Source / Village of Lindenhurst – Long Island, NY
From charming Hudson Valley villages to breezy Long Island hamlets, our favorite state is full of unique places to call home. We’re pretty partial to the five boroughs, of course, but if you’ve ever dreamed of swapping cramped apartment living for coastal breezes, tree-lined streets, and a little more room to breathe—without completely sacrificing your access to the city—a classic South Shore town just caught some serious national attention. In fact, it was just named the No. 1 best place to live in New York by U.S. News & World Report.
U.S. News & World Report released its 2026–2027 Best Places to Live in the U.S. rankings, and Lindenhurst, New York emerged as one of the Empire State’s standout suburban pockets.
Nestled along the Great South Bay in Suffolk County, Lindenhurst offers a unique mix of small-town coastal charm, rich local history, and direct rail access to New York City.
Here’s a closer look at why this waterfront enclave is making noise.
Source / Expedia
Lindenhurst: Long Island’s South Shore Standout
Lindenhurst scored high marks in the report for blending a strong suburban economic base with waterfront recreation. With around 26,900 residents and a median age of 40.6, the village attracts a dynamic blend of young professionals, growing families, and lifelong Long Islanders.
What makes it stand out compared to more crowded commuter hubs is its relaxed, bayfront energy. Residents spend summers boating around Venetian Shores Park, catching live music at the bay, or hopping over to Fire Island beaches.
Key Numbers at a Glance:
Median Household Income: $136,352 (well above the $83,181 national median)
Median Home Value: $519,043
Average LIRR Commute: ~1 hour direct to Penn Station or Grand Central
Local Vibe: Waterfront parks, walkable village center, and high single-family home density
While housing costs push Lindenhurst’s affordability index into typical New York Metro territory, home values here ($519k median) remain remarkably accessible compared to neighboring North Shore towns or the East End, where median prices routinely top seven figures.
How the Rankings Work
For the 2026–2027 edition, U.S. News evaluated 250 of the nation’s top metro and suburban areas using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each area was scored across four main categories:
Quality of Life
Value / Affordability
Job Market Health
Desirability & Net Migration
While Midwestern and Southern hubs dominated the very top of the national list, local standouts like Lindenhurst continue to win over New Yorkers seeking a balanced trade-off: high earning potential paired with a suburban backyard and a water view
Learn more: U.S. News & World Report: 250 Best Places to Live in the U.S. in 2026-2027