Upstate New York: 8 Affordable Towns to Retire to

By Our Editorial Team | Published September 18, 2023

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Our editorial team verifies all financial and lifestyle information for accuracy and relevance to senior living.

potsdam NY — Photo by Wangkun Jia from Shutterstock

1. Potsdam

The first entry on our list of the most affordable Upstate New York towns is Potsdam. Located in the Adirondack foothills, this small town is a hidden gem that offers a nice mix of community and charm.

Home to SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University, Potsdam thrives on intellectual vitality, while the town’s lovely streets, coupled with nearby Adirondack beauty, are always a nice place to walk through.

With a strong sense of belonging and a lower cost of living, Potsdam encapsulates a small-town vibe with big opportunities, making it one of the best and most affordable Upstate New York towns for those seeking a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

According to some data, the cost of living in this town is 20% lower than the New York average.