2023 Best Counties to Live in New York

• County in New York

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  Rating 4 out of 5  22 reviews

Current Resident: Nassau County is a relatively small county compared to its counter parts. The public schools are average, nothing too special. The safety of the neighborhood is good, never hear too many things wrong in the news. The community is nice and friendly able to commute, and service. The nightlife in my experience is average nothing much goes on at night unless there are parties at a house. Nassau is friendly when it comes to affordability, it's low housing prices combind with the low pricingbills makes it a great fit for low income families. The diversity of the county is really good sharing decent percantages for Asian American, African american, Caucasion and Latin. Job Oppurtinies, it is not difficult getting a job at any time of the month, while it does get busier during the summer where it gets more difficult. It is healthy depending at your hosuing as far as I know.... Read 22 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 1,391,678

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.41 out of 5  86 reviews

Current Resident: Westchester County is the place to be! I have lived here all my life and there are a countless amount of things to do. Whether you and your friends want to go to the city for a night out or simply go to the movies and get some food. This place will forever be my home and it has shaped me into who I am today! I currently live in Buchanan, next to Montrose, and I have made life-long friendships!... Read 86 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Population 999,723

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.57 out of 5  7 reviews

Niche User: So the things I want to this county to changed the stores like make more big toys stores only for ages and up and more toys for growned peoples and also make best gaming stores and game shops and the way that want it to changed is like more and more of the stores of GameStop big stores and more to be there... Read 7 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Population 105,638

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.75 out of 5  80 reviews

Works Here: Lots of events and outdoor activity. Great restaurants with lots of outdoor seating, activities, concerts, rallies, farmers markets, shopping, fitness groups and nature trails. When it comes to medical, great doctors north, south east or west. Great medical providers with a variety of options and locations to provide services. Public transportation is amazing. Not only can you take a bus, uber is big, lyft and local taxi's. Sporting activities are all around. You can take in horseback riding, hiking, biking, softball, basketball, baseball and lots of swimming places. There are YMCA's and other indoor activities like rock climbing and ninja warrior gyms. Shopping is excellent with farmers markets to specialty foods to outlets and specialty furniture stores. Local colleges are amazing and offer great academic classes. Some offer classes and continuing education classes at the local high schools.... Read 80 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Population 314,679

• County in New York

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  Rating 4 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Monroe County contains a relatively wide range of towns, ranging from Pittsford to Greece to Honeoye Falls. These towns allow for a mix of more rural land to more urban living towards the city of Rochester. Travel throughout the county is relatively easy, though there is not a great deal of public transportation available.... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 757,332

• County in New York

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  Rating 4.56 out of 5  18 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in different areas of Saratoga county for the past 11 years. It's beautiful here. Horse country. A place full of culture. Down town Saratoga Springs has beautiful parks, ballets, plays, and all styles of eateries and hotels. Saratoga lake has sailing tournaments. And the Vermont border is only about 45 minutes away! Negative part to all this is you need to have the money. Many people commute to Albany for work. I love to see the farms on the out skirts of the city. Schools are good, hospitals are good. Again, all this comes at a price. Even the smaller towns around it are nice.... Read 18 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 235,010

• County in New York

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  Rating 4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Onondaga County is an amazing place to live. The public schools are amazing and the support throughout the county is spectacular. Residents are always finding ways to volunteer and help each other.... Read 5 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 474,621

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.88 out of 5  69 reviews

Current Resident: My experience has been nothing-but-the-best living in this area. I grew up in this area for the majority of my childhood. The safe environment provided me with the room to explore and play as a child. Some of my most memorable moments were of my childhood friends and I running through neighborhoods and playing made-up games. This innovation carried through into my schooling. Teachers and staff cared for every child's well-being and futures. Parents in the area were consistently involved through the PTA or in extracurricular activities. Everyone knew each other and this created an active community. As a young adult, I have come to learn that this area is not a commonality. I cherish my time living in this area and strive to be blessed with or begin to foster an area resembling this little section of Western New York.... Read 69 reviews

• grade A

• grade B+

• Population 949,715

• County in New York

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: safety and very close knit, everybody knows each other, a lot of jobs and diversity. very little problems and crime, feels like home... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 336,485

• County in New York

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful scenery is offered and every season can be enjoyed. Many lakes and rivers provide wonderful boating and fishing opportunities in the summer. There are many mountains and hiking trails to enjoy in the spring. Fall brings beautiful ambience in nature. With winter, people can enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, and ice skating. Great hunting/fishing land. Wonderful restaurants and historical places to visit.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 296,012

