7 Charming New York Communities To Retire Around NYC

New York, particularly the bustling NYC metro area, is certainly not the cheapest place to live and retire, but it does have a number of other charms that may appeal to those looking to settle down.

If you want to live close enough to city life, but far away enough to escape some of its biggest downsides, such as crowding, a lack of green space, and expensive real estate, read on and discover these ideal communities that all sit within a two-hour drive of New York City.

Cold Spring

Cold Spring is an attractive destination for retirees seeking a peaceful yet convenient location. Situated along the Hudson River, this town is perfect for those who want some natural beauty along with a deep-seated historic charm dating back to the earliest days of the state.

Its proximity to New York City—just under 90 minutes by train—offers easy access to the metro's cultural, healthcare, and social amenities, while Cold Spring’s own downtown is highly pedestrian-friendly and features a number of shops, cafes, and other locally owned eateries. Be sure to check out local landmarks like West Point Foundry Preserve too, an excellent urban greenspace with a collection of historic buildings that can be explored.

Nature lovers will enjoy hiking along nearby trails, including those in Hudson Highlands State Park, or relaxing by the riverfront, particularly Dockside Park, where maintained paths and a number of sitting areas can be found.

Beacon

This exciting town of nearly 16,000 residents rests just 80 miles north of New York City. The town’s renowned arts scene, with famous destinations like the Dia: Beacon Museum, gives its youthful and cultural touch, while the scenic views of the Hudson Valley offer plenty of outdoor recreation for those who also love to get outdoors often.

Retirees can access a variety of hiking trails of all difficulties, such as those in the nearby Mount Beacon Park, or enjoy leisurely walks through the now-revitalized Main Street, lined with more galleries, restaurants, and shops.

Beacon's easy access to healthcare facilities, local services, and public transportation also makes it practical for retirees. Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall sits just across the river in Newburgh, while smaller clinics like Hudson River Healthcare Beacon can be found right in downtown Beacon.

Nyack

Located a mere 20 miles north of Manhattan, Nyack is one of the most connected entries on this list to downtown New York City. Its own quaint downtown area is filled with art galleries, antique shops, and a great selection of restaurants, both high-end and more affordable,e creating a lively atmosphere for socializing. For some classic New York-style pizza without having to travel to the city, Turiello's Pizza House will certainly be your go-to spot, while institutions like Two Spear Street will provide you with dining options and scenic views over the Hudson River.

Also, known for its beautiful waterfront parks and walking paths along the river, there are many highly accessible ways here to engage in outdoor activities.

With top-notch medical facilities nearby, including those in Rockland County and the well-run Montefiore Nyack Hospital and Highland Medical Center, retirees who choose to settle in this village have access to excellent healthcare. Nyack’s public transportation options, including buses and access to the Tappan Zee Bridge, make it easy to travel to the city, too, when desired.

Tarrytown

Sitting right across the river from Nycak, Tarrytown shares much of what makes the former such an idyllic location for retirees. This village is especially picturesque, with its many Victorian-era homes and beautiful parks.

Here, you can enjoy walking along its extensive Hudson waterfront or explore the nearby Rockefeller State Park Preserve for some more thrilling adventure. This state park is a real draw during the fall season when its foliage explodes with color, making it s hotspot for landscape photographers.

The town also has a variety of local cultural landmarks, like the Tarrytown Music Hall, which regularly hosts a number of concerts and other live events.

Tarrytown’s proximity to top medical centers and the convenience of the Metro-North train make it an ideal choice for those seeking easy access to New York City while maintaining a more peaceful, suburban lifestyle.

Hastings-on-Hudson

Hastings-on-Hudson is perhaps the closest spot on this lost to the Big Apple, sitting just a 20-minute drive north of Manhattan (in good traffic, of course). This surprisingly small village comes with excellent views of the Hudson River and easy access to other outdoor spaces such as the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail.

With a mix of historic homes and modern amenities too, Hastings provides a vibrant, yet laidback setting for retirees or anyone looking to settle in southern New York. Those who come here benefit from excellent healthcare options in nearby towns and, like many other places mentioned here, quick access to Manhattan and all of its urban conveniences.

Hastings-on-Husdon likes to keep its community spirit alive and hosts a range of fun community events, from farmers' markets to outdoor concerts at nearby venues like the Untermyer Performing Arts Council.

Pleasantville

The aptly named Pleasantville is a comforting community with much going for it in the way of outdoor activities and access to all kinds of useful amenities.

You will hopefully take pride in iconic nearby greenspaces like Rockefeller State Park Preserve, perfect for hiking and birdwatching, or Hardscrabble Wilderness Area, a far less busy park with many miles of meandering trails through the woods.

Local cultural venues, including the Jacob Burns Film Center, which screens independent films and hosts events, make Pleasantville a fun spot for all kinds of interests as well.

With a strong local school district and an active seniors’ community, this town fosters a welcoming environment for all kinds of residents, along with retirees. Furthermore, the Metro-North train station offers direct service to New York City, making it easy for anyone to visit the city whenever they wish.

Northport

Northport is a Long Island community that presents an appealing retirement option for those who appreciate coastal life. Retirees can go on beautiful walks at the town’s picturesque harbor, while the walkable downtown is home to other outdoor spaces, such as the Northport Village Park, and interesting locales like the Northport Historical Society and Museum.

With healthcare facilities nearby, like the Northport VA Medical Center and Huntington Hospital (both accessible via public transport or a short drive) and strong public transportation options, including the Long Island Rail Road, Northport ensures retirees have access to both essential services and the attractions in and around town.

Find Your Stress-Free Retirement in New York

New York clearly appeals to a wide range of retirement options within a short distance of NYC, with each town mentioned above providing a nice mix of calm, culture, and convenience.

Whether you’re drawn to riverside communities like Cold Spring and Beacon or coastal retreats like Northport, these idyllic spots offer retirees like you the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life without sacrificing access to the resources and activities of New York City. With their laid-back atmospheres, rich histories, world-class amenities, and access to some of the state's best natural wonders, these towns are ideal places to spend the next chapter of life!