Best NYC Suburbs for Families & Professionals

Thinking about moving out of New York City? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for more space, better schools, or a quieter pace of life, thousands of city dwellers make the jump to the suburbs each year. But with so many options, how do you find the right suburb that fits your lifestyle, commute, and budget?

As professional movers with years of experience helping families and professionals relocate beyond NYC, we've seen firsthand what makes a suburb truly livable. From top-rated schools to seamless commutes, this guide breaks down the best NYC suburbs based on real client experiences, so you can find your perfect balance between city access and suburban comfort.

Best NYC Suburbs for Commuters: Where Convenience Meets Comfort

One of the biggest factors in choosing a suburb? The daily commute. We’ve helped countless clients relocate, and the happiest commuters balance reasonable travel times, reliable transit options, and a community that feels like home.

Here’s what you need to know about three of the most commuter-friendly suburbs near NYC:

Montclair, New Jersey (Best for Creative Professionals & Families Seeking a Vibrant Community)

Commute: 35-40 minutes to Penn Station (NJ Transit Midtown Direct)
Housing: $650K - $1.5M+
Why People Love It: Walkable downtown, arts scene, tree-lined streets
Challenges: Competitive housing market, long waitlists for train station parking

Why Our Clients Choose Montclair:
We’ve helped many creative professionals and young families relocate here because it offers a Brooklyn-like energy with more space and greenery. The vibrant downtown is packed with indie bookstores, coffee shops, and a thriving arts scene, without Manhattan prices.

Mover’s Insight: If you’re relying on the train, get on the NJ Transit parking waitlist ASAP, some permits take years to secure.

Scarsdale, New York (Best for Finance Professionals & Luxury Suburban Living)

Commute: 32 minutes to Grand Central (Metro-North Express)
Housing: $1.2M - $3M+
Why People Love It: Top-rated schools, stunning homes, fast train access
Challenges: High property taxes, competitive real estate market

Why Our Clients Choose Scarsdale:
For those in finance, law, or executive roles, Scarsdale is one of the most desirable NYC suburbs. The express train whisks commuters into Midtown in just over 30 minutes, and the neighborhood’s Tudor-style homes and manicured streets feel straight out of a movie.

Mover’s Insight: Be prepared for some of the highest property taxes in the region, often exceeding $30K per year.

Maplewood, New Jersey (Best for Families Seeking a Diverse, Walkable Community)

Commute: 40 minutes to Penn Station (NJ Transit Midtown Direct)
Housing: $550K - $1.2M
Why People Love It: Diverse, community-focused, great public schools
Challenges: Limited weekend train service, occasional NJ Transit delays

Why Our Clients Choose Maplewood:
If you’re looking for a progressive, family-friendly town with a strong sense of community, Maplewood is a top contender. Many of our clients moving from Brooklyn love the walkable downtown, strong school system, and slightly more affordable housing.

Mover’s Insight: Weekend train service is limited, so if you plan to be in the city frequently on Saturdays and Sundays, factor that into your decision.

Best NYC Suburbs for Families: More Than Just Great Schools

When families move out of the city, schools are usually priority #1, but they’re not the only factor. Through years of helping families relocate, we’ve learned that the best family-friendly suburbs offer more than just rankings. They also provide a strong sense of community, kid-friendly amenities, and a safe, welcoming environment.

Here are three top suburbs for families that check all the boxes:

Garden City, Long Island (Best for Families Who Want Space & Safety)

Housing: $950K - $1.8M
Schools: Top-rated public schools + strong youth sports programs
Commute: 35 minutes to Penn Station (LIRR)
Why Families Love It: Safe streets, strong sense of community, kids can bike to school
Challenges: Less diversity than other nearby areas

Why Our Clients Choose Garden City:
Many of our clients moving from Brooklyn or Queens love that Garden City provides the best of suburban life while still being commutable to Manhattan. Families rave about the highly organized youth sports leagues and the ability for kids to safely ride their bikes to friends’ houses.

Mover’s Insight: While Garden City has become more diverse in recent years, it still feels less culturally varied than parts of NYC.

