If you’re planning on moving to New York, add these cities to your list.
From the bustle of New York City to the whispers of the Adirondack Mountains, New York has millions of people and things to do. But despite its population and reputation, the state is largely rural. Some 7,600 lakes, seven million acres of farmland, and thousands of miles of coastline cover the land, offering both urban and natural escapes.
New York is typically broken up into ten economic regions, each with their own unique geography, culture, and climate. The rugged North County region houses forested wilderness. The snowy Central NY, Finger Lakes, and Western NY regions are home to the industrial hubs of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. Furthest south are New York City and Long Island. Since nearly half of the state’s population lives in and around NYC, most people simply call anything north of the city “Upstate” and the rest “Downstate.”
The state’s climate is varied, but is generally hot and humid in the summer and cold and snowy in the winter. Areas along Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are part of the Snow Belt and see among the heaviest snowfall in the world. Coastal locations along Long Island are milder.
So, which cities in the Empire State are right for you? In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in New York, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.
1. Buffalo, NY
| Population: | 274,678 |
| Median Sale Price: | $182,250 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,520 |
| Average Commute Time: | 20 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.5% |
Buffalo tops our list as the best place to live in New York. An Upstate icon known for its sports, industry, and deep snow, Buffalo provides an excellent mix of affordability, varied amenities, and economic growth. World-class hospitals, tree-lined avenues, and quiet neighborhoods are added bonuses.
Winter weather plays a huge role in daily life in Buffalo. Cold Canadian air and plenty of Lake Erie moisture regularly creates “lake-effect” storms that can produce feet of snow, which can be dangerous. Snow usually falls 5-15 miles south of downtown, especially around Orchard Park. If you want to avoid the worst of the storms, stick to the north of town.
Buffalo sits at the tip of Lake Erie and is a Rust Belt city through and through. It was an industrial powerhouse for nearly 200 years, primarily for steel manufacturing and grain shipping. However, like most Rust Belt cities, Buffalo’s economy and population declined in the 1930s-60s, and today, many buildings are abandoned.
However, over the past 10+ years, the city has begun transforming itself. Abandoned industrial areas are turning into hubs for breweries, lofts, and quirky shops. The historic waterfront is getting a complete makeover. And importantly, the government has worked to attract businesses and startups to put down roots and invest in the region.
Even with recent growth, Buffalo has remained relatively affordable. But people have started taking notice. Demand has shot up since the pandemic due to relatively affordable housing and a strong job market, which has begun pushing prices up and amplifying an already strained housing supply.
Buffalo homes for sale | Buffalo houses for rent | Buffalo apartments for rent
2. New York City, NY
| Population: | 8.26 million |
| Median Sale Price: | $840,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $4,307 |
| Average Commute Time: | 41.4 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.2% |
New York City. The Big Apple. A global center of finance, culture, and tourism, New York ranks among the top cities worldwide in numerous studies measuring economics, transportation, connectivity, and more. It’s also massive, spanning five distinct boroughs. When accounting for the entire metropolitan area, New York has over 23 million residents, making it the largest city in the U.S. and sixth-largest in the world. So, of course, it made Redfin’s list.
Because of its age and size, New York contains a bit of everything. Dense, winding neighborhoods lined with historic brownstones butt up against sparkling skyscrapers and historic landmarks. Food, entertainment, and leisure of all kinds dot every block corner, where Michelin-starred restaurants meet classic bagel shops. Locals will tell you where to find the best bagel and schmear.
Living in New York means getting used to crowds, noise, personalities, and a city that never sleeps. Many residents prefer it that way. Top-tier public transit and a walkable layout means most people get around via subway, bus, or on foot. Major flooding in 2021 and 2023 has highlighted the need for climate resilience, though.
With NYC’s many positives comes a hefty price tag. Housing costs are among the most expensive in the nation, and rents can skyrocket into the millions. Manhattan is by far the most expensive borough, highlighted by the Hudson Yards and TriBeCa neighborhoods, while other boroughs are more affordable. Many renters and buyers struggle to afford housing, but there are numerous programs and price control measures to help.
