Best Affordable Places to Live in New York in 2025

Photo credit: iStock/littleny

Located in the northern reaches of New York State, about four hours from New York City, Syracuse is a vibrant town that’s home to 22,000-plus Syracuse University students. But it’s not just a college town: There are over 120,000 other residents living in a variety of bustling downtown neighborhoods, such as Hanover, Clinton, and Armory Squares, all with well-preserved historic buildings. And there’s a wealth of outdoor activities in the area’s parks, lakes, and ponds. You can refuel at the famous Dinosaur Bar-B-Que after. Home prices are moderate here and the rental market is cool, so you are likely to have some choice.

Photo credit: iStock/stefko

A college town in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Cortland can be an affordable and welcoming place to call home. It stretches along the Tioughnioga River and can be a terrific spot for those who love the outdoors and sports (there are three places to ski within a 15-mile drive). It has a wine trail, and the downtown has been undergoing a revitalization program leading up to the city’s 125th anniversary in 2025. Those features and the fact that you can snag a house in the range of $200,000 can make it an affordable place to live in New York. First-time homebuyer programs in New York might make the cost of purchasing a property even more attainable.

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

Located along the Hudson River, the state capital of Albany is another best affordable place to live in New York. It has great historic and modern architecture; it’s a college town and entertainment hub; and you’ll find a variety of residential neighborhoods. Downtown’s Center Square, for instance, has an old-fashioned urban feel, with row houses and cobblestone streets, as well as museums (don’t miss the New York State Museum at Empire State Plaza), galleries, bookstores, cafes, and wine bars. Many Albany residents choose to live in the nearby suburbs, and wherever you might settle, there are parks and lakes for nature lovers to explore. Although Albany’s cost of living is slightly above the U.S. average, it is 18% below the average for New York State. And homeownership can be affordable, too, with the average home value sitting at around $297,440.

Photo credit: iStock/DenisTangneyJr

There are plenty of kid-centric activities to cater to families here. There’s the Saratoga Children’s Museum, programs at the local library, and all kinds of dining options available. You can hike around the Saratoga National Historic Park (a Revolutionary War battlefield) or watch the horse races in summer at the celebrated local track. Residents say they appreciate the public school system and the clubs and extracurriculars offered. While the cost of living is above the U.S. average, it is 10% below the New York state average. If you dream of moving to this quaint town, it could be wise to start the mortgage preapproval process before hitting the open houses.

Photo credit: iStock/Wirestock

Williamsville is a welcoming suburb of Buffalo, a city in northern New York State. The town is a short drive to the heart of the city, but it has plenty of historic charm, with 18th-century buildings, a waterfront area on the creek, farmers’ markets, and locally owned boutiques and breweries. Families praise the local public schools and the community activities that bond the town.

Photo credit: iStock/TW Farlow

Home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, this town may be full of college students, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t families, too. Residents here say they are pleased with the school system’s academic and extracurricular programs. Other assets are the stunning scenery, an eco-conscious lifestyle, and a surprisingly varied selection of eateries and stores. Whether your idea of a perfect day revolves around an interactive museum like the Sciencenter or paddling on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca has you covered. For those thinking about buying a home, it helps to take time to consider the different types of mortgages available before beginning your search in earnest.

Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone

Wondering what job opportunities there are for young professionals in Albany? Since it’s both the state capital and the home of the University at Albany, government, health care, and education are key sectors. After work, residents have an array of dining, cultural, and entertainment choices. For instance, the North Albany Warehouse District is known for having cool bars and beer gardens, as well as the MVP Arena, where live music can be heard. Thinking about purchasing your own place? The median listing price of around $292,000 can be affordable for many first-time homebuyers.

Photo credit: iStock/benedek

Located in the northwestern reaches of New York on Lake Ontario, Rochester is a city that is known for affordability, its historic downtown, and diverse neighborhoods. Young professionals will find solid job growth as compared to elsewhere in the state, with education and health services sectors expanding, and there are thousands of acres of parks to be explored when not at work. In addition, there’s a restaurant scene (Strangebird and Avvino earn raves), as well as festivals and entertainment to enjoy. Buying a home here can be affordable. If you’re ready to do so, a good first step can be to read up on tips for qualifying for a mortgage.

Photo credit: iStock/littleny

Making another appearance on this list, Syracuse can provide a solid home base for young professionals. They may find job opportunities at Syracuse University and in the health care sector, among other realms. The city’s affordability is a big plus. Rents are 30% below the national median, and home prices can be reasonable. The city offers a mix of cultural activities, like shows at the Landmark Theater, and plenty of outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, nearby.

Photo credit: iStock/littleny

Yes, it’s Syracuse, on this list again. Here’s why it can be among the best places in New York for retirees: It’s a college town, with its own special breed of energy and coffee shop culture. There’s plenty of natural beauty to explore on walking trails; charming old-fashioned streets; and affordable real estate. It seems as if word may be out about Syracuse: While people aged 65 and older make up less than 20% of the population, the number of older adults rose by 43% over the last decade. In other words, retirees will be in good company.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Deej4364 , Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

The Hudson Valley, north of New York City, is known for its quaint towns and its gorgeous landscapes, which have inspired artists for generations. Rhinebeck is one of its central towns, and people 65 or older account for approximately 30% of the population. In addition to the beautiful setting, the town is a foodie paradise; nearby Bard College brings performances to the area; and there are scenic trails, such as those at Poets’ Walk Park and Wilderstein Historic Park.

Photo credit: iStock/Wirestock

One can quickly get into Buffalo for hockey games and other events, but Williamsville itself is full of charm, with residents saying it’s a wonderful place to stroll past its historic buildings and stop into a local pub, cafe, or restaurant. They also appreciate the availability of good medical care, the parks, golf, and other amenities.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons/Andre Carrotflower , Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

With expansive views of Lake Erie, Dunkirk can offer prospective homebuyers a wallet-friendly opportunity to enjoy waterfront living. Boating is a big pastime, as is spending time at the pier. The community is a diverse one, with two colleges within 10 minutes. The town also has historic areas to explore, or an afternoon could be spent visiting the Chautauqua and Lake Erie wine trails.

Photo credit: iStock/Joseph Trentacosti

If you’re the sort of person who imagines sandy beaches when you think about living by the water, Islip could be the right spot for you. It’s on Long Island, which is often very pricey, but relatively affordable homes are available in this large suburban area. There’s a town beach and shore-side Heckscher State Park, as well as ferry service to the Fire Island National Seashore. A home loan help center can help you calculate what your monthly costs would look like in Islip.

Photo credit: iStock/PapaBear

Bordering Lake Otsego, Cooperstown is a charming village in central New York. You may recognize the name since it’s the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s a popular vacation destination for that reason, but the community can be an excellent year-round home too. Residents can enjoy the lake, whether swimming, boating, fishing, or sunbathing. When not living the life aquatic, they can check out the noteworthy museums and many popular restaurants.