Since the pandemic, it’s become increasingly expensive to put down roots in New York City. According to data from CityRealty, condo prices are the highest they’ve ever been, increasing 16 percent since July 2020, while co-ops have jumped 6.4 percent over the same period. Many people are even being priced out of rentals; Douglas Elliman’s Jonathan Miller reported earlier this year that the average monthly rent in New York City is now roughly $5,194—more than a mortgage payment in many places. And it’s this financial conundrum that often becomes the impetus for many young professionals and families to relocate to the suburbs. They can get more space and a yard, access to beaches and hiking trails, and send their kids to public schools without a second thought. But what’s the best place to achieve this small-town fantasy? For that answer, we turned to the pros. Ahead, hear from real estate experts about the best commuter suburbs outside New York City.
1. Rye, New York
It’s not uncommon for people who move to Westchester County to say they live “upstate,” but the truth is, you can get to Manhattan quicker from these towns than you can from many parts of Brooklyn.
Kirsten Jordan, a licensed associate real estate broker at Corcoran, recommends Rye and its surrounding towns, including Harrison, Armonk, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck—all of which are a 30- or 40-minute train ride into Grand Central.
“Beyond the commute, these towns really offer the full package. You’ve got solid public and private schools, New York State taxes (which, yes, can be high, but you get a lot in return), and a real sense of community,” Jordan shares…