Are you thinking about retiring and don’t want to leave New York State? WorldAtlas, a website focused on geography and related topics, recently unveiled their list of the nine best small towns in New York for retirement.
A new survey from the National Institute on Retirement Security shows that 79% of Americans believe retirement provision is a crisis now, compared to 67% four years ago. The prospects for providing retirement in high-cost, high-tax states like New York can be bleak. That’s why WorldAtlas looked at the best small towns in New York where retirement is possible, taking into account real estate costs, crime rates and access to amenities. Three of the nine are in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Here is their list:
Stony point
According to WorldAtlas, the best place to retire in New York is Stony Point in Rockland, a beautiful small town of 15,000 on the banks of the Hudson River. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average rent in Stony Point between 2018 and 2022 was $1,600, while owner-occupied homes had an average value of $469,000 during the same period. Helen Hayes Hospital, known for its expertise in stroke recovery, spinal cord problems and other specialist care, is a short distance away in West Haverstraw. A top attraction is Haverstraw Bay County Park, a 27-acre park along the Hudson, a perfect place to admire New York’s lesser-known natural beauty.
Take a look at Stony Point: Historical sights and places to go
Cold spring
Cold Spring is located right on the Hudson in Putnam County. The picturesque village is known for its many antique shops, boutiques and lively restaurants, and some establishments have patios overlooking the river. One feature is the Breakneck Ridge Trail, which offers a challenging hike and offers hikers panoramic views from the summit. The trail can get busy during the warmer months, but winter makes for a more secluded experience. Cold Spring is consistently ranked as one of the safest municipalities in the state, with a crime rate of just two incidents per 1,000 residents according to NeighborhoodScout data.
More: See Cold Spring’s historic sites, places to view photos on location in lohud
Carmel
The Putnam County city of Carmel may be more expensive than other cities, but it has several advantages. Nimhan Mountain, just a short distance away, offers forests, hiking trails, campsites and fishing spots, along with New York’s wildlife. The park is home to the Ninham Mountain Fire Tower, which offers 360-degree views of the Hudson River Valley. The Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary is another highlight, offering well-maintained trails through a vibrant forest where you can enjoy nature and birdwatching. Carmel has an A+ rating for safety.
Carmel: See the Sybil Ludington statue on the shores of Lake Gleneida and other landmarks
Penn Yan
Penn Yan is a small town in Yates County, in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. The latest data from ApartmentGuide shows that the average rent in Penn Yan is $748, making it an affordable choice for retirees. An attractive aspect of Penn Yan is the scenic Keuka Outlet Trail, which offers seven miles of hiking, fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The city has a rich historical background, with eight historic properties, including the Penn Yan Historic District, which earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
See the list: World Atlas names 5 cities in the Hudson Valley as New York’s most picturesque.
Skaneateles
Skaneateles Lake enhances the charm of Skaneateles, a city in Onondaga County in the Finger Lakes region. The lake supports the local economy through tourism and supplies drinking water to more than 220,000 residents. Skaneateles Lake is known for its water quality and consistently ranks among the top ten lakes in the country. Skaneateles has a relatively low cost of living, with rent averaging $1,100 per month, 31.9% cheaper than the national average. The city is known for its low crime rate, being safer than 82% of American cities and towns. Guppy Falls Trail, a short distance away, offers views of 20-foot waterfalls.
Check out what they offer: World Atlas names 13 of New York’s most underrated cities to visit.
Guldenland
The city of Guilderland, just west of Albany, offers an affordable rental market, with an average asking price of $1,500, which represents a 9% discount compared to the national average. The Albany Medical Center is nearby. Residents also have access to parks including Nott Road Park, John Boyd Thacher State Park and Tawasentha Park. Tawasentha Park features more than 200 hectares of forest land, an outdoor swimming pool and paved paths lined with trees.
Cooperstown
Known as the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown is located in central New York in Otsego County. It offers water views, a vibrant culinary scene and a medical center. Despite a higher average home price, Cooperstown is currently a buyer’s market due to oversupply. Buyers have the opportunity to find a good deal on a home. For outdoor activities, Fairy Springs Park offers views of Otsego Lake on the edge of the village. Safety is a minimal concern, with a low crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, according to NeighborhoodScout.
Lockport
The median home price in the city of Lockport, north of Buffalo, is $99,900, significantly below the market average. Lockport offers a variety of activities: visitors can explore historic Lockport Cave, hike through the Rollin T. Grant Gulf Wilderness Park, or enjoy live performances and movies at the nearly 100-year-old Historic Palace Theater, a landmark to the community. As a canal town, Lockport also offers several boat services for scenic trips.
Oswego
The real estate market in Oswego, a city on Lake Ontario northwest of Syracuse, currently favors sellers rather than buyers. Yet the average sales price for homes in Oswego is just $148,500, according to Realtor. Lake Ontario offers nature lovers green spaces and parks such as Breitbeck Park and Lakeside Park. This historic city is known for Fort Ontario, where major battles took place during the French and Indian War and the War of 1812.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: World Atlas Names 9 of New York’s Best Small Towns to Retire
