Quick answer
New York can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $547,300, rent of $2,115/month and household income of $142,413, and the state's violent crime rate (368 per 100k, 2025) is above the median state. Start your research with Niskayuna, Commack, Merrick.
Median home value
$547,300
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$2,115/mo
Household income
$142,413
Violent crime / 100k
368
New York, 2025
Population change
+0.2%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+5.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
3.8×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niskayuna, NY | 88 | $326,600 | $1,528 | $128,346 | +0.7% |
| Commack, NY | 77 | $647,000 | $2,396 | $170,375 | +1.6% |
| Merrick, NY | 77 | $715,700 | $2,756 | $179,415 | +3.9% |
| Rotterdam, NY | 76 | $203,700 | $1,212 | $81,830 | +0.6% |
| Dix Hills, NY | 74 | $891,400 | $2,804 | $219,636 | +1.6% |
| Huntington, NY | 72 | $733,000 | $2,347 | $162,066 | +2.6% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saratoga County | 76 | $324,800 | $1,347 | $99,653 | +0.3% |
| Putnam County | 72 | $448,000 | $1,824 | $127,405 | +0.0% |
| Suffolk County | 70 | $539,500 | $2,190 | $128,329 | +0.1% |
| Wayne County | 70 | $163,400 | $929 | $73,914 | -0.2% |
| Ontario County | 68 | $202,900 | $1,126 | $79,814 | +0.1% |
| Otsego County | 65 | $175,900 | $942 | $67,086 | +0.1% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
Why Are So Many People Leaving New York?
New York can be a good place to live in 2027 if its numbers fit your life: the app's top-scoring places have a median home value of $547,300, rent of $2,115/month and household income of $142,413, and the state's violent crime rate (368 per 100k, 2025) is above the median state. Start your research with Niskayuna, Commack, Merrick.
What are the best places to live in New York?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring New York cities are Niskayuna, Commack, Merrick, Rotterdam, Dix Hills, and the top counties are Saratoga County, Putnam County, Suffolk County, Wayne County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does New York have a state income tax?
Yes, New York taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
