But with over 50 different counties, you may be wondering which to choose. The downtown area is home to more than 400 years of impressive architecture as well as City Hall and the Empire State Plaza. https://www.newyorkupstate.com/.../30_best_places_to_raise_a_fami.html That versatility is what makes the state so great. Upstate New York offers nature, wildlife, open space, and many more affordable homes than what you find in New York … If you’re moving to Upstate New York with your family, you’ll find plenty of other kids to play with, other parents to connect with, and good community vibes. Congress Park, a 17-acre attraction, is the perfect place to relax. The downtown retains this historic look, with many of its original Federalist-style buildings repurposed into shops, galleries, restaurants, and artists’ studios. Robin Catalano is a freelance writer and editor who has published over 100 articles and 1,000 blog posts. Photo: John Boyd Thacher State Park in Voorheesville NY. Cons of living in the city include a competitive job market and high cost of living (monthly rent runs anywhere from $2,800 to $3,500). A tourist trip to New York City is a big part of New York’s draw. Its waterfront revitalization has helped create new restaurants, bars, bike … While Upstate is made up of midsize cities (Buffalo, Syracuse, Albany, etc.) Buffalo is also booming with education and technology. The No. Best Diverse Family areas of Upstate NY My Family and I are looking for a new place to call home. Upstate New York is a beautiful area to settle down with family and experience all the four seasons. Practical Bathroom Organization Ideas for Real Life... How to Pack Dishes for Moving and Shipping, How to Keep Your House Organized Easily All Week Long. Can anyone recommend any areas that have diversity, nice sense of community, good schools and a steady economy? Photo: Colgate Bookstore in Hamilton, NY. See the top 100 towns, plus an online-only database with stats for more than 1,800 U.S. towns. I have read books including Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, The Power of One, Frankenstein, Henry IV, Henry V, Oedipus The King, and many more. Fingers Lake is the best spot to get out and enjoy nature. Here’s everything you need to know about the best places to live in Upstate New York. In the state of New York, you can do both. From major expansion projects by Solar City and IBM to a myriad of start-ups, such as virtual dressing room triMirror and social-media app KeepUp, this Western New York city of 261,000 is slowly transforming into an attractive destination for tech entrepreneurs.”. Photo: The 2016 winning pair of Julie Potter and daughter Isabella, age 10, of Pattersonville show off the entries for the 25th Annual Hat Contest Sunday at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. ... the Finger Lakes region is one of the best places to visit in New York State. Today, Saratoga Springs is best known for horse racing but prospers culturally from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center as well as the summer … From Olana State Historic Site to Basilica Hudson and the Hudson River Exchange, you’ll never tire of the dozens of unique things to do and see in Hudson, and the fascinating people who make the city tick. The good news is, we’re here to help! If you like the suburbs, its a great place to live - great schools, lots of shopping, good doctors and hospitals, close enough to Buffalo if you want to go downtown for night life. 2. rochester, NY This town is best known for its world- class educational institutions (like the University of Rochester), many parks & frequent festivals. Instead, many home buyers decide to widen their search to include the entire state. In short, you should be. And Soho is for me one of the best places to be in New York! Unlike Rochester and Buffalo, Syracuse’s downtown district is small and walkable. Whether you prefer to reside in the suburban outskirts or close to downtown, Buffalo has you covered. It recently made the Top 10 Winter Cities list and has tons of outdoor activities for snow enthusiasts. Covering almost 55,000 square miles, the state of New York ranks as the 27th largest state by size. Critical Advice for Moving Elderly Parents into Your Home, Moving to College Station, TX? View more of her work on her website and blog. Together, they make up the largest (and most populous) city in the entire country. “ As long as you know the property is under renovation and the decor is dated / rustic, this is an incredibly family and pet friendly place to stay. Moving even further East, we head into Albany, NY: the Capital District. Courtesy of Niagara Tourism and Convention Corp. Photo: Visitors admire a British drummer's bearskin cap at Old Fort Niagara at Youngstown, NY. NYC is made up of five boroughs, or counties: Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. “Ten years ago, Canalside, another Buffalo neighborhood, was a parking lot,” notes USA Today. There are plenty of opportunities for whatever activity you're … Think horse trail riding through beautiful countryside with Erika from Painted Bar Stables. Best Diverse Family areas of Upstate NY My Family and I are looking for a new place to call home. Yes, the greater Albany, NY area is a very nice place to live. Money is definitely a factor but we would love to live in an area that is a great family community. Here’s All You Need to Know, 7 Easy Day Trips From Las Vegas All New Residents Should Know About, Moving to Beaumont? Providing enough activities for you to have an adventurous day, the town is home to Buttermilk Falls, a small beach and seaplane rides that will give you a unique view of the Empire State's tallest mountains. To help families take a data-driven approach in finding the best communities, Niche's 2018 Best Places to Raise a Family evaluates places based on the quality of school districts, crime rates, cost of living, and family-friendly amenities. Despite its small size, Hudson is one of the best up-and-coming areas for business, with affordable rents and a strong talent pool to draw from. Any info will help. Check Out Some of the Best Family Hotels and Rentable Spots in Upstate New York 1. If you’re searching for the best places to live in Upstate New York, you’ve come to the right place. Made up of 98 acres of buildings (including the Capitol and State Museum), the Empire State Plaza serves as the hub of all things government related for New York State. The area was settled by English colonists in the 17th century and played an important role in the Revolutionary War. New York is a fun, energetic state/city. The region’s lakes, mountains, trails and fall foliage make it easy to plan the perfect getaway. