The Most Affordable And Desirable Counties To Live In New York
New York is famous for its bustling city life, landmarks, and diverse culture. There are, however, several desirable and affordable counties to live in outside the city’s bright lights and fast pace. These counties offer a slower, more relaxed lifestyle with all the benefits of a big city. They also feature excellent schools, parks, and outdoor activities.
So, if you are moving to New York or want a change of scenery, here are the most affordable and desirable counties. With scenic landscapes and friendly communities, these counties offer something special for everyone.
Top 5 Affordable And Desirable Counties To Live in New York
Would you like to escape the busy streets of New York City? Fortunately, there’s good news! Aside from city lights and fast living, there are counties with affordable housing and beautiful landscapes.
Here are the top 5 affordable And desirable counties to live in New York:
1. Putnam County
- Founded: 1812
- Area: 246 sq. miles
- Population: 97, 668 (2020)
Putnam County is situated within the New York–Newark–Jersey City, NY–N.J.–P.A. Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county offers convenient access to major urban centers in the lower Hudson River Valley. There is a central location within 45-50 minutes of Times Square and one hour from Grand Central Terminal.
The county was founded in 1812 and named after Israel Putnam, a Revolutionary War general. There are five major communities in the county: Cold Spring, Brewster, Lake Carmel, Putnam Lake, and Carmel.
Economically, it’s main activities revolve around services and retail trade. In this country, the median list price is $499,450. A property’s cost per square foot averages $350.11, providing a measurement of cost per area.
In Putnam County, you can find rolling hills, picturesque villages, and beautiful water scenes. There are several types of real estate available in Putnam County, including land and lots, condos, townhouses, single-family homes, and commercial properties.
Featuring 14,000 acres of walking and hiking trails, Clarence Fahnestock State Park is suitable for outdoor fans. For winter lovers, Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson offers a charming small-scale skiing experience.
2. Madison County: One Of The Most Desirable counties
- Founded: 1806
- Area: 662 sq. miles
- Population: 68,016 ( 2020)
The natural beauty and history of Madison County in the U.S. state of New York is different. This county is named after James Madison, the fourth United States president.
There are 661 square miles of land within the county, and Wampsville and Oneida are its two largest cities. However, Madison County has 655 square miles of land and 6.4 square miles of water, representing 1.0% of its total area. It plays a role in the broader regional context as part of the Syracuse metro area.
With 103.9 residents per square mile, this county balances population and natural landscape. A scenic lake and creek define Oneida’s northern border, enhancing the county’s beauty.
There is a robust agricultural industry, which includes dairy processing, hops/beer production, meat processing, and renewable energy. Its economy is based on tourism and agriculture, especially corn (maize) and dairy products.
The State University of New York at Morrisville, Colgate University, and Cazenovia College provide learning and intellectual exploration facilities in Madison County. With deep connections to the Erie Canal, It has a rich historical heritage.
Also, the county has several waterways, including the Chenango and Sangerfield rivers. Various trees, including maple, elm, birch, and beech, grace the landscape.
3. Franklin County
- Founded: 1808
- Area: 1697 sq. miles
- Population: 997,668 (2020)
Franklin County, New York, is situated along the Canadian border between Quebec and Ontario. It shares a boundary with the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
With a rich history, Franklin County is named after Benjamin Franklin, the Founding Father of the United States. In the south of the county, sanatoriums for tuberculosis treatment were established by Dr. E.L. Trudeau, who pioneered science.
Once viewed as a barrier to settlement, Franklin County’s landscape was transformed by the Adirondacks in the late 19th century.
According to the latest available data, Franklin County’s median home value is $118,800. Compared to the national average, it has relatively lower home values than the national average of $244,900.For those preferring to rent, the median rent in Franklin County is $751.
Some of Franklin County’s early industries include potash production, hops and potato farming, mills, and iron ore mining. These industries provided important local jobs and generated significant revenue for the county. Today, its economy is largely based on tourism and agriculture.
4. Niagara County
- Founded: 1808
- Area: 1140 sq. miles
- Population: 212,666 ( 2020)
Located near the Canada-United States border, Niagara County is in western New York. The county has a unique landscape that includes cities, towns, and scenic natural features.
It provides vibrant community life, offering a plethora of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. This diverse array of amenities contributes to residents’ overall quality of life. Also, a significant population of young professionals makes Niagara County energetic.
Here, most residents own their homes, indicating a strong trend toward homeownership. As compared to a national median value of $244,900, it has a median home value of $140,400.
A significant 98.5% of Niagara County residents are U.S. citizens. Several prominent educational institutions are located here. They are Niagara University, Niagara County Community College, and Orleans Niagara BOCES-Practical Nursing Program
For those considering rental options, Niagara County’s median rent is $753. Although this is lower than the national median rent of $1,163, it fits the county’s emphasis on affordability and accessibility.
There is a conservative lean among Niagara County residents. In fact, the county’s public schools have a high rating, reflecting its commitment to education.
5. Livingston County
- Founded: 1821
- Area: 640 sq. miles
- Population: 61, 834 (2020)
The stunning region of Finger Lakes in Livingston County lies between Rochester and Buffalo. A notable natural landmark within its borders is Letchworth State Park, renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” where the river Genesee flows with utmost grace. .
There is a rich history of Livingston County, including Chester Arthur, and Millard Fillmore. They are the two U.S. presidents. The war patriot Nathaniel Rochester and Daniel Shays also found their roots in this region.
The county’s economy thrives on key industries, including the processing, manufacturing, and agro-based sectors. It continues to be an agricultural hub in western New York, cultivating potatoes, dairy products, and wheat products.
There has been a salt industry in the region for a century, which continues today. Education is a priority in the county, as it is home to Genesee Community College and SUNY Geneseo.
Its 14,000 acres of land along the beautiful Genesee River make it a natural treasure in Livingston County. This park offers residents and visitors a spectacular natural retreat and adds to the county’s allure.
Final Say
Living in these top five counties offers the perfect balance between affordability and attractiveness. Each county has its charm, from beautiful landscapes to energetic communities. These countries offer a range of opportunities for people of all ages.
From outdoor recreation to cultural attractions, there is something for everyone. Plus, the cost of living is low, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. These counties also provide a variety of options for recreational activities, from outdoor sports to cultural events.
Read Also:
Leave A Reply