New York City homes for sale | New York City houses for rent | New York City apartments for rent
3. Rochester, NY
| Population: | 207,274 |
| Median Sale Price: | $160,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,449 |
| Average Commute Time: | 19.8 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 5.5% |
Built on the southern shores of Lake Ontario, Rochester is the third-best place to live in New York. A gritty, industrial city baked in history, Rochester is transforming into a hip, affordable town with attractions and amenities on every corner. The famous Upper Falls, Rochester Public Market, quality universities, and great-tasting water define the city.
Rochester celebrates its history. It was the world’s largest manufacturer of baking flour in the 19th-century, powered by the mighty Genesee River and 21 flour (grist) mills, earning the nickname Flour City. The iconic Erie Canal played a pivotal role by serving barges and remains a popular tourist attraction. You can take tours of the canal just outside of town at Fairport and Pittsford.
While Rochester declined in the late 1900s, it has again blossomed into a city with everything you want without the crowds, price, or noise. Today, it’s known as Flower City for its Lilac Festival and gardens, with a growing focus on greenery. Plans to revitalize the Genesee River waterfront and connect the Inner North Loop are also underway.
Rochester has often played host to social change. The Underground Railroad formed in town in the 1830s, and some of the first labor strikes occurred a couple of decades later. Legendary activists Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass both lived in Rochester in the 1800s. Activism is still celebrated today.
The area’s climate is generally pleasant, with cold winters and warm, muggy summers. Like Buffalo, Rochester can see heavy lake-effect snow. Plus, because Lake Ontario is deep and rarely freezes, it produces snow even in late winter. As winters warm, though, winter wonderlands are becoming less of a guarantee.
Rochester homes for sale | Rochester houses for rent | Rochester apartments for rent
4. Syracuse, NY
| Population: | 170,000 |
| Median Sale Price: | $170,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,310 |
| Average Commute Time: | 17.6 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 5.4% |
One of the snowiest cities in the country, Syracuse comes in at number four on our list of the best places to live in New York. A major trade hub that rose on the success of salt production, Syracuse saw its population dwindle in the 1950s due to industrial change, urban renewal, and racial inequity. This helped provide the image that the city was past its prime. Today, while it grapples with past mistakes, Syracuse is redefining itself.
While industries have changed, the city’s character has remained. Micron and Amazon now have headquarters in town, and the abandoned Syracuse Development Center is being transformed. Most importantly, the problematic Interstate 81 is getting torn down to make space for a new neighborhood, in hopes of uplifting a segregated portion of the city.
Today, affordability, convenience, community, and outdoor access are among the city’s best traits. Houses cost less than half the national average, and walking around Downtown or Armory Square is a breeze. Make sure to visit Clinton Square, Syracuse Stage, or the Downtown Farmers Market while you’re out. Or, grab a bite at Red Chili, Pastabilities, or Strong Hearts. You’re also near Oneida Lake, the New York State Fair, and plenty of urban parks.
Syracuse is often the butt-end of jokes about weather, and for good reason; it’s usually cloudy, rainy, or snowy. You can thank nearby Lake Ontario and the Allegheny Plateau foothills for that. Syracuse sees 16 more days of measurable rainfall than Seattle and averages 128 inches of snow each year.
Syracuse homes for sale | Syracuse houses for rent | Syracuse apartments for rent
5. Mount Vernon, NY
| Population: | 71,168 |
| Median Sale Price: | $629,750 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,344 |
| Average Commute Time: | 37.3 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.3% |
Mount Vernon, just north of the Bronx and east of Yonkers, is the fifth-best place to live in New York. Mount Vernon is a relatively small city that is seeing a lot of growth and investment. The new Stadium at Memorial Field and The Bayou restaurant are some of the best places to see. And perhaps the best part of living in Mount Vernon is the easy access to NYC. You can easily commute into town via the Harlem or New Haven trains.
