8 Best Places To Call Home In New York In 2025

Thinking about settling down in New York in 2025? Whether you're moving from across the country or just looking for a new neighborhood within the state, choosing the right place to live comes down to more than just location. However, the challenge of finding affordable living spaces remains a significant concern for many. Fortunately, several towns throughout the state strike the right balance, offering lower costs, access to nature, strong local communities, and everyday conveniences without the high price tag. From scenic lakeside escapes to historic, tight-knit neighborhoods, here are 8 of the best places to call home in New York in 2025.

New Paltz

New Paltz is easily one of the best places to live in New York, thanks to its rare mix of natural beauty, culture, and affordability, all packed into a town of around 8,000 people. Tucked in the scenic Hudson Valley, this cozy New York destination offers residents everything from hiking and rock climbing to kayaking on the Wallkill River, all just steps from their front door. And while it’s only two hours from NYC, it’s far more affordable with median home values ranging from $390K to $500K, with rental rates around $2400/month, and living costs that make it a smart choice for young professionals, families, and anyone craving a balanced lifestyle that doesn’t compromise on culture or access to the outdoors.

New Platz boasts breathtaking views of the Shawangunk Ridge and easy access to outdoor adventures at Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park. The town itself has a welcoming, artsy vibe, with cozy cafés, indie shops, and local eateries that reflect its creative spirit. Its historic Huguenot Street and walkable downtown with boutiques, cafés, and local eateries anchor community life. The Elting Memorial Library houses a premier local history archive and hosts frequent public programming. SUNY New Paltz adds an energetic, progressive pulse with art galleries, events, and a focus on sustainability.

Cold Spring

Cold Spring, a quaint village of about 2,000 residents nestled along the Hudson River in Putnam County, is considered one of the most welcoming towns in Upstate New York for its scenic beauty, walkable charm, and tight-knit community. While housing prices are higher than average (with median home values around $700,000), many are drawn to Cold Spring for its peaceful lifestyle, access to nature, and proximity to NYC, just over an hour by train. What makes Cold Spring truly stand out is its blend of historic character and eco-conscious values: the village prioritizes conservation, sustainable development, and the protection of its stunning riverfront views and nearby hiking trails, including Breakneck Ridge.

Outdoor-loving residents enjoy immediate access to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, with well-loved trails like the Cornish Estate Ruins Trail and Washburn/Bull Hill offering scenic river views and gentle hikes steeped in history. Culture buffs will appreciate Magazzino Italian Art, a free-by-appointment museum showcasing post-war and contemporary Italian art in a serene woodland setting. Residents enjoy weekend farmers markets, cozy cafés, local galleries, and boutique shops on Main Street, all framed by breathtaking Hudson Valley backdrops. For those seeking small-town living with a green heart and artistic soul, Cold Spring offers a rare and rewarding balance.

Brighton

Just a short drive from Rochester, Brighton strikes a great balance between laid-back suburban living and big-city access. It's a town known for its excellent public schools, well-kept neighborhoods, and strong sense of community, making it a favorite for families and professionals alike. Education is a major highlight here, with schools that consistently rank among the best in Upstate New York, such as the Brighton Central School District. With a population of about 36,633 and a median home value of around $354,900, it regularly ranks among the best places to live in the state. Niche lists Brighton as the #8 suburb in NY and #12 overall in the state, praising its family-friendly vibe, excellent schools, and vibrant arts and dining scene.

Brighton may be a quiet suburb, but there's no shortage of things to do. You can enjoy the outdoors at Brighton Town Park, a local favorite with scenic trails, picnic spots, and sports fields, or take a stroll or bike ride along the Erie Canalway Trail, which runs right through town. Just minutes away in Rochester, you’ll find museums, theaters, and festivals year-round. Brighton also hosts farmers' markets, community events, and outdoor concerts, giving the town a lively, neighborly vibe without the hustle of a big city.

Ithaca

Ithaca, home to Cornell University, stands out for its mix of academic energy, cultural depth, and natural beauty. One of the best places to live in the Finger Lakes region in 2025, it offers a strong sense of community, a commitment to sustainability, and a lifestyle that blends outdoor living with intellectual curiosity. With a population of around 32,000 residents, Ithaca features a cost of living that’s approximately below the New York State average, and median home values of around $452,450. Ithaca is also a great choice for retirees, offering both convenience and quality of life, and it ranks among New York’s top towns for retirement.

A key reason it stands out: over 150 waterfalls and deep gorges weave through town and nearby parks, places like Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Taughannock Falls regularly top the list of must-see natural attractions. Cornell University and Ithaca College anchor a thriving cultural scene, with destinations such as the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art and the Cornell Botanic Gardens drawing locals and visitors alike. Downtown, the pedestrian-friendly Ithaca Commons serves as a community hub, hosting festivals, live music, and the innovative Sagan Planet Walk, a solar system-scale model that spans the city’s streets to the Sciencenter, offering hands-on learning for all ages. Add to that a rich food scene of locally sourced fare, farm‑to‑table restaurants, the iconic Moosewood School, breweries, wineries, and year‑round farmers’ markets.

