers of the Adirondack Mountains, New York has tens of millions of individuals and issues to do. However regardless of its inhabitants and popularity, the state is basically 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 usually 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 dwelling 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 different, 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 this 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 stay in New York, rating them on qualities resembling affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could 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 Lease Worth:
$1,520
Common Commute Time:
20 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.5%
Buffalo tops our checklist as one of the best place to stay in New York. An Upstate icon recognized for its sports activities, business, and deep snow, Buffalo offers a wonderful mixture of affordability, different facilities, and financial progress. World-class hospitals, tree-lined avenues, and quiet neighborhoods are added bonuses.
Winter climate performs an enormous position in every day life in Buffalo. Chilly Canadian air and loads of Lake Erie moisture frequently creates “lake-effect” storms that may produce ft of snow, which may 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 present, 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 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 put money into the area.
Even with current progress, Buffalo has remained comparatively inexpensive. However folks have began taking discover. Demand has shot up because the pandemic resulting from comparatively inexpensive housing and a powerful 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 residences for lease
2. New York Metropolis, NY
Inhabitants:
8.26 million
Median Sale Worth:
$840,000
Median Lease Worth:
$4,307
Common Commute Time:
41.4 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.2%
New York Metropolis. The Large Apple. A worldwide 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 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 this planet. So, in fact, it made Redfin’s checklist.
Due to its age and measurement, New York incorporates a little bit of every part. 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 retailers. Locals will let you know the place to search 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 approach. Prime-tier public transit and a walkable format 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 most costly within the nation, and rents can skyrocket into the tens of millions. Manhattan is by far the costliest borough, highlighted by the Hudson Yards and TriBeCa neighborhoods, whereas different boroughs are extra inexpensive. Many renters and patrons 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 residences for lease
3. Rochester, NY
Inhabitants:
207,274
Median Sale Worth:
$160,000
Median Lease 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 stay in New York. A gritty, industrial metropolis baked in historical past, Rochester is reworking 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 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 position by serving barges and stays a well-liked vacationer attraction. You possibly can 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 every part you need with out the crowds, worth, or noise. At the moment, it’s often called Flower Metropolis for its Lilac Pageant and gardens, with a rising deal with greenery. Plans to revitalize the Genesee River waterfront and join the Inside North Loop are additionally underway.
Rochester has usually performed host to social change. The Underground Railroad shaped on the town within the 1830s, and a few of 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 present.
The world’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 residences for lease
4. Syracuse, NY
Inhabitants:
170,000
Median Sale Worth:
$170,000
Median Lease 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 checklist of one of the best locations to stay in New York. A serious commerce hub that rose on the success of salt manufacturing, Syracuse noticed its inhabitants dwindle within the Nineteen Fifties resulting from industrial change, city renewal, and racial inequity. This helped present the picture that town was previous its prime. At the moment, 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 Growth Heart 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 town.
At the moment, affordability, comfort, neighborhood, and outside entry are among the many metropolis’s finest traits. Homes price lower than half the nationwide common, and strolling round Downtown or Armory Sq. is a breeze. Be sure that to go to Clinton Sq., Syracuse Stage, or the Downtown Farmers Market when you’re out. Or, seize a chew at Purple Chili, Pastabilities, or Sturdy Hearts. You’re additionally close to Oneida Lake, the New York State Honest, and loads of city parks.
Syracuse is usually the butt-end of jokes about climate, and for good motive; it’s normally cloudy, wet, or snowy. You possibly can 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 annually.
Syracuse houses on the market | Syracuse homes for lease | Syracuse residences for lease
5. Mount Vernon, NY
Inhabitants:
71,168
Median Sale Worth:
$629,750
Median Lease 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 stay in New York. Mount Vernon is a comparatively small metropolis that’s seeing plenty of progress and funding. The brand new Stadium at Memorial Area and The Bayou restaurant are a few of the finest locations to see. And maybe one of the best a part of residing in Mount Vernon is the straightforward entry to NYC. You possibly can simply commute into city through the Harlem or New Haven trains.
