If you're reading this, you're probably thinking about leaving New York City. Maybe you want more space. Maybe you're tired of the noise. Maybe you have kids and want better schools. Or maybe you just want a yard and a driveway.
I get it. I made the same move five years ago. After years in Manhattan, we moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. And I've learned a lot about what makes a suburb great for NYC families.
The truth is, there are dozens of great suburbs near New York City. But they're not all the same. Some have better schools. Some have shorter commutes. Some cost more. Some feel more like small towns. Some feel more like mini cities.
This guide will help you figure out which suburb is right for you. I'll compare the top options, tell you what each one is really like, and help you understand the trade-offs. No marketing speak, just honest information from someone who's been there.
The Commute Reality: Metro-North vs Drive
Let's be real about the commute. If you're moving to the suburbs, you're probably going to spend a lot of time on Metro-North. Here's what you need to know about the two main lines.
New Haven Line (CT)
- Towns: Greenwich, Darien, Westport
- Terminal: Grand Central
- Vibe: Busy, reliable, lots of express trains.
- Peak Time: 45-60 mins depending on town.
Harlem Line (NY)
- Towns: Scarsdale, Bronxville
- Terminal: Grand Central
- Vibe: Shorter distance, often crowded.
- Peak Time: 30-40 mins.
What Makes a Great Suburb Near NYC
Before we dive into specific towns, let's talk about what you should look for. The best suburbs near NYC share a few key things.
Easy Commute
You need reliable train service to Manhattan. Express trains that get you to Grand Central or Penn Station in under an hour are ideal. The commute matters more than you think.
Excellent Schools
Most people move to the suburbs for schools. Look for towns with A+ rated districts, high graduation rates, and strong college placement. This is usually the top priority for families.
Good Housing Options
You want a range of housing choices. Some towns only have expensive single-family homes. Others have condos, townhouses, and more affordable options. Think about what you can actually afford.
Strong Community
A good suburb has a real sense of community. Active PTAs, local events, walkable downtowns, and friendly neighbors. You're not just buying a house, you're joining a community.
Things to Do
You don't want to feel isolated. Good restaurants, parks, beaches, shopping, and cultural activities matter. You're leaving the city, but you still want some energy and things to do.
Let me start with Greenwich because it's where I live and what I know best. Greenwich is one of the most popular suburbs for NYC families, and for good reason.
Greenwich sits right on the Connecticut border, about 30 miles from Manhattan. The express train takes about 45 minutes to Grand Central Terminal. That's a manageable commute, especially if you're working from home a few days a week.
Why Greenwich Stands Out
Schools: Greenwich Public Schools gets an A+ rating from Niche. The district ranks in the top 5% nationally. Greenwich High School sends students to Ivy League colleges every year. The elementary and middle schools are excellent too. You can read more in our complete Greenwich schools guide.
Location: Greenwich has four Metro-North stations, so you can live in different neighborhoods and still have easy train access. The town stretches from the Long Island Sound coastline to backcountry estates. You get beaches, parks, and beautiful neighborhoods.
Lifestyle: Greenwich Avenue rivals Rodeo Drive for shopping and dining. The town has excellent restaurants, art galleries, and cultural events. There are beaches, parks, and plenty of outdoor activities. It's sophisticated but still feels like a real community.
Housing: You can find condos starting around $500,000, family homes from $1.5 million, and estates that go into the tens of millions. There's something for different budgets, though it's definitely expensive. Check out our Greenwich neighborhoods guide to see what fits.
My Take: Greenwich is expensive, but you get what you pay for. The schools are genuinely excellent. The commute is reasonable. The community is strong. And you're still close enough to the city to enjoy everything NYC offers. If you can afford it, Greenwich is hard to beat.
Want to know more? Read our complete guide to moving from NYC to Greenwich or check out the cost of living breakdown.
The Pros
- • Lowest property taxes in the region
- • 4 beaches & private islands
- • Incredible downtown shopping
The Cons
- • Can feel competitive/status-driven
- • Very expensive real estate
- • I-95 traffic is tough
Fairfield County, Connecticut
Fairfield County is home to some of the most sought-after suburbs near NYC. These towns are known for excellent schools, beautiful homes, and easy commutes. They're also expensive, but many families think it's worth it.
Darien, Connecticut
Darien is Greenwich's neighbor to the east. It's smaller and feels more like a traditional small town. The commute is about 50 minutes to Grand Central on the express train.
