9 Towns Perfect for Retirement in New York
New York State often gets overlooked for New York City in more ways than one. However, there are plenty of things to get excited about with Upstate New York. Outside of the Big Apple, there are tons of great small downs with a lot to offer. Especially retirees looking for a new place to settle down.
Alden
Only 30 minutes east of Buffalo is the quiet town of Alden. With a population of only 10,000 people, life here tends to be on the quiet side of things. The town itself has all the basics you might need. For special items, Buffalo is just a short drive away.
Alden really comes alive during the summer months. Various festivals, especially retro car meets are a common sight during the evening. The nearby Ellicott Creek is a peaceful place to go for long walks with a dog or significant other as well. The average home in Alden is $251,290.
Woodstock
Best known for its involvement in the famous 1969 rock concert bearing the same name, Woodstock is a name that is recognized internationally. The small town has still managed to hold on to its reputation as a getaway for all manner of artistic types.
The quirk and character of Woodstock is still alive and well. There are numerous art exhibits available to see around town. Live music is nearly a constant here either at a bar or just walking down the street. A home here will run you back around a pricey $737,000.
Auburn
Just 40 minutes southwest of Syracuse is the pleasant town of Auburn. With a population of just under 45,000, Auburn has all the amenities that you would expect from a middle-sized city but without all the noise and congestion.
Auburn is well known for its thriving cultural scene. There are various museums and art galleries located in town that can be visited either for free or for a small fee. Schweinfurth Art Center and the Seward House Museum are a few standouts. A home in Auburn is relatively cheap averaging at only $190,600.
Rome
Located west of Syracuse is another hidden gem of Upstate New York. Rome has a respectable population of 32,000 residents while still maintaining a strong small-town feel. Rome is the perfect place to go if you want to live close to the great outdoors.
To the south is the Mohawk River Trail which winds across town. To the north, there is the Delta Reservoir and the Delta Reservoir State Park. Rome is also connected to the Amtrack railway which can make travel easier if you do not have access to a car. A home here will cost $179,000 on average.
Albany
Albany is the capital city of New York. Despite its political importance, it only has a population of 40,000 people. Being the capital is it equipped with all the beautiful government buildings along with the state capitol building.
Sitting right along the Hudson River, many of Albany's main attractions can be found along its boardwalk. Huck Finn's Playland, an amusement park is suitable for all ages and a great way to spend a summer afternoon. A home in Albany, on average, is going to set you back roughly $288,900.
Kingston
Around two hours north of New York City is the sleepy town of Kingston. Hugging the shoreline of the Hudson River, Kingston is outfitted with a handful and splendid beaches that are always lively during the warmer months of the year.
On the west side of town, the famed Rondout Lighthouse looks over the river and gives its visitors a great viewpoint of the surrounding area. To the north is the Green Acres Golf Club, a great place to go and relax for the afternoon. A home in Kingston averages at $396,500.
Ithaca
Situated on the south side of the beautiful Cayuga Lake is the great town of Ithaca. Despite its small size, Ithaca is teeming with energy. No matter the time of year, there is always some kind of festival taking place. This is especially true around Christmas.
Ithaca's downtown core has undergone radical development in the past decade and it now sports dozens of high-end restaurants and entertainment. A great way to spend your time here is by taking a bike ride along the peaceful and quiet Fall Creek and Six Mile Creek. The average home in Ithaca is going for roughly $319,563.
Oswego
Sitting along the shores of Lake Ontario is the eternally charming town of Oswego. Only 40 minutes north of Syracuse, Oswego is often the destination of locals looking for a quick and relaxing weekend getaway.
Oswego has a surprisingly robust history. The main attraction in town is Fort Ontario, an old military base first built during the War of 1812. Visitors can take guided tours of the base and interact with a litany of actors all dressed in era-appropriate garb. A home in Oswege currently goes for $218,900 on average.
Plattsburgh
Only a few minutes south of the Canadian border lies Plattsburgh. With a population of only 19,500 people, life here moves at a slow and manageable pace. Plattsburgh sits right along the Hudson River which acts as a natural border between Vermont.
Despite having a small population, Plattsburgh has an international airport making travel to other parts of the United States and the rest of the world much easier. The town's boardwalk is just as charming as the rest of the town with Sailors Point Park being the main attraction. A home in Plattsburgh costs $221,331 on average.
Conclusion
Upstate New York is brimming with a laundry list of outstanding towns to retire in. No matter what you are looking for, there is a good chance to can find it somewhere in New York State. Far away from the hustle and bustle of NYC, these towns are all great candidates to spend your Golden Years.
