Best Small Towns for New York Retirement Living

The state of New York has many claims to fame, including The Big Apple, Wall Street, and the Statue of Liberty. However, retirees forget about the small-town ambiance found in upstate New York and even the southern part of the state. The third populous state of the country boasts some of the most charming towns on the East Coast. Let’s talk about some of the best small towns in New York for retirement living!

Best Small Towns in New York For Retirement

Aurora, NY

Nestled along the east shore of Cayuga Lake, this small and picturesque village of Aurora looks like it came straight from a movie set. The town is tiny with one main street making up the majority of the town. Visitors will find a pizza parlor, ice cream shop, village market, and historical inn. The National Register of Historic Places lists many buildings in Aurora.

Cold Spring, NY

Cold Spring is a tourist-friendly town located on the Hudson River that offers historic waterfront charm and amazing hospitality among its residents. The main street is jam-packed with antique shops, quaint cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants. The area is excellent for outdoor hiking adventures along the nearby mountains; perfect for the active retiree! Historic estates and majestic homes are situated along the Hudson River and provide added beauty to the already delightful scenery.

Cooperstown, NY

Located along the shores of Lake Otsego, Cooperstown is one of the cutest small towns in the country and is recognized worldwide for being the home to the Baseball Hall of Fame. There are a number of baseball card shops scattered throughout the community. Visitors will find a town free from chain stores and superb picnicking spots along an undeveloped lake.

Greenport, NY

With a slower pace and heavily salted sea air, Greenport is one of the best small towns in New York! Located on Long Island’s North Fork, Greenport offers Colonial buildings, historic hotels and inns, and beautiful shops and boutiques along the water’s edge of Peconic Bay. Art galleries and restaurants scattered throughout provide superb hospitality for retirees wanting to escape the buzz of the Big Apple.

Saranac Lake, NY

Located next to Lake Placid, Saranac Lake offers a small-town community with a slow pace and relaxed atmosphere. There are a number of brick structures, several restaurants, and well-kept streets. The neighborhoods are immaculate and offer pride of ownership. This community might be the best-kept secret in New York!

Skaneateles, NY

The charming town of Skaneateles is as cute as it is hard to pronounce. The area is located in upstate New York and offers a beautiful and historically rich downtown filled with antique stores, boutiques, and charming inns all situated along the north shore of Skaneateles Lake.

Harrison, NY

Harrison, New York is located just 22 miles northeast of Manhattan. There are several historical landmarks within Harrison. These landmarks include Stony Hill Cemetery and the United States Post Office. Retirees who love golf are in luck here, because golf is a big part of Harrison with three country clubs throughout the town.

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