Darien has excellent schools, rated A+ by Niche. The town is known for its strong sense of community and family-friendly atmosphere. Housing is slightly more affordable than Greenwich, with median home prices around $1.4 million.
The downtown is smaller than Greenwich's, but it has good restaurants and shops. The town feels more intimate and tight-knit. If you want that classic small-town New England feel, Darien might be for you.
See our detailed Greenwich vs Darien comparison to see which town fits your family better.
Westport, Connecticut
Westport is known for its artsy, creative vibe. The town has a strong arts community, excellent restaurants, and a beautiful beach. The commute is about 60 minutes to Grand Central.
Westport's schools are also A+ rated. The town attracts creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who want something a bit different from the typical suburban experience. The downtown is vibrant with lots of independent shops and restaurants.
Housing is similar to Greenwich, with median prices around $1.3 million. The town has a more laid-back, beach-town feel compared to Greenwich's more polished vibe.
Check out our Greenwich vs Westport comparison to see which town matches your style.
New Canaan, Connecticut
New Canaan is famous for its architecture. The town has one of the largest collections of modern homes in the country, including many designed by famous architects. The commute is about 55 minutes to Grand Central.
Schools are A+ rated, and the town has a strong sense of community. New Canaan's downtown is charming with excellent shopping and dining. The town feels more intimate than Greenwich but still offers plenty of amenities.
Housing is expensive, with median prices around $1.6 million. The town attracts families who appreciate design and architecture. If you care about having a beautiful, well-designed home, New Canaan might be perfect.
Read our Greenwich vs New Canaan comparison to see which town fits your priorities.
Stamford, Connecticut
Stamford is different from the other Fairfield County towns. It's more urban, with a real downtown, high-rise buildings, and a more diverse population. The commute is about 60 minutes to Grand Central.
Schools are good but not quite at the level of Greenwich or Darien. The town is more affordable, with median home prices around $650,000. You get more for your money, but the schools and community feel are different.
Stamford works well if you want a more urban suburban experience. There are lots of restaurants, cultural events, and things to do. It's also home to many corporate headquarters, so you might even work there.
If you want the suburban lifestyle but still crave some city energy, Stamford could be a good fit. It's more affordable and more diverse than the other Fairfield County towns.
Westchester County, New York
Westchester County is the closest you can get to NYC while still being in the suburbs. These towns offer the shortest commutes, but you pay New York State taxes. The schools are excellent, and the communities are strong.
Scarsdale, New York
Scarsdale is one of the most prestigious suburbs in Westchester. The commute is only about 35 minutes to Grand Central, making it one of the shortest commutes from any suburb.
Schools are A+ rated and highly competitive. The town is known for academic excellence and sends many students to top colleges. The community is tight-knit and very involved in education.
Housing is expensive, with median prices around $1.8 million. The town has beautiful homes, excellent parks, and a strong sense of community. If you want the shortest commute possible while still having excellent schools, Scarsdale is hard to beat.
The downside is that you pay New York State taxes, which are higher than Connecticut. But for many families, the shorter commute is worth it.
Rye, New York
Rye is a charming coastal town in Westchester. The commute is about 40 minutes to Grand Central. The town has a beautiful beach, walkable downtown, and excellent schools.
Schools are A+ rated. The town feels more relaxed than Scarsdale, with a stronger beach-town vibe. Rye has excellent restaurants, good shopping, and lots of community events.
Housing is expensive, with median prices around $1.5 million. The town is smaller than Greenwich but offers similar amenities. If you want beach access and a shorter commute, Rye is a great option.
Rye is often compared to Greenwich because they're similar in many ways. The main difference is that Rye is in New York, so you pay NY taxes, but the commute is slightly shorter.
Larchmont, New York
Larchmont is a small village in Westchester with a strong sense of community. The commute is about 35 minutes to Grand Central, making it one of the shortest commutes.
Schools are A+ rated. The town is more diverse than some other Westchester suburbs and has a welcoming, inclusive feel. The downtown is charming with good restaurants and shops.
Housing is slightly more affordable than Scarsdale or Rye, with median prices around $1.2 million. The town has a mix of housing types, from condos to single-family homes.
If you want a shorter commute, excellent schools, and a more diverse community, Larchmont is worth considering. It's smaller and more intimate than Greenwich but offers similar benefits.
