New York is an exciting state that truly has something for everyone. If you want to retire in the most iconic city in the U.S., New York City’s five boroughs await. To reconnect with nature during your retirement, upper New York also has some of the most striking scenery the East Coast has to offer.
NewHomeSource has rounded up the top 10 cities for retirees in New York. Find the perfect city for the ideal lifestyle in your retirement and get ready to buy or build your New York home for retirement.
Top 5 Cities to Retire in New York
1. Jamestown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.6%
Median Home Value: $63,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 206
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 895
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 5
Jamestown is a delightful community to call home during your golden years. This beautiful town in Western New York lets you enjoy charming, historic architecture, a classic downtown, and a fun river walk. On days when you aren’t enjoying the scenery, you can visit the Lucille Ball Museum or any of the numerous homes from yesteryear in the area.
2. Dunkirk
Percentage of the Population Over 65:17%
Median Home Value: $67,300
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 24
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 223
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Retirees are investing in affordable lakefront living in Dunkirk, NY. This thriving town on Lake Erie lets retirees take advantage of the best of the Great Lakes without forcing them to break the bank, and who wouldn’t enjoy that? Charming lighthouses, lovely beaches, and a quaint boardwalk market all await you in Dunkirk.
3. Ogdensburg
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.3%
Median Home Value: $67,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 39
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 323
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 4
Ogdensburg is a lovely town on the St. Lawrence River, perfect for active adults who want to enjoy the best of all possible worlds during their retirement. This lovely community makes it easy for you to enjoy striking natural beauty and lush natural parks. Take a walk on the wild side at the numerous Ogdensburg wineries.
4. Elmira
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 12.8%
Median Home Value: $74,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 108
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 901
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
You can live a life you love when you retire to Elmira, NY. This lovely town gives retirees the best of small-town living, with an intriguing historic downtown, fun community parks, and a thriving local history museum. History and literature lovers will love Elmira’s connection to Mark Twain. Be sure to check out Mark Twain’s study.
5. Gloversville
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 16.6%
Median Home Value: $76,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 72
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 417
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 2
Gloversville is a delightful town, perfect for retirees who want to kick back and enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Gloversville’s historic downtown will beckon you to walk the rows of funky shops and restaurants. Stroll on over to the Gloversville public library that reflects the architecture of bygone years. Re-read a classic or enjoy it for the first time.
6. Niagara Falls
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%
Median Home Value: $77,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 440
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,890
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 12
Niagara Falls. Does it need an introduction? This mesmerizing town is perfect for retirees who want to surround themselves with sublime natural scenery and nearly infinite opportunities for hiking and boating. You can spend your retirement exploring Niagara Falls, the Cave of the Winds, and Goat Island, some of America’s most striking natural wonders.
7. Olean
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.8%
Median Home Value: $80,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 51
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 342
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 3
If you’re in the mood to enjoy an active retirement, you’ll love life in Olean, NY. This scenic town in Southern New York surrounds residents with beautiful parks that showcase the best of the area’s scenery. You have an exciting retirement waiting for you in Olean, thanks to places like Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and Olean Bartlett House.
8. Fulton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.1%
Median Home Value: $80,700
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 16
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 419
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
Retired life in Fulton lets you enjoy a bucolic retirement on the Oswego Canal. Miles of trails wind through Fulton’s numerous local parks, including the Great Bear Recreational Trails. Active adults can stay healthy and engaged with their community while still enjoying their neighborhood’s spellbinding natural setting.
9. Amsterdam
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.3%
Median Home Value: $86,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 48
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 250
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 7
Amsterdam, NY is a beautiful town on the Mohawk River. Those who retire in Amsterdam enjoy a lovely natural setting during their golden years, making it easy to stay active and healthy. Nature Lovers have miles of accessible trails for hiking and biking. Kirk Douglas Park and Riverlink Park are just two lovely local parks you can enjoy in Amsterdam.
10. Rochester
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 10.9%
Median Home Value: $83,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,557
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 7,162
Number of Hospitals Within One Mile of the City: 6
This city, located in the Finger Lake district, is the perfect place to get away from the big city noise, without missing out on the fun. Rochester is a short drive from favorite destinations like Niagara Falls and the Adirondack Mountains. When you are in the mood to venture into New York City and Boston with friends, you can make it a day trip. Retirees can spend their free time hiking or walking the trails, playing golf, or visiting the local farmers’ markets.
New York - Retire
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Access to Doctors is calculated by finding the number of hospitals, discounting children’s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.
Common Questions About Retiring in New York
In New York state retirees’ private pension benefits can be deducted up to $20,000.
In New York, all social security and retirement benefits are exempt from taxation.
How much money retirees need to live comfortably in New York depends on where they live. Retirement costs in New York can range from around $36,000 to $56,000.
Jessi Gonzalez writes on the topics of home-buying, home decor, and home-ownership for New Home Source. She has a degree from Coastal Bend College and is currently enrolled in the English degree program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.
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