If life in New York City has you mulling a move to the suburbs, beginning the search for your new home can be daunting. The options may feel limitless.
Should you stay in the Empire State?
What about New Jersey and Connecticut?
Is Westchester County the best place to raise a family?
Or should you be looking at Essex and Fairfield counties?
And that’s before you get more granular: analyzing specific towns and school districts.
Within the Tri-State area, there are hundreds of suburban communities offering tranquil small-town experiences while not being too far from the city. And many of them have top-rated schools, rich cultural institutions, and unbridled access to nature and recreation. For individuals and families alike, the decision carries with it seemingly countless factors.
But that’s why we’ve done much of the hard work for you. Below, our guide to the Tri-State area will help winnow down the options and give you the scoop on which county, village, town, and neighborhood is right for you.
What to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live
As you start your home search, there are several factors that you must consider before making any decisions.
Commute to and from NYC
At the top of this list for most people in the Tri-State area is proximity to New York City. Will you continue working in New York after you make your move? If so, what kind of commute suits your lifestyle? If you need to be able to reach the city in less than 45 minutes, communities like Montclair, New Jersey or Scarsdale, New York—which are serviced by convenient public transportation systems—may rise to the top of your list.
School Options
For families, schools will be a major criteria. Researching district ratings and their approaches to education is essential, and thankfully many of the Tri-State suburbs below—like Armonk, New York and Chatham, New Jersey, have top-notch school systems.
Parks, Dining and Attractions
Beyond the classroom, community atmosphere is a major factor in any real estate decision. What do you like to do in your leisure time? If you want to stroll, you’ll want to look for a town with street festivals and farmers markets. Or, if you’re a nature lover, you may look for a farther flung community in the hills of New Jersey or New York.
If you’re ready to leave the city but don’t want to lose access to its culture, you’ll want to look for a town that—as many of the Tri-State suburbs do—has world-class eateries, museums, and boutiques. If that’s you, Maplewood, New Jersey or the Riverside neighborhood in Greenwich, Connecticut may be calling your name.
Real Estate
Of course, knowing what type of architecture, what size lot, and what budget you’re looking at will help narrow down your decision, too. Here, we break down some of the most popular suburbs in the Tri-State area based on many of these factors so you can approach your real estate journey with confidence.
New York
Scarsdale, NY
Thanks to a blend of tranquility and urban convenience, excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and historic architecture, this Westchester County village has long been an attractive landing spot for families and professionals alike. The wooded hamlet of Scarsdale (population 18,000) lies between the Bronx and Hutchinson Rivers 10 miles from the border of New York City.
The public school education system in Scarsdale is among the main reasons the village has such a pull on families with school-aged kids. The Scarsdale Union Free School District operates five top-ranking elementary schools, each of which lies in a neighborhood of the same name. The middle school and high school, too, are highly rated.
Historic Scarsdale Station, which dates back to the 1840s, is one of the busiest train lines in Westchester County, delivering riders to New York via the Metro-North Railroad in about 35 minutes during rush hour—which means parents can work in Manhattan and be home in time for dinner with the family.
And that’s not to mention the tight-knit community that regularly hosts events like the Scarsdale Music Festival each June and a farmers market open every Sunday from May through November.
Rye Brook, NY
Rye Brook is a village in Westchester County that makes up the town of Rye. Rye’s history dates back to the 1600s when settlers from Greenwich, Connecticut drew up a treaty with a Mohican chief to secure all of the land between Byram Rivers and Mamaroneck along the Long Island Sound. Today, about 9,700 people reside in Rye Brook.
Both Blind Brook-Rye Union Free School District and Port Chester Public Schools are located in Rye Brook, giving parents plenty of education options for their children.
The abundance of parks is another perk for families. Rye Brook has several parks that offer a variety of amenities; however, Crawford Park stands out a little more from the rest of the parks due to its sensory garden and the Crawford Mansion, which serves as a community center and venue for various events.
Residents also can relax at the Rye Town Park, Bathing Complex, and Oakland Beach, take a stroll at the 47-acre Rye Nature Center, putt around at the Westchester Country Club or Rye Golf Club, or catch a showing of a documentary film at The Picture House Regional Film Center nearby.