For families planning a move, our Family Moving Checklist ensures nothing gets overlooked.

Summit, New Jersey (Best for Parents Who Want a Tight-Knit, Active Community)

Housing: $700K - $2.5M
Schools: Excellent public & private school options
Commute: 40 minutes to Penn Station (Midtown Direct)
Why Families Love It: Walkable downtown, engaged parent community
Challenges: Competitive real estate market, high cost of living

Why Our Clients Choose Summit:
Families relocating from NYC often appreciate Summit’s active parent community and walkable downtown. The town has strong volunteer networks, and families love the easy access to parks, sports programs, and weekend farmers' markets.

Mover’s Insight: Parent involvement is strong, which is great for support but can feel like added pressure for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.

Jericho, Long Island (Best for Academically Focused Families)

Housing: $850K - $1.7M
Schools: Ranked among NY’s top 5 school districts
Commute: 45-50 minutes to Penn Station (LIRR)
Why Families Love It: Top-tier academics, strong STEM programs
Challenges: High-pressure academic environment

Why Our Clients Choose Jericho:
Families with academically ambitious kids often choose Jericho for its elite school system and strong college prep programs. The town’s STEM-focused curriculum and high college acceptance rates make it one of the most desirable suburbs for education-focused parents.

Mover’s Insight: While academically exceptional, Jericho schools can be intense, with students facing significant pressure to perform.

Best NYC Suburbs for Arts & Culture Lovers

If you’re wondering: “Will I still have access to great art, music, and theater?” The answer is yes, especially if you pick the right suburb.

Through years of helping families, professionals, and creatives relocate, we’ve found that certain suburbs maintain the cultural vibrancy of the city, without the noise, traffic, and sky-high rents.

Here are two cultural hotspots our clients love:

Montclair, NJ (Best for Artsy Vibes & Indie Culture)

Arts Scene: Home to Montclair Film Festival, indie theaters, & art galleries
Commute: 35-40 minutes to Penn Station (NJ Transit)
Housing: $650K - $1.5M
Why Culture Lovers Choose It: Independent bookstores, live music venues, diverse restaurant scene
Challenges: Housing demand is high, expect competition for homes

What Our Clients Say:
Many of our clients relocating from Brooklyn say Montclair feels like Park Slope, but with backyards. The town has a thriving indie music and film scene, and The Wellmont Theater regularly brings in major artists.

Mover’s Insight: The walkable downtown makes it easy to enjoy Montclair’s restaurants, jazz clubs, and art spaces without needing a car.

Want a smooth transition into your new creative community? Our Packing & Moving Services can make it hassle-free.

Huntington, Long Island (Best for Live Music & Performing Arts)

Arts Scene: The Paramount concert venue, Heckscher Museum of Art, and live theater
Commute: 55-60 minutes to Penn Station (LIRR)
Housing: $550K - $1.2M+
Why Culture Lovers Choose It: Rich music & theater scene, creative community
Challenges: Longer commute to NYC compared to NJ suburbs

What Our Clients Say:
Huntington is a hidden gem for music lovers. The Paramount hosts big-name concerts, and the Heckscher Museum brings high-quality art exhibitions to Long Island. Clients who move here often say they’re surprised by how lively the arts scene is.

Mover’s Insight: Huntington has an actual arts district, making it one of the few NYC suburbs where you’ll regularly find live performances, film screenings, and cultural events.

For more insights on moving to vibrant Long Island communities, check out our Long Island Moving Guide.

NYC Culinary Experiences Worth the Move

Many of our clients worry that moving to the suburbs means giving up world-class food. But we’ve found that certain NYC suburbs have thriving dining scenes that rival the city, just without the 2-hour reservation wait times.

Here’s where our foodie clients have found their next favorite meal:

Hoboken, NJ (Best for Diverse, Walkable Dining)

Food Scene: Authentic Italian, modern Asian fusion, classic delis
Commute: 15 minutes to Manhattan (PATH train)
Housing: $500K - $1.8M (mostly condos, brownstones)
Why Food Lovers Choose It: Michelin-rated spots, unbeatable pizza, vibrant café culture
Challenges: More of a mini-city than a suburb, higher home prices & limited parking

What Our Clients Say:
“I was worried I’d have to commute back to the city for good food, but Hoboken has everything. The Italian spots here? Just as good as Little Italy.”