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. One of New York's best kept secrets, this Adirondack town takes you away from it all. Good schools, good shopping & restaurants, lots of outdoor activities all 4 seasons. We have 3 children and would be looking to live outside of the city. And, let’s face it: the perks of living in the state make up for them. According to Life Storage, the best place to live in Upstate New York is Buffalo in Erie County. I’ve been all over this state — as far as actual incorporated cities go, nothing beats Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Race Course is a popular summer venue among both locals and visitors. We’d love to hear about your experience. The housing market is competitive in Ithaca and rental supply is limited—mainly because the housing market isn’t growing as fast as the job market. Are you a current resident with some tips and insiders? Kids will love Buffalo’s vibrant Canalside district, with its paddleboat and kayak rentals, harbor cruises, and Instagram-worthy public art. Manhattan is home to Central Park, Broadway, The Empire State Building and many more iconic locations. Syracuse is the educational and economic hub of Central New York, with prestigious Syracuse University and a variety of career opportunities throughout the area. It has seen a massive renaissance over the last few years and now offers residents endless things to do. It’s a common misconception to consider New York State and New York City one in the same. Its waterfront revitalization has helped create new restaurants, bars, bike lanes, kayak tours, free outdoor yoga and more. I especially like language arts and my teachers truly have a broad understanding of the world and inspire us. Whether they’re cheering with you at a Bills game or helping shovel your car out of the driveway Buffalo residents are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Robin is also a two-time speaker and mentor at the Women in Travel Summit. 2. rochester, NY. Living in upstate New York does seem to be the best deal for most retirees, but there are awesome places sprinkled throughout the state for every retirement budget. The 7 Best Towns in New York for LGBT Families. The 6 Best Places to Live in Upstate New York PureWow - Alexia Dellner. The state's capital took the top spot in the U.S. News annual ranking of best places to live in New York. If there’s one thing you need to know, it’s that life moves quickly in the city that never sleeps. How to Find the Best Neighborhood in Queens to Fit Your Personality, it’s even been called the “Napa Valley of the East.”. From charming small towns to prospering cities and everything in between, any part of Upstate New York makes a wonderful place to call home. Albany, NY Housing Market. Do you prefer to live in a studio apartment in the middle of the city? Or would you rather be in the country overlooking mother nature’s backdrop? Ithaca is perhaps the most beautiful place in all of Upstate New York. The school offers a project-based academic program with special emphasis on technology. After spending several weeks exploring New York State, we’ve listed our favorite family attractions in upstate NY by region. Upstate New York is a great place to live. For more family trips to take during the fall, check out The Best Fall Family Getaways from New York City. Oh, there isn't that much snow in Williamsville, being north of Buffalo. Residents can enjoy living in the suburbs, while still being in proximity to downtown areas and outdoor adventures. So pack your bags and read on for ideas of things to see and do during your family vacation in upstate New York. Located only a couple hours from New York City is Saratoga Springs, NY, also known as “Spa City.” If you’re a fan of winter, you’ll definitely consider Saratoga Springs one of the best places to live in Upstate New York. 1 place to raise a family in the entire New York state is Kensington, a suburb of New York City. Ranked #14 in the U.S., Cornell offers more than 1,000 student organizations, 35 NCAA Division I teams and more than 60 sorority and fraternity chapters. Cities large and small across New York state offer gay-friendly populations, cultural offerings, fesitivals, and support organizations for LGBT individuals, couples and families . Their "restaurant in disguise," the cafe and bakery displays objects from the 1940s and wars from World War II to the Iraq War for customers to look at as they enjoy their meals. Locals refer to it as the Tri-City Area, a region including both Troy and Schenectady. These are the best places to visit Upstate NY. If you’re from out of state, “Upstate New York” most likely refers to any part of the region that isn’t the city. How Long Does it Take to Move into a House or Apartment? See all the best places to live in New York. I wrapped the duvet around myself to conserve the warmth as I listened to the pitter-patter of the rain outside our campervan. 