The Empire State lives up to its iconic name by being a global hub for culture, finance, and media, with New York City as the epicenter of it all. While everybody dreams of living in the Big Apple, its high rent prices and bright neon lights can be overwhelming for some. As an alternative, the state is adorned with quaint little towns away from the urban core, where movers can live a peaceful, affordable, and comfortable life devoid of all the hustle and bustle.

These hidden gems bring you closer to nature and let you exist amidst a welcoming community that embraces newcomers. Furthermore, access to adequate outdoor recreation and vital social and health amenities results in a high quality of life. Whether you want to settle in the Adirondack Mountains’ foothills or the Atlantic Coast’s shores, here are the best places to live in New York in 2025.

Whitesboro

Whitesboro is a quiet suburban community in Oneida County where families, young professionals, and retirees can live comfortably. It offers green spaces for outdoor recreation, including Deputy Kurt B. Wyman Memorial Park and Sadaquada Golf Club. The small town is home to a fair share of communal amenities, bringing the young and old together for fun activities at the Whitestown Community Center & Ice Rink. Here, residents can indulge in or learn about ice skating, skiing, and hockey.

Whiteboro’s economy is fueled by a mix of industries that employ a majority of the population, highlighted by healthcare and retail trade. The town is home to MVHS Medical Group, which provides primary medical care. Finally, its median home price is $267,000.

Amsterdam

Named after Amsterdam in Holland, this lovely riverside community stands out for its beautiful nature and exciting festivals. The Amsterdam Riverfront presents one of the best outdoor spaces in the area, featuring a relaxed walkway with stunning views of the Mohawk River. The Walter Elwood Museum presents a glimpse into life in Amsterdam in the bygone eras. It is housed inside a historic building and stores a collection of artifacts depicting the past.

Amsterdam has several medical institutions to ensure residents readily access this vital service. This includes St. Mary’s Healthcare, which offers 24-hour primary and emergency care. It also maintains a strong sense of camaraderie through festivals like SoupFest. Finally, the median cost of a home is $224,900, cheaper than the New York average.

Eden

Eden lies in the southern region of Erie County, about half an hour south of Buffalo, which opens doors to numerous urban conveniences in the nearby city. Major brands like Dairy Queen and Rite Aid help spur the town’s economy and employ its residents, pushing the median household income above the national average. Several natural escapes allow residents to maintain an active lifestyle in the outdoors. Townsfolk head to Franklin Gulf County Park to hike along wooded trails and enjoy fresh air.

Meanwhile, the Eden Recreation Department guarantees fun opportunities for all ages in the area by providing related resources like sports fields, playgrounds, gym facilities, and more. Also, the average cost of homes in Eden is $259,900.

Cicero

Cicero is a bustling little city in Onondaga County with a stunning lakefront and an impressive network of park spaces that make it a choice destination for outdoor lovers. Citizens have all the reasons to step outside, ranging from staking out native animal species at the Cicero Swamp Wildlife Management Area to enjoying an easygoing picnic on the lush grounds of Joseph F. William Memorial Park. The Cicero Historical Society invites newcomers to explore the town’s backstory by perusing a rich collection of old photos, documents, journals, and artifacts.

Cicero residents enjoy cordial relationships with one another thanks to community hubs like the Midstate Athletic Community Center. Also, the median real estate price is only $350,000, cheaper than most of the state.

Dunkirk

If you fancy laid-back lakeside living, there is no better place to settle than this vibrant town in Chautauqua County. Dunkirk has a rich maritime heritage due to its location on the shores of Lake Erie. It also boasts incredible water views, which townsfolk revel in while strolling through the Dunkirk City Pier. Outdoor lovers can spend time at Point Gratiot Park, which provides 60 acres of lakefront playground featuring a serene beach and picnic area.

The Dunkirk Boardwalk Market represents the town’s vibrant business scene. It hosts several shops, ice cream bars, boutiques, and restaurants, serving as a popular gathering spot. With a median housing cost of $120,700, Dunkirk is one of the cheapest places to live in New York in 2025.

Bethlehem

Bethlehem enjoys a highly rated public school system, a thriving business environment, and lush green spaces, making it suitable for all living preferences. Its long history dates back more than 200 years to the 18th century. Residents head to South Bethlehem Park for their recreation, with the site providing facilities like a picnic area, basketball court, playground, and access to fishing. Bethlehem is about 20 minutes from Albany, allowing quick access to vital health and social amenities.

