New York, also known as the “The Empire State,” has many wonderful cities like Buffalo, the home of the Buffalo Bills, and New York City, the largest city in the United States by population. With so much diversity within each area, it’s no wonder that nearly 20 million people call this state home. If you are considering living in New York but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled the 10 fastest-growing cities in New York that saw the most significant population increase over 5 years, from 2017 to 2021.
#1: Buffalo, NY
Median sale price: $230,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,471
Buffalo, NY homes for sale
Buffalo, NY apartments for rent
The fastest-growing city in New York, Buffalo, NY is best known for its food, sports teams, and architecture. The city currently has a population of nearly 276,800, which is an increase of 8% from 2017.
There are many reasons why people are moving to Buffalo from wonderful parks, including Delaware Park, Buffalo Harbor State Park, and Cazenovia Park. to a diverse arts and entertainment scene with museums like the Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum, and Buffalo Naval Park. There are also great entertainment venues, such as Kleinhans Music Hall and Shea’s Buffalo Theatre; plus many excellent restaurants such as Tourant, Osteria 166, and Tappo Restaurant.
#2: Utica, NY
Median sale price: $155,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,845
Utica, NY homes for sale
Utica, NY apartments for rent
Located at the base of the Adirondack and Catskill mountain ranges, Utica, NY takes the number two of the fastest growing cities in New York. Utica saw a 7% increase in population to its current population of around 64,500.
There are countless things to do in Utica, such as lounging at Roscoe Conkling Park or FT Proctor Park, enjoying a delicious meal at The Tailor and the Cook, Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub, or Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse, immersing yourself in the arts scene at Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, or watching a show at The Standley Theatre.
#3: Mount Vernon, NY
Median sale price: $320,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,800
Mount Vernon, NY homes for sale
Mount Vernon, NY apartments for rent
Mount Vernon, NY is a beautiful suburban city situated on the Bronx and Hutchinson rivers, just north of the Bronx, NY. The city is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the urban center. The city is named for the plantation in the state of Virginia where George Washington spent much of his life; however, he was never a resident of New York’s Mount Vernon.
If you are itching to try a local restaurant, check out The Bayou and Maggie Spillane’s Ale House and Rooftop. Also. be sure to take a walk through one of the numerous parks like Willson’s Woods Park.
The population of Mount Vernon is about 72,900, a 7% increase since 2017.
#4: Hempstead, NY
Median sale price: $530,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,825
Hempstead, NY homes for sale
Hempstead, NY apartments for rent
The home of Hofstra University and for being the most populous town in Nassau County, Hempstead, NY is the fourth fastest growing cities in New York. The city’s population is at around 58,750, accounting for a 6% increase.
There are a ton of great activities in Hempstead, from setting up a picnic in Hempstead Lake State Park and Kennedy Memorial Park to trying the local cuisine at Mi Tierrita Restaurant, El Ajicito, or Pollos Mario Stead House & Seafood. If you love the arts and entertainment scene, pay a visit to check out African American Museum of Nassau County and Hofstra University Museum of Art.
#5: Yonkers, NY
Median sale price: $512,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,921
Yonkers, NY homes for sale
Yonkers, NY apartments for rent
Looking for a great place to live? look no further than Yonkers, NY. The city is known for a variety of things, including its rich history, diverse population, and an array of amenities. Yonkers is also known for being the fourth largest city in the state of New York and is the fifth fastest growing city in New York. Its population increased 5% to about 209,550 residents.
If you want to know what there’s to do in Yonkers, there are many things that are sure to excite such as playing sports at Untermyer Gardens Conservancy or Tibbetts Brook Park, spending a day at the Hudson River Museum, or eating a delicious meal at Rory Dolan’s Restaurant & Bar or Gianna’s.
#6: New Rochelle, NY
Median sale price: $814,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,690
New Rochelle, NY homes for sale
New Rochelle, NY apartments for rent
Coming in at sixth, New Rochelle, NY is best known for being a quiet suburb of New York City. It is also known for its excellent public schools and its diverse population.
There are many exciting activities to do while living in New Rochelle, such as eating at a local restaurant at Alvin & Friends, Dubrovnik, or Posto 22 and visiting a museum like the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum, playing sports at Hudson Park & Beach, Five Islands Park, and Davenport Park.
The city grew 3% since 2017 to its current population of nearly 81,600.
#7: Syracuse, NY
Median sale price: $165,500
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,348
Syracuse, NY homes for sale
Syracuse, NY apartments for rent
Want to move to Syracuse, NY? Known for being home to Syracuse University, Syracuse has a population of nearly 146,150, seeing a 3% increase.
There are a lot of fun activities to explore in the city from visiting the Museum of Science & Technology or Erie Canal Museum to relaxing at Thornden Park and Upper Onondaga Park. Make sure to grab a quick bite at Pastabilities, Modern Malt, and Lemon Grass Restaurant, and afterward, catch a show at Westcott Theatre, The Lost Horizon, or The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters.
#8: Schenectady, NY
Median sale price: $232,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:$1,785
Schenectady, NY homes for sale
Schenectady, NY apartments for rent
Schenectady, NY comes in at eighth and is best known for its rich history and its many contributions to the arts and sciences. Schenectady is also known for its strong community spirit and commitment to the environment. It saw an increase of 3% to its current population of about 67,000.
If you’re curious to know what activities you can do in Schenectady, NY, be sure to check out one of the many great parks such as Central Park and Riverside Park and venues like Centre Street Public House and Beer Garden and Schenectady Light Opera Co. Make sure also to visit local favorite restaurants Tara Kitchen and Johnny’s for a taste of what the city has to offer and later on visit the Museum of Innovation & Science.
#9: Rochester, NY
Median sale price: $180,000
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,727
Rochester, NY homes for sale
Rochester, NY apartments for rent
Known as the “Flour City” because of the many flour mills that were built along the Genesee River in the early 19th century, Rochester, NY is the ninth fastest growing city in New York. About 210,600 people call this city home, which is a 2.03% increase.
Looking for fun activities in Rochester, NY? Well, there are many things that are sure to keep you busy. You can admire nature at Highland Park and Cobb’s Hill Park. If you love to try new restaurants, be sure to swing by The Owl House, Nosh, and Good Luck. If you are looking to check out the arts and entertainment scene, be sure to check out RBTL’s Auditorium Theatre, The Montage Music Hall, Photo City Music Hall, Rochester Museum & Science Center, The Strong National Museum of Play, or George Eastman Museum. There are certainly many great things to do while living in Rochester.
#10: White Plains, NY
Median sale price: $569,150
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $4,097
White Plains, NY homes for sale
White Plains, NY apartments for rent
Rounding off our list is White Plains, NY. White Plains is well known for being home to Westchester’s largest walkable downtown center featuring numerous shops and restaurants, as well as playing host to events throughout the year. The population of White Plains is about 59,550, which was a 1.95% increase.
There are a lot of activities to do in White Plains, NY. From parks like Saxon Woods Park to restaurants like Lily’s and Sapori, there are many things to explore. Be sure to catch a show at the White Plains Performing Arts Center.
Methodology: Population growth was calculated over a 5-year span (2017 vs. 2021). Only cities with a population of over 50,000 were used, as anything smaller is considered a town. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022.
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