Are you tired of the hectic life in New York City? Looking for a suburban escape that offers a peaceful atmosphere without renouncing luxury living and a vibrant social life while not breaking the bank? We will walk you through our favorite cities close to New York that have a better value for the cost. Whether you're seeking charming small-town vibes, vibrant cultural scenes, or proximity to nature, we have you covered.

From the peaceful South Orange, NJ, to the bustling streets and coastal beauty of Stamford, CT, you'll find a range of options to suit your preferences, including easy commutes to Manhattan.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Nearby City To Live In

When looking for a suburban escape near New York City, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, if you work in the city, the commute time to Manhattan is crucial - you'll want a city that offers a convenient and efficient journey to the heart of the city, whether by train, bus, or car.

Another important aspect is the overall cost of living. Depending on your budget, you will want to consider a wide range of options to find the one that best suits you.

The local amenities and quality of life are also crucial factors. Look for cities with a vibrant cultural scene, diverse dining options, recreational activities, and a strong sense of community. Access to schools and other essential services should also be on your radar. A city that caters to your lifestyle and interests will ensure a smooth transition from the bustling city life. Let’s explore these great cities close to New York City!

City 1: South Orange, NJ

Nestled just 14 miles from Manhattan, South Orange, New Jersey offers a delightful suburban escape with a charming small-town feel. Known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and thriving arts and dining scene, this vibrant community is an ideal choice for those seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing convenience. Think of it as the new Williamsburg!

One of the key draws of South Orange is its exceptional commute to New York City. The town's train station provides direct access to Penn Station, with a journey time of just 37 minutes and without the costs of living in Manhattan. This efficient public transportation option makes it easy for residents to enjoy the best of both worlds - the tranquility of suburban living and the endless opportunities of the city. South Orange is also known for its safety and the friendliness of its residents, who uphold the reputation of a great, diverse community that will make you want to call this place home.

New York City is not the only place you’ll be able to enjoy without having to immerse yourself in its hectic lifestyle: South Orange is becoming more and more popular also among people who live and work in Jersey City and who are looking to relocate to a more peaceful area.

If you’re looking for high-amenity residential buildings in South Orange, you won’t be disappointed. The town represents the perfect choice when it comes to great cities close to New York City to live in, with a focus on comfort, luxury, and peaceful living, but without the disadvantages of living in the big city. For example, our new luxury apartments at Taylor Vose offer countless amenities - such as a spa, fitness center, game room, and more - that won’t have you missing New York City at all, we assure you!

Explore our new, state-of-the-art luxury apartments at Taylor Vose and find the perfect rental for you, or book a tour of our apartments for a more immersive experience.

City 2: Stamford, CT

Stamford, Connecticut, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and urban sophistication. As one of the largest cities in the state, Stamford boasts a thriving business district, a lively downtown, and a wealth of recreational and cultural opportunities, including museums, theaters, and performing arts centers.

Commuting to New York City from Stamford is a breeze, with the city's train station providing direct access to Grand Central Terminal in just under an hour. The city's proximity to major highways, such as Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway, also makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer to drive to the Big Apple.

The cost of living in Stamford is generally higher than some of the other nearby cities, with median home prices hovering around $600,000. However, the city's strong job market, diverse amenities, and access to nature make it a desirable destination for many.

Here’s an idea of all the amazing activities you could be doing as a resident of Stamford.

City 3: Ridgewood, NJ

When it comes to looking for cities close to New York City to live in, Ridgewood, New Jersey, is a favorite. It is a picturesque suburban oasis that offers a perfect balance between small-town charm and big-city convenience. Located just 20 miles from Manhattan, this charming community is renowned for its well-preserved historic downtown, tree-lined streets, and exceptional public schools.

From Ridgewood, you can reach Penn Station in just around 40 minutes, making the commute to the big city another vantage point that this New Jersey town has to offer. If you prefer driving, look no further than easily accessible major highways, such as Route 17 and the Garden State Parkway.

Living in Ridgewood tends to come with higher costs, with median home prices around $800,000, but if you value excellent public services, a vibrant downtown scene, and access to nature for your life away from the big city, you’ll see why this will prove a worthy investment.

The arts and cultural scene in Ridgewood is quite rich, with numerous galleries, performing arts venues, and community events.

City 4: Garden City, NY

Located just 25 miles from the heart of Manhattan, Garden City is known for its beautifully manicured parks, rich history, and strong sense of community, which makes it an ideal place to call home.

Garden City is considered one of the best places to live when it comes to the state of New York, and its cultural, social, and infrastructural scene will make you fall in love with it. The commute to New York City is another point in favor of living in Garden City: in less than 40 minutes, you’ll reach Penn Station, ready to go to work and return to your quieter hometown at the end of the day. Major roads that lead you to New York City in around the same amount of time are also present near Garden City.

City 5: Belleville, NJ

Standing just 12 miles from Manhattan, Belleville, New Jersey provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city life while still maintaining easy access to the city. The town's bus and train stations offer good transportation options to New York City; the journey to Manhattan typically takes around 30-40 minutes.

The cost of living in Belleville is generally more affordable compared to some of the other nearby cities, with median home prices around $350,000. This makes it an attractive option for young families and first-time homebuyers. Belleville's revitalized downtown area features a growing number of local businesses, restaurants, and community events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for residents to enjoy.

Here are our favorite 5 cities near New York City that are great for living away from the Big Apple but still close enough to conveniently reach it for work and fun. Our top choice, South Orange, stands out as a perfect blend of small-town charm, convenience, and luxury. With its vibrant community, easy commute, and top-notch amenities, it’s an ideal place to call home. If you're curious to all that South Orange has to offer, explore Taylor Vose: our state-of-the-art luxury residences offer comfort and elegance in the heart of this charming town. Schedule a tour today and discover why Taylor Vose is the perfect place for your next home.

5 Cities Close to New York City to Live: Better Value for the Cost