10 Welcoming Towns to Retire in New York
A wave across the street. Friendly and warm-hearted neighbors. An intimate conversation at a downtown restaurant with someone you have just met. These are things that make one look forward to a new day. Of course, a retiree will also want to be close to a good hospital — and not have to travel for three hours to pick up groceries. Do you think such places are not to be found in New York? You are mistaken. Starting with Geneva, discover below the most welcoming towns in the Empire State.
Geneva
At Geneva, New York, a median listing home price of just $379,000 comes with access to the Geneva Public Library on Main Street, which boasts a wide variety of books for all ages, the beautiful Seneca Lake, and both Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Hobart College was founded in 1822. With Hispanics making up 17% of the population and the campuses around, a retiree will enjoy a vibrant, multicultural environment. Plus, Geneva residents aged 60 and above comprise 23% of the population, meaning the social scene is fairly friendly. As to hospitals, the 117-bed Geneva General Hospital is right in town. It was founded in 1898. Alternatively, the award-winning Newark-Wayne Community Hospital is a short drive away. What's more? There are a lot of wineries in the area, including the iconic Smith Opera House.
East Aurora
With Buffalo as a next-door neighbor, so one's needs for shopping venues and big-city amenities are sorted, retirement life should all be smooth sailing. Add this to well-maintained parks, a cute Main Street sprinkled with family-owned businesses, and a movie theater, where one can occasionally enjoy shows. No wonder they say, "East Aurora is not a locality- East Aurora is a condition of mind." Speaking about shows, Aurora Theatre and Popcorn Shop often feature First-run movies and are loved for their comfortable recliner seats. Looking for an accessible shopping venue? Vidler’s has almost everything, including old knick-knacks you may not find anywhere else. For art lovers, there is always something going on at Roycroft Campus, the late-19th-century cradle of the US Arts & Crafts movement. Then again, homes come cheap in East Aurora. The median listing home price is just $399,900. Concerning healthcare access, Buffalo, just 19 miles down the road, is home to many excellent hospitals. Wondering if you will fit in? No need. 33% of the town's residents are seniors aged 60 and above.
Plainview
Plainview is a suburb in New York City, but it is a lot saner and quieter. That close access comes with a fair dose of diversity (Asians comprise 20% of the population), excellent amenities, including shops and restaurants, and top-notch healthcare. Seniors are fond of Plainview, as they make up 27% of its population. There is the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, which boasts a nice selection of books, Plainview Shopping Centre, perfect for shopping and meeting friends, and the Animal Care Center of Plainview, every pet owner’s wish. Plus, Bethpage State Park is close and features excellent hiking and biking trails. If under the weather, there is no need to travel to the Big Apple. Plainview Hospital has won the Patient Safety Excellence Award for three consecutive years, including 2024. That said, In July 2024, the median listing home price in Plainview, New York, was $925,000.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is among the best places to live in the Empire State. It is less than 40 minutes from Albany, is peaceful and beautiful, has a globally acclaimed race track, is mostly safe, hosts a college campus (hence vibrant and open-minded), and boasts one of the most beautiful downtown areas for miles. A retiree will be close to Saratoga Lake, Lake Lonely, Loughberry Lake, the family-friendly Saratoga Golf Club, and a beautiful dog park with enough space to run and enjoy the sun. For a therapeutic sunset by a reflecting pool, Saratoga Spa State Park will be handy. Saratoga Hospital, once ranked among America's 100 Best Gastrointestinal Care Hospitals, is right at your doorstep. Also, the town's social scene is not off-beat. Residents aged 60 and above comprise 29% of the population. That said, the median listing home price in Saratoga Springs, New York, is $747,100.
Canandaigua
If you fancy retiring in a cozy suburb of Rochester loved for its beautifully maintained historic homes, nice shops, friendly residents, and great hiking trails, start paying attention to Canandaigua, nicknamed “the Chosen Spot.” Plus, there is something therapeutic about retiring on a lake, and yes, this lovely town reclines on Canandaigua Lake, the site of several recreational activities. Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park, for example, is a cool place to take a furry companion and catch awesome sunsets. Canandaigua City Pier is a nice place to relax and inhale yummy views, while the immaculately landscaped Kershaw Park is a beautiful space to sit or swing as you enjoy an afternoon breeze. With the well-rated FF Thompson Hospital at your doorstep, there will be no need to endure the inconvenience of a fever or a dry cough. Rochester, just down the road, has many more options. The median listing home price in Canandaigua, New York, was $394,500 in July 2024. On a different note, Canandaigua residents aged 60 and above comprise 30% of its population. The upshot? You will not feel out of place.