Armonk, NY
Armonk is located in Westchester County and is one of the three hamlets that make up North Castle, New York. North Castle became an established settlement by 1730, and it was incorporated on March 7, 1788. Its name comes from the name of a hillside protective barrier constructed by the Siwanoy Indians called “North Fort.” The early European settlers decided to rename it “North Castle.”
Fewer than 5,000 people reside in the village of Armonk today. The village hosts all of the schools within the highly-rated Byram Hills Central School District, perfect for families with kids of different ages. Throughout the year, Armonk holds many outdoor events, including the Frosty the Snowman holiday celebration and a nationally recognized outdoors arts festival, held annually in September.
Some of the net proceeds from the festival support a community theater group called The Armonk Players, whose members stage two full productions each year. Families can spend quality time at a few local parks, including North Castle Community Park, John A. Lombardi Park, or the Wampus Brook Park, where the yearly Cider and Donut Festival 5K race and carnival takes place.
New Jersey
Montclair, NJ
In the heart of Essex County, just east of the First Watchung Mountain, Montclair offers a vibrant blend of suburban and urban charm with striking views of the New York City skyline. Known for its diverse community, rich culture, thriving arts scene, outstanding culinary offerings, and dynamic transportation options, Montclair—with a population of 41,000—attracts residents looking for a unique place to call home.
Montclair residents enjoy nearly 200 acres of park space, including 20 miles of nature trails, a bird sanctuary above Mountainside Park, as well as athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, and public pools. Additionally, each neighborhood in Montclair has its own park, providing green space, scenery and playgrounds for residents.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the convenience of public transportation. With six railroad stations that residents use to access New York City, residents of Montclair can reach Manhattan in well under an hour. But there are plenty of reasons to stay put.
The township has a rich arts and culinary scene, too. From the world-class Montclair Art Museum to local-favorite French restaurant Faubourg, Montclair residents don’t have to travel far to find world-class culture.
Maplewood, NJ
Consistently rated as one of the most vibrant small towns in the country, it’s no surprise Maplewood is among the most desirable communities in New Jersey. Just 20 miles from New York City, Maplewood is bursting with urban convenience, community amenities, and of the most dynamic downtown corridors in the state.
The downtown core of Maplewood is replete with galleries and cultural institutions like the 1978 Maplewood Arts Center, as well as theaters, including the Woodland Great Hall and the Burgdorff Center for Performing Arts. Residents will also find an impressive lineup of local shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries.
The community is an ideal landing spot for families, with abundant open spaces, an easy commute to New York City (35 minutes by train), and a school district that has earned national recognition for its extracurricular offerings.
So, whether you’re a nature lover, an artist trying to engage with a creative community, or a foodie in search of a walkable downtown with high-end culinary offerings, Maplewood should be on your radar.
Chatham, NJ
Located about 26 miles west of New York City, Chatham is on the eastern edge of Morris County and has long been a destination for folks escaping the grind of big-city living. With a legitimately down-to-earth vibe, a rich history, and a variety of architecture styles throughout town, Chatham has become an attractive place for individuals and families alike.
In the late 1800s, locals established a new form of government, which created Chatham Borough in addition to Chatham Township. Today, both municipalities exist but share resources, including a school district and library system. Chatham Borough has the larger commercial center and enjoys more modern amenities with a population of just under 10,000 full-time residents. Plus, with two train lines, it provides easy access to all points east.
Chatham has one of the highest-rated school districts in the state of New Jersey, making it a popular landing spot for families. The community also hosts family-friendly events all-year round and provides access to a network of parks and nature trails.
Whether you’re moving with a family or as an individual, Chatham offers a high quality of life with easy access to New York City and a myriad of real estate options.
Summit, NJ
About 25 miles west of New York City, this Union County community has long been a choice destination for young professionals and families alike seeking a culturally dynamic alternative to city living.
With architecture dating back to the 1800s, there are a variety of building styles in Summit—tudors, colonials, victorians, and new builds. Notably, the community is home to grand estates built by the first wave of New Yorkers who settled in town.
Families relocating to Summit (population 22,000) are attracted to one of the best school districts in the state as well as a bevy of recreational opportunities. Parks throughout town included lighted tennis and pickleball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds, while the Summit Family Aquatic Center features an outdoor pool and a variety of programs for families.