The high-quality Bethlehem Central School District included multiple options, from elementary to high school. A low living cost also ensures incoming residents can comfortably afford life in the town, highlighted by a median home price of $468,500.

Carmel

Carmel is a popular hamlet in Putnam County with a small-town feel, an excellent education system, and a strong sense of community. Its many green spaces allow people to gather outdoors for fun, especially at Fahnestock State Park. This reserve hosts picnic areas, a beautiful beach, and access to fishing in multiple ponds and lakes. The local community takes pride in the arts, with Arts on the Lake entertaining the young and old with exhibitions and live performances.

Carmel is home to Putnam Hospital, one of the several local medical centers that care for the locals. Meanwhile, with access to New York City, just 50 miles away, residents can conveniently commute to access amenities the Big Apple offers. Lastly, buying a home will cost you around $505,500.

East Greenbush

Families looking for a nice place to start afresh can take their chance on this quaint village in Rensselaer County. Its downtown is awash with attractions where residents can spend time with family and friends, including East Greenbush Bowling Center. Outdoor recreation is readily available at East Greenbush Town Park, with its green environment attracting picnickers, sports lovers, walkers, and people-watchers.

East Greenbush has a high median household income, above the national average. This enables residents to live a relatively comfortable life and afford their bills. Meanwhile, the median home cost of $325,000 means that newcomers need not wait too long to afford a home from their savings.

Dansville

This western New York hamlet is known for its abundance of historic buildings and outdoor adventures. Residents escape to Stony Brook State Park for recreation, taking advantage of a 568-acre playground to camp, swim, rock climb, and hike. The reserve notably features a deep gorge and stunning waterfall popular among nature photographers. Newcomers can find valuable resources about their new home at the Dansville Area Historical Museum. Inside, artifacts and archives chronologically depict local history since the 1700s.

Elsewhere, residents can catch entertaining first-run movies inside the historic Star Theatre at affordable ticket prices. Lastly, Dansville’s average cost of housing is a paltry $129,900, way below the United States average.

Ossining

Ossining ticks all the boxes for potential movers to Westchester County. This lovely community has a little bit of everything, including a string of lakefront nature spaces. The townspeople enjoy the atmosphere at Teatown Lake Reservation, which draws at least 20,000 annual visitors to revel in the great outdoors. The same applies to Sunny Ridge Preserve, home to a network of wooded trails for lazy walkers and hikers to stretch their legs.

The Westchester Collaborative Theater connects the community to the arts by hosting musicals, dramas, and other stage performances by homegrown talent. Finally, the median home price is around $499,100.

Niskayuna

Niskayuna is a beautiful borough in Schenectady County with soothing natural surroundings, setting the stage for exciting outdoor moments. Lisha Kill Natural Area best embodies this, a 140-acre sanctuary with a 2-mile walkway cutting through old-growth trees. It is a popular escape for residents seeking a break from the crowds. Avon Crest Town Park is a suitable alternative for families in Niskayuna, offering recreational amenities like tennis courts, a playground, and a pavilion.

The local community enjoys access to multiple medical institutions, including Bellevue Woman’s Center. Lastly, the local median home price is below the state average, requiring around $487,500 for a decent home.

Port Jervis

Port Jervis lies on the confluence of the Delaware River and Neversink River, just north of the Delaware Water Gap, resulting in spectacular outdoor scenery. Newcomers will appreciate the many nature spots in town, with some of the best views awaiting at Park Avenue Observatory. Residents can also take it easy by playing with peers at the Lynx at River Bend Golf Club. The course has beautiful greens and terrific views of the Shawangunk Mountains.

A lively downtown area in Port Jervis allows families to spend quality time at different shops and restaurants. Foundry42 is a local favorite, offering a welcoming atmosphere and flavorful coffee and pastries. Finally, the average housing price is $349,000.

Choosing the Right New York Home in 2025

While New York State is famously known for New York City, the Big Apple can be too expensive for many people. As an alternative, incoming movers feel much more comfortable in the smaller towns, as expressed by the top places to live in New York in 2025. Together, they present an affordable spot to call home without limiting access to vital amenities. For anyone trying to settle in the Empire State, any of them would make a fine destination.