We’re New Yorkers, of course we think NYC is the best place to live in the state! However, a ranking from U.S. News & World Reports begs to differ. According to their Best Places to Live in New York 2023-2024, Albany, our state’s capital, is the best place to live in New York.
The study examined quality of life (spanning crime rates, well-being, commuter index, quality, availability to health care, etc), value (measuring how comfortable one can afford to live within their means), among other factors to reach an overall score. Though we most definitely disagree with the ranking, Albany outranked NYC in overall score by 0.5 points (Albany achieving a 6.6 and NYC getting a 6.1).
The disparity mainly stems from NYC’s low value score of 4.3—we all know NYC isn’t loved for its affordability. 2022 housings costs in NYC were nearly double the national average! In terms of quality of life however, Albany scored a 7.1 and NYC received a 7.0. This helped NYC rank 5th overall for the best place to live in New York. Following behind Albany, comes Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo in second, third and fourth, all with an overall score of 6.5.
Surprisingly, in another study from U.S. News & World Reports NYC ranked as one of the best places to retire. NYC took sixth place out of 150 of the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Moreover, NYC ranked 98 out of 150 for the best place to live in the U.S. 2023-2024. And though that doesn’t sound too great, its actually much better than its place at 120th in 2022.
See more from the study here.