New York is an exciting state that truly has something for everyone. If you want some of the most striking scenery the East Coast has to offer, check out the hidden gems of Upstate New York or head south into the famous New York City boroughs and get the full Big Apple experience.
NewHomeSource has rounded up 10 of New York’s best small cities for retirees. Find the perfect city for the ideal lifestyle in your retirement and get ready to buy or build your New York home for retirement.
1. Salamanca
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.8%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 18.8
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 29.3
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 3
This city sits in a bustling section of the Southern Tier of New York, just north of the Pennsylvania border. It’s located in the scenic foothills of the Allegheny River about 60 miles south of Buffalo. The Allegany State Park, New York’s biggest state park, sits in Salamanca’s backyard! Residents can enjoy the park year-round with horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, cross-country skiing, and riding snowmobiles in the winter.
2. Hornell
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 8.6
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 22.9
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 5
Hornell is in southern New York, about 55 miles from Rochester. This city values the deep-rooted sense of community that comes with being a small city and focuses on making connections with its residents, whether that entails meeting friends at the Railroad Brewing Company, spending the day exploring the falls at Stony Brook State Park, or showing off your green at the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade.
3. Wellsville
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 26%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11.6
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 28.6
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 5
Located only 8 miles from the southern New York border, Wellsville is a comfortable little city to live in. It is the largest city in the county, sitting in the heart of the southern region. Residents love the relationship with their neighbors and the “know everybody” atmosphere. Down the road a bit, Wellsville residents meet annually for the Ridgeway & Run trail races. These races include runs ranging from 5K to 25K and walks from 2 to 14 miles. These races bring fun, food, and friendly rivalry to this small community.
4. Albion Town
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.9%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27.8
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 46.9
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 4
The Town of Albion is located in the northwest region of New York. The town, and the village of the same name, sit in the center of Orleans County. This tight-knit community embraces small-town life with locally-owned restaurants and shops. Albion is conveniently located alongside the Erie Canal and the bike trail that runs from Buffalo to Albany.
5. Albion Village
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.3%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 27.8
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 46.9
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 4
Like the town, Albion Village is located in central Orleans County. It has a well-rounded community and a family-friendly atmosphere. Neighbors in the Village enjoy the close relationships they have with each other. Every year Albion Village celebrates the town and its people with the Strawberry Festival. They host a variety of craft and food booths, farmers’ market, and city-wide raffle.
6. Herkimer Village
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 24.9%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11.5
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 28.4
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 5
On the north side of the Mohawk River, across the banks from Mohawk Village, is the Village of Herkimer. This village and its neighboring town are known as “The Herkimers” locally, and they sit halfway between Syracuse and Albany. One perk of living in the Herkimers is the access to the Erie Canal. Daily cruises are sent east down the canal to sightsee the beautiful city and pass some of its iconic landmarks, like the Fort Herkimer Church, one of the oldest churches in New York!
7. Herkimer Town
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 25.1%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11.5
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 28.4
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 5
The Town of Herkimer is the county seat of Herkimer County in the center of the Mohawk Valley and encompasses the Village of Herkimer. The Herkimers are known for the rich nature that surrounds the area, but particularly the hidden treasures you can find in the rocks around the county. The Herkimer Diamond Mines help make the most of the quartz crystals forming right under your feet! Spend the day mining for your own crystals and then head into the artisan center to turn your finds into custom jewelry.
8. Dickinson
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 20.9%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11.1
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 27.3
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 3
Dickinson is a small town in Broome County, New York. The town is surrounded by Broome’s best cities such as Binghamton, Kirkwood, and Union with the Chenango River running right through the middle of town. Dickinson is home to one of the county’s biggest parks, Otsiningo Park, and one of the biggest and most diverse community gardens.
9. Gouverneur
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.8%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 12.8
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 31.4
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 5
In the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, this uniquely named town is a great spot to retire in. Gouverneur is only about a day trip from some of your favorite New York towns which gives it the comfort and safety of a small town but also only a short drive from the bustling cities. Living in Gouverneur gives you the simplicity of being surrounded by rolling green fields and the meandering Oswegatchie River. It is also only about an hour and a half south of Ottawa!
10. Malone
- Percentage of the Population Over 65: 19.5%
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 14.1
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 35.4
- Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of City: 1
Malone is surrounded by a mix of scenery, from farmlands and mountains to forests and lakes. It has a diverse downtown area and an exciting entertainment district. Residents also enjoy hitting the green at the Malone Golf Course. This club is 36 holes, divided over two courses, and is praised as being some of the best golf in New York! Malone Golf Course is also a full-service bar, restaurant, and a venue for city celebrations.
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.
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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