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Niche User: There is hardly ever any violent crime. There is, on occasion, drug-related crimes, but more in the larger towns or cities around where I live. The police in our town are pretty good at keeping things under control and responding when needed.... Read 4 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 112,060

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Current Resident: Quiet, out of the way, and peaceful. Amazing hiking, great lake access, and local community events throughout the year. They have an amazing public park, along with an active parks and recreation department. Little walking space in town, no sidewalks available, no bike lane. Diversity has been increasing, but the area is still mostly caucasian.... Read 7 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 97,960

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.84 out of 5  43 reviews

Current Resident: I live at Suffolk County since I moved to USA. I can say that Suffolk County is pretty safe and has very nice neighborhoods. Living here is super chill, you wake up with bird chirps. I only hope everybody lives in a place where they feel happy and safe!... Read 43 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 1,522,998

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  6 reviews

Current Resident: I LOVE Rensselaer County! So much diversity and acceptance of all religions, races and genders. Been my home for 12 years, never want to leave! The people here are so nice and I just love everything about Rensselaer County! Will definitely be raising my children here, the schools are tremendous! I cannot wait to send them to schools where they will receive the best education, while forming relationships with their peers that will last a lifetime. 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking to move to a different county, or come to New York for the first time!... Read 6 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 161,125

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.47 out of 5  38 reviews

Current Resident: Schenectady has its great and not so great areas as any other city provides to its people. With that being said, it has a plethora of places to dine and feast. There are many family owned businesses and restaurants that have been around for many years that will absolutely satisfy your taste buds and your wallet. From Italian, to greek, to good ol all american feasting there is so much for you to explore. Scotti's is one of my favorite Italian spots and lets not forget the awesome Villa Italia for those with a sweet tooth. Due to the pandemic, I can not say where you can go for entertainment, but downtown Schenectady's renovations are sure to bring about some new sites and sounds as we pass through this time in history. Rivers Casino is of course a nice hot place to make a pit stop if you're feeling lucky. Schenectady is sure to please almost all who take a day or two to explore. Have fun!... Read 38 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B+

• Population 157,515

• County in New York

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  Rating 4.25 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I love this area their is many dining and shopping stores locally. I have had a great experience with the Pine Bush School District the teachers are very loving and caring towards their students. The only thing I dislike is how expensive it is to rent in this area other than that it’s fabulous!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Population 398,277

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Niagara County my entire life! There is so much to see and do, no only in Niagara, but in the surrounding Western New York and Ontario Province Canada.The weather is great as we get a full 4 seasons. Winter is my favorite because of all the local cross country skiing and winter festivals. How could you not think of NIAGARA FALLS! Surely, one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world and right here in my backyard. We have hiked the gorge several times, sail into Lake Ontario from the Niagara River, ridden the Maid of the Mist boat right into the churning water beneath the falls, climbed the wild and wet stairs beside the falls, and heard it's roar through the Cave of the Winds behind the falls. Don't miss exciting aircraft shows, festivals, hometown favorites throughout the county. From farms to Falls, Niagara County is all it can be.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 212,808

• County in New York

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Population 198,591

• County in New York

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  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 61,587

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Current Resident: The area is nice and people are friendly. The culture here is very welcoming. With a lot of events that occur all over, that celebrates everything.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Population 181,862

• County in New York

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  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Current Resident: It's a great county, plenty of things to do and places to go. There are malls, community colleges, and universities. More of a country person? Lots of country to explore. More of a city person? Go into Rochester and see the museums, Eastman house, explore the parks, or go to the beaches.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 62,253

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  4 reviews

Former Resident: I grew up in a small town within Oneida County. I had an amazing experience growing up there until I went off to college. The smaller sized school district and safe feeling of a close community were very comforting while growing up. Although at times it seemed like the town didn't have much to offer- looking back I wouldn't change a thing about growing up there and hope to one day return.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 232,034

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.25 out of 5  8 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• Population 58,952

• County in New York

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  Rating 3.67 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: Not a whole lot to do, but right smack in the middle of new york allowing you to go to syracuse of ithaca within 30min. Has the cleanest grocery store ever (price chopper) and a fair bit of outdoor parks, shops, and organizations to join/help/or be helped.... Read 12 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Population 46,984

• County in New York

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 65,692