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Where do New Yorkers go after the rat race is won?
While there is nowhere that compares to New York City, the call of the quaint and the quiet, not to mention the lure of lawns and leafy streets, has long drawn urbanites to the outskirts.
To help city slickers choose an aspirational outskirt, HGTV ranked the top twenty in the nation — and unsurprisingly, the top six slots are dominated by NYC suburbs.
“Though city living has its perks, living in a suburban neighborhood has plenty of advantages, too,” said HGTV.
“Suburban neighborhoods often offer residents more indoor and outdoor space and, in many instances, a lower cost of living,” they continued, noting that trading traffic for trees need not come at the expense of quality dining and recreation options.
“In fact, many suburban neighborhoods have top-notch entertainment, seasonal festivals and enriching theater programs,” they promised.
With the know-how of real estate experts at Suburban Jungle, the top spots are spread across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Chappaqua, NY
A quaint hamlet 30 miles north of NYC, Chappaqua is beloved for its expansive nature trails and walkable downtown, which helped it earn the number one spot on HGTV’s list.
A less-than-an-hour commute to Manhattan makes Chappaqua an easy choice, while the promise of educational excellence is pure parent bait, as the small town boasts some of the best schools in the country.
The tightnight community of roughly 3,000 is bound together by wealth and a predictable love of seasonal festivals and farmers’ markets.
Though Chappaqua might be best known for septuagenarian residents Bill and Hillary Clinton, the median age is just 45.8.
The median household income is $220,139, while the median home value is $740,300, per GOBankingRates.
Larchmont, NY
Larchmont, on Long Island Sound, was also recognized for its suburban superiority.
Just 30 minutes from Manhattan, Larchmont’s culture centers on water sports like boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Residents and visitors alike favor Larchmont Manor Park, framed by 5,000 feet of shoreline and famed for its natural stone sculptures carved by glacial rock.
The Larchmont food scene is good and getting better; Michelin-starred Chef Michael Psilakis is slated to open his Greek-inspired restaurant Klēma in the coming weeks.
Summit, NJ
True to its name, Summit made the top 3 for covetable suburbs.
Just under an hour from NYC, Summit has grown increasingly popular over the past two decades.
“This Union County suburb has long been a favorite for city dwellers seeking a little breathing room – but not at the expense of culture, coffee, or community,” reports Suburban Jungle.
“With its walkable downtown, top-rated schools, and tree-lined streets, this Union County suburb tops countless city families’ lists – many who start planning a move as soon as they visit.”
Port Washington, NY
Port Washington, on Long Island’s north shore, is chock full of literary lore: The Sands Point Peninsula inspired the East Egg neighborhood in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby.
The former sand-mining town, located just 17 miles from NYC, also draws commuters with its renowned school system and waterfront charm.
Port Washington is home to 15,846 residents who call the town simply “Port.”
“Known for its walkable downtown, buzzy restaurant scene, and serious waterfront vibes, Port has long been a top pick for New Yorkers craving space without sacrificing style,” praises Suburban Jungle, which describes the town’s aesthetic as “suburbs but make it chic.”
Greenwich, CT
Rich and renowned, Greenwich is not only an aspirational NYC suburb but one of the most sought-after communities in the United States.
Known for its constellation of mansions and the occasional high-profile murder, Greenwich is home to roughly 63,000 people, the majority of them well-heeled nature lovers who find refuge from city life in the town’s 300-acre Bannock Preserve and the Audubon Center.
Earlier this summer, Greenwich condos began selling for as much as $12 million, blowing past the town’s previous record condo sale of $6.75 million by nearly 50 percent.
Meanwhile, last year, 25 homes priced over $10 million sold in the idyllic town, representing the highest sum for any full year since 1999.
Westport, CT
Westport, Connecticut, has long held commuter cachet thanks to its small-town feel, abundant access to nature, and a legion of cultural centers and activities.
Home to 27,840 residents, the town ranked a stately 6th in HGTV’s best suburbs ranking.
“Just one hour outside of midtown and rich in countless resources, Westport is known as a center of creative energy and has been for more than a century, when artists, actors, musicians and writers first descended on the town,” said Suburban Jungle.
“The results are a vibrant community that enjoys tremendous vitality—and draws attention from Manhattan elite looking to call the suburbs home.”
Indeed, Westport was the fictional residence of Ricky and Lucy Ricardo (“I Love Lucy”) and Darrin and Samantha Stephens (“Bewitched”), and the real home of many a celebrity, most famously, Martha Stewart and the late Paul Newman.
