With its scenic landscapes featuring the majestic Adirondack Mountains, the beautiful Finger Lakes region, and the picturesque Hudson Valley, living in Upstate New York has countless highlights. The region’s charming small towns and cities offer a blend of historic charm, cultural attractions, and culinary experiences, including local farm-to-table dining and craft breweries. If you’re looking to buy a home in New York, the median home sale price is $499,200. But if that price doesn’t fit your budget, don’t worry – we’re here to help.
At Redfin, we’ve put together a list of the 10 most affordable places to live in Upstate New York – and they all have a median home sale price under $499,200. Let’s jump in and see what cities made the list.
1. Elmira
Median home price: $82,450
Average sale price per square foot: $56
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,290
Median household income: $41,073
Elmira, NY homes for sale
Elmira, NY apartments for rent
Taking first place on our list of affordable places to live in Upstate New York is Elmira, with a median home sale price of $82,450. This charming town has a population of roughly 25,800. It’s known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and historic landmarks. For example, you can visit the Mark Twain Study, where the famous author wrote some of his most iconic works, and check out the Chemung Valley History Museum to delve into the area’s past. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tanglewood Nature Center offers hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and stunning views of the Chemung Valley. Don’t miss the chance to explore Eldridge Park, a picturesque green space featuring a vintage carousel and scenic lakeside views
2. Utica
Median home price: $140,000
Average sale price per square foot: $88
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,600
Median household income: $48,212
Utica, NY homes for sale
Utica, NY apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $140,000, Utica is a vibrant city with a population of 64,100. It offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of attractions, parks, and historic places to explore. In Utica, you can explore Munson, home to art by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol. If you want to head outside, check out the Utica Zoo or one of the many parks like Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Take the chance to sample Utica’s famous culinary creations, including tomato pie and Utica greens, at local eateries throughout the city.
3. Binghamton
Median home price: $141,000
Average sale price per square foot: $84
Median household income: $42,031
Binghamton, NY homes for sale
Binghamton, NY apartments for rent
Next is Binghamton, with a median home sale price of $141,000, a historic city with a population of 47,100. It has a community feeling and offers a range of outdoor activities, cultural events, and local attractions. Binghamton is home to several museums, such as the Phelps Mansion Museum, the Bundy Museum of History and Art, and the Roberson Museum and Science Center. You can also explore the Aqua-Terra Wilderness Area, featuring hiking trails, a fishing pond, and scenic views.
4. Rome
Median home price: $144,097
Average sale price per square foot: $114
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $600
Median household income: $56,901
Rome, NY homes for sale
Rome, NY apartments for rent
Northwest of Utica is Rome, another affordable place to live in Upstate New York. With a median home sale price of $144,097, Rome is a picturesque city with a population of 31,700. It blends historic charm and modern amenities with beautiful parks and local attractions. You can explore one of the many natural spaces like Oriskany Battlefield State Historic Site, Rome Sand Plains Unique Area, and Delta Lake State Park.
5. Corning
Median home price: $145,000
Average sale price per square foot: $95
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,195
Median household income: $59,453
Corning, NY homes for sale
Corning, NY apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $145,000, Corning is the next town to make our list. It’s a charming and vibrant city with a population of 10,700, so you’ll have that small-town feeling. There’s no shortage of things to do in the area, as Corning has a thriving arts and culture scene, beautiful parks, and various historic landmarks. You can check out the Corning Museum of Glass, the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes, The Rockwell Museum, and the Southside Historic District.
6. Rochester
Median home price: $152,500
Average sale price per square foot: $107
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,362
Median household income: $44,156
Rochester, NY homes for sale
Rochester, NY apartments for rent
Located along Lake Ontario, Rochester takes the sixth spot on our list. With a median home sale price of $152,500, this Upstate New York city has about 209,400 residents, making it one of the bigger cities on our list. There are countless things to do in Rochester, like visiting the Strong National Museum of Play, where you can immerse yourself in interactive exhibits showcasing the history of toys, games, and play, and exploring the George Eastman Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of photography and film. You can visit Ontario Beach Park, Turning Point Park, and the Peace Sign Garden Durand Eastman Park. Don’t miss the chance to explore the High Falls, a stunning natural waterfall located in the heart of downtown Rochester.
7. Schenectady
Median home price: $204,750
Average sale price per square foot: $121
Median household income: $54,650
Schenectady, NY homes for sale
Schenectady, NY apartments for rent
The seventh city is Schenectady, which has a population of 68,800. The median home sale price is about $295K under New York state’s average. It offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a variety of local attractions and parks. Make sure to explore the historic Stockade District, one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in the US, featuring beautifully preserved colonial-era architecture and charming cobblestone streets. You can also see the river views at Riverside Park or visit the Schenectady County Historical Society, which showcases artifacts and exhibits.
8. Troy
Median home price: $209,250
Average sale price per square foot: $116
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,350
Median household income: $54,837
Troy, NY homes for sale
Troy, NY apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $209,250, Troy is a historic city with a population of 50,900. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, particularly in downtown. Make sure to explore the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, see a performance at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, spend time outside at Prospect Park, and explore the charming downtown Troy with local shops and restaurants.
9. Glens Falls
Median home price: $235,500
Average sale price per square foot: $156
Median household income: $64,731
Glens Falls, NY homes for sale
Glens Falls, NY apartments for rent
Another great affordable town to check out is Glens Falls. The median home sale price is $235,500, with about 14,600 residents. It’s known for its scenic beauty, vibrant arts scene, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. In Glens Falls, you can check out the downtown area, where you’ll find museums like the Chapman Museum and The Hyde Collection, or you can visit one of the green spaces like Haviland Cove Park and Crandall Park.
10. Albany
Median home price: $250,000
Average sale price per square foot: $142
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,457
Median household income: $54,736
Albany, NY homes for sale
Albany, NY apartments for rent
The final area on our list of most affordable places to live in Upstate New York is Albany. As New York state’s capital, there are many reasons to enjoy living in Albany. You can check out the exhibits at the New York State Museum, take a walking tour of the Empire State Plaza featuring modernist buildings and public art installations, or explore the nearby Albany Pine Bush Preserve for hiking and birdwatching. Be sure to explore the historic neighborhoods of Albany, such as Lark Street and the Washington Park Historic District, known for their charming brownstones, trendy boutiques, and eclectic dining options.
Methodology: All cities must have over 10,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median list price in New York. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during February 2024. Average rental data from Rent.com February 2024. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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