Best places to raise a family in New York
Written by:
April 20, 2021
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Best places to raise a family in New York
Choosing a place to raise children can be a daunting task for any family. If it takes a village to raise a child, that may just extend all the way to your next-door neighbor, fifth-grade teacher, or volunteer soccer coach. While all parents are looking for a great place to raise their kids, oftentimes this decision means balancing—and prioritizing—certain community resources and costs.
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to raise a family in New York using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Keep reading to see if where you grew up or currently live made the list.
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#25. Brighton
- Population: 36,272
- Median home value: $184,600 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,049 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $75,807
- Top public schools: Brighton High School (A+), Pittsford Sutherland High School (A+), Penfield Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Harley School (A+), McQuaid Jesuit Preparatory School (A), Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women (A)
- Pictured: 6 Saint Johnsville Trl, Brighton ($649,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $184,600 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,049 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $75,807
- Top public schools: Brighton High School (A+), Pittsford Sutherland High School (A+), Penfield Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Harley School (A+), McQuaid Jesuit Preparatory School (A), Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women (A)
- Pictured: 6 Saint Johnsville Trl, Brighton ($649,000, 3 bedrooms)
#24. Woodbury
- Population: 8,852
- Median home value: $842,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,846 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $181,667
- Top public schools: Syosset Senior High School (A+), H.B. Thompson Middle School (A+), Willits Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Fusion Academy Long Island (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Woodbury - NY (unavailable), Primrose School of Woodbury NY (unavailable)
- Pictured: 29 Fairbanks Blvd, Woodbury ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $842,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,846 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $181,667
- Top public schools: Syosset Senior High School (A+), H.B. Thompson Middle School (A+), Willits Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Fusion Academy Long Island (unavailable), Bright Horizons at Woodbury - NY (unavailable), Primrose School of Woodbury NY (unavailable)
- Pictured: 29 Fairbanks Blvd, Woodbury ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#23. Roslyn Estates
- Population: 1,257
- Median home value: $1,299,400 (99% own)
- Median rent: $2,438 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Roslyn High School (A+), East Hills Elementary School (A+), Roslyn Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 214-19 104 Ave, Queens Village ($705,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,299,400 (99% own)
- Median rent: $2,438 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Roslyn High School (A+), East Hills Elementary School (A+), Roslyn Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 214-19 104 Ave, Queens Village ($705,000, 4 bedrooms)
#22. Williamsville
- Population: 5,233
- Median home value: $170,800 (65% own)
- Median rent: $986 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $71,625
- Top public schools: Williamsville East High School (A+), Dodge Elementary School (A+), Maple East Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christian Central Academy (A), Ss. Peter & Paul Elementary School (unavailable), Mayfair Gardens Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 217 Stonham Way, Williamsville ($989,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $170,800 (65% own)
- Median rent: $986 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $71,625
- Top public schools: Williamsville East High School (A+), Dodge Elementary School (A+), Maple East Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Christian Central Academy (A), Ss. Peter & Paul Elementary School (unavailable), Mayfair Gardens Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 217 Stonham Way, Williamsville ($989,900, 3 bedrooms)
#21. Manhasset
- Population: 7,985
- Median home value: $1,109,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,413 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $177,321
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Herricks High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's College Preparatory High School (A-), St. Mary's Elementary School (unavailable), Manhasset KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7 Bayside Dr, Manhasset ($5.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,109,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,413 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $177,321
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Herricks High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Mary's College Preparatory High School (A-), St. Mary's Elementary School (unavailable), Manhasset KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7 Bayside Dr, Manhasset ($5.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. Ardsley
- Population: 4,512
- Median home value: $654,700 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,655 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $160,880
- Top public schools: Ardsley High School (A+), Concord Road Elementary School (A+), Ardsley Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Lyceum Kennedy International School - Ardsley Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Agnes Cir, Ardsley ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $654,700 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,655 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $160,880
- Top public schools: Ardsley High School (A+), Concord Road Elementary School (A+), Ardsley Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: Lyceum Kennedy International School - Ardsley Campus (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5 Agnes Cir, Ardsley ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
#19. Scarsdale
- Population: 17,837
- Median home value: $1,448,300 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,744 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Scarsdale Senior High School (A+), Fox Meadow School (A+), Edgewood School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Heart of Mary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 57 Old Orchard Ln, Scarsdale ($7.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,448,300 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,744 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Scarsdale Senior High School (A+), Fox Meadow School (A+), Edgewood School (A+)
