Since the onset of the pandemic, New York City has witnessed a significant surge in living costs, compelling many individuals and families to seek refuge in suburban areas.
According to CityRealty, condo prices have escalated by 16 percent since July 2020, while co-ops have seen a 6.4 percent increase during the same timeframe.
Moreover, rental prices have surged, with Douglas Elliman’s Jonathan Miller reporting an average monthly rent of approximately $5,194 in New York City—often exceeding mortgage payments in other regions.
Such financial pressures have driven a notable migration of young professionals and families towards the suburbs, where they can find more spacious homes, yards, recreational opportunities like beaches and hiking trails, and educational options in public schools.
For those contemplating the best locales to realize this suburban dream, insights from real estate experts highlight several commuter towns just outside New York City.
**Rye, New York**
Located in Westchester County, Rye and its neighboring towns such as Harrison, Armonk, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck offer a swift commute to Grand Central, typically taking just 30 to 40 minutes.
Kirsten Jordan, a licensed associate real estate broker at Corcoran, extols Rye for its comprehensive community features, which include solid public and private schools, though New York State taxes can be high, they come with benefits.
The towns boast a vibrant mix of long-standing locals and recent expats, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Jordan emphasizes that newcomers to Rye appreciate the blend of space and the active social lifestyle of the area, thanks to various parks, private clubs, public pools, and golf courses, as well as beach access in areas like Rye and Larchmont.
Among her favorites are Rye and Harrison, celebrated for their walkable downtown areas filled with exceptional restaurants and a unique small-town ambiance near Manhattan.
**Red Bank and Little Silver, New Jersey**
Despite many New Yorkers avoiding New Jersey due to concerns over unreliable train services, a luxurious ferry experience offers direct access to lower Manhattan in about 30 minutes.
The Seastreak Ferry, departing from the Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, allows commuters to unwind at local bars like the Sandbox upon returning home on summer weekends.
While ferry fares are not inexpensive, with a 40-trip ticket costing $720, the rides are climate-controlled and comfortable.
Nearby, Red Bank and Little Silver present charming alternatives that are more affordable compared to neighboring towns like Fair Haven and Rumson.
Both are just a quick drive from the scenic Sandy Hook National Recreation Area and local beaches.
Little Silver boasts Markham Place School, rated the eighth best middle school in New Jersey, while the local high schools, including High Technology High School and Biotechnology High School, are recognized among the best in the state.
**Norwalk, Connecticut**
Nestled in Fairfield County, Norwalk stands as a comparably affordable choice amid upscale towns like Greenwich and Westport.
In 2023, Fortune ranked Norwalk as the 29th best place for families in the U.S., noting a median single-family home sale price of $564,729 in 2022.
With its northern Long Island Sound location, Norwalk features excellent boating locations and public beaches, alongside the vibrant SoNo neighborhood that offers a variety of dining, shopping, and artistic venues.
Attractions for families include the Stepping Stones Museum for Children and the Maritime Aquarium, with community events such as the annual Oyster Festival and Sheffield Island Ferry tours enhancing local culture—all within an hour’s train ride from Grand Central.
**Bronxville, New York**
A prime example of a commuter suburb is Bronxville, a village in Westchester County, situated roughly 15 miles from NYC, with express trains reaching Grand Central in around 28 minutes.
Ashley Brennan, senior vice president of communications at Brown Harris Stevens, shares her family’s long-term enjoyment of Bronxville’s charm.
While managing city traffic can be tricky by car, the frequent train schedule provides convenience for daily commuters.
In just one square mile, Bronxville boasts a lively downtown filled with grocery options, restaurants, bakeries, hair salons, jewelry shops, clothing stores, and more coffee houses, including a Starbucks.
Brennan’s enthusiasm also extends to the K-12 public school, operational within a single building, along with notable private schools and the proximity to Sarah Lawrence College.
A major challenge, however, is the limited housing inventory, as residents often stay until their children graduate high school.
The housing options are diverse, consisting of single-family homes, co-ops, and rental properties.
**Massapequa Park, Long Island, New York**
Recently celebrated as the best place to live in New York by U.S. News and World Report, Massapequa Park offers a convenient 30-minute commute to Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
Its median home value is reported at $627,805, while median rent stands at $1,916.
Time Out New York refers to this charming area as a slice of Americana with the affectionate nickname ‘Matzo-Pizza Park,’ reflecting its diverse Jewish and Italian communities.
In addition to its character, Massapequa Park features historic Sears kit houses and family-friendly parks like Brady and Mansfield, contributing to its community vibe, having been incorporated since 1931.
Located about 15 minutes from Jones Beach State Park and a half-hour from JFK Airport, Massapequa Park merges suburban tranquility with accessibility.
**South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, and Short Hills, New Jersey**
Collectively, these towns in Essex County represent New Jersey’s version of Westchester County.
Broker Svetlana Choi of Coldwell Banker Warburg notes the effectiveness of the ‘Midtown Direct’ NJ Transit train line for commuting.
Maplewood and South Orange boast an excellent public school system, while Millburn and Short Hills also provide top-notch educational options.
Choi mentions how these towns appeal particularly to Brooklyn residents moving to suburban homes with yards, seeking a small-town ambiance.
The charming main streets of South Orange, Maplewood, and Millburn feature plenty of shops and restaurants, with Millburn hosting the Paper Mill Playhouse, known for high-quality theatrical productions without the need to travel to New York City.
**Croton-on-Hudson, New York**
Eli Pasternak, founder of Liberty House Buying Group, highlights that many prospective buyers dismiss Croton-on-Hudson as too far from the city.
However, with express trains to Manhattan reaching in one hour, it is a suitable alternative for those competing in the Westchester market.
Pasternak advises potential buyers to focus on homes near the Croton-Harmon Metro-North station for quicker commutes.
On cultural offerings, Croton-on-Hudson presents a quintessential Main Street vibe featuring local amenities.
As reported by The New York Times in 2017, residents enjoy spectacular Hudson views from RiverWalk, Senasqua Park, and the expansive Croton Point Park.
This park also hosts Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival festival, inspired by folk legend Pete Seeger, along with the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze every fall at Van Cortlandt Manor.
**Riverdale, New York**
Although Riverdale is technically still part of New York City, it offers a suburban ambiance that distinguishes it from urban life.
Erin Boisson Aries, a licensed associate real estate broker at Douglas Elliman, describes Riverdale’s tree-lined streets, extensive parks, and tranquil atmosphere, all within 30 minutes of Midtown Manhattan by various transportation options.
Riverdale’s uniqueness lies in its combination of natural beauty and historical richness.
Residents benefit from access to recreational spaces like Van Cortlandt Park, the Riverdale Yacht Club along the Hudson River, and the beautiful gardens of Wave Hill—a perfect blend of outdoor activities and city closeness.
Dustin Crouse, also a licensed associate real estate broker on Boisson’s team, notes a rising interest in larger homes, affirming Riverdale’s growing reputation as a desirable location for those seeking spacious living just outside the bustling city.
For those not ready to purchase a standalone home, Riverdale presents a plethora of apartment options, available for both sale and rent, thus catering to a variety of lifestyle needs.
image source from：https://www.6sqft.com/priced-out-of-nyc-these-are-the-best-commuter-suburbs-according-to-real-estate-experts/
