6 Best Cities To Retire In New York
Between world-famous landmarks, a fascinating mix of international cultures and cuisines, and the spectacular scenery of the Adirondack Mountains and Finger Lakes, New York is an extraordinary state to explore. Combined with excellent healthcare facilities, a wide range of lifestyle options, and highly convenient locations, did you know the Empire State is also an incredible place to retire? Not to mention, there are no taxes on Social Security income and government pensions, making the decision even more financially savvy. From the spacious vistas of Cheektowaga to the picturesque parks of New Rochelle and the lakefront treasures of Irondequoit, spend your golden years in a destination you adore, in one of the 6 best cities to retire in New York.
Cheektowaga
A suburb of Buffalo, Cheektowaga offers a slower pace of living and affordable housing compared to the major metropolitan area, while still granting unbeatable access to amenities. Niagara Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, is also within driving distance, an exciting day trip, or a spot to take the family when they visit. In town, you can find peaceful spaces for strolling along the water like Stiglmeier Park. Start your mornings with a sense of stillness, no matter the season, as trails here are open all year round. Connect with friendly neighbors at Diamond Hawk Golf Course & Pub, practicing country club quality golf on an 18-hole course and 159 acres of land. Once you are done, unwind with delicious burgers, house-smoked meats, tasty salads, or draft beers in the Bar & Restaurant, listening to live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. When you are seeking city adventures, Buffalo's major amenities, like the expansive Walden Galleria featuring over 200 retail stores and several renowned restaurants, are only a couple of minutes away.
Syracuse
A central city on the shores of Onondaga Lake, Syracuse seamlessly combines vibrant metropolitan living with natural wonders. Living here will be great for your mind and soul, as the city is home to many historical sites and museums. Start by studying the heritage of the canal system at the Erie Canal Museum. Uncover 200 years of history through original artifacts, interactive displays, and public programs in this magnificent site, located in the 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next, take the grandkids on adventures in the Museum of Science & Technology. This is a top-notch place to spend quality time while encouraging them to learn in an engaging, dynamic hands-on capacity. There are fascinating exhibits that both you and the family will enjoy, such as the Earth Science Discovery Cave, Space Gallery, and the glowing Gem & Mineral Gallery. If you are craving time away from the city to further reconnect with nature, Skaneateles is only 22 miles away. A stunning town on the shores of Skaneateles Lake (one of the cleanest Finger Lakes), you can easily escape and surround yourself with breathtaking natural scenery.
New Rochelle
If you are seeking a mix of urban and suburban living, combining city amenities with a more peaceful, laid-back pace of life, New Rochelle might be the perfect place for you. One of the best cities to retire in New York, this captivating destination is only 23 miles from New York City. While "The Big Apple" can be easily reached, New Rochelle boasts a vibrant, easily walkable downtown of its own as well, with various restaurants, cozy cafes, plenty of shops, a growing arts scene, and centuries-old architecture. You will be close to sights like Glen Island Park, a postcard-worthy spot built in the late 19th century, reminiscent of the castles in Germany's Rhineland region. The city is home to picturesque parks along Long Island Sound, which means you will have plenty of space to sit back on the sandy shores of Hudson Park or soak in the remarkable views from the rocky Davenport Park. The Regal New Roc theater complex is also located here. Watch the latest movies on the big screen, with several options for IMAX experiences.
White Plains
Another suburb of New York City, you can easily access all the benefits of living near the major hub, while escaping the hustle, bustle, and sky-high costs of the city center in White Plains. That means nationally ranked healthcare facilities, including Mount Sinai and NYU Langone Hospitals (which both made the U.S. News 2025-2026 Best Hospitals Honor Roll list), are within driving distance. White Plains itself has an easily walkable city center and offers excellent transportation to NYC, with direct trains frequently departing to Manhattan. The opportunities for shopping here are abundant as well. From high-end stores and curated eateries of The Westchester, to popular shops and restaurants in the City Center, you will find options for all budgets. Enjoy your evenings with magnificent entertainment. Watch self-produced, professional theatrical productions in the White Plains Performing Arts Center, where music, stand-up comedy, dance, theater, and children's programming are also featured.
Mount Vernon
One of America’s 50 Fastest-Growing Retirement Boomtowns, as per GOBankingRates, Mount Vernon ranked 29th on the list in 2025. With 18.1% of the population aged 65 and older, an increasing number of seniors are moving to the city. One factor is the surprisingly affordable housing prices for Westchester County, an area where real estate rates are typically much higher. Plus, being only 40 minutes away by train from Midtown Manhattan, living here is quite convenient. Not to mention the city itself is very beautiful, home to 18th-century landmarks like St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, one of the oldest parishes in New York (1665 to 1980). Discover mesmerizing works of fine art in Mackey Twins Art Gallery, including scenic landscapes, vivid abstractions, and layered collages. Orchard Beach is also nearby, offering a wonderful spot to unwind along Long Island Sound in the summer months.
Irondequoit
How does living within five miles of Rochester, one of New York's more exciting cities, sound? Enjoy the slower pace of life in Irondequoit, a serene suburb with gorgeous landmarks of its own. Walk around the Irondequoit Bay Small Boat Harbor, an eye-catching spot with fishing access to Lake Ontario. Take your spouse or family for fun games at Parkside Whispering Pines Miniature Golf, a lovely course listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened in 1930, this is the oldest continuously operating golf course in the United States still in use today. Major sites such as Seabreeze Amusement Park, offering over 60 attractions the grandkids in particular will be looking forward to, and Seneca Park Zoo, home to wildlife from across the globe, are also close by.
Takeaways
Upon first glance, when you picture The Empire State, the busy pace and famous landmarks might come to mind. However, if you look beyond the main attractions, you will discover several small cities that are remarkable places to spend your golden years. From the natural wonders near Cheektowaga to the postcard-perfect parks of White Plains and the historical recreational activities of Irondequoit, do not wait to get your future started in one of the 6 best cities to retire in New York.