- Top private schools: Immaculate Heart of Mary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 57 Old Orchard Ln, Scarsdale ($7.8 million, 8 bedrooms)
#18. Brookville
- Population: 3,586
- Median home value: $1,952,900 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,068 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Jericho Senior High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+), Robert Seaman Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School (A+)
- Pictured: 5 Dupont Ct, Brookville ($9.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,952,900 (93% own)
- Median rent: $2,068 (7% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Jericho Senior High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+), Robert Seaman Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School (A+)
- Pictured: 5 Dupont Ct, Brookville ($9.5 million, 7 bedrooms)
#17. Searingtown
- Population: 4,593
- Median home value: $868,400 (99% own)
- Median rent: No data available (1% rent)
- Median household income: $161,188
- Top public schools: Herricks High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+), Herricks Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Henry Viscardi School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 36 Piper Dr, Searingtown ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $868,400 (99% own)
- Median rent: No data available (1% rent)
- Median household income: $161,188
- Top public schools: Herricks High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+), Herricks Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Henry Viscardi School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 36 Piper Dr, Searingtown ($1.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
#16. Plainview
- Population: 26,453
- Median home value: $594,000 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,566 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $146,853
- Top public schools: Syosset Senior High School (A+), H.B. Thompson Middle School (A+), Walt Whitman Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) Elementary School - Plainview (unavailable)
- Pictured: 64101 Red Cedar Rd, Plainview ($1.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $594,000 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,566 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $146,853
- Top public schools: Syosset Senior High School (A+), H.B. Thompson Middle School (A+), Walt Whitman Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Hebrew Academy of Nassau County (HANC) Elementary School - Plainview (unavailable)
- Pictured: 64101 Red Cedar Rd, Plainview ($1.6 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. University Gardens
- Population: 4,182
- Median home value: $787,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,665 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $116,711
- Top public schools: Stuyvesant High School (A+), Bronx High School of Science (A+), Townsend Harris High School (A+)
- Pictured: 3 Roseth Pl, Great Neck ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $787,700 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,665 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $116,711
- Top public schools: Stuyvesant High School (A+), Bronx High School of Science (A+), Townsend Harris High School (A+)
- Pictured: 3 Roseth Pl, Great Neck ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#14. Herricks
- Population: 4,122
- Median home value: $653,500 (97% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $133,472
- Top public schools: Herricks High School (A+), Herricks Middle School (A+), Denton Avenue School (A+)
- Pictured: 7 Fir Dr, Manhasset Hills ($995,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $653,500 (97% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $133,472
- Top public schools: Herricks High School (A+), Herricks Middle School (A+), Denton Avenue School (A+)
- Pictured: 7 Fir Dr, Manhasset Hills ($995,000, 3 bedrooms)
#13. Bronxville
- Population: 6,409
- Median home value: $1,140,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,773 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $181,286
- Top public schools: Bronxville High School (A+), Bronxville Elementary School (A+), Bronxville Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Chapel School (A-)
- Pictured: 7 Carlton Rd, Bronxville ($7.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,140,300 (81% own)
- Median rent: $2,773 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $181,286
- Top public schools: Bronxville High School (A+), Bronxville Elementary School (A+), Bronxville Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Chapel School (A-)
- Pictured: 7 Carlton Rd, Bronxville ($7.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#12. Thomaston
- Population: 2,629
- Median home value: $837,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,239 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $128,889
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Manhasset Secondary School (A+), Lakeville Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 12 Shadow Ln, Great Neck ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $837,800 (83% own)
- Median rent: $2,239 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $128,889
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Manhasset Secondary School (A+), Lakeville Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 12 Shadow Ln, Great Neck ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
#11. Chappaqua
- Population: 1,434
- Median home value: $696,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,737 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Horace Greeley High School (A+), Douglas G. Grafflin School (A+), Seven Bridges Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 12 Bradley Farms, Chappaqua ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $696,600 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,737 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Horace Greeley High School (A+), Douglas G. Grafflin School (A+), Seven Bridges Middle School (A+)
- Pictured: 12 Bradley Farms, Chappaqua ($3.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#10. Great Neck Plaza
- Population: 6,957
- Median home value: $364,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,958 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $92,260
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Lakeville Elementary School (A+), E.M. Baker School (A+)
- Top private schools: Long Island Hebrew Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12 Garden St, Great Neck ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $364,400 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,958 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $92,260
