Although I grew up in New Jersey, New York has always been my second home, and I’m happy to have explored almost every corner of it. It’s the kind of state where you never run out of new things to see and do, and that’s why so many people are putting down roots in the Empire State. That includes people who are looking for the best places to retire in New York, spending their golden years in one of the world’s richest hubs for culture, dining, and scenery.
This surprises many people, especially locals; after all, we all know New York has a reputation as one of the more expensive states to live in, and that nest egg won’t go as far if you’re in the big city. But New York is so much more than Manhattan, and the state is one of the most accessible if you know how to navigate it. From the world’s most famous metropolis to the unique smaller cities of upstate, to the beautiful small towns and nature havens dotting the Empire State, retiring in New York can look like anything you want it to, and a growing number of people are excited to discover that for themselves.
Quality of Life in New York
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New York often gets a rough rap as a retirement choice, mostly because of its high cost of living. We won’t lie and say it’s not expensive to make the Empire State your home, no matter what age you are, but the statistics are skewed heavily by New York City. Outside the big metropolis, strong deals for retirement are available-and New York is making a big effort to attract retirees with benefits like no tax on Social Security or public-worker pensions. Plus, no matter where you live, you’ll have access to some of the best culture and dining in the world.
Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty
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New York has a pretty diverse climate, with the downstate regions having cold winters but rarely seeing blizzards. Upstate is notorious for its intense winters and heavy snowfalls, but it offers comfortable temperatures for hot-weather haters and great access to inland beaches. For those who love the water, New York is a great choice-whether you’re talking about Coney Island, the Finger Lakes, or Lake Erie, the state is ideal for those who love a sunset view overlooking the water.
Unique Cultural and Lifestyle Benefits of New York
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Of course, New York is world-famous for its diverse culture, museums, and attractions in the city, but other regions of the state have their own secrets waiting to be unlocked. I’m particularly fond of the Catskills, which contain some of the state’s most charming small towns and hotels, as well as a sprawling mountain range filled with some of the state’s most scenic and accessible trails.
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However, one of the most unique benefits of living in New York is access to a whole other world. Niagara Falls, located not far from Buffalo, is the most popular way to enter Canada by car. There aren’t many states where you can just get your passport and decide to hop over to another country for a day trip, but that’s the kind of experience you get when settling down in New York, the world’s crossroads.
Are you or someone you know looking for the best place to retire in New York? Before you make any big decisions, spread this article around to everyone you know so they can discover all the reasons to live in New York, no matter how old you are! For some amazing adventures in the Empire State that can be enjoyed by anyone, check out our list of the best state parks in New York. And if you’re looking to find out more about an area of New York you haven’t visited yet, head over to Only in Your State’s AI-powered travel planner and let it know where you want to explore! You’ll have a personalized itinerary ready for you in only seconds.