Binghamton

If you're after a mix of affordability, culture, and community, Binghamton is one of Upstate New York's best-kept secrets. Located in the Southern Tier, this small city is experiencing a quiet revival, with a refreshed downtown, growing arts scene, and plenty of green space just minutes away. Often called the “Carousel Capital of the World,” Binghamton honors its quirky past while making strides in tech, healthcare, and education. With approximately 47,357 residents, Binghamton offers a small‑city vibe with full-service amenities. Housing is exceptionally affordable, with the median home value around $180,000, significantly below the national and New York averages.

What makes Binghamton truly special are its cultural attractions and relaxed pace. Locals enjoy exploring the historic Phelps Mansion Museum and visiting the hands-on exhibits at the Roberson Museum & Science Center. For families and science fans, the Kopernik Observatory & Science Center in nearby Vestal offers stargazing programs and astronomy education. Outdoor lovers can stroll along the Binghamton River Trail, attend festivals like Spiedie Fest, LUMA, and Porchfest, or cheer on the minor league teams: the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (baseball) and Black Bears (hockey)

Williamsville

If you’re looking for historic charm with all the modern comforts, Williamsville stands out as one of the top places to live in Upstate New York. Just a short drive from Buffalo, this village offers walkable streets, highly rated schools, and a welcoming, close-knit community. With about 5,423 residents, this picturesque village offers an attractive median household income of $106,250, while median home values hover around $399,000, making it an affordable option for retirees. Families are drawn to the excellent school district and safe, tree-lined neighborhoods, while professionals appreciate the quick commute to Buffalo’s job opportunities and amenities.

What sets Williamsville apart is its vibrant, walkable Main Street, where historic landmarks like the Williamsville Water Mill Complex and Victorian‑era churches blend with cozy cafés, local shops, and breweries tucked along Ellicott Creek and Glen Falls Park. Outdoor lovers enjoy Amherst State Park’s 80-acre nature trails, the Lehigh Memory Trail, and scenic Glen Park waterfall views, all right in town. Residents praise the excellent Williamsville Central School District, consistently rated among Western New York’s best, giving families peace of mind and strong educational opportunities.

Hudson

If you're into art, history, and charming walkable streets, Hudson should be high on your list. This once-industrial town in the Hudson Valley has reinvented itself as a creative hotspot, filled with galleries, indie shops, and locally sourced restaurants. With a median household income of around $55,400, Hudson’s cost-of-living index is right at the national average, yet housing tends to be more accessible compared to much of New York State. What makes Hudson truly stand out is its transformation from a traditional riverport into a vibrant creative haven nicknamed “Brooklyn of Upstate New York” for its antiques-rich Warren Street, world-class galleries, performance venues, and indie boutiques.

On Warren Street, you’ll find dozens of galleries, antique emporiums, cafés, and restaurants. Notables include Hudson Hall (located in the historic Opera House), the FASNY Firefighting Museum, and Basilica Hudson, a striking former factory turned arts/performance space that hosts SoundScape and drone-music festivals in an industrial-chic setting. Hudson is also home to the Basilica Hudson, a former factory turned avant-garde venue, and the stunning Olana State Historic Site, with sweeping views of the Hudson River. Though small in size, the town has a bold, artistic vibe that draws in creatives, chefs, and weekenders from NYC, just a two-hour train ride away.

Oswego

In Upstate New York, Oswego, known as “The Port City of Central New York,” is a charming lakeside town where history meets natural beauty. Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, this eccentric town in Upstate New York is a peaceful spot to take in the views and dive into the area’s maritime heritage. Whether you’re a student, artist, retiree, or family, Oswego’s combination of low cost of living, lakefront charm, educational and cultural richness, and friendly small-city vibe makes it a standout choice for living well in New York State. With a population of around 17,000 residents, Oswego offers a true small-city atmosphere where homeownership is within reach, median home values hover near $169,900, lower than the national average, and housing costs are nearly half that of larger NY metros.

Life in Oswego centers around its stunning Lake Ontario waterfront, vibrant SUNY Oswego campus, and a host of historic and recreational attractions. People spend a sunset strolling or relaxing at Breitbeck Park, where a lakeside bell tower, playground, splash pad, fire pit seating, mini-golf, and sweeping views of Lake Ontario await. At Fort Ontario State Historic Site, people explore the star‑shaped 19th‑century fort perched above the river and visit the Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum, which tells the story of the only official U.S. Holocaust refugee shelter. For fresh air and waterfalls, take a short drive to Salmon River Falls, with its dramatic gorge and scenic hiking trails, especially stunning in autumn.

From the college-town energy of Ithaca to the artsy riverfront vibe of Hudson, each of these towns offers a different slice of what makes New York State so special. Whether you're drawn to the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, the small-city feel of Binghamton or Oswego, or the welcoming neighborhoods of Williamsville and Brighton, there’s something here for everyone. These places aren’t just stopovers; they’re communities with character, opportunity, and heart. If you’re looking to put down roots or just want a refreshing weekend away, these towns prove that the best of New York often lies far from the city skyline.