Home » Archives » Best Places to Live in New York for Families

North America

Best Places to Live in New York for Families

By

Aarohi MishraOctober 1, 2023

497

Looking for the Best Places to Live in New York for Families? You’ve come to the right place. Living in New York with Families fulfills the dreams of those who relish live entertainment, art, culture, and crowded spaces, and don’t mind the higher cost of living and crime rate. However, New York encompasses more than just the five boroughs. It’s a vast state with a rich history, drawing endless admiration for a reason.

You can easily find the best places to live with families in New York City, often depicted as a bustling metropolis filled with skyscrapers and bustling streets, which may not immediately come to mind as a family-friendly destination.

Determining the Best Places to Live in New York for Families involves considering various factors. We’re looking at areas with a high quality of life, excellent schools, and low crime rates. The opinions of New York residents about the best places to live and raise a family are also incorporated into our list.

Table of Contents

10 Best Places to Live in New York for Families

Here are complete guide for the 10 Best Places to Live in New York for Families feature including schools, offices, education, parks, and more.

Great Neck Plaza

Great Neck Plaza, is a small village just half an hour east of NYC on Long Island. Despite its proximity to the city, it boasts safety, cleanliness, and easy access to restaurants and shops. The cost of living here is relatively reasonable, considering the proximity to Manhattan, making homes here quite attractive.

Rockville Center

Next on our list is Rockville Center, also on Long Island, a community of around 25,000 people. It’s characterized by low unemployment, high home values, well-funded schools, and a vibrant community vibe.

Long Island

Moving away from Long Island, we reach Rye, a small coastal suburb in Westchester County. Rye’s appeal lies in its high median household income, excellent schools, and remarkably low crime rates, despite the high cost of living.

Massapequa Park

Staying on Long Island’s south shore, Massapequa Park stands out for its relatively lower cost of living compared to other cities on our list. It’s a tight-knit community with a strong sense of togetherness and proximity to Jones Beach.

Malverne

Malverne, nestled in Nassau County, offers a safe and thriving community, ideal for families. However, it might lack attraction for younger demographics.

Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst, another Nassau County gem, boasts a flourishing Jewish community, a strong economy, and great schools.

Williston Park

Williston Park, also in Nassau County, offers a quaint neighborhood with proximity to Hofstra University, making it appealing for settling down.

North Hills

Moving to North Hills, a posh area with luxurious homes, private gated communities, and a thriving economy.

Floral Park

Floral Park, blending elements of Long Island and Queens, presents a well-maintained community with excellent schools and a charming vibe.

East Hills

Lastly, East Hills, an exclusive area with a glamorous lifestyle, boasts high-income households, outstanding schools, and abundant recreational facilities.

While most of our top picks are in Nassau County, several fantastic options are upstate. However, weather and quality of life tend to fluctuate as you move further north.

Pros and Cons: Best Places to Live in New York for Families

Today, we’re diving into the realities of raising a family in New York City, covering everything from the pros to the cons. Stick with us as we’ll share some pro tips for anyone considering a move to NYC with a family. There’s a lot to love about living here, even with a family, and the city offers endless activities. However, there are hidden aspects that aren’t always discussed, especially when it comes to relocating with a family.

Let’s start with the big one: the cost of living. As that famous figure from a decade ago lamented, ‘Rent is too damn high!’ Well, it still is, and it’s only climbing. For instance, in 2023, the average price for a two-bedroom in NYC was $5,105, $6,015 for a three-bedroom, and a whopping $7,995 for a four-bedroom. In Brooklyn, the average three-bedroom cost was $6,184 monthly. It’s a tough reality.

Another challenge is transportation, particularly the subway. While it’s the best way to get around, many stations aren’t accessible, making it tough for families with strollers. Planning around elevator-equipped stations or lugging strollers up and down numerous stairs becomes a routine. Using a carrier for infants can ease this, but it’s not without its challenges, especially during crowded commutes. Safety concerns have also led many to reduce subway usage, despite a reported 30% drop in subway-related crime in January 2023.

