8 Most Affordable Towns to Retire in Upstate New York

Finding the perfect town to enjoy your golden years can be tricky, especially in an expensive state like New York. Luckily, not all towns have to be costly. In fact, the Empire State offers several affordable towns if you're willing to compromise on proximity to major cities. This article will explore the eight most affordable towns in Upstate New York.

Stony Point

Stony Point is a quaint riverfront community that sits an hour north of New York City. Top attractions include the scenic Stony Point Lighthouse, the first-ever lighthouse on the Hudson River. And just a stone's throw away lies the Stony Point Battlefield, a historic museum registered on the National Historic Landmark that commemorates a key battle during the American Revolutionary War. Moreover, this town is near the famous Bear State Mountain Park, one of New York's finest state parks, which gifts stunning panoramic views, hiking trails, and picnic areas. For your healthcare needs, Helen Hayes Hospital grants a wide range of services and flaunts an impressive 4.2-star rating on Google reviews for added peace of mind, ensuring quality care if you ever need it. As of June 2024, average home prices cost $622K according to Realtor, while average rent is $2.3K based on Redfin's latest data.

Rome

Boasting a humble population of just over 30,000 residents, Rome provides a charming small-town feel while offering all the basic necessities to appreciate a fulfilling retirement. To begin your exploration of the town, just a 25-minute drive away lies Sylvan Beach, which grants mesmerizing views of Oneida Lake—in addition to mouth-watering lakeside restaurants serving fresh seafood. Other attractions in the area include: Rome Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Fort Rickey Discovery Zoo, and Delta Lake State Park, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and lakeside camping. Like Stony Point, Rome features a general hospital called Rome Health and several family physicians and medical clinics in the area. According to Zumper, the average rent here is $1.5K, while Realtor estimates suggest $250K for average home prices.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk is a vibrant lakefront town with many attractions and activities to enjoy. A few must-see places of interest include the Dunkirk City Pier, Dunkirk Lighthouse, and Point Gratiot Park, serving as Dunkirk's crown park that spans more than 55 acres, while providing top-notch views of Lake Erie amidst the green landscape. Another perk of living in Dunkirk is its proximity to Fredonia, a charming small town home to the 133-year-old Fredonia Opera House. Finally, take advantage of the Boardwalk Marketplace, hosting seven premier retail and dining establishments on a 160-foot-long boardwalk. To get all this and more, median rent averages $1.2K while average home prices stand at $130K according to Realtor.

Potsdam

Enjoy looking at scenic rivers? The Raquette River flows in the heart of Potsdam. With more than seven parks and trails to explore the outdoors, Potsdam is a haven for nature lovers and those looking for a quiet place to escape big cities. Among many parks worth seeing, Lehman Park is particularly notable as it sits on the periphery of town and provides direct access to Raquette River. Additionally, Potsdam is home to the Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam, the North Country Children's Museum, and the renowned Potsdam Public Museum. The latter features numerous collections, including Civil War documents, English pottery, and antique American furniture.

Oneida

Oneida is conveniently located near Oneida Lake, which locals call the "thumb" of the Finger Lakes due to its shallowness. Nonetheless, the area features several points of interest and amenities to explore, such as the historical landmark of Oneida Creek Erie Canal Aqueduct, and the Madison County Historical Society which showcases the area's history through programs and exhibitions. Unlike most museums, this one hosts multiple lively events through the year, including a farmers market, a craft festival, and fun workshops. To get some rejuvenating fresh air, explore Mount Hope Park, a tranquil environment with well-maintained trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a run. If you're sold on Oneida, the latest data from Realtor shows that the median listing price is currently at $245K, while RentCafe's data suggests the average rent for an apartment is slightly over $1K.

Canandaigua

This small lakeside town is home to eight parks, two museums, and the Skenoh Island Wildlife Management Area, the smallest state park in New York—but don't let its diminutive size fool you. The surrounding area is more than suitable for fishing, hiking, hunting, watching wildlife, and more! Additionally, it provides spectacular views of Canandaigua Lake. For a great spot to have family fun, visit Kershaw Park for a picnic or a relaxing stroll along the beach. Not to be outdone, the Sand Bar at The Lake House on Canandaigua provides excellent food and great views! Whether you prefer to dine in or have takeout, they provide delicious seafood, desserts, and an outdoor patio to give you an unforgettable experience. Despite the many attractions and amenities, living in Canandaigua is relatively cheap—with rent costing just $1.5K following Zumper's data. In comparison, median homes stand at $355K per Redfin.

Watertown

Like Potsdam, Watertown also flaunts a river that runs directly through its core. Among the many parks in town, Whitewater Park and Veterans Memorial Riverwalk Park both grant excellent views of Black River and a chance to catch some soothing nature melodies. To learn about this town's storied past, visit the Jefferson County Historical Society, where you can explore a variety of interactive exhibitions, including: Presidential Signatures, Winter Fashion, and Military Artifacts. To escape the indoors and savor some sunshine, the Historic Thompson Park offers all the greenspace you need, in addition to an 18-hole golf course and a zoo; the park was designed by esteemed landscape architect, John Charles Olmsted. The cost of living in Watertown is low, with rent averaging around $1.2K per Zumper, while median home listings hover at $240K as outlined by Realtor.

Oswego

Finishing off the list is the gorgeous town of Oswego, which made the list of 14 most gorgeous Upstate New York towns to visit last year. Sitting alongside the shores of Lake Ontario, Oswego is renowned for its captivating beauty. Native Americans first inhabited this area for thousands of years, which ater became a key trade hub during the colonial era. Additionally, Oswego played pivotal roles in the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. A few historical landmarks in the area include: West Pierhead Lighthouse, Safe Haven Historic Site, and the famous Fort Ontario State Historic Site. The last-mentioned was built 269 years ago amidst the French and Indian War. Learning about the town's storied past is thankfully effortless due to the many museums in the area, such as the Maritime Museum Lot, Children's Museum of Oswego, and Richardson Bates House Museum. To live in Oswego, rent costs $1.3K per Zumper's findings, whereas the typical home price is $187K per Realtor's market analysis.

In conclusion, these charming Upstate New York towns enable affordable retirement in one of the most coveted states in the nation. Whether it's walking on the historical grounds of Oswego or strolling along the banks of Raquette River in Potsdam, each town offers its own charming attraction, without having to break your wallet.