7 Top-Ranked Towns in Upstate New York for Retirees
Freedom 55 (or, let's be honest, more like 65 or 75 these days) has finally arrived. And now that you're no longer a slave to the daily commute and nine-to-five routine, you can finally reap what you've been sowing for decades. If you live in The Empire State, or have always dreamed of settling down in Upstate New York, then you're in luck - for there are many beautiful, safe, and engaging places in which to enjoy your twilight years.
Deciding on a new home is never an easy decision, and the retirement era will likely present novel wants/needs/challenges. Is the community suitable for seniors? Is it affordable? Is it the type of place that will be appealing for years to come? This list aims to simplify the equation by honing in on the seven top-rated towns in Upstate New York for retirees.
Dunkirk
What could be better than settling down in a small town on one of America's largest lakes? Dunkirk rests on the southeastern shore of Lake Erie, in New York's westernmost region. There are a few modest beaches (Point Gratiot Park, Dunkirk Beach, and Dunkirk Beach) on which to enjoy daily sunset strolls or light swims on calm days. Speaking of which, because Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes, it is, therefore, also the warmest. The Dunkirk City Pier and Dunkirk Harbor also afford plentiful fishing opportunities.
This Chautauqua County city has a population of just under 13,000, 16.5% of which is of the 65+ demographic. Though the tax rating for retirees is higher than the U.S. average (this is the case for pretty much everywhere in New York), the cost of living for retirees is 20-30% lower than the national average. The median home value is approximately $118,045, the median rent is $826, and crime rates are 21.4% below average. Just be aware that because of the lake effect, winters see a lot of snowfall (so you might want to hire a local lad to handle the shoveling duties).
Saratoga Springs
After a lifetime of grinding, you deserve a little relaxation and entertainment. Saratoga Springs has both. This city of 28,491 people (20.3% of whom are seniors) is centrally located (just 35 miles north of Albany, the state capital), and sits right next to the 4.5-mile-long, 1.5-mile-wide Saratoga Lake, which is great for fishing, boating, and paddling. Just south of downtown, there is also the sizable Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark that contains such highlights as: mineral pools, a golf course, a performing arts center, an interactive children's museum (i.e. a great place for the grandkids), an automobile museum, and plenty of light hikes and green spaces. If you're looking to spice things up, Saratoga Springs is also famous for its horse races. Finally, there are plenty of medical and recreation centers, but the drawbacks to all of these perks include a higher tax burden/cost of living, and there will always be an influx of summer tourists to contend with (or socialize with!).
Fairport
The Village of Fairport is a sensible and scenic place to settle down. This Monroe County community is based around the Erie Canal and is only about a 20 minute drive from the southern shore of Lake Ontario. It has a modest population of just 5,501 (as of the 2020 census), approximately 21.6% of which is the 65+ demographic. Fairport has a few retirement communities, many recreation centers, and a ton of medical facilities. Plus, it is only 10 miles east of Rochester - so any additional services or recreational cravings are well within reach. Though generally quiet, Fairport's Main Street does offer a nice selection of restaurants, and even a craft brewery (Fairport Brewing Company). Fairport also puts on its annual Canal Days Festival, which attracts roughly 400 arts and crafts vendors and tens of thousands of tourists.
Goshen
Another spot with strong retirement potential (but that's also easy to overlook) is the village of Goshen. Just 60 miles northwest of New York City, within the lovely Hudson Valley, this seat of Orange County combines small town charm with some highlights that the whole family will appreciate. Though home to less than 15,000 residents (~17.6% = 65+) Goshen boasts captivating architecture within a thriving downtown core that is encompassed by hearty farmlands. There are a litany of medical centers to choose from, a handful of retirement communities, and plenty of recreation opportunities. When the kids and grandkids come for a visit, they'll go wild for LEGOLAND New York Resort and/or The Castle Fun Center amusement park. When it comes time for a nature-focused day-trip, head into Goosepond Mountain State Park, Harriman State Park, or scoot over to the gorgeous eastern shore of the iconic Hudson River (replete with cute small towns and forested hiking trails).
Canandaigua
Canandaigua (which appropriately translates as "The Chosen Spot") brings retirees to the northern tip of the titular lake - part of the coveted Finger Lakes region. You'll be in good company with this idyllic Ontario County community, as 1/5th of the 10,545 residents are seniors. The median home value is reasonable by Upstate lakeside standards ($250K), and median rent is solid ($1,015). Additionally, unemployment and poverty rates are low, and crime rates are in-line with the national average. Plus, medical and recreation centers are in good supply, and the long shorelines provide ample opportunities for scenic drives and fresh air, while the lake itself encourages fishing, light paddling, and boating sessions. When friends visit, show off the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park (an 1887 Queen Anne mansion and 50-acre estate), the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum (also housed in an impressive 19th century mansion), and the historic boathouses lining the city pier.
Kingston
The former capital of New York is a well-rounded place to retire. For starters, Kingston is situated right on the west bank of the Hudson River, less than an hour south of the current capital and minutes away from several other scenic towns. This Ulster County city has the look and feel of a small town (the 2020 population was just over 24,000, with about 15% over 65) but with the amenities and attractions of a larger hub. Kingston has a good supply of retirement communities, medical centers, and recreation centers, a tax burden that is competitive for the area, and a cost of living for retirees that is a smidge below the national average. The eight-block historic district (i.e. The Stockade District) combines 17th century National Historic Places/Landmarks with unique local businesses, while the waterfront features a sandy beach, a maritime museum (with old ships anchored in the river), a trolley museum, boat tours, and an eye-catching lighthouse.
Ithaca
Some retirees look forward to spending time amongst their peers, while others prefer to stoke nostalgia and surround themselves with youthful exuberance. The Ivy League town of Ithaca is perfect for the latter. Home to both Cornell University (with its campus full of elegant architecture) and Ithaca College, this small Tompkins County city is replete with cool coffee shops, budding breweries, live music venues (that host both student bands and touring professionals), and all kinds of other entertaining options to keep things fresh, year after year. Ithaca is also a great place for nature lovers. It is situated on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake (also in the Finger Lakes region), has tons of state and local parks, state/national forests, botanical gardens, nature trails, and waterfalls within a tight radius. While only 6.3% of the 32,000 people are over the age of 65, Ithaca still has multiple retirement communities, top-tier medical access, a cost of living for seniors that beats the national average, and as an added bonus, there is an international airport on the northeastern outskirts, making it easy to head south for the winter, or for out-of-state relatives to come visit.
Congratulations on reaching your long-awaited retirement. You deserve a little R&R, but also some fun! Thankfully, Upstate New York specializes in both. It has a host of serene towns that are either next to lakes, within verdant mountain ranges, or nestled in the iconic Hudson Valley. These places are laid back when they need to be, and energetic when they want to be. Look forward to engaging with like-minded seniors, but also the creative youth working the local shops, attending college, or cruising into town for a summer vacation or festival. These seven small towns are top-rated because they blend safety, affordability, infrastructure, and opportunity. No one place can check every single box, but these communities each touch on differing post-work fantasies. So head upstate and indulge in the sweet possibilities brought on by retirement.