In 1890, the city was split in half by the “Cut” – a railroad track built into a massive trench along First Street. This project literally and figuratively divided the city, creating a wealthier north side and poorer south side. Even with recent government investment through renewed bridges and art installations, this divide persists. The south side also continues to deal with sewage overflows because of crumbling infrastructure, although there is funding to replace it. Localized flooding near the Bronx or Hutchinson Rivers is possible.
Even though it’s primarily residential, Mount Vernon has quite a few amenities in town. Fleetwood is a hotspot for restaurants at places like Jungle and Johnny’s Pizzeria, while the Bronx River Pathway is a great spot for walking or cycling. Green space is limited and amenities are fairly spread out, though, so you’ll likely have to travel around Westchester County for a wider variety of activities.
Mount Vernon homes for sale | Mount Vernon houses for rent | Mount Vernon apartments for rent
6. Tonawanda, NY
| Population: | 71,314 |
| Median Sale Price: | $226,500 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,225 |
| Average Commute Time: | 18.8 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 2.7% |
Officially the Town of Tonawanda, Tonawanda is a suburb just north of Buffalo along the Niagara River. The nearby City of Tonawanda is often lumped together with the Town, but they’re separate places. Affordability, 1950s-style neighborhoods, and cozy winter weather are major draws of the area. You’re also just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls and two hours from Toronto.
Tonawanda is mostly residential but has pockets of amenities along Military Road, Delaware Street, and Sheridan Drive. Industry dominates between Military Road and the river. WWII fighter planes were built at a factory on Vulcan Street, but along with many other factories, it closed down after the war.
If you’re looking for groceries, shops, or a bit to eat, you can find everything you need at the crossroads of Sheridan and Delaware. Familiar chains like Chipotle and local stores like Kingpin Comics & Gaming are mainstays.
Importantly, Tonawanda has unique access to the outdoors via the brand new Empire State Trail, which spans 750 miles across the entire state. Opened in 2020, the trail runs from Buffalo to Albany and NYC to Champlain, providing days of uninterrupted running, walking, or cycling. The other options local to Tonawanda are the Rails to Trails and Ellicott Creek Park. Make sure to stop by Ted’s Hot Dogs while you’re out.
Tonawanda homes for sale | Tonawanda houses for rent | Tonawanda apartments for rent
7. Yonkers, NY
| Population: | 207,657 |
| Median Sale Price: | $650,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $2,759 |
| Average Commute Time: | 34.6 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.4% |
Yonkers, a quintessential NYC suburb, comes in at number seven on our list. Yonkers covers a large area just north of the Bronx, between the Hudson River and historic Bronx River Parkway. The city is home to everything, from modern apartments along the revitalized riverfront, to tree-lined neighborhoods lined with colonial houses. It’s common for residents who live in Yonkers to work in the big city.
One of the major projects the city recently took on was restoring the historic Sawmill River. Like many other post-industrial river restorations, it was a major undertaking, taking years and reshaping the area. Today, though, the river runs freely through the heart of the city and is a beloved landmark for people, bugs, birds, and more.
Besides quiet neighborhoods and plenty of greenery, Yonkers is known for its shopping. Spending a day perusing high-end shops and daily staples at Ridge Hill and Yonkers Gateway Center is a treat. Apart from shopping, you’ll also find parks, historic sites, and museums, like Untermyer Park and Gardens, Van Cortlandt Park, and the Hudson River Museum. The Empire City Casino and Raceway even hosts horse races, and is getting a makeover in the coming years.
However, a downside is the challenging daily commute. Just one train (the Hudson Line) runs through town, so you’ll likely need a car to get around. Unfortunately, traffic can be difficult if you decide to drive, and its hilly topography can turn walks into a workout, too.