Traveling by car isn’t much easier. Traffic, tolls, and the headache of finding parking—especially without a private spot—add layers of complexity. While some families opt to go carless, for many, it’s essential.

These challenges extend to outdoor playtime and laundry. Outdoor spaces come at a premium, and laundromats are often the norm, requiring regular trips to wash loads.

However, living in NYC offers incredible cultural and educational opportunities. From world-class museums to diverse neighborhoods offering exposure to various cultures, the city enriches lives in unparalleled ways. Museums often offer resident discounts or free days, making them accessible to families.

In essence, while living in NYC with a family poses its unique challenges, it’s also a city that rewards you with rich experiences and opportunities. It’s a balancing act—one where the city’s offerings often outweigh the struggles.”

Speaking of challenges, outdoor playtime is crucial for kids. Yet, securing outdoor space alongside your apartment in NYC comes at a premium, making it an extra hurdle, especially for families already needing space for four or more people. It requires deliberate planning to ensure enough time outdoors. This becomes an added challenge for us as homeschoolers, juggling school, work, chores, and making sure we get daily playground visits or outdoor activities.

Despite these challenges, there’s a bright side to living in NYC with a family. The city offers an abundance of enriching experiences, especially for kids. Museums, cultural diversity, and exposure to different communities are unparalleled here. Residents often get perks like discounted or free museum days, an advantage for homeschoolers and families.

The city’s diversity, rich culture, and the opportunity to experience a world within five boroughs are remarkable. Exploring beyond Manhattan reveals vibrant cultural mixes, enriching our lives in unexpected ways. Plus, there’s the surprising bonus of beautiful beaches in Brooklyn and Queens, offering a refreshing escape in the summer.

In essence, while challenges persist, the rewards of living in NYC with a family are abundant.

FAQ: Best Places to Live in New York for Families

Q1: What are some family-friendly neighborhoods in New York City?

A1: Several neighborhoods cater to families in NYC. Some popular ones include the Upper West Side, Battery Park City, Park Slope, Riverdale, Astoria, Forest Hills, Washington Heights, and Scarsdale.

Q2: What makes these neighborhoods ideal for families?

A2: These neighborhoods offer a mix of amenities like good schools, parks, family-oriented activities, safe environments, diverse communities, and often a balance between city life and a more peaceful atmosphere.

Q3: Are there specific neighborhoods suitable for suburban-like living within NYC?

A3: Yes, Riverdale, located in the Bronx, and certain parts of Queens offer a more suburban feel with larger homes, green spaces, and a quieter atmosphere while remaining part of the city.

Q4: How do I decide which neighborhood is best for my family?

A4: Consider your priorities such as proximity to schools, access to parks, safety, the community vibe, housing options, and commute to work. Explore these factors to determine the best fit for your family’s lifestyle.

Q5: What’s the affordability like in these family-friendly neighborhoods?

A5: Affordability varies across neighborhoods. Some like Washington Heights and Astoria offer more affordable housing options compared to areas like Battery Park City or Scarsdale, which may be higher priced.

Q6: Do these neighborhoods have good schools?

A6: Yes, many of these areas boast excellent schools, both public and private. Families often choose neighborhoods based on the reputation and accessibility of nearby schools.

Q7: Are there plenty of activities for families in these neighborhoods?

A7: Absolutely! Most of these areas offer various family-friendly activities, including parks, museums, cultural events, and community programs catering to children and parents alike.

Q8: Are there any resources or websites to learn more about these neighborhoods?

A8: Yes, many resources and real estate websites provide detailed information about different neighborhoods, including school ratings, amenities, crime rates, and local events.

Q9: Can I find diverse culinary options in these areas?

A9: Absolutely! Many of these neighborhoods are known for their diverse culinary scenes, offering various cuisines to cater to different tastes and preferences.

Q10: What factors should I prioritize when choosing a neighborhood for my family?

A10: Prioritize factors like safety, school quality, proximity to parks, commute to work, community feel, housing options, and amenities that align with your family’s lifestyle and needs.

Related Article:

Best Places to Live in New York for Families