1. Pursue a job opportunity? Everything is conveniently within a 20-minute drive—despite the fact that Buffalo is the second-largest metro in the state of New York. Hudson’s easy access to New York City—two and a half hours by car, or a little over two hours by train—has made it one of the most desirable cities for those looking to move out of the city but still enjoy an urban atmosphere. Ranking No. Are you looking to raise a family? ” Tea Island Resort. Denistangneyjr/Getty Images. No matter what your reason may be for moving to Upstate New York, there are plenty of options for everyone. School districts in Upstate New York are praised for being top-notch, even in the smaller towns like Rhinebeck, NY, with a population of just 7,766. We live and work at NYC, our kids are growing and we are in a need of change. We love our great city and, despite the headlines, NYC is still very much alive (see exhibits A, B … That depends. Alan Woods; 31,903 views; Real Estate; New York; For LGBT singles, couples and families, finding the right spot to live in New York state is important. It’s one of the top places for entrepreneurs and startups. Photo: The Firthcliffe Firehouse, part of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Orange County, New York. Made a storage space reservation at Life Storage? For more family trips to take during the fall, check out The Best Fall Family Getaways from New York City Check Out Some of the Best Family Hotels and Rentable Spots in Upstate New York 1. The city’s waterfront has undergone an impressive revitalization, so it boasts outstanding restaurants and bars, and there is a diverse range of activities to … Now that you know some of the best places to live in Upstate New York, it’s time to make your move. The truth is, they couldn’t be more different. Check out some of the best family-friendly hotels in upstate, New York featuring some of our favorites, with most only being 1-3 hours away. Just last year, U.S. News and World named Syracuse the No. Located two and a half hours north of New York City, Albany is situated directly between the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson Valley. Buffalo is, without doubt, one of the best cities to live in Upstate New York. Here’s Why You’ll Love This Small Town, 10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Dallas, Create a Realistic Moving Budget Using This Guide, Self Storage FAQs – Renting a Storage Unit. But the best part? If you’re a history buff, you’ll love Albany’s old-world appeal. I have a small child and the parks are great for him to… Compared to similar metro areas, Syracuse also comes at a more affordable price. Getting around Rochester is a breeze, since the area is centrally located. Show Prices . Some might criticize the area for its taxes or economy, but this region has plenty of attractions, charming towns, … Blue-collar Buffalo is undergoing a high-tech renaissance. The rankings used information available from dozens of public data sources including the Department of Education, U.S. Census, and FBI. Some of the largest employers include: Lockheed Martin, Syracuse University, St. Joseph’s Hospital Center and Upstate University Health System. Jackson Heights makes a case for itself as one of the best places to live in New York for families thanks to easy access to public transport, nice public schools and one of the most diverse populations in the city. The crime rate is low and the people are very friendly. In fact, it was recently named the best small city to live in New York. Esther still laid curled up under the covers, and I was not about to wake the beast. We live and work at NYC, our kids are growing and we are in a need of change. 7 on the overall Best Places to Live list, Des Moines is the second-best place to live for families in 2020-2021. Photo:  More than 135,000 people from all different faiths are buried in the Albany Rural Cemetery in Menands, NY. Saratoga Springs has a low crime rate, walkable downtown area, great school system and tons to do. While Saratoga Springs might not be one of the cheapest places to live in New York, it does offer affordable housing in spite of  its high quality of life. Whether you’re drawn to its beautiful waterfalls, winter wonderlands or family friendly communities, you will love everything the state of New York has to offer. It’s also a short drive to several other growing Upstate New York cities and towns, including Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Kingston, Newburgh and Rhinebeck. Any info will help. It’s only four hours from New York City and a short drive to Saratoga Springs. Source: Wikipedia User Daniel Case | GFDL. From breathtaking natural beauty, high adventure, historical importance, family fun, and cultural diversity, New York State is the perfect destination for families. Photo: Cindy and Jack Pollard opened the Home Front Cafe in Altamont in the late 1990's. The first stop on any tour of New York State has to be New York City itself. In Upstate New York, scenic parks double as residents’ backyards (while nearby cities are only a short drive away). With a strong educational foundation, Ithaca has a constant stream of renters due to nearby Ithaca College and Cornell University. #8 Best Places to Raise a Family in New York Current Resident: Bronxville is a beautiful, walkable village just 15 miles north of midtown manhattan. It has a population of 1,176 and a median home value of$1.2 million. The low cost of living in this Midwestern metro area ensures just 19.77% of the median household income is required for housing needs. The state's capital took the top spot in the U.S. News annual ranking of best places to live in New York. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. It has seen a massive renaissance over the last few years and now offers residents endless things to do. There are soo many job opportunities here in New York for you, especially in the modeling industry, or the media industry. Overall SnackAbility. For families who prefer the hustle and bustle of the big city to the quiet of the great outdoors, a great vacation destination is the largest city in upstate New York: Buffalo. If you’re planning on moving to Syracuse, NY, one of the biggest perks you’ll enjoy is its convenience. Hudson has a long history as a port city, where goods and services flowed up and down the Hudson River to other parts of the state. Lowest Priced Homes: HOMES UNDER $250,000: Most Expensive Listings: HOMES $250,001 to $500,000: … The rankings of towns and villages reflect their standing in Upstate and statewide. While it comes with a price tag, it’s home to some of the world’s best companies, restaurants, theaters, parks and cultural activities. Imagine the environment of a relaxing vacation, year round. From quaint towns in the country to up-and-coming metro areas, Upstate New York offers a variety of landscapes and environments to choose from.