Best Places to Live in New York for Families
Looking for the ideal location for raising a family? In addition to being a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers and Broadway productions, New York is also a diversified state with a wide range of family-friendly activities.
The greatest locations to live in New York for families range from serene suburbs to energetic towns, all of which include beautiful scenery filled with green parks, top-notch educational systems, secure neighborhoods, and a rich cultural past.
Our list of the 22 best places to live in New York for families will assist you by simplifying these choices based on a variety of criteria, including cost of living, sense of community, and accessibility to facilities.
22. Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
First on the list of the best places to live in New York for families is Bay Ridge. An area in Brooklyn’s southwest, Bay Ridge has a rural appeal while being located in the city. Top-notch schools like Bay Ridge and P.S. 102 and Preparatory School, low crime rates and family-friendly facilities like lovely parks and an abundance of restaurant choices all contribute to this neighborhood’s attractiveness to families.
Families may learn about many cultures and traditions because to the area’s great cultural diversity, which enhances family life. In terms of transportation, the R rail and express buses make trips into Manhattan simple. Additionally, it is close to well-known locations like Coney Island and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. With all of these elements, Bay Ridge is among the top areas in New York for families.
21. Brighton, Rochester
Brighton, a suburb of Rochester, New York, is located away from the bustle of New York City. The attractiveness of Brighton stems from its laid-back lifestyle and top-notch educational institutions like Twelve Corners Middle School and Brighton High School. There are several opportunities for outdoor family activities in the town.
There are plenty of parks, walking paths, and leisure facilities for families to enjoy. In order to accommodate various family sizes and price ranges, housing options range from lovely historic homes to contemporary condos. In addition, the close-knit neighborhood and several regional gatherings, like the Brighton Farmers’ Market, provide a welcoming environment for new families.
20. Park Slope, Brooklyn
A vibrant area in Brooklyn called Park Slope skillfully combines a rural vibe with the bustle of the metropolis. Park Slope, a neighborhood famous for its charming brownstones, is close to several family-friendly destinations, including the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Park, and many others. M.S. 51 and P.S. 321 stand out among the area’s top schools, which are among the best in the city.
Additionally, it features frequent events like the Fifth Avenue Street Fair in addition to a diversified cuisine scene. Families that reside in Park Slope enjoy having access to both a warm neighborhood to call home and the cultural treasures of New York City.
19. Garden City, Nassau County
One of the greatest areas for families to reside in New York is Garden City in Nassau County. It is renowned for its lovely village streets. Families looking to provide their children with an excellent education are attracted by the excellence of institutions like Garden City High School and Stewart School.
With sports leagues, several clubs, and yearly events like the Garden City Turkey Trot, the community is also alive and busy. Garden City provides a suburban refuge without feeling cut off from the advantages of the city because it is only a 45-minute train journey from Midtown Manhattan.
18. Scarsdale, Westchester County
Scarsdale, a rich community in Westchester County, is famous for its elite schools, big mansions, and high standard of living. The Scarsdale Public School District is one of the best in the country, making it a desirable location for families that place a high value on education.
The city has a lot of green areas, such the Scarsdale Pool Complex and the Weinberg Nature Center, that are great for family trips. The safe, close-knit neighborhood, excellent amenities, and close proximity to New York City make the investment worthwhile, despite the often expensive cost of living.
17. Bayside, Queens
A desirable area for families is Bayside in the borough of Queens as it provides a harmonious blend of urban activity and quiet suburban living. One of the greatest areas to live in New York for families is Bayside, thanks to its quiet streets, safe neighborhoods, and highly regarded schools like P.S. 203 and Bayside High School.
Families will also enjoy visiting Bell Boulevard, which is brimming with shops and restaurants as well as the lovely Alley Pond Park. Traveling to Manhattan is simple because to the effective public transit infrastructure.
16. Elmira, Chemung County
Chemung County’s Elmira is a little town with a large heart. Despite its modest size, Elmira offers a wide range of services, including excellent educational institutions like Pine City School and Elmira High School as well as recreational areas. Families looking for inexpensive accommodation will find Elmira to be a desirable option because its cost of living is significantly lower than the national average.
