Suburban Dream Towns Outside of New York City

New York City is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. It is a city with incredible culture, some of the best museums in the world, top-notch eating, shopping, and nightlife. There are a million things to do in New York City, but for some people, getting away from the bright lights, noisiness, and crowd of the big city is priority one. While New York City has so much to offer, for some, keeping some distance is the ideal option.

For those that want to get away from the heart of New York City but still live close enough that all the great parts of New York are only a drive away, there are options abound. New York City is surrounded by tons of suburbs and small cities that make for the perfect escape from the big city lights. Let’s explore some of the incredible choices surrounding the big apple and look at the top suburban dream towns outside of New York City.

Garden City

Garden City is a small village of 22,000 on Long Island. Known for the Tudor and colonial-style homes, the tree-covered avenues, and the colleges and schools that populate this small stretch, Garden City is an affluent, welcoming suburb. Garden City is a popular place for families because of its low crime, quality schools, and parks. Real estate here isn’t cheap, but this small town is known for being a great, quiet place to live.

Manhasset

Manhasset is another small town on Long Island and is known for its rich colonial history. Settled in 1680, this North Shore hamlet has become a haven for wealthy New Yorkers that want to live near the city without being in it. With a small population of just 8,000, this hamlet has pricy real estate but offers much in return. With a low crime rate, strong education system, and high-quality housing, Manhasset is a hotspot for retirees and families alike.

New Canaan

New Canaan is an hour train ride to Manhattan but feels far removed from the city. This Connecticut area is small, quaint, and filled with families. With a population of over 20,000 and a high-quality school system that is one of the leading drivers of its popularity, New Canaan is a great place to put down roots. With small streets filled with shops and restaurants and a large selection of appealing homes, this affluent community is comfortable and welcoming.

Westport

Roughly 50 miles from New York City lies Westport, Connecticut. Small but filled with life, this town of roughly 28,000 has a prime waterfront location and some of the best real estate in America. Westport is one of the nation’s most affluent communities and is widely known as a spot for some of New York City’s biggest power players to be situated. The suburban feel, with coffee shops, restaurants, and parks, is a big part of the appeal.

Pelham

Pelham is a small suburb only ten miles north of mid-town Manhattan. It is technically part of the Bronx community, but the quiet, suburban feel makes it distinctly it’s own. Pelham is known for the trendy restaurants and shops that line its streets and the high quality of real estate available. It is an affluent community with a remarkably low crime rate and is widely considered one of the best places to live in New York.

New Rochelle

New Rochelle offers something of a city feel, but to a much smaller degree than New York itself. A small city of just under 80,000, New Rochelle has a long colonial history that it still honors today, including the preserved home of Thomas Paine, a famed revolutionary. There are real estate options abound, ranging from old to modern homes and even high-rise apartments. It is a safe and diverse city that is only 15 miles from New York City itself.

Scarsdale

According to a recent Bloomberg report, Scarsdale, New York, is the second richest town in America and the richest on the East Coast. Scarsdale has a population of about 18,000 and is known for its quiet village atmosphere and top schools. Only 35 minutes by train to New York City, Scarsdale is quite different from the cramped living of Manhattan. The houses are massive, the town is spacious, and it is a gorgeous place to make a home.

Tarrytown

Tarrytown is a village roughly 25 miles North of midtown Manhattan, located along the Hudson River. Tarrytown has been voted one of the prettiest small towns in America, with a small population but a town that blends an urban and suburban feel. Tarrytown has a rich history, including the close by Sleepy Hollow, which is the source of the Headless Horseman myth. It is an affluent and educated area that is close enough to the city for a seamless commute.

Port Washington

Port Washington is a small hamlet on the North Shore of Long Island with a tiny population of just over 15,000. Located right on the water, there are marina parks, waterfront restaurants, and tons of green outdoor spaces. A high-quality school system contributes in part to the cost of real estate here, which is one of the most expensive in the nation. Residents would argue that the quiet, small-town feel makes it worth it.

Huntington

Huntington is another town located on the North Shore of Long Island, although it is a well-known area that attracts more tourists than other places on this list. It is known for its pristine marinas, East Coast-style beaches, and open parks. It has been called one of Long Island’s trendy locations. Huntington also has a rich colonial history dating back to the 17th century. It is an affluent and beautiful location away from the city.

Greenwich

Greenwich, Connecticut, has become an iconic East Coast spot in recent years and is widely considered one of the top suburbs of the big city. Greenwich has a population of over 60,000 and is notable for its stunning homes, wealthy residents, and natural beauty. It is also the location of Greenwich Point Park, an idyllic park and beach. There are few towns that more typify the dream suburb than Greenwich, Connecticut.

Sayville

Sayville is a hamlet on the South Shore of Long Island that has a small population but a rich history. Sayville is known as a quaint village with a community feel, with many residents that have lived there for years. With tons of neighborhood activities, a lot of outdoor space that makes it a suburban paradise, and even beaches, Sayville has it all. It is a great place for a young family looking to live somewhere more open than the city.