The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Live in Upstate New York That Are Still Affordable

New York State is known for a few things: gigantic skyscrapers, insane nightlife, cultural diversity, and the ever-increasing cost of living! Even though it might seem like New York is incredibly expensive, there are many places where this is completely untrue. In fact, some of the most breathtaking places in this state are actually the most reasonably priced! All of the data comes from The Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index (COLI). Here are 10 of the most beautiful towns in upstate New York where the cost of living is still affordable.

1. Hornell

For those of you seeking to leave the city behind and venture into a rural paradise, the city of Hornell is for you. According to Future Forest Consulting Inc., Hornell has been given the nickname of the “Maple City,” due to its abundance of maple trees. In addition, this city is surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains which provide a beautiful backdrop for all of the residents who live there. If you’re a nature lover who’s looking for a quiet and affordable city to move to in New York, Hornell might be your perfect match.

2. Buffalo

Buffalo is a major city in the state of New York, so it must be one of the priciest to live in, right? For those of you who had that thought, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that this city is 27% less expensive than the New York State average. According to the University at Buffalo, Frederick Law Olmsted declared Buffalo as “the best-planned city in America,” and many have nicknamed it the “20-minute city” due to its ease of access. It doesn’t lack beauty either. Buffalo is well known for its intricate architecture and abundant greenery. With such convenience, beauty, and endless amenities, Buffalo is hands down one of the best bangs for your buck in upstate New York.

3. Hudson

You’ll find the breathtaking city of Hudson just a short two-hour drive outside of Manhattan. However, the cost of living between these two places is dramatically different. Residents of this city will enjoy a cost of living that’s over 50% more affordable than the Big Apple. According to the official government website of Hudson, this city is home to “a remarkable collection of largely intact 18th-, 19th-, and early 20th-century buildings. Hudson is considered by many to be a veritable dictionary of American architectural style.” Those looking for a cheap place to live that has historic charm and modern amenities are sure to fall in love with this city.

4. Lake Placid

The village of Lake Placid is an outdoorsy person’s dream. Regardless of the time of year, something is always going on in this region. Skiing and snowboarding are popular wintertime activities whereas residents enjoy fishing, boating, and relaxing by the water during the summer. It’s a great place to start a family, as education and safety rank above average. Even with all of these wonderful features, living in Lake Placid is still cheaper than the average cost of living in the United States.

5. Olean

Olean is a place that people from all walks of life fall in love with. Young adults, families, and retirees all sing the praises of this city for its endless entertainment, natural beauty, and reasonable prices. Housing, transportation, groceries, and health care are more affordable here than in most places in the state of New York. In addition, Olean offers its residents a wealth of outdoor activities to take part in throughout the year much like Lake Placid.

6. Niagara Falls

Many would expect that a place as jaw-droppingly beautiful as Niagara Falls would be very expensive. However, the opposite is true! Those who are looking to purchase a home will be pleasantly surprised to learn that the housing market here is very affordable. However, the tourism industry dominates this city almost entirely, and because of this, there can be a high amount of seasonal traffic.

7. Geneseo

Natural beauty, high-quality education, a variety of entertainment, and affordable housing are all qualities that the town of Geneseo has. It is located in the Finger Lakes region which provides residents there with many outdoor activity options to take part in year-round. Geneseo has a youthful feel due in part to the local university. However, it’s also very historic, and residents as well as visitors marvel at the Victorian architecture that can be found throughout the city.

8. Albany

You might think that because Albany is the capital of New York, it couldn’t possibly be affordable. The truth is that this city is 19% lower than the state average in terms of the cost of living. In terms of looks, Albany has a nice balance of urban atmosphere and natural scenery. In addition to being a sight for sore eyes, Albany is also famous for their variety of entertainment options. Whether you’re someone who’s into theater, art galleries, or nightlife, this city has got you covered.

9. Cortland

The city of Cortland is truly a hidden gem. It is located in central New York, making it a short drive from major cities such as Syracuse and Ithaca. It’s not too much further from places like Buffalo, Albany, and New York City either. Cortland is a college town, which means that entertainment, food, and shopping are all top-notch. In addition, Cortland is also famously safe. According to a study published in 2022, SUNY Cortland was listed as one of the safest college towns in the United States. This city is not only affordable but genuinely a wonderful place to live.

10. Syracuse

When it comes to beautiful, affordable towns in New York, few can beat Syracuse. During the winter, Syracuse transforms into a winter wonderland full of picturesque beauty. They are also a leading city when it comes to education. Syracuse University, LeMoyne College, and The College of Environmental Science and Forestry all call this city home. It might seem that living here would be expensive because of all these qualities. However, Syracuse is a very affordable place to live. The cost of living here is 21% less than New York State average.

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