How to Choose the Right Suburb for You
Choosing a suburb is a big decision. Here's a framework to help you think through it.
Think About Your Commute
How often will you go into the city? If you're going five days a week, a shorter commute matters more. If you're working from home most days, you can go further out. Express trains make a huge difference. A 45-minute express feels much better than a 60-minute local.
Also think about which train line you'll use. Metro-North goes to Grand Central. LIRR goes to Penn Station. NJ Transit goes to Penn Station. Make sure the town you choose has good service on the line you need.
Prioritize Schools
If you have kids or plan to, schools should be your top priority. All the towns I mentioned have excellent schools, but they're different. Some are more competitive. Some are more supportive. Some have more resources.
Visit schools if you can. Talk to parents. Read reviews. The school district will shape your kids' experience and your family's life. Don't just look at ratings. Think about the culture and whether it fits your family.
Consider Your Budget
All of these towns are expensive, but some are more expensive than others. Greenwich and Scarsdale are at the top. Stamford and some Westchester towns are more affordable. Think about what you can actually afford, not just what you'd like to afford.
Remember to factor in property taxes, which vary by town. Connecticut towns generally have lower property taxes than Westchester. But New York doesn't have a local income tax like NYC does. Run the numbers for your situation.
Think About Lifestyle
What kind of lifestyle do you want? Do you want a walkable downtown with lots of restaurants? Do you want beach access? Do you want a more artsy, creative community? Do you want a traditional, family-focused town?
Each town has its own personality. Greenwich is sophisticated and polished. Westport is artsy and beachy. Darien is traditional and tight-knit. Scarsdale is academic and competitive. Visit the towns and see which one feels right.
Consider Your Timeline
Are you moving in six months or two years? If you're moving soon, focus on towns where you can actually find a home. Some towns have very tight inventory. Others have more options.
Also think about school enrollment. If you have kids starting school soon, you need to be settled before the school year starts. Some towns have enrollment deadlines. Plan ahead.
Connecticut vs New York Suburbs
One of the biggest decisions is whether to move to Connecticut or stay in New York. Here's how they compare.
Connecticut Suburbs
No local income tax (save NYC's 3.9%)
Lower property taxes than Westchester
Slightly longer commute (45-60 min)
More space and larger homes
Strong school districts
Beautiful coastline and parks
New York Suburbs
Shorter commute (30-40 min)
Pay NY state taxes
Higher property taxes
More diverse communities
Excellent schools
Closer to NYC culture
For high earners, Connecticut can save you significant money on taxes. If you make $500,000 or more, you could save $20,000 to $40,000 per year just by eliminating NYC's local income tax. That can offset higher property taxes and make Connecticut more affordable overall.
But if you need the shortest commute possible, Westchester towns like Scarsdale and Rye are hard to beat. The 30-40 minute train ride makes a real difference if you're commuting five days a week.
Why Greenwich is Often the Top Choice
I'm biased because I live here, but Greenwich really does offer the best combination of factors for most NYC families.
Best Schools: Greenwich Public Schools ranks in the top 5% nationally. The district spends $30,500 per student, well above the national average. Greenwich High School sends students to Ivy League colleges every year. You can read our complete schools guide for all the details.
Reasonable Commute: The 45-minute express train to Grand Central is manageable, especially with hybrid work schedules. Four Metro-North stations mean you can live in different neighborhoods and still have easy access.
Tax Savings: No NYC local income tax means significant savings for high earners. Property taxes are lower than Westchester. The math works out well for many families.
Lifestyle: Greenwich Avenue rivals Rodeo Drive. Excellent restaurants, shopping, cultural events. Beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. You get sophistication without losing community feel.
Housing Options: From condos to estates, Greenwich has something for different budgets. The neighborhoods vary, so you can find what fits your lifestyle and budget.
Strong Community: Active PTAs, local events, and a real sense of belonging. People get involved. You'll make friends. Your kids will have a community to grow up in.
Greenwich isn't perfect. It's expensive. It can feel competitive. It's not as diverse as some other suburbs. But for families who can afford it, Greenwich offers an exceptional quality of life that's hard to match.
Still Not Sure Which Suburb is Right?
I know this is overwhelming. There are so many options, and each town has its own personality. Let's talk through your specific situation. Your commute needs, your budget, your priorities, your family's style. I can help you figure out which suburb fits you best.