The city’s proximity to the Finger Lakes area also provides access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including camping and hiking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. The finest places to live in New York for families are not just found in the metropolitan region, despite Elmira’s somewhat remote location.
15. Floral Park, Nassau County
A little village in Nassau County called Floral Park offers a close-knit sense of community. With its top-notch schools like Floral Park-Bellerose School, low crime rates, and handy location on the edge of Queens and close to Manhattan, it is a paradise for families.
Numerous family-friendly events are held in the town, such as the Belmont Stakes horse race and the annual Floral Park Fair, which strengthens the sense of community. Floral Park is undoubtedly one of the greatest areas for families to reside in New York because to its abundance of parks and recreational amenities.
14. Chappaqua, Westchester County
The Westchester County community of Chappaqua offers the ideal balance of suburban convenience and charming rural living. It attracts families because of its well-regarded schools, including Seven Bridges Middle School and Horace Greeley High School.
It is also renowned for having a vast network of parks and trails that offer a variety of outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Chappaqua is on the pricey side, but for many families it is typically outweighed by the excellent standard of living, safety, and closeness to Manhattan.
13. Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County
Families may enjoy a safe and enjoyable environment in Saratoga Springs, which is part of Saratoga County. It is the location of Skidmore College as well as several of the state’s top educational institutions, including Maple Avenue Middle School and Saratoga Springs High School.
The Saratoga Race Course, stunning Victorian houses, active cultural scene, and the city’s extensive history all contribute to its fame. Saratoga Springs is unquestionably one of the greatest areas for families to reside in New York due to its abundance of amenities and family-friendly atmosphere.
12. Riverdale, Bronx
Riverdale, a gem of the Bronx, is a desirable area for families. Riverdale, which is distinguished by its natural landscape, gives families the ability to reside in a serene, suburban setting while being only a short subway journey from Manhattan.
Well-known schools like Riverdale Country School and P.S. 81 are nearby, while Wave Hill and Van Cortlandt Park both provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. The family experience is further enhanced by the varied cuisine scene and cultural landmarks like the Bronx Museum of the Arts.
However, if you’re moving to the Bronx you must think about your safety.
11. Ithaca, Tompkins County
Ithaca is a thriving city with an emphasis on education and is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University . The top-notch institutions, such as Cayuga Heights Elementary School and Ithaca High School, demonstrate the strong emphasis on education.
The Sciencenter, the Museum of the Earth, and the stunning Buttermilk Falls are just a few of the city’s many family-friendly activities. Ithaca is unquestionably one of the greatest areas for families to live in New York, boasting a vibrant cultural environment, a low crime rate, and stunning natural surroundings.
10. Roslyn, Nassau County
A charming suburban community offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle ideal for families is Roslyn in Nassau County. An excellent educational system is provided by the highly regarded Roslyn School District, which includes institutions like Heights School and Roslyn High School.
Gerry Park and the city’s historic center, which is dotted with well-preserved 19th-century structures, often hold family-friendly activities. Additionally, because it is situated on Hempstead Harbor, families may engage in a variety of water sports. Roslyn is one of the greatest areas to live in New York for families because to the ease of being only a short drive from Manhattan.
9. Pittsford, Monroe County
Pittsford, which is in Monroe County, is a welcoming community for families and is well-known for its highly regarded schools, including Barker Road Middle School and Pittsford Mendon High School. From little cottages to grand mansions, the city provides a variety of housing possibilities.
Families may enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities thanks to Pittsford’s Erie Canal walk and its many parks. Pittsford is an excellent option for families seeking for the finest locations to live in New York because of the thriving neighborhood, reasonable cost of living, and outstanding amenities.
8. Forest Hills, Queens
Within the limits of New York City, Forest Hills, a lovely neighborhood with a suburban vibe, is located in the center of Queens. High-performing institutions including P.S. 196 and Forest Hills High School are located there.
Families find the neighborhood to be appealing due to its safety, variety of food options, and recreational areas like Forest Park. In addition, the ease of using fast trains to get to Manhattan offers the best of both worlds: tranquil family life and quick access to the activity of the metropolis.
7. Williamsville, Erie County
Williamsville, which is tucked away in Erie County, provides a lovely environment for families. Williamsville is among the greatest locations to live in New York for families. It has excellent schools, including Williamsville East and South High School, a strong sense of community, and a secure environment.