Yonkers homes for sale | Yonkers houses for rent | Yonkers apartments for rent
8. Hempstead, NY
| Population: | 785,678 |
| Median Sale Price: | $586,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $2,828 |
| Average Commute Time: | 32.7 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.2% |
The Town of Hempstead, usually shortened to just Hempstead, is a Nassau County suburb just east of Queens. Hempstead is actually the most populous “town” in the U.S., although the title of town refers primarily to government structure. Within the town are 50 separate villages and hamlets, including the pricier Village of Hempstead, which can cause confusion.
Hempstead is old and massive, incorporated in 1644 and spanning from Old Country Road all the way to the Atlantic Coast. So it’s no wonder there are thousands of things to do at numerous parks, museums, and country clubs. Eisenhower Park, Hempstead Lake State Park, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Cherry Valley Club, and more are all popular spots.
You also have great food options throughout the town, including The French Work Shop, La Fuente, and Napolini Pizzeria. Since you’re in the heart of Nassau County, it’s also easy to hop over to another town to explore what they have to offer. Many locals love food in Garden City, East Meadow, and Lynbrook – all just minutes away.
Hempstead homes for sale | Hempstead houses for rent | Hempstead apartments for rent
9. Albany, NY
| Population: | 101,228 |
| Median Sale Price: | $260,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $1,485 |
| Average Commute Time: | 18.5 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.3% |
One of the oldest cities in the country, Albany is the capital and ninth-best place to live in New York. Albany is lovingly nicknamed “Smalbany” for its small-town feel and quaint character, containing everything you want in a city without the noise or traffic. It may lack a trendy nightlife, but that’s part of its laid-back appeal. You’ll want to learn about hockey before you move.
Albany’s historic downtown is its centerpiece. It was settled in the 1600s along the Hudson River, and today is anchored by Pearl Street, the Empire State Plaza, and the New York State Capitol. Brownstones line every block, some home to modern eateries like The Hollow Bar + Kitchen and 677 Prime, while others jut up against Gothic-style buildings like St. Peter’s Church. The iconic Corning Riverfront Park is nearby, as are entertainment options at the Palace Theatre, MVP Arena, and The Egg.
Perhaps its best quality is its employment opportunities. The state government and State University of New York (SUNY) are major employers, and Verizon, American Express, GE, and International Paper all have offices in town. Don’t forget about the easy access to nature, either, like at Thacher State Park, Washington Park, and Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
Albany homes for sale | Albany houses for rent | Albany apartments for rent
10. New Rochelle, NY
| Population: | 83,742 |
| Median Sale Price: | $649,000 |
| Median Rent Price: | $2,934 |
| Average Commute Time: | 33 minutes |
| Unemployment Rate: | 4.5% |
Situated just east of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle is a beautiful city situated on the edge of Long Island Sound. Walkable streets, waterfront views, large parks, and easy access to NYC via the New Haven line are major benefits. It has long been a premier suburb of New York because of its unspoiled beaches, tree-lined hills, and forward-thinking ethos, but the city is just getting started.
Nicknamed the “Queen City of the Sound,” New Rochelle has undergone tremendous changes over the past five years, namely, progress on a $4 billion redevelopment of the downtown corridor. 10,000 new housing units, hip restaurants, shopping centers, parks, and much more are on the horizon. However, it’s a popular spot to live, which is part of why it’s more expensive than nearby Westchester County cities.
Most of the city’s hotspots are located along historic Main Street, like Casaroma Cafe and Colombian House. Nearby, you’ll find the marinas, yacht clubs, and waterside parks, like Horseshoe Harbor, Hudson Park and Beach, and Glen Island Park. In short, you’ll always find something new in New Rochelle.
New Rochelle homes for sale | New Rochelle houses for rent | New Rochelle apartments for rent
Methodology
Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings are meant to help home searchers make an informed decision when choosing where to live. To attempt to measure the overall quality of a metro area, each ranking takes into account several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and travel time to work. Only metros with a population of 50,000 or greater were considered for our New York list. More information about our methodology can be found here.
Data valid January 2025. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.
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