Exploring The Best Suburbs to Live in New York

New York City is a bustling metropolis that attracts millions of visitors each year, but for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The suburbs of New York offer a variety of charming communities that are perfect for families, young professionals, and anyone looking for a quieter alternative to city life. From the picturesque hamlets of Westchester County to the charming villages of Long Island, the suburbs of New York have something for everyone.

If you are tired of the crowd and hustle of city life, the suburbs of New York are among the best places to live. They offer a peaceful and serene environment, have less crowd, low street noise, less pollution and some even have better schools and parks. They also have a lot to offer in entertainment and leisure activities, with multiple golf courses, shopping malls, and restaurants.

In this blog post, we’ll highlight 18 of the best suburbs in New York that are worth considering if you’re looking to make a move or just want to explore the surrounding areas.

What are the Best Suburbs in New York?

Suburbs are an excellent option for people who want to live in the city but not too close. The best suburbs are not just about the houses and property value, but it’s also about how you can spend your free time.

They offer a peaceful and calm environment perfect for families and a greater sense of safety and security which, at times, is not present in the city.

Let’s Look at the Top Picks for Some of the Best Suburbs in New York

1- Scarsdale, Westchester County

Location: Just 20 miles north of New York City
Population: 20,000 (Approx)

Scarsdale is a wealthy suburb known for its excellent schools, beautiful homes, and lush parks. Scarsdale is small enough to feel like a tight-knit community but still offers plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

2- Great Neck, Nassau County

Location: On the north shore of Long Island
Population: 40,000 (Approx)

Located, Great Neck is a picturesque suburb known for its tree-lined streets, elegant homes, and upscale shopping and dining. Great Neck is a relatively large suburb that offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, including affluent areas like Great Neck Estates and more modest neighborhoods like Lake Success.

3- Chappaqua, Westchester County

Location: 30 miles north of New York City
Population: 11,000 (Approx)

Chappaqua is a small, affluent suburb located in Westchester County, New York, just 30 miles north of New York City. It is known for its excellent schools, beautiful homes, and close proximity to the city. Chappaqua has a population of just under 11,000 and is a tight-knit community that offers a variety of shopping, dining, and recreational options.

The town is home to the Chappaqua Farmers Market, which is held on Sundays and features locally-grown produce, baked goods, and other products. Chappaqua is also home to the beautiful Rockefeller State Park Preserve, which offers over 1,400 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows for hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

4- Garden City, Nassau County

Location: South shore of Long Island
Population: 22,000 (Approx)

Garden City is a suburb located on the south shore of Long Island in Nassau County, New York. It is known for its tree-lined streets, elegant homes, and upscale shopping and dining options. Garden City has a population of around 22,000 and offers a variety of neighborhoods, including the historic Garden City Village and the more modern neighborhoods of Garden City South.

The community is served by excellent schools and has a variety of recreational options, including parks, golf courses, and sports facilities. Garden City is also home to the Garden City Hotel, a luxurious landmark that has been a popular destination for travelers since it was built in 1874.

5- Bronxville, Westchester County

Location: 15 miles north of New York City
Population: 6,000 (Approx)

Bronxville is a village located in Westchester County, New York, just north of New York City. It is known for its charming downtown area with tree-lined streets, upscale shops, and restaurants. The village is home to many families and professionals who appreciate its small-town feel while still being within easy commuting distance of New York City.

The Bronxville School District is highly rated, making the village a popular choice for families with children. Housing prices in Bronxville tend to be higher than the national average due to its desirable location and top-ranked school system. Despite its close proximity to the city, Bronxville has a peaceful, suburban atmosphere with plenty of green space and parkland.

6- Syosset, Nassau County

Location: North shore of Long Island
Population: 40,000 (Approx)

Syosset is a large suburb known for its diverse neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient location. Syosset offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, as well as a range of shopping, dining, and recreational options.

