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Home ยป 55+ ยป The 10 Best Places to Retire in New York

The 10 Best Places to Retire in New York

areal view of a city in New York

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 Cityโ€™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

Skip Ahead
1. Jamestown
2. Dunkirk
3. Ogdensburg
4. Elmira
5. Gloversville
6. Niagara Falls
7. Olean
8. Fulton
9. Amsterdam
10. Rochester
New York - Retire
Common Questions About Retiring in New York

1. Jamestown

Park in Jamestown, New York

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 arenโ€™t enjoying the scenery, you can visit the Lucille Ball Museum or any of the numerous homes from yesteryear in the area.

2. Dunkirk

Lighthouse in Dunkirk, New York

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 wouldnโ€™t enjoy that? Charming lighthouses, lovely beaches, and a quaint boardwalk market all await you in Dunkirk.

3. Ogdensburg

Bridge in Ogdensburg, New York

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

Mark Twain's study in Elmira, New York

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 Elmiraโ€™s connection to Mark Twain. Be sure to check out Mark Twainโ€™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. Gloversvilleโ€™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

Scenic view of 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 Americaโ€™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 youโ€™re in the mood to enjoy an active retirement, youโ€™ll love life in Olean, NY. This scenic town in Southern New York surrounds residents with beautiful parks that showcase the best of the areaโ€™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 Fultonโ€™s numerous local parks, including the Great Bear Recreational Trails. Active adults can stay healthy and engaged with their community while still enjoying their neighborhoodโ€™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

View of High Falls in Rochester, New York at sunrise.

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 farmersโ€™ markets.

New York - Retire

city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price
Albany 12.90% 746.00 2,957.00 8 $179,100
New York 14.50% 8,648.00 26,158.00 100 $606,000
Buffalo 12.40% 2,563.00 8,701.00 12 $89,800
Rochester 10.90% 1,557.00 7,162.00 6 $83,100
Yonkers 16.50% 722.00 1,883.00 99 $403,900
Syracuse 12.60% 1,160.00 4,746.00 7 $94,400
New Rochelle 17.60% 102.00 785.00 100 $575,300
Mount Vernon 15.80% 385.00 862.00 99 $362,200
Schenectady 13.80% 531.00 1,794.00 11 $108,700
Utica 15.20% 404.00 2,066.00 6 $95,900
White Plains 17.40% 106.00 905.00 6 $568,400
Niagara Falls 15.80% 440.00 1,890.00 12 $77,400
Troy 11.40% 308.00 1,488.00 9 $149,800
Binghamton 16.10% 374.00 2,154.00 5 $91,000
Rome 17.80% 70.00 567.00 5 $98,400
Long Beach 18.40% 19.00 67.00 73 $508,800
Poughkeepsie 16.00% 252.00 557.00 8 $196,800
North Tonawanda 19.40% 50.00 378.00 12 $122,700
Jamestown 16.60% 206.00 895.00 5 $63,200
Ithaca 6.50% 66.00 973.00 3 $239,100
Elmira 12.80% 108.00 901.00 6 $74,500
Newburgh 10.30% 325.00 679.00 12 $159,000
Middletown 13.90% 95.00 347.00 9 $182,000
Auburn 17.80% 156.00 719.00 7 $102,000
Watertown 12.90% 167.00 982.00 4 $133,400
Saratoga Springs 19.90% 71.00 511.00 8 $365,900
Glen Cove 19.10% 5.00 84.00 89 $508,300
Kingston 15.30% 79.00 545.00 6 $177,500
Peekskill 15.00% 31.00 216.00 25 $294,100
Lockport 15.20% 94.00 594.00 13 $93,000
Plattsburgh 16.10% 57.00 468.00 3 $148,700
Cortland 12.80% 62.00 408.00 2 $109,400
Amsterdam 17.30% 48.00 250.00 7 $86,100
Oswego 14.60% 65.00 693.00 1 $87,500
Lackawanna 16.50% 81.00 383.00 11 $94,700
Cohoes 19.00% 38.00 159.00 10 $156,000
Rye 20.90% 2.00 19.00 79 $725,400
Gloversville 16.60% 72.00 417.00 2 $76,100
Beacon 13.60% 31.00 170.00 11 $278,700
Batavia 18.90% 68.00 376.00 3 $96,900
Tonawanda 19.40% 38.00 192.00 12 $108,800
Glens Falls 15.90% 33.00 138.00 3 $156,200
Olean 17.80% 51.00 342.00 3 $80,200
Oneonta 13.40% 48.00 250.00 5 $153,200
Geneva 14.90% 23.00 259.00 6 $96,200
Dunkirk 17.00% 24.00 223.00 2 $67,300
Fulton 15.10% 16.00 419.00 6 $80,700
Oneida 17.30% 48.00 411.00 10 $114,600
Corning 15.80% 61.00 265.00 6 $112,800
Ogdensburg 16.30% 39.00 323.00 4 $67,900
Canandaigua 23.00% 48.00 198.00 9 $164,400
Watervliet 15.20% 45.00 202.00 9 $145,200
city name people over 65 violent crimes property crimes access to doctors median home price

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicareโ€™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 childrenโ€™s hospitals and VA hospitals within one mile of the city.

Common Questions About Retiring in New York

Does New York state tax pension benefits?

In New York state retireesโ€™ private pension benefits can be deducted up to $20,000.

Are social security benefits taxable in New York?

In New York, all social security and retirement benefits are exempt from taxation.

How much do you need to retire in New York?

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.

Other New York Resources

Top 10 Best Places to Live in New York 2022
How to Build a House in New York City and State
2022 Guide to Closing Costs in New York
2022 Most Affordable New York Cities to Buy a Home
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in New York
Jessi Gonzalez author picture
Jessi Gonzalez

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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