Easy Seniors Club presents: the best 7 New York towns for retirees!
The state of New York is one of the most gorgeous in the entire country and is a top retirement destination thanks to its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant communities, and plenty of amenities.
Many retirees or future retirees have a hard time deciding where to spend their golden years, and that depends on comfort, affordability, community, and the activities available.
If you’d love to reside in some gorgeous and tranquil suburbs, historic small towns, college cities, or vibrant urban centers, these New York towns are exactly what you need.
The Empire State has a place for soon-to-be-retired people who desire an exciting academic setting, easy access to nature, or proximity to Manhattan. These sound like my ideal retirement places, so if you’re thinking about giving the this luxurious state a chance, keep reading!
1. Ithaca
Ithaca is one of the prettiest New York towns and is nestled in the Finger Lakes region. Some people say that Ithaca is among the most beautiful college towns in our country, and we couldn’t agree more.
This amazing town has around 30,000 residents, and thanks to the fact that it is home to Ithaca College and Ivy League Cornell University, it has a very fresh and youthful vibe.
This New York town is ideal for retirees who want to stay connected to a campus community and keep learning the subjects they’re interested in. It is also perfect for active people, thanks to its gorgeous hundreds of miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and lots of parks.
If you visit downtown Ithaca, you should check out their cute shops, out-of-the-world events, and restaurants that serve delicious foods and drinks.
However, while this New York town is ideal for active retirees who would love to attend free lectures and events on campus, visit art galleries and museums, go on hikes and walks, or join a retirement community center, the cost of living is quite expensive.
Sources say that the cost of living in this pretty town is substantially higher than the national and state averages, with 17% higher than the national average and no less than 24% higher than the regular cost of living across New York State.
2. Saratoga Springs
If you’re a fan of horse racing and historic places, Saratoga Springs might be the perfect New York town for you. Thousands of people visit this town in the summer so they can enjoy the magical Saratoga Race Course.
Retirees who love to relax will have the time of their lives at the mineral springs and spas, but don’t worry if you’re not into these activities, because there are lots of things you could do to keep yourself busy.
For instance, a walk downtown is going to make your day better and help you get those steps in, and you could quickly stop for a bite, visit the museum, or go on an impromptu shopping spree.
Do you enjoy going to events? Then you’ll love the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, which hosts the majority of these artistic and cultural experiences. Sources say that while the cost of living is 12% higher than the national average in other upstate areas, it is lower than in NYC.
And if you prefer to experience each season at once, then you’ll enjoy the fact that summer is long and warm and the winters are snowy and chilly.
3. Piermont
Do you want to be close to gorgeous and luxurious Manhattan? Then Piermont is the perfect New York town for you. It offers marvelous scenery for retirees who want to relax walking in the village and have access to the Hudson River. The best part about this is that it is just 30 miles away from Manhattan.
I’m pretty sure that all history enthusiasts will like the Museum of the American Revolution because it’s amazing. You can have fun walking down the streets, visiting galleries, getting amazing things from the shops, and enjoying delicious food at some of the most amazing restaurants.
Unfortunately, this New York town isn’t that budget-friendly, as the cost of living is way higher than the national average, but it’s still more affordable compared to river towns closer to the city.
If you’d like to enjoy summers and winters, you’ll love the warm weather that lasts from spring through fall but be prepared for the severe Nor’easterly winter nights.
Even though living there might make a hole in your budget, there are plenty of things you could do, such as biking, hiking along the pier and riverside trails, going fishing, or having fun at museums and events.
4. Olean
Do you want to live in a gorgeous New York town that is pretty and friendly? Then Olean, in Cattaraugus County, is the perfect retirement place for you. Located on the Allegheny River, Olean is surrounded by forests and hills and offers plenty of outdoor recreation, such as fishing, hiking, skiing, and golf.
You’ll love the civic events, shops, churches, and restaurants downtown, and one of the best things about it is that the cost of living is 30% lower than in New York. Olean is central, so it’s easy to go on different road trips, and the winters are just stunning there.
5. Great Neck
Great Neck is a wonderful New York town that will take your breath away. Located on Long Island’s North Shore, it is an affluent suburb that offers great amenities and proximity to gorgeous NYC.
You can be in luxurious Manhattan in just 30 minutes by train, and you’ll love its stunning parks, quiet and friendly residential neighborhoods, and waterfront views.
If you’re a retiree looking to connect with people, there are lots of social clubs you could join and plenty of cultural events you could go to. Living on Long Island can be quite a dream, as it has excellent senior services and hospitals.
The weather is gorgeous, and if you’re into theater, this is a New York town where you can enjoy the most gorgeous Broadway shows and museums.
6. Woodbury
Woodbury is a charming New York town located in Orange County, 50 miles north of NYC, and is encircled by lakes, parks, and natural preserves. There are fancy stores and restaurants in the restored colonial core, so if you’re into luxury things, this place won’t disappoint.
This pretty town has more than 200 stores where you can enjoy the greatest shopping experience ever, but this isn’t its only pro. Woodbury is great for nature lovers, thanks to its miles of hiking trails through woodlands and along streams.
While the cost of living here is higher than in New York, it is a paradise for nature lovers, and the weather is amazing. Keep in mind that the winters are snowy and cold, and the other seasons are amazing, warm, and cozy.
Make sure you’re always wearing the right clothes if you want to move or visit any of these stunning New York towns. The winters can be quite cold there, so here are the perfect winter gloves to keep you warm.
7. Manhasset
Here’s the last New York town on our list, but it’s one of the best for retirees. Manhasset is an amazing place people choose when they want to experience the luxury and still comfortable life on the island with easy access to NYC.
While it is quite expensive to live in Manhasset, retirees can enjoy lots of shops, nature spots, walks in the parks, and golf courses. Moreover, Northwell Health and North Shore University Hospital offer amazing medical care, so you know you’re always in good hands.
Keep in mind that winters can be severe in this New York town, but the other seasons are colorful and pleasant, perfect for being outside. Which one of these New York towns is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know!
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