7- Rye, Westchester County

Location: 20 miles north of New York City
Population: 16,000 (Approx)

Rye is a city located in Westchester County, New York, approximately 40 minutes from New York City. It is situated on the Long Island Sound, offering residents access to beautiful beaches and water activities. The city has a charming downtown area with a mix of independent shops and chain stores, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Rye is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Boston Post Road Historic District and the Rye Playland amusement park, which features rides, games, and entertainment. The city is known for its excellent school system, making it a popular choice for families.

Housing prices in Rye tend to be higher than the national average due to its desirable location and high-ranking schools. Despite its proximity to the city, Rye has a small-town feel with a strong sense of community.

8- Manhasset, Nassau County

Location: North shore of Long Island
Population: 8,000 (Approx)

Manhasset is a large suburb located in Nassau County, New York. It is known for its elegant homes, upscale shopping and dining options, and close proximity to New York City. Manhasset is home to around 8,000 residents and offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.

The community is served by excellent schools and has a variety of recreational options, including parks, golf courses, and sports facilities. Manhasset is also home to the iconic Americana Manhasset shopping center. Which features a range of high-end retailers and dining options.

9- Larchmont, NY

Location: 18 miles northeast of Midtown Manhattan
Population: 6,000 (Approx)

Larchmont is an affluent hamlet in Westchester County, New York, United States. It is located in the northeast part of town and is a suburb of New York City. Larchmont’s population was 5,969 at the 2010 census.

The name “Larchmont” derives from the larch trees that once grew abundantly in the area. In 1869, a railroad station was established on what had been called “Tompkins Corners,” and the community that sprang up around it took its name from these trees.

10- White Plains, NY

Location: 25 miles (40 km) North of Midtown Manhattan
Population: 60,000 (Approx)

White plains is a purely residential suburb of New York City where seventeen public schools provide residents access to an easily accessible school system that offers curriculums at different academic levels.

In addition, although it’s relatively small in size- there are numerous programs in theater and such sports as golf and tennis to keep spirits high among residents. Suburbanites also enjoy a healthy network of cultural organizations that include theaters and art galleries.

11- Fieldston, Bronx

Population: 6,782 (Approx)

Fieldston is one of New York City’s wealthiest neighborhoods and is the most expensive to live in. It’s an affluent hamlet with a population of around 6,782 residents. The median home price in Fieldston is $1,365,000 – nearly 1.5 times that of Manhattan’s median home price!

Fieldston is located next to the Hudson River and has some of the best schools in New York. Along with a lot of green space and a diverse population.

12- West Village, Manhattan

Population: 32,192 (Approx)

West Village is one of the most popular and well-known neighborhoods in New York City. The area is close to iconic tourist attractions like the High Line and Hudson River Park. It also hosts the best restaurants, museums, and theaters in Manhattan.

The West Village is ideal for those who want to live close to work but not too close. It’s about 15-minute walk from Manhattan’s financial district.

13- Park Slope, Brooklyn

Population: 44,412 (Approx)

Park Slope is a beautiful suburb in Brooklyn, New York. It is a family-friendly place with plenty of parks and green spaces. The neighborhood is well-connected to the city’s public transit system, and it has some of the best schools in the city.

A possible downside to living in Park Slope is that it can be expensive, especially if you are on a budget. Rent prices are high, while property values are also expensive.

It has everything you could want from a suburb in New York, Excellent public schools, multiple restaurants, bars, and an easy commute to Manhattan. Park Slope also hosts tons of green spaces, the Brooklyn Museum, and a diverse population.

14- Upper East Side, Manhattan

The Upper East Side has the eastern side of Central Park, along with several museums, schools, and prestigious homes.

 It is among the most expensive areas to live in, with an average home costing $6 million. Apart from having the most expensive real estate in America, it is also known for its high-end shopping streets and restaurants. You can find luxury condominiums on Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and Park Avenue.

The Upper East Side has been home to famous personalities, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Gwyneth Paltrow, and David Letterman.

This neighborhood is a great place for a more suburban feel, with tree-lined streets and quiet parks.