Like many of the towns in northern New Jersey, Summit is home to exceptionally diverse culinary and cultural experiences. Foodies will love Barbacoa, a beloved Mexican smokehouse and Fiorino for Tuscan-inspired pasta dishes. History buffs won’t want to miss the Summit Diner, one of the oldest such establishments in the state.
Connecticut
Cos Cob, Greenwich, CT
Located in southern Fairfield County, Cos Cob is a nautical neighborhood of Greenwich surrounded by the Mianus River and Cos Cob Harbor. This small, tight-knit community is home to about 7,000 residents.
The settlement was founded in the 17th or 18th century, operating as a shipping port for produce. It also hosted an impressionist artist and writer colony at the Bush-Holley House, situated within the Strickland Road Historic District, a former maritime center decorated with colonial and Victorian-era architecture. Cos Cob is within the boundaries of the nationally recognized Greenwich Public Schools district, a draw for families.
Another attractive feature of the area are the boundless amenities, including outdoor spaces, such as the Montgomery Pinetum and the Old Stone Bridge Wildlife Sanctuary, and shopping and culinary options due to access to a commercial strip known as ‘The Hub.’ A range of boutiques, coffee shops, specialty food stores, and restaurants dot the business district. Visitors can find casual eateries and gourmet dining choices at ‘The Hub’ and peruse the popular Fjord Fish Market.
Riverside, Greenwich, CT
Riverside is another Greenwich neighborhood and lies east of Cos Cob. The settlement has roots dating back to the 17th century as a fishing and farming community of Mianus Neck. Mianus Neck was later renamed to “Riverside” to attract summer vacationers from the city.
Riverside features a handful of distinguished historic attractions, including the Riverside Avenue Bridge, the sole surviving bridge built mostly of structural cast iron in Connecticut, and the circa-1760 Samuel Ferris House, a farmhouse once owned by Riverside’s earliest settlers. Today, around 9,000 people live in this charming shoreline community.
Riverside offers residents several refuges in nature to escape the stresses of modern life, including Binney Park, Harbor Point Beach, and the Schongalla Nature Preserve. The local Riverside Yacht Club, which is close to Harbor Point Beach, offers sailing lessons and hosts summer boat races.
Those looking to grab a bite to eat or to spend their extra pocket money can wander along Riverside’s downtown hub on East Putnam Avenue. The hub hosts the Riverside Commons Shopping Center along with upscale boutiques, high-quality coffee shops, and fine culinary selections.
Old Greenwich, Greenwich, CT
Known as Greenwich’s beach neighborhood, Old Greenwich is the town’s oldest settlement, tucked along the Long Island Sound. In 1640, settlers from Massachusetts formed Old Greenwich when they bought the land from the local Native Americans in exchange for 25 coats.
In the second half of the 19th century, the hamlet was renamed “Sound Beach.” To this day, the name partially stuck around as highlighted by the neighborhood’s downtown shopping area, Sound Beach Avenue, home to a few quaint local shops, such as The Village Ewe and Back 40 Mercantile. The business district is near the shopping hubs of East Putnam Avenue and Greenwich Avenue, too.
Additionally, the Old Greenwich Merchants Association, a nonprofit group of retailers, holds different community events throughout the year. Old Greenwich also boasts a plethora of open spaces, including the Laddin’s Rock Sanctuary, Greenwich Point Park, Uncas Point Beach, and Fords Beach.
Approximately 7,000 people reside in this waterfront community today. Although small in size, the Old Greenwich community members strive to support the arts. The Art Society of Old Greenwich, a nonprofit organization, assists local artists through scholarships, educational programs, exhibits, and more.
Which Community in the Tri-State Area Is Right for You?
The Tri-State area has something to offer everyone. You just have to know what you want and where to look.
If you’re searching for a place to live with quick access to a flourishing arts scene, maybe you should consider Rye Brook, New York. Or if you want a neighborhood with a bustling commercial strip to shop until you drop, maybe the Riverside neighborhood in Greenwich, Connecticut is the right home for you. No matter what your priorities are, one of these communities in New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York will have whatever you are seeking.
To explore your options further, get in touch with a local expert strategist to learn more and find the ideal community for you!