Mover’s Insight: Walkability is key here. You can grab a coffee at a local café, pick up fresh pasta from an Italian market, and never need a car.

Moving from NYC to a more walkable suburb? Our Apartment Moving Guide has essential packing tips.

Port Washington, NY (Best for Waterfront Dining & Fresh Seafood)

Food Scene: Waterfront seafood spots, Greek tavernas, farm-to-table dining
Commute: 35 minutes to Penn Station (LIRR)
Housing: $750K - $2M+ (higher for waterfront properties)
Why Food Lovers Choose It: Fresh seafood, harbor views, local farmers' market
Challenges: Less nightlife than closer-in suburbs

What Our Clients Say:
“The seafood here is better than what I got in Manhattan, and I can actually get a table on a Saturday night.”

Mover’s Insight: If you love waterfront dining, Port Washington is hard to beat. Many restaurants source fish directly from Long Island waters.

Larchmont, NY (Best for Hidden Culinary Gems)

Food Scene: French bistros, cozy bakeries, upscale dining
Commute: 35 minutes to Grand Central (Metro-North)
Housing: $850K - $2M (classic suburban charm, historic homes)
Why Food Lovers Choose It: Top-tier bakeries, high-end dining, European-inspired spots
Challenges: Less variety than bigger towns like White Plains

What Our Clients Say:
“I was shocked at how many high-end restaurants and bakeries were tucked into this little town.”

Mover’s Insight: If you love Parisian cafés, you’ll feel right at home in Larchmont. This is where New Yorkers go when they want upscale dining without city crowds.

Natural Retreats with City Access

One of the biggest reasons our clients leave NYC? They want more space, fresh air, and outdoor access, without losing easy city connections. Fortunately, several suburbs offer the best of both worlds: nature at your doorstep and a manageable commute.

Greenwich, CT (Best for Coastal Living & Outdoor Activities)

Outdoor Highlights: 32 miles of coastline, hiking trails, Audubon preserves
Commute: 55 minutes to Grand Central (Metro-North)
Housing: $1.2M - $5M+ (luxury market, high property taxes)
Why Nature Lovers Choose It: Kayaking in the morning, Midtown by noon
Challenges: Longer commute, highly competitive housing market

What Our Clients Say:
“I can take my paddleboard out before work, then be in a Manhattan boardroom by 10 AM. I never thought I’d find that balance.”

Mover’s Insight: Greenwich is ideal for high-earners who want waterfront properties and elite schools, but expect to pay premium prices.

Croton-on-Hudson, NY (Best for River Views & Hiking Trails)

Outdoor Highlights: Hudson River access, Croton Point Park, Blue Mountain Reservation
Commute: 55 minutes to Grand Central (Metro-North express)
Housing: $550K - $1.2M (affordable for riverfront living)
Why Nature Lovers Choose It: Expansive parks, water activities, stunning sunsets
Challenges: Less nightlife & fewer high-end amenities compared to closer suburbs

What Our Clients Say:
“The Hudson River is the heartbeat of this town - we kayak, hike, and watch the most incredible sunsets.”

Mover’s Insight: If you’re looking for a scenic, affordable suburb with a small-town feel, Croton is a hidden gem.

Chatham, NJ (Best for Walkability & Green Space)

Outdoor Highlights: Watchung Reservation, Loantaka Brook Reservation, parks galore
Commute: 50 minutes to Penn Station (NJ Transit)
Housing: $750K - $1.8M (classic suburban homes, good schools)
Why Nature Lovers Choose It: Walkable, park-filled suburb with NYC access
Challenges: Limited nightlife and slower-paced weekends

What Our Clients Say:
“We wanted more space and great schools, but we didn’t want to lose our ability to walk to restaurants, parks, and coffee shops. Chatham gives us both.”

