World Atlas names the 10 best places to live in upstate NY. See the list

New York Connect Team

Vineyards in New York's Finger Lakes region are bustling, Adirondack communities are sprouting creative co-ops and college towns once defined by buzzing campuses now also boast vibrant, year-round economies.

Folks are settling into homes in upstate New York rather than visiting for a weekend or seasonal getaway. A purposeful move is afoot, toward cleaner air, smaller communities and a far more affordable cost of living when considering a lifestyle in large metropolitan areas like New York City.

Here's more about 10 exceptional communities that offer affordable cost-of-living and scenic landscapes with irreplaceable small-town charm, according to the World Atlas, a website that publishes content about resources surrounding travel and other topics.

Geneseo, NY

Emmelline Wadsworth Memorial Fountain also known as Emmeline or the Bear Fountain is located on Main Street in Geneseo on Feb. 11, 2025. The Bear Fountain has been struck many times over the years

Located in Livingston County, Geneseo is a college town with diverse culture and unique character. Geneseo was designated a National Historic Landmark Village in 1991 and has a quaint character and a bustling campus of the State University College at Geneseo. The village's vintage theatre offers musical and cinematic performances and the National Warplane Museum is a family favorite. Nearby, Long Point Park on Conesus Lake is great for waterfront access, a stroll or a picnic.

Cazenovia, NY

This Madison County town is located at the southern end of Cazenovia Lake and has a charming downtown district. The town is known for its active engagement in historical preservation and the arts. Chittenango Falls State Park is nearby - and boasts a stunning 167-foot waterfall and winding trails and walking paths in the park. Boating and fishing art popular activities here as well.

Hamilton, NY

Students run Friday, Sept. 14 along the Colgate University campus in Hamilton. Colgate University is one of many colleges nationwide that are distancing themselves from college ranking systems. The rankings can be a useful tool for students, officials said, but some argue the methods used to rank schools are subjective.

This Madison County town encompasses a village by the same name. Home to Colgate University, the community is steeped in history and boasts an array of academic and cultural events and is names after an American founding father Alexander Hamilton. The village center features its well-maintained 19th-century architecture filled with eateries, art galleries and vintage boutiques. The town, established in 1795, also has a weekly farmer's market and features the wares of area artists and local produce. The town isn't far from Cazenovia (also on the list) and Chittenango Falls State Park and nearby Eatonbrook Reservoir offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating.

Saranac Lake, NY

A deer weathervane with a colorful backdrop in downtown Saranac Lake, New York Oct. 1, 2021

The village of Saranac Lake spans three towns in two counties - Franklin and Essex counties - and is the largest community within the Adirondack park in northern New York. This quaint town is often overshadowed by its more frequented neighbor, Lake Placid, yet it offers an equally captivating charm with far fewer crowds. Winter transforms Saranac Lake into a snowy wonderland, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who can go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking on nearby Dewey Mountain. Warmer weather brings on activities such as hiking and kayaking. Local cafes, galleries and shops are aplenty here as well.

Potsdam, NY

Potsdam is a town celebrated for its educational and cultural contributions, with both Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam. The town's rich history is closely tied to the Gilded Age, and its architecture reflects this period's grandeur. This St Lawrence County town is located at the foothills of the Adirondacks and is home to some lovely parks, including Postwood Park on the waterfront, which has a beach and swimming area. Then town is also a great spot for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, The village, on the banks of the Raquette River, is home to dozens of eateries and specialty shops, galleries and museums.

Lake Placid, NY

The twists and turns of the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Bobsled Run are surrounded by the exploding colors of fall deep in the Adirondacks near Lake Placid. The photo was taken on a foliage flight over the High Peaks by Adirondack Flying Services in Lake Placid.

This village in the Adirondacks twice hosted the winter Olympics and serves as an all-around sports mecca from skiing to triathlons, and from skating to hiking. Lake Placid sits on the southern shores of a lake by the same name and surrounds the much smaller Mirror Lake. Numerous wooded hikes start from trails in the village, which is also known for a wide array of quaint shops and restaurants. Fall foliage is simply spectacular here.

Ithaca, NY

Pedestrians walk through snowy Ithaca Commons on February 7, 2018.

Ithaca is located at the southern end of Cayuga Lake. This unique spot, a progressive city with a small-town feel, is home to two top-level colleges - Cornell University and Ithaca College. Cornell - with its sprawling and hilly campus - houses landmarks such as the 1875 Sage Hall and 1887 Barnes Hall. Central within the city is the Ithaca Commons, a pedestrian mall that spans several blocks in Tompkins County's county seat. The area features many shops and eateries and is also a gathering spot for many, as well as an location where activists gather. The weekly farmer's market - on thre waterfront - is also a must-see. There are also several spectacular state parks nearby - Buttermilk Falls, Robert H. Treman and Taughannock Falls. Gorgeous gorges and waterfalls also cut through parts of the city - including the famed Ithaca Falls and the multiple cascades known as Cascadilla Falls along the Cascadilla Gorge Trail.

Skaneateles, NY

Skaneateles, with its unique shops and restaurants, sits astride the northern tip of Skaneateles Lake in Onondaga County. Home to Carpenter Falls and Bahar Nature Preserve and of course Skaneateles Lake, the town is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Skaneateles Lake is considered to be one of the highest Finger Lakes, at almost nine hundred feet above sea level, and there are also several parks in Skaneateles, including Clift Park, Thayer Park and Shotwell Memorial Park. The town also boasts a quaint historic district, which hosts a Charles Dickens-themed festival each December. The historic district boasts a wealth of well-preserved 19th century buildings and has been a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Saratoga Springs, NY

Known primarily due to extensive interest in horse racing, namely the Saratoga Racing Hall of Fame, the town of Saratoga Springs also boasts cultural depth, including the popular Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Broadway Street, which forms the town's core, is bustling and lined with unique boutiques, cozy cafes and art galleries. Saratoga Springs also has natural mineral springs, which have attracted visitors seeking wellness for centuries. The Saratoga Spa State Park also offers a tranquil retreat.

Cooperstown, NY

Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York in 2020.

Often described as "America's hometown," this Otsego County town is known for its small-town charm, lakeside draw and baseball. Cooperstown is home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, and is somewhat of a pilgrimage for sports fans. The town sits at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and rests on the shores of Otsego Lake - known as "Glimmerglass." The popular annual Glimmerglass Festival celebrates opera and music in a stunning lakeside venue - and will mark its 50th anniversary in 2025. Cooperstown's historic district has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980 and includes more than 200 properties and buildings, including Doubleday Field, several inns and a still-operating post office.