Historic sites in the village include the Glen Falls Park and the Water Mill. In the Main Street there are also a variety of stores and restaurants. Buffalo is only a short drive away, so urban facilities are also easily accessible.
6. Tribeca, Manhattan
Tribeca in Manhattan stands out for families seeking a balance of urban living and a family-friendly environment. Its public schools, including the famed Stuyvesant High School and P.S. 234 Independence School, are among the best in the city.
The converted loft apartments in Tribeca, the lovely Hudson River Park, and the abundance of dining and retail options are all well-known. Culture is enriched by yearly events like the Tribeca Film Festival. Although the cost of living in Tribeca is high, many families find that the convenience and standard of living are worth the extra money.
5. Manhasset, Nassau County
Due to its excellent schools, including Manhasset Secondary School, secure setting and vibrant community spirit, Manhasset, a small town in Nassau County, is a desirable option for families. Designer shops at the upmarket Americana Manhasset shopping area, while outdoor entertainment is available at surrounding parks.
It is also a great option for people looking for suburban comfort with quick access to metropolitan facilities because it takes just 30 minutes to travel to Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road. As a result, Manhasset firmly occupies a place among the best places to live in New York for families.
Manhasset is also one of the best places to live in Long Island for young adults.
4. Parkchester, Bronx
Parkchester, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in the eastern Bronx, provides a family-friendly and reasonably priced way of life. Good schools like Metropolitan High SchoolSt. and Raymond Elementary School , as well as recreational facilities, are among the neighborhood’s numerous advantages.
With its variety of food and shopping options, the Parkchester main complex serves as the center of action. Parkchester has a vibrant atmosphere that makes it one of the greatest locations to live in New York for families, with quick subway access to Manhattan and close proximity to the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden.
3. Fayetteville, Onondaga County
Fayetteville, a small community in Onondaga County, offers a tranquil setting ideal for raising a family. Some of the greatest schools in the state are located there, including the highly regarded Fayetteville-Manlius High School.
With its many resources and events, the Fayetteville Free Library acts as a center for culture and education. While the surrounding Green Lakes State Park provides outside family entertainment, the lovely streets are full of interesting stores.
Fayetteville is one of the greatest areas for families to live in New York thanks to its combination of safety, excellent schools, and community spirit.
2. Great Neck, Nassau County
A favorite option for families is Great Neck in Nassau County, which is popular for its excellent educational system. The Great Neck School District, which includes institutions like Great Neck South High School, is well known for its excellence in education and extracurricular programs.
That’s why Great Neck is one of the best places to live in New York for families. The peninsula has marinas, playgrounds, and waterfront parks that make being outside with the family fun.
The neighborhood library and the thriving arts scene, which includes the Great Neck Plaza and the Gold Coast Arts Center, enhance the cultural environment. Great Neck, which is only a short train ride from Manhattan, offers a seamless fusion of bucolic peace with metropolitan ease.
1. Parkville, Nassau County – Best Place to Live in New York for Families
Parkville, a small town in Nassau County, tops our list of the best places to live in New York for families. With top-notch institutions like Center Street School, and Herricks High School. It offers a serene, safe location and a welcoming attitude. This small village is an excellent place to raise a family.
The common social events that stimulate community participation, such the yearly farmer’s market, street fair, and holiday festivities, are evidence of Parkville’s strong sense of community. Families may engage in a variety of outdoor activities in parks and leisure areas like Clinton G. Martin Park and Herricks Park, while local retail complexes can provide a variety of requirements.
Furthermore, families may access the urban bustle without sacrificing the tranquility of suburban living because of Parkville’s proximity to New York City, which is just one hour away by car. The best neighborhood for families wishing to settle in New York is Parkville because of its easy location, excellent schools, and sense of community.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal place to call home may be difficult, especially when it comes to what is best for your family. The Empire State, however, provides a wide range of excellent opportunities from quiet communities with charming suburban charm to vibrant cities.
This list of the 22 best places to live in New York for families can serve as a starting point for your search for a community that values families, offers quality education, safety, and modern conveniences. It demonstrates that New York has something to offer everyone, whether they love the city or the country.
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