Main street Oneonta, New York, via Bennekom / Shutterstock.com

6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Upstate New York

Thinking about moving to Upstate New York for your golden years? Maybe you just want to visit? Either way, it is so important to pick a town that is both affordable and enriches your life.

In Upstate New York, you can find all sorts of towns that combine low living costs with an interesting local atmosphere. This means you can have a comfy retirement and still have a fulfilling, busy life.

Whether you are drawn to historic theaters, scenic trails, or distinct local cuisine, the region will have a place to make you feel at home. Read on to find out about six senior-friendly towns in Upstate New York.

Gloversville

The Glove Theatre, 42 N. Main St., Gloversville, New York
The Glove Theatre, 42 N. Main St., Gloversville, New York, By LX Miller - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

If you want to take it easy on your wallet when you are thinking about living costs, Gloversville is for you.

A house in Gloversville goes for about $134,700 on average, and if you are interested in renting a place with two bedrooms, it averages about $970.

Is being outside a goal after retirement? Well then try out nearby Adirondack Park, which is one of the largest state parks in the country. Not a bad playground to have, right?

Gloversville got its name because back in the day, almost all of the gloves in the United States were made right here.

The town was an opulent, rich town thanks to its glove-making business. This wealth led to many historic buildings with interesting special designs and unique architectural styles that still stand today.

When in town, look for the Glove Theatre, a historic venue with all sorts of events and performances to see.

Ogdensburg

Ogdensburg Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Ogdensburg Lighthouse on the St. Lawrence Seaway. Editorial credit: Michelangelo DeSantis / Shutterstock.com

This little spot is found along the St. Lawrence River, marking a part of the boundary between the US and Canada. Right across from Prescott, Ontario, its spot has always been important for trade and communication across the border.

It is another town with some fine low house price options, sitting around $104,000.

As well, the town has the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, which provides high quality health services, like emergency help and special programs for seniors.

Fancy yourself a foodie? People in the area take in some French-Canadian influences with their food so you can find some tasty dishes you might not find elsewhere.

The town has some interesting architecture to see as you walk through the streets. Among these are the Ogdensburg Public Library and the United States Post Office.

If you love art, you should check out the Remington Art Museum in town, dedicated to the famous American artist created art focusing on the Old West.

Oneonta

Main street Oneonta, New York
Main street Oneonta, New York, via Bennekom / Shutterstock.com

Fancy some baseball? The town is near Cooperstown, where the National Baseball Hall of Fame is located, attracting lots of baseball fans.

Oneonta in general has a deep connection with baseball, having been the site for minor league and summer college baseball games. All around the region the town is considered a "City of Baseball."

Homes cost about $180,000 here, and the town has low crime, which makes a fine spot for seniors.

It is always good to make sure healthcare is covered too. Here in Oneonta, the A.O. Fox Hospital has everything you need for health care, including emergency services.

Plus, if you need to, it is easy to get to big hospitals in Albany and Cooperstown. The town is also close to the Catskill Mountains. So, if you are a senior wanting some adventure outdoors, it is not a bad playground to explore.

Cazenovia

Shops in Cazenovia, New York.
Shops in Cazenovia, New York. Image credit Ryan J Long via Shutterstock.

Cazenovia is a calm and quiet spot perfect seniors, a peaceful town surrounded by lovely lakes and parks.

Houses prices here are just north of the national average, coming in at around $366,300. On the other hand, rent is actually 18 percent lower than the national average and the town has very little crime.

The town is full of history with places like the Lorenzo State Historic Site and Cazenovia College making it rich in culture.

Living close to big cities like Syracuse allows seniors to enjoy city benefits such as easy access to high-quality healthcare, all while enjoying quiet smaller town life.

If you are a senior who loves being outside, you will find Cazenovia Lake at the heart of fun activities in the town. It is good for going on boat rides, fishing, and taking a swim. Plus, the area around it is a nice spot for taking walks and having picnics.

Glens Falls

Centennial Circle, a five-leg roundabout in downtown Glens Falls
Centennial Circle, a five-leg roundabout in downtown Glens Falls, New York, By JBC3 - Own work, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

Want a place to live without spending too much? Glens Falls is a budget-friendly choice, especially compared to other parts of both the state and general region.

You can find homes for about $200,000 here, and rent is an affordable option as well.

It also has high-quality places to take care of your health, like the Glens Falls Hospital, and the town makes sure the area has the healthcare and special services they need.

The town also boasts stunning nature and lots of fun activities. You can explore the Adirondack Mountains with trails for hiking and spots for fishing. This makes it a comforting spot for seniors looking to keep busy and enjoy life.

The town also offers parks, golf courses, and places like the Hyde Collection Art Museum. This makes it simple for retired folks to keep busy and involved.

Schenectady

Overlooking Schenectady and the Erie Canal.
Overlooking Schenectady and the Erie Canal.

Schenectady's old downtown and neighborhoods offer a unique charm that seniors will love.

Also, with home prices averaging around $245,000, the town presents an affordable option for seniors.

The town offers great healthcare options, with places like Ellis Medicine providing top-notch services and care.

The downtown core has a lively culture with places like Proctors Theatre, where you can catch shows, concerts, and more. Jay Street Marketplace is a lovely walking street filled with special shops, cafes, and places to eat. It is a perfect spot for a relaxed walk, finding unique things to buy, and enjoying some tasty food.

Big city features are just around the corner, too. Schenectady is in the Capital Region, really close to other big places like Albany and Saratoga Springs. This means you can quickly get to even more cool stuff and places to visit.

In Conclusion

Picking a town in Upstate New York for your retirement or for a visit after you retire is about more than just looking for an affordable spot. It is also about finding a place that feels like home.

The area offers a diverse mix of historical attractions and outdoor activities. After all, staying active, both physically and mentally is so important as you gain years.

Each town on this list has its own charm and community spirit, ensuring a fulfilling and comfortable environment for seniors. So, if Upstate New York is on your list of places, do not pass on these towns.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. 6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Upstate New York

More in Places