For New Yorkers who eventually want to trade the pace of city life for more space, greenery and a quieter community, the suburbs surrounding New York City continue to be an attractive option. A recent HGTV ranking of America’s 20 best suburbs highlights just how strong that appeal remains, with communities across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut taking the top six positions.
The ranking, developed with insights from real estate experts at Suburban Jungle, focuses on communities that offer a balance of accessibility, outdoor space, schools, dining, recreation and cultural activities. While suburban living can provide more room and a slower pace, these communities also allow residents to remain within commuting distance of Manhattan.
Chappaqua, New York
Chappaqua claimed the top position on the list. Located about 30 miles north of New York City, the community is known for its nature trails, walkable downtown and strong school system.
The area combines a small-town atmosphere with convenient access to Manhattan, making it appealing to families and professionals who want more space without completely leaving the New York metropolitan area. Seasonal festivals, farmers’ markets and local businesses also contribute to its close-knit character.
Larchmont, New York
Larchmont, situated along Long Island Sound, ranked among the country’s most desirable suburbs. Its location approximately 30 minutes from Manhattan makes it particularly appealing to commuters.
Water-based recreation is a major part of life in the community, with boating, kayaking and paddleboarding among the popular activities. Larchmont Manor Park also provides access to a long stretch of shoreline, while the area’s restaurants and growing food scene add to its appeal.
Summit, New Jersey
Summit has become a popular choice for New Yorkers seeking additional breathing room while maintaining access to the city. Located in Union County, the community offers a walkable downtown, tree-lined streets and highly regarded schools.
Its combination of transportation access, local restaurants, coffee shops and community amenities has helped Summit maintain its appeal among families and former city residents.
Port Washington, New York
Located on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Washington offers waterfront living relatively close to New York City. The community is about 17 miles from Manhattan and is known for its downtown, restaurants and access to the water.
Port Washington also has a connection to literary history. The nearby Sands Point Peninsula is widely associated with the setting that inspired the East Egg neighborhood in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
For commuters, the community’s schools, waterfront setting and proximity to New York City make it an appealing alternative to urban living. Its strong housing demand also reflects the broader strength of Long Island’s real estate market.
Greenwich, Connecticut
Greenwich is one of the most prominent communities on the list and has long been associated with luxury real estate, expansive properties and affluent residents.
Beyond its high-end housing market, Greenwich offers substantial outdoor spaces, including the 300-acre Bannock Preserve and the Audubon Center. The community combines access to nature with upscale shopping, dining and convenient connections to New York City.
Its real estate market has also continued to attract attention, with luxury condominium and home sales reaching significant prices in recent years.
Westport, Connecticut
Westport rounds out the top six. Located about an hour from Midtown Manhattan, the Connecticut community is known for its small-town atmosphere, natural surroundings and strong cultural identity.
Westport has a long history as a destination for artists, writers, musicians and actors. That creative heritage continues to influence the community, which features cultural institutions, restaurants, shops and recreational opportunities.
Its combination of suburban space and cultural activity has made Westport a popular choice for people looking to leave the city while maintaining access to many of the amenities associated with metropolitan life.
Why NYC Suburbs Continue to Attract Residents
The popularity of these communities reflects a broader appeal of suburban living. More living space, outdoor areas, quieter neighborhoods and access to highly regarded schools can be important considerations for people reassessing their lifestyle.
At the same time, the communities highlighted in the ranking demonstrate that moving outside New York City does not necessarily mean giving up restaurants, cultural events, recreation or convenient access to Manhattan.
For many residents, the decision ultimately comes down to finding the right balance between city access and suburban quality of life.
Conclusion
The latest ranking of America’s best suburbs highlights the continued strength of communities surrounding New York City. From Chappaqua and Larchmont to Summit, Port Washington, Greenwich and Westport, these suburbs offer different combinations of commuting convenience, outdoor recreation, schools, culture and community life.
For New Yorkers considering a move beyond the five boroughs, these communities demonstrate why the region’s suburbs remain among the country’s most sought-after places to live.
FAQs
Chappaqua, Larchmont, Port Washington, Summit, Greenwich and Westport were among the top six communities featured in the recent ranking.
Many NYC suburbs offer additional living space, quieter neighborhoods, outdoor amenities and community-oriented environments while remaining within commuting distance of Manhattan.
The top six include communities in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, highlighting the variety of suburban options available around the New York metropolitan area.
