15 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in New York

New York is one of the most iconic states in the union. The Empire State offers equal parts rich culture and beautiful natural areas. The state is one of the most popular places in the country. That is also true when it comes to places where people want to raise a family. New York recently ranked as the third-best state for families, according to a recent WalletHub study.

In a big state, families can struggle to find the right place. There are many considerations when choosing the best area to raise a family in. Let’s take a closer look at 15 amazing places in New York for families to call home.

1. Kensington

Kensington is a village on the North Shore of Nassau County with a population of just over 1,200 people, per the 2020 United States Census. There are many family-friendly businesses that make for a cozy atmosphere for families. The weekends see families exploring the many parks, coffee shops, and parks. When they head home, they sleep well, knowing they’re in a safe area with a low crime rate. During the week, professionals enjoy many commuting options into the five boroughs of New York City. Kids growing up in the area attend highly rated schools.

2. Manhasset

Manhasset is a beautiful suburban area in Nassau County. Home to just over 8,000 people, Manhasset offers all the upsides of a quiet area. There are many different activities for families to engage in. The charming area with beautiful homes and an excellent school district has many cute spots where families can pass the time. From science museums to craft stores and much more, there’s a lot to explore. Working parents with younger little ones will love the many playplaces. Kids can enjoy entertainment and socializing while parents work in an adjacent area. Low crime rates and ethnic and financial diversity make this a sweet place for families to call home. There are also brilliant year-round views, courtesy of the proximity to the Long Island Sound.

3. Williamsville

Williamsville carries great aesthetic charm! It is an area with a rich history for families to explore. Located in Erie County, the village has a population of around 5,000 residents. It dates back to the 1850s. Today, the village hosts an accomplished school system. The crime rate in the village is remarkably low, allowing for a community atmosphere in which families flourish.

4. Syosset

Another Nassau County treasure, the hamlet known as Syosset is home to just under 20,000 people. Families enjoy a highly rated, competitive school district. There are also local activities that help little ones with the tools they need to thrive. Crime rates are low and the ratio of home prices to average household income is in families’ favor. The quiet area brings the community together with family-friendly activities such as street fairs and holiday celebrations.

5. Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a small suburb of Syracuse with a population of over 4,000 people. One of the locale’s main attractions is Green Lakes State Park. The Onondaga County village offers great schools. There are also tons of museums locally that are great for curious minds. Active families will enjoy the growing golfing and skiing scene. Families of all ages and sizes find a safe, scenic home in the area.

6. Astoria

A bustling area in the heart of the World’s Borough, the Queens neighborhood of Astoria is ethnically and economically diverse. The neighborhood has seen a shifting demographic in recent years with more young families settling down here. Astoria has great access to public transportation to New York City, plus gems nearby to enjoy — from Astoria Park to the Museum of the Moving Image to Kaufman Astoria Studios. The neighborhood has many of the perks of big city life. Still, it feels warm and friendly enough for families.

7. Brighton

Brighton is a town in Monroe County that is home to over 37,000 residents. The Finger Lakes region area offers families tons of restaurants to share a meal together, as well as attractions that make for memorable days. You’re never too far from a museum, a zoo, or a library. Farms offer families fun events and opportunities to get together with the larger community.

8. Scarsdale

As a suburban city located in Westchester County, Scarsdale has a reputation that has drawn its over 18,000 residents to the area. The area is full of community spaces including parks, restaurants, and local businesses where families are always welcome. Residents rave about how safe they feel in the area. There’s also praise for how great the public school system is.

9. Ardsley

Ardsley is a village in Westchester County that is part of the town of Greenburgh. Ardsley is a quaint area that’s home to just around 5,000 residents. This sweet suburban spot for families to call home hosts some of the best schools in the county. The small-town atmosphere is amplified by the many local businesses, including tons of family-friendly restaurants and events held by community organizations. Outdoorsy families will love the chance to visit the over 60 acres of parkland in the village.

10. Bronxville

The village of Bronxville in Westchester County is home to over 6,500 residents. An urban atmosphere that partners low crime rates with a beautiful atmosphere. Community is abundant in the area, with many local gatherings and mom-and-pop shops around the village. Well-rated public schools are the icing on the cake for families looking for a new home base.

11. East Hills

East Hills is a family-friendly, diverse area located centrally in Nassau County. The area feels cozy with a population of just over 7,000 residents. Those raising a family in East Hills enjoy some of the best schools in the state. In their downtime, families can engage in an active community with many events — from cultural to religious to historical. With museums and beaches to keep families having fun and staying active, there’s a lot of upside to calling the area home.

12. Park Slope

Park Slope is a corner of Brooklyn that is home to 44,000 New Yorkers. It still manages to keep the charm and aesthetic of a time passed. There’s a fantastic selection of public and private schools in the area, offering parents great educational options. The quiet streets give families a residential feel. They are also just steps from a bustling culinary scene, Brooklyn Museum, and Prospect Park — complete with the Prospect Park Zoo, which families will adore.

13. Eggertsville

Over 15,000 live in the hamlet of Eggertsville, located in the town of Amherst in Erie County. Highly rated public schools coupled with a reasonable cost of living draw families into the suburban Buffalo area. The quiet area offers a lot of shopping and medical options to families, offering both jobs and daily staples they can rely on.

14. Saratoga Springs

Parks, pools, and beautiful natural surroundings make Saratoga Springs the perfect home for its over 28,000 residents. The area has a rich history of notable residents who took advantage of the area’s proximity to New York City. It is also home to so many family-friendly activities — indoors and outdoors. Saratoga Springs has sixteen places listed in the National Register of Historic Places, leaving lots for families to explore.

15. Chappaqua

Coffee shops and parks scattered across Chappaqua are a major draw for families there. Over 2,500 who call the hamlet in the town of New Castle home. It is located just 30 miles from New York City. It’s an amazing area for active families. There are protected wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries, for example, with opportunities for hiking and exploring or a farmer’s market for a more casual stroll. There are also a number of sporting facilities that allow for families to enjoy soccer, tennis, and skating together.

Summary of 15 Amazing Places to Raise a Family in New York