Batavia
One of Batavia’s most enticing retirement appeals — other than affordability — is its location between Rochester and Buffalo, meaning one will be less than an hour away from either. Expect beautiful recreational parks, tons of tasty restaurants, and a number of locally-owned stores. Get some sun and just shut your mind off once in a while at the DeWitt Recreation Area, float down Tonawanda Creek, enjoy rounds of golf at the handsomely maintained Terry Hills Golf Course, plus some downtime at the small but beautiful Horseshoe Lake. If under the weather, no need to travel to Rochester or Buffalo. United Memorial Medical Center, twice feted with the Patient Safety Excellence Award, is right in town. The median listing home price in Batavia, New York, was $200,000 in July 2024. For the Empire State, this price point is hard to beat. Finally, Batavia residents aged 60 and above comprise 30% of the population, meaning a retiree will effortlessly fit in.
Plattsburgh
Retiring in Plattsburgh, a small but vibrant town with warm and kind folks, means one will be less than an hour from Canada, minutes from Vermont, and in the middle of the Adirondacks, meaning one has access to a yummy range of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities. The roads are clean here, the scenery heartwarming, and the ambiance is homey and endearing. There is the gleaming waters of Lake Champlain, Saranac River runs through the town, an international airport, a pretty beach, and several cozy cafés and restaurants. Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, feted with the Vascular Surgery Excellence Award (2022), is right in town. Here comes the clincher: The median listing home price in Plattsburgh was just $265,000 in July 2024. And with 21% of the population aged 60 and above, the social landscape here is spot-on.
Depew
Depew, with its small, quiet neighborhoods, is a homey suburb of Buffalo, New York, to which retirees are increasingly paying attention. They are enticed by pleasure spots such as Como Lake Park, which has a disc golf course — and is a fun place to row and float about in an inflatable raft or fishing boat. There is Cayuga Creek as well, which meanders through the town; Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, with its well-labeled trails; and the FLIX STADIUM 10, a comfortable theatre with fantastic recliners. Although a retiree will find a range of excellent hospitals in Buffalo, Catholic Health-St. Joseph Campus is way closer — and is a 2022 recipient of the Bariatric Surgery Excellence Award. The median listing home price in Depew, New York, was $239,900 in July 2024. On the social side, Dewey residents aged 60 and above comprise 28% of the population.
Glens Falls
Trust Glens Falls to enamor a retiree with its walkable streets, artsy downtown, small-town feel (without the often accompanying emptiness), and outdoor offerings. Glens Falls is close to the Adirondacks and Lake George, both of which serve an incredible range of recreational activities, including hiking and swimming. Hudson River runs through the town as well, adding a layer of rustic charm to an already awesome spot. The Balloon Festival, often held at the airport, features delicious food, live music, and of course, huge balloons. Concerned about healthcare access? Rest easy. Glens Falls Hospital, a 2023 recipient of the State Ranking Award - Vascular Surgery, is right at your doorstep. Plus, this town is budget-friendly. But don't take our word for it. The median listing home price in Glens Falls, according to Realtor, was just $234,900 in July 2024. Finally, Glens Falls residents aged 60 and above comprise 22% of its population. Basically, a retiree here will be in familiar territory.
Ithaca
Pretty gorges. One of the best universities in the world. A classy architecture. Numerous museums (including the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art). A connected community. A weekly farmer's market. A world of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities, including stand-outs such as Buttermilk Falls State Park. With all these, it is easy to see why retirees are fond of Ithaca. Also, homes in Ithaca are within a reasonable price range. In July 2024, for example, the median listing home price in Ithaca, New York, was only $449,000. On healthcare access, Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca is a 2023 recipient of the Coronary Intervention Excellence Award. The social scene, however, is perfect for those who enjoy rolling with a young crowd. That said, Ithaca residents aged 60 and above still comprise 11% of the population.
The Takeaway
From the New York City metropolitan area to the Finger Lakes Region and other parts of Upstate New York, a retiree will find several welcoming communities and settings perfect for retirement. Plus, the choice is yours, whether you want to wake up with a view of a gleaming lake — or to be smack in the middle of a vibrant city and enjoy all the conveniences. You can also get the best of both worlds. That said, for the most welcoming towns in the Empire State, any of the above-mentioned places will make for a pleasantly surprising revelation.