15- Forest Hills, Queens

Population: 72,284 (Approx)

Forest Hill has a population of 72,284 and is known for its high-end homes and beautiful streets. The suburb has everything you need, including restaurants, parks, schools, and more.

The area has been recognized as one of the best places to live in NYC for many years due to its proximity to Manhattan, high-quality public schools, and beautiful natural setting with abundant parks and green space.

Forest Hills is the perfect example of an ideal suburban community that was once farmland and is now a diverse and thriving community. It hosts many attractions nearby, such as Flushing Meadows-Corona Park (the world’s largest park), Shea Stadium (home to the Mets), Citi Field (home to the Mets), as well as museums like MoMA PS1 Contemporary Art Center.

16- Silver Lake, Staten Island

Population: 3,523 (Approx)

Silver Lake is home to an eclectic mix of working professionals, hipsters, and families. The streets are lined with brownstones and tree-lined avenues. If you want to live in a bustling community with lots of culture and charm, Silver Lake is perfect for you!

It is popular among young professionals and lies among the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, with a median price for a home at 1.5 million dollars.

Silver Lake has the lowest crime rate in New York City, and it’s a great place to live if you want to avoid the hustle of Manhattan. It is also an excellent place for new families or retirees who are not on a budget.

17- Huguenot, Staten Island

Population: 10,678 (Approx)

Huguenot is a great place to live in New York. It has a lot of parks, schools and other facilities. Moreover, it is close to the Staten Island Ferry, which links you to Manhattan. It is one of the best places to live in New York, with a diverse population of around 10,678.

The Huguenot neighborhood has all amenities, including supermarkets, schools, parks, and more. The cost of living is also cheaper than in other areas of Staten Island due to the low population density. If you are looking for a suburban neighborhood with everything you need, this is the place to be.

18- Gramercy Park, Manhattan

Population: 27,988 (Approx)

This neighborhood is one of the city’s most expensive and offers a lot. You will find the best of everything in Gramercy Park, including schools, restaurants, and parks.

A major downside of living here is the price. The houses here are expensive, especially if they are newly built or renovated. In addition, there’s not much diversity when it comes to food options and entertainment venues. The median home value is $2,000,000, which makes it the most expensive suburb in New York City. The average household income is $1,000,000 annually, and the average person earns $500 per hour.

Gramercy Park’s residents are predominantly white-collar professionals who work on Wall Street or Midtown Manhattan offices. The neighborhood has a diverse mix of old-money families and young professionals looking for more housing on Fifth Avenue or Park Avenue.

New York Suburbs FAQs:

Are there any Suburbs in New York?

Yes, there are many great suburbs in New York City, each having its pros and cons. You can find a good suburb in each of New York’s five Burroughs.

How to Find the Best Suburb in New York for Families?

There are many ways to find the best suburb in New York for your family. You can look on the internet for suburbs with good schools, low crime rates, affordable housing prices, and a family-friendly environment. You can also ask your friends and family members who live in New York about their experiences and choose the best option.

What are the Most Affordable NYC Suburbs?

The most affordable suburbs in New York are Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens. These are the cheapest due to lower housing prices, rent, and property taxes compared to others.

What are the Most Expensive Suburbs in Upstate New York?

The most expensive suburbs in upstate New York are Hyde Park, Woodbury, and Pittsford.

These suburbs attract many wealthy individuals because of the large number of amenities along with high-quality schools, low crime rates, and other cultural attractions.

Which is the Easiest Suburb to Commute from and to New York Daily?

The easiest suburb to commute from in New York City is Bronxville. It offers affordable housing and a shorter ETA.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the suburbs of New York offer a variety of options for those looking to live outside of the city. From the charming small-town feel of Scarsdale to the diverse and vibrant community of Forest Hills, there is something for everyone.

These suburbs consistently rank highly in terms of safety, quality of schools, and access to amenities, making them great choices for families and individuals alike. Overall, the suburbs of New York provide a high standard of living and a sense of community that is hard to find in the bustling city.