A Brief Guide to New York City’s Top Suburbs

Rye, New York | Joe Cox

New York City’s distinct suburbs each have appealing features. Let’s explore some of the top communities ideal for those who want to live just outside the city that never sleeps.

Suburbs with Appealing Downtowns

Numerous New York City suburbs offer charming downtowns with quaint local businesses and tasty eateries. Let’s look at a couple of communities with particularly noteworthy downtown areas.

Westport, CT: Nestled along the Long Island Sound, Westport holds the most ocean frontage in Connecticut. Westport’s vibrant waterfront downtown has a classic New England ambiance and distinct appearance, featuring colorful buildings, artisanal shops, and cafes. 

Rye, NY: Rye is an affluent coastal community along New York’s border with Connecticut. Situated on the shores of the Long Island Sound, it presents an abundance of homes and commercial centers near the waterfront. Downtown Rye houses charming stores, local businesses, and top-notch dining options, many of which feature fresh seafood.

Rye, New York | Joe Cox

Suburbs with Stunning Scenery

While New York City is known as a concrete jungle, many of its surrounding suburbs are picturesque natural paradises with gorgeous scenery. Let’s explore some of the city’s neighboring communities in outstanding settings.

Port Washington, NY: Just 17 miles from the heart of the city on Long Island, Port Washington is an idyllic community steeped in coastal beauty. Comprising a large harbor bustling with watercraft during the summer, quiet beaches, and charming waterfront homes, it stands as one of Long Island’s most appealing cities. 

Greenwich, CT: Greenwich, a high-end hub on the Gold Coast, is one of New York City’s most affluent suburbs. Greenwich’s stately homes, waterfront scenery, and beautiful parks make this community such a hotspot, attracting many who work in the city.

Suburbs with Quick Commutes to New York City

For many people, the time it takes to commute to work significantly influences their choice of location. In the suburb below, residents enjoy a particularly straightforward commuting experience.

Hoboken, NJ: Hoboken is a suburb just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Commuting into the city is as easy as crossing a bridge. With scenic parks, a relatively low cost of living, and numerous high-end restaurants and bars, Hoboken has plenty to offer alongside a short commute.

Hoboken, New Jersey | Ryan Stone

Suburbs with Top Schools

Many who move to the suburbs are seeking more space for their family and an excellent school district. Let’s check out some NYC suburbs with top-notch schools.

New Canaan, CT: New Canaan, a Gold Coast gem in Connecticut, showcases spectacular historic buildings and offers large, detached homes lining quiet residential streets. Further adding to its family-friendly appeal, New Canaan Public Schools stands out as one of the top public school districts in the country. The district offers an exceptional education with impressive student test scores.

Great Neck, NY: Great Neck is an area just outside the city on Long Island that offers serene coastal settings and a laid-back pace of life. The Great Neck Union Free School District, acclaimed as one of the state’s finest districts, attracts many families to the area due to its favorable student-to-teacher ratio and high student test scores.

Great Neck, New York | Brittney Weng