2023 Best Places to Live in the New York City Area

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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• Population 1,258

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Walker’s paradise! So easy to find good places to eat: lots of sushi, Chinese food, diners, etc. Great produce at local market. Needs a new Supermarket but hopefully Stop and Shop will open up in Great Neck. Very convenient to work out at Planet Fitness. LIRR is easy to walk to and the short ride into Manhattan is great for commuters. Also lots of Nice busses to Flushing, Manhasset mall, Lynbrook, and other parts of Great Neck next to the LIRR station.... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 7,429

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: A great community who cares about each other. Very convenient amenities and close to the city. Excellent schools!... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 4,163

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.09 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: Great town! The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5-stars is that it is very expensive and taxes are high. The nightlife is not really there, however, neighboring towns will most likely have what you’re looking for. Would especially recommend for families looking for a great school district.... Read 85 reviews

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• Population 19,347

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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• Population 1,299

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.55 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: Lived a year so far and love this town. Residents joke that it’s Pleasantville or Mayberry North. Tons of young families. Very good for the 30s/40s with young kids. Very friendly neighbors. You feel like you can leave your doors unlocked. West of 17 is all walkable with sidewalks - convenient to a small but nice downtown with several good restaurants (best sushi in the area). Convenient to Ridgewood, wyckoff, allendale, WCL shopping, Wegman’s etc. And as safe a town as you can get.... Read 11 reviews

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• Population 4,248

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 5 out of 5  2 reviews

Current Resident: I am biased admittedly, but I can not believe this hidden gem has not been discovered. The city is walkably two blocks away (and easily accessible by any mode of transportation), the schools are top 5 in the state, there's a private country club, private police force and, aesthetically, the village is very tasteful -- along the lines of an upscale town in Fairfield County. Lastly, it is also truly a diverse place to raise a family with folks of all sorts of backgrounds.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 2,856

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.26 out of 5  19 reviews

Current Resident: Hartsdale is a PO in Greenburgh, but with that said the main reason you would consider Hartsdale is its proximity to the Metro North and it offers cheaper taxes and housing compared Scarsdale or other nearby towns while still being safe and family friendly. So what's the catch? Schools in Greenbugh are no where near as good as Scarsdale, Bronxville, and Pelham and while they are not terrible they are more in line with New Rochelle, Tuckahoe, Elmsford, and Ossining. White Plains would be the closest metropolis city for nightlife or a 50 minute train to Grand Central or 35-42 minute express when available. Hartsdale takes part in Westchester County's Bicycle Sundays and also has access to the Bronx River Pathway, so walking, running, and biking are plentiful. There are over a handful of restaurants on Hartsdale Ave and all of them are good IMO. Central Ave has tons of shopping. If you don't have kids or don't need top notch schools then Hartsdale is quite the value and a gem.... Read 19 reviews

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• Population 2,964

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.13 out of 5  67 reviews

Current Resident: I moved to Ridgewood NJ when I was an infant and I went through the entire public school program there. I enjoy how the town is completely focused on the education system and other programs closely associated with the school, it definitely helped me with overall intelligence and higher education options. However something that I would like to see change is a focus on keeping residents within the town borders, other than restaurants there are few to no businesses and I do not enjoy that, the town needs something to pride itself on besides being a college applicant factory town.... Read 67 reviews

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• Population 25,991

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.1 out of 5  49 reviews

Current Resident: Plainview is amazing! So many kids and they all know each other. Great team sports, great schools, parks, and a beautiful new shopping center. Plus there is an amazing biking / running trail. For those who suggested it lacks nightlife, main street farmingdale is a 5 minute car ride away and has tons of restaurants and bars. Rather go there then have in my own backyard. Train station is close but not to close so you dont get the noise. It really is a very well balanced community and really enjoyed raising kids here.... Read 49 reviews

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• Population 26,665

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.22 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: Really nice and friendly people as well as nice parks, library, and school district! The people that are a part of the town's government are always trying their best and trying to help. I even reached out to the beautification commitee so I could complete my Girl Scouts Silver Award, and they were so helpful and dedicated a lot of time so that I could accomplish my mission. The elementary school especially has the best administrators and teachers, some of my favorite memories to this day were made in the classroom.... Read 32 reviews

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• Population 12,024

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful homes, hometown feel, great schools, fantastic and caring friendly neighbors. Convenient to LIRR, walkable to restaurants, great library and village hall with fun kids programs. Tennis courts, village green, community programs. Great place to grow up... Read 5 reviews

