New York moving guide

Where should I move in New York?

We ranked 89 New York cities with 20,000+ residents on home affordability (income vs. home value), unemployment, education and population growth. Here are the top 15.

1. 1

   Niskayuna

   Home $326,600 · Rent $1,528 · Income $128,346 · Unemployment 2.9%
   88/100
2. 2

   Commack

   Home $647,000 · Rent $2,396 · Income $170,375 · Unemployment 4.2%
   77/100
3. 3

   Merrick

   Home $715,700 · Rent $2,756 · Income $179,415 · Unemployment 4.4%
   77/100
4. 4

   Rotterdam

   Home $203,700 · Rent $1,212 · Income $81,830 · Unemployment 3.1%
   76/100
5. 5

   Dix Hills

   Home $891,400 · Rent $2,804 · Income $219,636 · Unemployment 4.0%
   74/100
6. 6

   Huntington

   Home $733,000 · Rent $2,347 · Income $162,066 · Unemployment 4.1%
   72/100
7. 7

   Medford

   Home $444,500 · Rent $2,404 · Income $128,631 · Unemployment 4.0%
   72/100
8. 8

   Saratoga Springs

   Home $445,100 · Rent $1,439 · Income $100,485 · Unemployment 2.3%
   72/100
9. 9

   Deer Park

   Home $497,900 · Rent $1,882 · Income $138,950 · Unemployment 2.9%
   71/100
10. 10

    East Massapequa

    Home $596,700 · Rent $1,344 · Income $145,875 · Unemployment 4.5%
    69/100
11. 11

    Mineola

    Home $624,300 · Rent $2,269 · Income $138,385 · Unemployment 3.4%
    68/100
12. 12

    Tonawanda Town

    Home $199,400 · Rent $1,062 · Income $76,644 · Unemployment 3.5%
    68/100
13. 13

    Garden City

    Home $1,063,300 · Rent $3,478 · Income $228,807 · Unemployment 3.7%
    66/100
14. 14

    Brighton

    Home $259,300 · Rent $1,272 · Income $83,723 · Unemployment 4.3%
    65/100
15. 15

    Cheektowaga

    Home $169,200 · Rent $1,025 · Income $66,293 · Unemployment 3.8%
    64/100

Statewide, New York recorded 1,935 crimes per 100,000 people in 2025 — #18 highest of 50 states (FBI).

Also see: Best counties in New York to live

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates (2023); FBI Crime Data Explorer.