Mover’s Insight: For those transitioning from city life, Chatham offers that sweet spot between suburban and urban living.

Making Your Suburban Decision

Choosing the right NYC suburb isn’t just about commute times or square footage, it’s about finding a community that aligns with your lifestyle. Over the years, we’ve helped countless families, professionals, and small business owners relocate, and we’ve learned one thing: the happiest moves happen when people consider more than just logistics.

Here’s what you should factor into your decision:

1. Commute Reality Check: Test It Before You Commit

Don’t just Google the commute, try it. We always advise clients to visit potential suburbs during rush hour and take the exact train or drive they’d be using daily.
Beyond travel time, consider:

Crowding levels (Does the train feel manageable or like a daily battle?)
Reliability (Some NJ Transit & LIRR lines are notorious for delays.)
The “last mile” (How far is the station from your home? Is parking available?)

Mover’s Insight: We once helped a couple move to Westchester, thinking their 40-minute train ride was ideal. But they didn’t realize they’d need to drive 15 minutes to the station and wait for parking - turning their morning commute into a 65-minute ordeal. Lesson learned: test the full door-to-door experience.

Need a smooth and stress-free transition? Our Full-Service Apartment Moving Solutions handle every step for you.

2. Weekend Livability: Is It a Ghost Town or a Community?

Many NYC suburbs cater to weekday commuters but shut down on weekends. Before deciding, visit your target town on a Saturday or Sunday and ask yourself:

Are the restaurants, cafés, and shops open and busy?
Are people out and about, or does it feel deserted?
Are there community events or local activities?

Mover’s Insight: A family we worked with moved to Rye, NY, expecting a lively town center. But on Sundays, everything closed by 5 PM. If you love walkable weekend life, make sure your suburb delivers.

3. Social Connection Potential: How Welcoming Is the Community?

Suburban loneliness is real. One of the biggest challenges we hear from former city dwellers is:

“It’s harder to meet people here.”
“There’s no built-in social scene like in NYC.”
“We miss spontaneous hangouts.”

To avoid this, look for suburbs with active community groups, sports leagues, or newcomers' clubs. Towns like Montclair, Maplewood, and Larchmont have vibrant social scenes, while some commuter-heavy suburbs tend to feel more isolating.

Mover’s Insight: One couple we relocated to Summit, NJ, joined a local running group before they even moved in, instant connections. Consider joining local Facebook groups or attending town events to gauge how welcoming a suburb is.

4. Beyond Housing Costs: What’s the True Cost of Living?

Many NYC transplants overlook property taxes, which can add $20K+ per year to their housing costs. Before committing, research:

Property taxes (Westchester’s can be eye-watering, while NJ suburbs like Short Hills and Ridgewood also have high rates.)
Commuter costs (LIRR and NJ Transit monthly passes add up.)
Home maintenance fees (Lawn care, snow removal, and utilities may be higher than expected.)

Mover’s Insight: One family we worked with bought a beautiful $900K home in Scarsdale, only to discover their annual property taxes were $35,000. It changed their entire budget.

For a detailed guide on budgeting your move, visit our Moving Cost Guide.

5. Future-Proofing: Will This Suburb Grow With You?

A home that fits your needs now should also serve your future self. Consider:

Schools: Even if you don’t have kids yet, strong school districts protect property values.
Walkability: If you enjoy walkable city life, don’t choose a suburb where you’ll need to drive everywhere.
Resale potential: Markets fluctuate, choose a town that retains value long-term.

Mover’s Insight: A small business owner we relocated to Darien, CT, initially chose it for a quick NYC commute. A few years later, their growing family needed more space, and they realized Darien’s school system was a major advantage they hadn’t even considered.

The Final Decision: Choosing With Confidence

Moving from NYC to the suburbs is a big shift, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The right suburb will enhance your lifestyle, not just your square footage.

Still unsure? As relocation specialists who've guided countless transitions from city to suburb, we understand that finding your perfect community requires balancing practical considerations with the intangible feeling of "home."

Contact our moving experts today for personalized guidance on your NYC transition.