10 Best Cities in New York To Live This Year — Are They Affordable?
Written by
J. David Herman
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Despite its declining population, New York state still boasts cities with a lot to offer. The biggest hurdle for many potential new residents may be affordability, depending on where they’re looking.
A recent study by Redfin named the Empire State’s 10 best cities to live in, based on factors like affordability, healthcare access, employment rates and average commutes. Affordability of housing varied widely among the top 10, with average home sale prices ranging from $160,000 to $840,000. Average monthly rents ranged from $1,225 to $4,307.
Here’s the Redfin list, counting down from the 10th to the No. 1 best city in New York to live in.
10. New Rochelle
- Location: In Westchester County, about 17 miles from Midtown Manhattan
- Population: 84,000
- Median home sale price: $649,000
- Median monthly rent: $2,934
A suburb of New York City, New Rochelle features numerous waterfront activities along Long Island Sound.
9. Albany
- Location: In Albany County, 150 miles north of New York City and 170 miles west of Boston
- Population: 102,000
- Median home sale price: $260,000
- Median monthly rent: $1,485
The state capital, Albany is New York’s oldest city. Its attractions include a historic downtown dating back to the 1600s and seven different colleges, including SUNY Albany.
8. Hempstead
- Location: In Nassau County, Long Island
- Population: 786,000
- Median home sale price: $586,000
- Median monthly rent: $2,828
The home of Hofstra University, Hempstead features proximity to three different state parks.
7. Yonkers
- Location: In Westchester County, just north of the Bronx
- Population: 208,000
- Median home sale price: $650,000
- Median monthly rent: $2,759
Another New York City suburb, Yonkers offers easy access to the Hudson River and attractions like 161-acre Tibbets Brook Park.
6. Tonawanda
- Location: In Erie County, 12 miles north of Buffalo
- Population: 16,000
- Median home sale price: $226,500
- Median monthly rent: $1,225
With just 16,000 residents, Tonawanda is the smallest city on the list. It is located about 10 miles from Niagara Falls.
5. Mount Vernon
- Location: In Westchester County, just north of the Bronx
- Population: 72,000
- Median home sale price: $629,750
- Median monthly rent: $1,344
Not to be confused with another Mount Vernon in New York’s Erie County, or the more famous Mount Vernon in Virginia, this Mount Vernon is an inner suburb of New York City. It features multiple historic sites, including St. Paul’s Church.
4. Syracuse
- Location: In Onondaga County, 90 miles east of Rochester
- Population: 170,000
- Median home sale price: $170,000
- Median monthly rent: $1,310
Home to Syracuse University, this upstate city also offers a lively arts scene and more than 1,000 acres of parks and recreational facilities.
3. Rochester
- Location: In Monroe County, 90 miles west of Syracuse and 70 miles east of Buffalo
- Population: 208,000
- Median home sale price: $160,000
- Median monthly rent: $1,449
Rochester is home to multiple universities including the Rochester Institute of Technology. It is also a historic city, known for the Underground Railroad and battles for women’s rights.
2. New York City
- Location: Consists of five counties at the southern tip of the state
- Population: 8.26 million
- Median home sale price: $840,000
- Median monthly rent: $4,307
The Big Apple needs no introduction. New York City is the largest city in the United States and a major international hub for finance, fashion, entertainment, sports, the arts and much more.
1. Buffalo
- Location: In Erie County, 160 miles west of Syracuse
- Population: 275,000
- Median home sale price: $182,250
- Median monthly rent: $1,520
Known for its devoted sports fans and harsh winters, Buffalo boasts lively theater and food scenes. Its population is second only to New York City in the Empire State.
People Are Also Moving Out of New York
With New York State’s population declining, there may be relative bargains developing in the cities listed above, along with other Empire State cities.
Moving into New York State, you may cross paths with folks heading in the other direction. Newsweek, citing U.S. Census Bureau data from 2023, reported in October that New York’s population was shrinking more quickly than any other state.
The report also noted that from 2020 to 2023, a whopping 80% of New York’s towns and cities saw declines in population, with many residents seeking more affordable living, lower taxes and warmer winters. On top of that, a study released in November by Cornell University predicted the state’s population could drop by 2 million over the next 25 years — a decline of 13%. This may be important to keep in mind, if considering moving to New York state.
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