The Empire State is home to the nation’s largest and busiest city, New York. It’s difficult to think of the entire state without envisioning miles of traffic, crammed sidewalks, and noise, noise, noise. However, tucked away in certain corners of New York are retirement dreams for seniors looking to escape the busy life.
As it turns out, four cities in New York State are proving to be some of the most affordable in the entire country for potential retirees.
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1. Ithaca
For starters, there’s plenty of food and wine culture in Ithaca, New York. The city is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College.
According to AARP, “Ithaca is also a great place for nature lovers, who are drawn to the region's breathtaking scenery ... Set at the foot of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca also has plenty of kayaks and yachts, which adds to the city's appeal and outdoorsy-urban hum.”
One of the draws of this artistic and scenic city is its affordability. The median house price is just $146,100 and the state tax rate is 8%.
2. Saratoga Springs
While the median cost of homes in Saratoga Springs is $260,000 and the cost of living is a bit higher than usual, the population is only 29,256. Also, the amenities tend to offset the cost. There’s plenty of art, theatre, and music in the forms of The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Beekman Street Arts District, the Zankel Music Center, and the Tang Modern Art Museum.
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3. Binghamton
U.S. News lists Binghamton as one of the “Best Affordable Places to Retire.” There are free class audits available at Binghamton University, and seniors can take advantage of the Kopernik Observatory and Space Center for only $3.00.
4. Buffalo
When planning their retirement, seniors might not think of this traditionally cold weather city at first. However, for pure cost of living, Buffalo is hard to beat. Not only that, but it’s also a city in which it may be possible to retire on Social Security alone.
Seniors “pay just $466 monthly in housing costs if they have paid off their mortgages, $1,009 monthly if they are still paying off their home and $611 in monthly rent," reports U.S. News.
Clearly, there is more to New York State than just New York City. There are a number of affordable cities and towns perfect for those interested in finding a retirement destination. The culture and affordability of each might just be enough to offset the cold winter months.
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