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These five New York cities ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. See the list
Five New York cities made U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Places to Live list. To put together its annual Best Places to Live list, U.S. News analyzed 150 major cities in the U.S. based on quality of life, job market, value of living and people’s desire to live in the area.
Here’s which New York cities made the list.
Why Buffalo made the list
Buffalo’s waterfront development and “advanced medical corridor” pushed the Queen City to #34 on U.S. News’ list of top cities.
In recent years, funding has been poured into revitalizing Buffalo’s waterfront, resulting in event spaces like LECOM Harborcenter, which doubles as the Buffalo Sabres’ practice facility and houses hockey tournaments and leagues, and Canalside. And earlier this year, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is located in downtown Buffalo, was awarded the highest possible “Exceptional” rating from the National Cancer Institute.
Buffalo had an overall score of 6.5 out of 10, a value index score of 7.4 and scored a 6.7 in the quality of life index. The Western New York city, which is 20 miles from world wonder Niagara Falls, is “experiencing a renaissance,” according to U.S. News.
“Buffalo has a neighborly feel,” U.S. News’ analysis says. “Residents can gather in local pubs or top-tier restaurants. Tree-lined avenues connect residents, and traffic is more manageable in the region than in larger metro areas like New York City.”
Buffalo was also ranked #42 on U.S. News’ Best Places to Retire in 2025 list.
Why Syracuse made the list
Affordability and convenience put Syracuse in the #73 spot on U.S. News’ list of top cities as the site claims the Salt City is more affordable than other major U.S. metro areas, is close to desirable suburb living like the villages of Fayetteville, Baldwinsville and Liverpool, and is a somewhat short reach to Saratoga Springs, New York City, Buffalo and the Finger Lakes region.
Syracuse’s recent efforts to clean up Onondaga Lake were also highlighted by U.S. News and had an overall score of 6.3 out of 10, a value index score of 6.8 and scored a 7.2 in the quality of life index. Syracuse was also ranked #79 on U.S. News’ Best Places to Retire in 2025 list.
“When you hear about Syracuse, New York, it’s often the punchline of a weather-related joke,” U.S. News said. “However, the region offers much more than snow drifts and slushy water.”
Why Rochester made the list
Right behind Syracuse is Rochester in the #74 spot for its history and innovation. Rich in Underground Railroad history, the Flower City was once home to Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, with both buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, as pointed out by U.S. News.
Rochester had an overall score of 6.3 out of 10, a value index score of 6.7 and scored a 7.0 in the quality of life index. Rochester was also ranked #66 on U.S. News’ Best Places to Retire in 2025 list.
“Ultimately, Rochester’s biggest asset is its people,” U.S. News’ analysis said. “Residents are generally considered warmer, kinder and more welcoming than their downstate brethren.”
Why Albany made the list
The state’s capital also made it in the list’s top 100 best places for its “lively downtown,” coming in at #81. It’s proximity to the Finger Lakes wine region and Massachusetts’ Berkshire Mountains makes it ideal for foodies and outdoor lovers. However, both the Adirondack Mountains in the north and Catskills in the southern part of the state are also within pretty close driving distance.
U.S. News also mentioned the city’s transitory nature due to an everchanging governorship, pointing specifically to the shift of its working population. Albany had an overall score of 6.2 out of 10, a value index score of 6.9 and scored a 6.4 in the quality of life index.
“The region doesn’t have the crowds or costs of a major metro area and has an old-world appeal,” U.S. News said. “There are rows of colorfully-painted, turn-of-the-century brownstones, the historic state capitol building and the iconic Empire State Plaza.”
Albany was also ranked #98 on U.S. News’ Best Places to Retire in 2025 list.
Why NYC made the list
U.S. News raved about New York City in its analysis, saying it’s “never short on spectacle” and naming it a leader in trade and culture and a place of opportunity, but ranked it #124 on the list of 150. The Big Apple was also praised for its diversity in both community and population as well as for having “some of the world’s best theaters, restaurants, museums, parks and cultural activities.”
New York City had an overall score of 5.8 out of 10, a value index score of 6.8 and scored a 3.7 in the quality of life index. New York City was also ranked #3 on U.S. News’ Best Places to Retire in 2025 list.
“New York City is known for its fast-paced around-the-clock lifestyle, which may be overwhelming for newcomers,” U.S. News says. “People come to New York City to pursue their dreams, achieve a better life and test the adage “if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.”
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
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