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Lakeville Elementary School (A+), E.M. Baker School (A+)
- Top private schools: Long Island Hebrew Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 12 Garden St, Great Neck ($1.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
#9. Great Neck Estates
- Population: 2,852
- Median home value: $1,357,100 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,865 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $147,750
- Top public schools: Stuyvesant High School (A+), Bronx High School of Science (A+), Townsend Harris High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Silverstein Hebrew Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 68 Bayview Ave, Great Neck ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,357,100 (90% own)
- Median rent: $1,865 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $147,750
- Top public schools: Stuyvesant High School (A+), Bronx High School of Science (A+), Townsend Harris High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Silverstein Hebrew Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 68 Bayview Ave, Great Neck ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
#8. Greenville
- Population: 7,814
- Median home value: $991,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $237,436
- Top public schools: Ardsley High School (A+), Edgemont Junior/Senior High School (A+), Seely Place School (A+)
- Pictured: 370 Clayton Rd, Scarsdale ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $991,300 (96% own)
- Median rent: $1,396 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $237,436
- Top public schools: Ardsley High School (A+), Edgemont Junior/Senior High School (A+), Seely Place School (A+)
- Pictured: 370 Clayton Rd, Scarsdale ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#7. East Williston
- Population: 2,572
- Median home value: $876,300 (99% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $196,625
- Top public schools: Wheatley School (A+), North Side School (A+), Willets Road School (A+)
- Pictured: 7 Todd Ct, East Williston ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $876,300 (99% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $196,625
- Top public schools: Wheatley School (A+), North Side School (A+), Willets Road School (A+)
- Pictured: 7 Todd Ct, East Williston ($1.6 million, 4 bedrooms)
#6. East Hills
- Population: 7,147
- Median home value: $1,055,300 (100% own)
- Median rent: $1,768 (0% rent)
- Median household income: $224,583
- Top public schools: Jericho Senior High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+), Robert Seaman Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 20 Poplar Dr, East Hills ($2.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,055,300 (100% own)
- Median rent: $1,768 (0% rent)
- Median household income: $224,583
- Top public schools: Jericho Senior High School (A+), Roslyn High School (A+), Robert Seaman Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 20 Poplar Dr, East Hills ($2.4 million, 6 bedrooms)
#5. Manhasset Hills
- Population: 3,615
- Median home value: $846,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,656 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $175,139
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Herricks High School (A+), Lakeville Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 7 Fir Dr, Manhasset Hills ($995,000, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $846,800 (96% own)
- Median rent: $2,656 (4% rent)
- Median household income: $175,139
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Herricks High School (A+), Lakeville Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 7 Fir Dr, Manhasset Hills ($995,000, 3 bedrooms)
#4. Kensington
- Population: 1,368
- Median home value: $1,310,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $180,750
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Great Neck North High School (A+), Manhasset Secondary School (A+)
- Pictured: 27 Arleigh Rd, Great Neck ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,310,700 (86% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $180,750
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Great Neck North High School (A+), Manhasset Secondary School (A+)
- Pictured: 27 Arleigh Rd, Great Neck ($2.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
#3. Syosset
- Population: 19,453
- Median home value: $663,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,734 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $163,589
- Top public schools: Syosset Senior High School (A+), H.B. Thompson Middle School (A+), Willits Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mercy Academy (A), Variety Child Learning Center (unavailable), St. Edward the Confessor School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 185 Foxhunt Cres, Syosset ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $663,400 (91% own)
- Median rent: $2,734 (9% rent)
- Median household income: $163,589
- Top public schools: Syosset Senior High School (A+), H.B. Thompson Middle School (A+), Willits Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Our Lady of Mercy Academy (A), Variety Child Learning Center (unavailable), St. Edward the Confessor School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 185 Foxhunt Cres, Syosset ($2.7 million, 5 bedrooms)
#2. Jericho
- Population: 13,889
- Median home value: $797,400 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,008 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $173,709
- Top public schools: Jericho Senior High School (A+), Syosset Senior High School (A+), Robert Seaman Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 33 Kettlepond Rd, Jericho ($3.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $797,400 (87% own)
- Median rent: $2,008 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $173,709
- Top public schools: Jericho Senior High School (A+), Syosset Senior High School (A+), Robert Seaman Elementary School (A+)
- Pictured: 33 Kettlepond Rd, Jericho ($3.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
#1. Great Neck Gardens
- Population: 1,150
- Median home value: $954,300 (91% own)
- Median rent: No data available (9% rent)
- Median household income: $218,603
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Great Neck North High School (A+), E.M. Baker School (A+)
- Pictured: 19 Hutchinson Ct, Great Neck ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $954,300 (91% own)
- Median rent: No data available (9% rent)
- Median household income: $218,603
- Top public schools: Great Neck South High School (A+), Great Neck North High School (A+), E.M. Baker School (A+)
- Pictured: 19 Hutchinson Ct, Great Neck ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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