Is New York a Good Place to Retire?

Retiring in New York? Learn about its pros & cons: quality of life & health care ratings, cost of living & tax rates, attractions & more.

Is New York a Good Place to Retire?

When it comes to retirement, New York is a great place to consider. It ranked in the top 10 in terms of quality of life and 16th in terms of health care, making it an attractive option for retirees. However, its affordability rating was not as high, likely due to the fact that it has the second highest cost of living in the US and the third highest tax rate. New York City is a great place to grow old, despite its tough living conditions.

According to US News & World Report, it was ranked 118th out of 150 metropolitan areas as an attractive place to live, and was highlighted for its value, quality of life, and the number of people leaving. The information for each index was collected using data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you're looking for a charming community to call home in retirement, Jamestown is a great option. This beautiful city in western New York allows you to enjoy charming historic architecture, a classic downtown, and a fun ride on the river.

On days when you don't feel like exploring the scenery, you can visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum (popularly known as the Lucy Desi Museum) or any of the many old houses in the area. Ogdensburg is another great option for active adults who want to enjoy the best of all possible worlds during their retirement. Residents can enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty, local marinas, parks, and tennis courts. They can also take a walk on the wild side by visiting any of Ogdensburg's many wineries.

Retirees are also investing in affordable lakefront living in Dunkirk. This thriving city on Lake Erie allows retirees to take advantage of the best of the Great Lakes without breaking the bank. Charming lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and a picturesque maritime market await you in Dunkirk. Malone is located about 10 miles from the US-Canadian border and offers panoramic views and recreational opportunities thanks to its location on the Salmon River.

The Malone Golf Club is one of the city's favorites, with 36 holes spread over two different courses, some of which have been named “the best nine pure classics” by avid golf lovers. The club also has a full-service bar and restaurant within its countryside grounds. Adjacent to Binghamton and part of the Triple Cities is Johnson City - a cozy town perfect for retirees. Residents can take advantage of five main parks that offer everything from playgrounds to sports facilities - including the famous “jewel in the crown” carousel - one of the largest remaining carousels in the country with four rows of 72 horses.

New York is somewhat tax-friendly for retirees; Social Security income isn't taxed at all but withdrawals from retirement accounts are partially taxed. Albany is considered “upstate” but it's actually not part of the New York City region since it's more than 150 miles north. The Club at Briarcliff Manor offers some of the best independent living for seniors in Western New York, Westchester, and nearby New York City. If you're thinking about retiring in New York City or New York State, it makes sense to think about all its pros and cons - no place is completely perfect after all! New York has a complicated tax structure with income tax rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%.

The New York City region includes five boroughs and Long Island - many of which have very high prices - but you can find affordable communities for over 55s in these areas too. People retire to New York for all kinds of reasons - maybe they've always dreamt of living there or they're drawn to its scenic natural beauty. Eastern New York is home to Ashokan Reservoir Promenade, Hudson Walkway, and Storm King Art Center - although it's not well known for having many active adult properties. Long Island is like a close cousin to New York City - many people who live there have vacation homes on either side of Long Island. Although New York City is known for being an expensive place to live, it can still be an exciting place to retire - especially with The Club at Briarcliff Manor being one of its main attractions! Westchester is also considered one of the best places to retire in New York.