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• Population 2,637

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.03 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: Overall, the environment is very clean and quiet; a lot of parks and trails that are perfect for outdoor exercises. The people are very friendly and willing to help. It is a nice place for someone who would like to have their children learn under high-quality and competitive education or to just live in a peaceful suburb.... Read 31 reviews

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• Population 4,984

• City in New York

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  Rating 4.34 out of 5  208 reviews

Current Resident: It's the best city in the world! I love the energy, the hustle and bustle, and the sense the anything can happen at any moment. I would, however, like to see in improvement in the cleanliness of the streets. I believe the city can come together and do more to get trash off the streets, clean up outdoor dining sheds, and make the experience of walking around more enjoyable. Additionally, I would like to see changes to support people without housing, treat them better, and provide better options to make all people in this city have safe, comfortable housing.... Read 208 reviews

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• Population 1,669,127

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Old Bethpage is child friendly, safe, and clean. It is a great area with great schools and restaurants near by and I lived here all my life.... Read 8 reviews

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• Population 5,574

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  30 reviews

Current Resident: Closter's education and community is very commendable. Their education prepares students for the pressures of middle school then high school, but they also make sure that students feel like they are a part of the community, which is why the schools host many events throughout the year for families to attend. Closter Plaza is the shopping mall of the town, with a variety of restaurants, stores, tutoring centers, boutiques, and gyms. The Plaza has something for everyone, and it's a casual place for friends to hang out on a weekend. Closter additionally has a very kind community, and everyone is really friendly. It is the perfect place for a family to reside in as the parents will be able to interact with those around them and find whatever they need, and children will be able to enjoy their childhood experience.... Read 30 reviews

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• Population 8,573

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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• Population 947

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4 out of 5  50 reviews

Current Resident: Grew up in Jericho and still live here. Top rated school district, the town itself has a rich history. Just a seven-minute drive to the Hicksville train station, a 15-minute drive to the Roosevelt Field Mall, close to Cantiague Park and Eisenhower Park, the Long Island Expressway, the Northern State Parkway, Whole Foods, Starbucks, dry cleaners, 7-Elevens, banks, movie theaters, The Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, The NYCB Music Theater and neighborhood restaurants (including the famous Milleridge Inn). The only downside living in Jericho are the very high property and school taxes, the congested main thoroughfare route 106/107, and the virtually non existent night life in this town. Otherwise, it’s quiet and a great town to raise a family.... Read 50 reviews

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• Population 14,526

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Former Resident: Very good experiences with the schools, all of the kids and town members were very nice. Teachers and counselors were always available to help students.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 1,019

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: It's a safe neighborhood and should there be any problems, the county police would respond right away.... Read 2 reviews

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• Population 7,231

• Neighborhood in New York City, NY

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  85 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Chelsea so much. Living in Chelsea is the best because it is in the center of the city for me! I live right between 34th Street and downtown Manhattan Soho. I would recommend anyone to live here if you always want to be outside to do things, such as activities, shopping, or even exploring the city. There are many activities to do such as going to the museum, parks, and gardens. Not just that there are many different types of food places in Chelsea. Foods from all over the world that you may want to try and explore the different tastes.... Read 85 reviews

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• Population 55,427

• Suburb of New York City, NY

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  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Visitor: Love Searingtown to raise a family, diverse, friendly, pretty homes good shopping and transportation , near many medical facilities... Read 1 review

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• Population 4,553

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 4 out of 5  34 reviews

Current Resident: Fantastic community for schools, senior valentines events, sports , outdoor space, restaurants. There is something for everyone!... Read 34 reviews

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• Population 13,147

• Neighborhood in New York City, NY

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  Rating 3.98 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: Living in Morningside Heights is a breath of fresh air from the commotion of downtown and midtown NYC. The neighborhood is full of small businesses and is incredibly well kept and it feels as if though you're living in a bubble. The atmosphere is generally calm and family-friendly but also rich in diversity. Its main points of interest include the stunning St. John's cathedral, Columbia University, and my personal favorite the Hungarian Pastry Shop!... Read 40 reviews

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• Population 34,928

• Suburb in New Jersey

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  Rating 3.85 out of 5  33 reviews

Current Resident: HP is a quiet area suitable for families with kids that are willing to shell extra in terms of taxes in exchange for safety. It's near a high school (which is a couple towns over) and has an elementary school that is within a 5 minute drive or walking distance, depending on where you're living (in town or couple towns over). Nightlife is basically nonexistent except for eating out at a couple local restaurants. It's very small, so everybody basically knows everyone. The diversity could be better. I haven't heard of many jobs available, so you may have to look to other towns for employment.... Read 33 reviews

• grade A+

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• Population 4,801