When people hear the words “New York,” chances are they immediately think of New York City. No doubt, the Big Apple is the most popular city in the state - if not the entire country.
However, it’s not the only popular place for people to go, particularly those looking to settle down from the busy life and retire. Here are six popular retirement destinations in New York.
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1. 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.
2. Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow
For those who still prefer the close proximity to the bright lights of Manhattan, this town is only 45 minutes away. The only problem with living here could be the cost, as might be expected when living so close to the most populous city in the country.
According to Marketwatch, “The cost of living is 72 percent higher than average and the median home costs $507,900.” However, the town is known to have “a friendly, small-town feel, with few chains and lots of little stores ... as well as several art galleries.” This is enough to make this a popular destination spot for retirees.
3. 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.”
Another draw of this artistic and scenic city is its affordability. The median house price is just $146,100 and the state tax rate is 8 percent.
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4. Mamaroneck
This small New York town has a population of only 19,000 but it continues to grow. What make Mamaroneck popular are the low unemployment rate (only 6.2 percent) and the lower sales tax of 7.38 percent.
5. Scarsdale
The unemployment rate here is just as low as Mamaroneck (only 6.2 percent), and the sales tax is also the same, a reasonable 7.38 percent. What attracts people to Scarsdale, no doubt, is the high median household income of $237,135. People earn money here. A high cost of living goes hand in hand with it, though. The index for Scarsdale is 217 (the national average is 100).
6. Montauk
This Long Island town is nicknamed “the end.” However, it’s not the end for those looking to experience a quaint lifestyle. It is home to “several state parks, including the famous Montauk Lighthouse.”
Over the last 10 years Montauk has become popular with a younger demographic.
However, according to The Huffington Post, “it still has charm with active docks, fishing ... and miles of beautiful beaches.”
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