In 1890, town was cut up in half by the “Cut” – a railroad monitor constructed into a large trench alongside First Avenue. This venture actually and figuratively divided town, making a wealthier north aspect and poorer south aspect. Even with current authorities funding by means 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 may be funding to interchange it. Localized flooding close to the Bronx or Hutchinson Rivers is feasible.
Despite the fact that 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 area is restricted and facilities are pretty unfold out, although, so that you’ll seemingly should journey round Westchester County for a greater variety of actions.
Mount Vernon houses on the market | Mount Vernon homes for lease | Mount Vernon residences for lease
6. Tonawanda, NY
Inhabitants:
71,314
Median Sale Worth:
$226,500
Median Lease 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 usually 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 usually residential however has pockets of facilities alongside Army Highway, Delaware Avenue, and Sheridan Drive. Business dominates between Army Highway and the river. WWII fighter planes had been constructed at a manufacturing facility on Vulcan Avenue, however together with many different factories, it closed down after the battle.
If you happen to’re searching for groceries, retailers, or a bit to eat, yow will discover every part 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 your complete 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. Be sure that to cease by Ted’s Scorching Canine when you’re out.
Tonawanda houses on the market | Tonawanda homes for lease | Tonawanda residences for lease
7. Yonkers, NY
Inhabitants:
207,657
Median Sale Worth:
$650,000
Median Lease 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 checklist. Yonkers covers a big space simply north of the Bronx, between the Hudson River and historic Bronx River Parkway. The town is dwelling to every part, from trendy residences alongside the revitalized riverfront, to tree-lined neighborhoods lined with colonial homes. It’s widespread for residents who stay in Yonkers to work within the huge 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 serious endeavor, taking years and reshaping the world. At the moment, although, the river runs freely by means of the guts of town and is a beloved landmark for folks, 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 every day staples at Ridge Hill and Yonkers Gateway Heart is a deal with. Aside from 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 every day commute. Only one prepare (the Hudson Line) runs by means of city, so that you’ll seemingly want a automobile to get round. Sadly, site visitors may be troublesome in case you resolve to drive, and its hilly topography can flip walks right into a exercise, too.
Yonkers houses on the market | Yonkers homes for lease | Yonkers residences for lease
8. Hempstead, NY
Inhabitants:
785,678
Median Sale Worth:
$586,000
Median Lease Worth:
$2,828
Common Commute Time:
32.7 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
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 “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, integrated in 1644 and spanning from Previous Nation Highway 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 in style 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 simple 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 residences for lease
9. Albany, NY
Inhabitants:
101,228
Median Sale Worth:
$260,000
Median Lease 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 stay in New York. Albany is lovingly nicknamed “Smalbany” for its small-town really feel and quaint character, containing every part you need in a metropolis with out the noise or site visitors. It might lack a stylish nightlife, however that’s a part of its laid-back attraction. You’ll wish 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 present is anchored by Pearl Avenue, the Empire State Plaza, and the New York State Capitol. Brownstones line each block, some dwelling to trendy 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 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 Specific, GE, and Worldwide Paper all have places of work on the town. Don’t overlook in regards to the quick access 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 residences for lease
10. New Rochelle, NY
Inhabitants:
83,742
Median Sale Worth:
$649,000
Median Lease Worth:
$2,934
Common Commute Time:
33 minutes
Unemployment Fee:
4.5%
Located simply east of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle is a gorgeous metropolis located on the sting of Lengthy Island Sound. Walkable streets, waterfront views, massive parks, and quick access 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 large adjustments 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 well-liked spot to stay, which is a part of why it’s costlier than close by Westchester County cities.
A lot of the metropolis’s hotspots are situated alongside historic Essential 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 houses on the market | New Rochelle homes for lease | New Rochelle residences for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to stay. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes under consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside area, navigability, housing developments, 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 checklist. Extra details about our methodology may be discovered right here.
Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
