New York City life can be a bit much, especially if you enjoy some peace and quiet at night. That’s why so many commuters prefer to live in one of the top New York suburbs. So which NYC suburbs are best?
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is the best New York suburb thanks to its short commute time and excellent schools. Greenwich is an expensive town, but it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. The area’s schools are some of the best in the nation, crime rates remain low, and Connecticut’s public transit system remains quick and reliable.
Living in Greenwich is one of the best ways to enjoy New York City wages without New York City chaos. It also has the quietness of New England without the distance from everything. Most people who move to Greenwich agree that it’s a great investment.
Westbury, Connecticut
Westbury is regularly cited as one of the best New York suburbs for commuters, and rightfully so. Like Greenwich, you won’t have to be worried about being low on public transit. This area has a very well-funded system, not to mention peaceful streets close to major highways.
Also, like Greenwich, Westbury offers a wide range of amenities that are perfect for families. While it’s a suburb, it still has a slightly urban ambiance that makes it perfect for people who don’t want to go too far away from the city. Great parks, excellent schools, and tons of shopping await.
Darien, Connecticut
Do you want to have a home in a town that’s noted for attracting elites from all industries? Then Darien might be the best possible place for you to move. This quiet town is known for sprawling mansions, award-winning schools, and one of the safest neighborhoods in the country.
This is the kind of New York City suburb that makes people nod their heads in approval. A status symbol among the wealthy in finance, saying you live in Darien always sounds like a brag, even when you’re just saying it casually.
Nyack, New York
If you are a fan of driving into the city, you might want to check out Nyack. This has a pretty decent commute time and also boasts one of the largest malls in the country. In most cases, you’ll be able to drive to the city in under an hour.
Nyack is a great place to live if you need to see rolling hills, tons of trees, and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s incredible.
Tarrytown, New York
Next to Nyack is Tarrytown, a small suburb with a history spanning several centuries. Tarrytown’s current claims to fame are the excellent schools and the plentiful sporting opportunities.
However, Tarrytown’s region isn’t just about quaint shops and gorgeous trails. It also happens to be a major historic hotspot that rests close to several major arts companies in upstate New York. It has its quirks, so if you’re worried about not fitting in, don’t be. Expect the unexpected in this beautiful slice of New York.
Garden City, New York
Long Island remains one of the most popular parts of the New York City outskirts, and it’s easy to see why. Rather than worry about too many tolls, people who live in Long Island get multiple major highways that connect directly to the city.
Contrary to its name, Garden City is more small-town than a city, with a fairly calm vibe and true suburban feel. Sure, it’s close to New York, but you’d never guess. The picturesque homes and ample space to grow makes it a perfect pick for young, wealthy families.
Huntington, New York
The Long Island town of Huntington is only an hour away from the Big Apple. Huntington is an expensive suburb, where homes will cost almost as much as in New York City. The big difference here is in the ambiance that you have around you. It’s a lot more elegant and way quieter.
Good schools, ample plastic surgery venues, and one of the liveliest LGBTQIA+ scenes outside the city make it a great pick for people who want diversity. This city’s Pride parade is one of the most enjoyable on Long Island.
Port Washington, New York
Port Washington is a wonderful New York suburb for people who want to experience all the finer things in life. The homes here are massive and are often built to order. Beautiful homes that are worthy of a magazine are the norm here.
Of course, the houses alone aren’t the sole reason people enjoy living here. There are three yacht clubs, tons of elegant restaurants, and plenty of scenic views. In addition, Huntington is just short of an hour away from midtown.
Weehawken, New Jersey
Diverse and filled to the brim with amazing amenities, Weehawken has been one of the best-kept secrets in New Jersey real estate. Here, you enjoy incredible views of the Hudson River, a ferry that drops you off in Manhattan, and mouthwatering restaurants.
This is one of the best places to live if you want to raise a family but are still youthful enough to want to enjoy nightlife. Needless to say, this is a pretty popular area among both finance and media hotshots.
Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is technically a city, but it still has its suburban-ish areas if you know where to look. This city has been a mainstay among commuters thanks to its easy access to the Hoboken PATH station and NJ Transit.
Most people love the walkability and the easy access to transit. However, it’s not just a place for commuters. If you are a fan of top-rated Michelin Star restaurants and luxury workout venues, Hoboken will be sure to please.
Harrison, New Jersey
Budget-friendly and readily accessible, thanks to both NJ Transit and PATH, Harrison has started to gain a better reputation than many other urban suburbs in the Garden State. This area is hot among real estate investors, and rightfully so.
This area has low prices, brand new developments, and a slew of restaurants worth trying. You might get a kick out of the Spanish Pavillion from Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. It’s pretty popular among both locals and tourists.
Maplewood, New Jersey
Are you looking for a reliable way to get to the city within 45 minutes or so? Maplewood’s NJ Transit train line might be a good choice. This small town has all the appeal of life in the suburbs, including a low crime rate and highly acclaimed schools.
There is a gorgeous (and convenient) shopping center, plenty of parks, and a well-funded library. Most commuters agree that it’s small-town living without the small-town small-mindedness. No wonder it’s become such a popular place to call home!
Montclair, New Jersey
Ever since the 1900s, Montclair has been acting like a major cultural hotspot in North Jersey. This New York suburb has a distinct city feel along the main road but branches out into streets upon streets of Victorian homes and apartment buildings.
The main attraction to Montclair has to be the entertainment scene here. The local theater boasts awesome indie films, and several music venues make it possible to catch both local and nationally-recognized artists when they go on tour.
Oh, and don’t forget about the restaurants that dot the main streets. The culinary scene here could compete with many New York City neighborhoods. You can find French, Caribbean, Thai, Japanese, Cuban, and Ethiopian cuisine all within walking distance of one another.
Jersey City, New Jersey
It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call Jersey City a place where everyone can find a home. There are houses and apartments for almost every budget, not to mention entire districts dedicated to specific cultures and lifestyles.
Between the world-class diversity and the excellent housing options, commuters never have to feel like they’re missing out. You also get NJ Transit and PATH trains that run daily, plus one of the most active nightlife scenes in the state.
In recent years, Jersey City has gone from a very affordable (and at times dangerous) city to an upscale area that attracts the young, hip, and professional. Needless to say, this area will continue to please.
Edgewater, New Jersey
Edgewater is one of those towns that almost needs no introduction. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful cities to line the Hudson. It’s also home to many hotspots that showcase and celebrate Asian culture, including Mitsuwa Marketplace, Sojo Spa, and Kinokuniya.
People come to Edgewater to enjoy the views of the Hudson, get great food, and take a soak in some of the finest baths on the East Coast. Living here gives you all of that, plus some of the most visually striking views in New Jersey.
The homes here are jaw-droppingly beautiful and often have a modern design to them. Needless to say, living here is a bragging right—especially if you want to show off your great taste.