If you’re hunting for the perfect blend of small-town charm, leafy streets, and city accessibility — then Harrison, New York should be on your radar.
Recently named one of the best places to live on the East Coast by Travel + Leisure, this Westchester gem offers everything from top-rated schools to rolling green parks—and yes, a surprising connection to aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart.
Harrison has long been a favorite for families and professionals seeking a safe, friendly, and scenic community just a short train ride from Manhattan.
Its unique history, affluent neighborhoods, and thriving local culture all combine to create a town that’s equal parts picturesque and practical.
For starters, Harrison is both a town and a village—legally classified as such since 1975—making it one of the few of its kind in New York State.
Residents enjoy a mix of small-town warmth, luxury living, and convenient access to NYC via the Metro-North train (30–40 minutes to Grand Central) and nearby Westchester County Airport.
What makes Harrison, NY the best place to live
According to real estate experts and many studies through out the years, Harrison proudly boasts factors of life that set it apart from the crowd:
- Top-rated schools: The Harrison Central School District is nationally recognized, with International Baccalaureate programs and a 99% high school graduation rate.
- Safety & community: Low crime rates, welcoming neighbors, and family-friendly culture.
- Affluence & amenities: With the hamlet of Purchase ranking among America’s wealthiest ZIP codes, the town boasts beautiful homes, local businesses, golf courses, and country clubs.
- Nature & recreation: Rolling green spaces, parks, beaches, and historic estates like Sunnyridge Farm provide plenty of room to breathe.
Amelia Earhart’s little-known legacy in Harrison
Part of Harrison’s charm is its storied history, including its connection to aviation legend Amelia Earhart.
Earhart lived part-time in the town with her husband, publisher George Putnam, on what is now Amelia Earhart Lane.
The town still honors her legacy with a memorial boulder and aircraft propeller installed during her lifetime—the only monument of its kind she saw dedicated to herself.
Legend has it she joked, “I grow my vegetables in Rye and eat them in Harrison,” referencing the estate that spanned both towns.
While in Harrison, Earhart enjoyed horseback riding, swimming at Manursing Island Club, and taking part in local homecoming parades celebrating her historic flights.
One real estate expert and local to Harrison told Travel + Leisure they believed it’s truly a “sleeper town” with everything a resident could want: dining, decades-old local businesses, golf, easy beach access, and just a short train ride to NYC.
As of August 2025, Redfin reports a competitive housing market, with a median sale price of $1.8 million.
With all of these items like schools, safety, and affluent vibes checking the boxes, it’s no wonder it landed on Travel + Leisure’s list of the top 10 East Coast towns to live in 2025.
See the full list below from around the country, and full explanations for each here.
The 10 best places to live on the East Coast, according to Travel + Leisure
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Southampton, New York
- Bethesda, Maryland
- Greenwich, Connecticut
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- Harrison, New York
- Silver Spring, Maryland