A Guide to the Top 9 Suburban Areas in and Around NYC
Looking for a suburb near NYC that offers a welcoming home for your family? Garden City, Scarsdale, Westfield, Montclair, and New Canaan are the towns everyone keeps coming back to. These towns are loved for their safe streets, strong schools, friendly communities, and easy access to the city. Families moving to these areas often look for a balance of calm neighborhoods, nearby parks, convenient shops, and a commute that won’t feel overwhelming. Whether you want a lively town with weekend activities or a quieter area with space to breathe, these suburbs offer a mix of everything to make daily life comfortable and enjoyable.
Dreaming of life in the suburbs? While many families are making the move with the prospect of more space and a more comfortable pace of life, it does require a lot of work and planning to find your dream home and your dream location! Below, we’re sharing the best places to move, focusing on excellent schooling, tight-knit communities, and being close to NYC. Plus, some key agents who can help you to get there.
Too Long, Didn’t Read
- Top suburbs in NYC: Garden City, Scarsdale, Westfield, Montclair, New Canaan
- Best for short commutes: Scarsdale, Garden City, Montclair
- Best for quiet streets: New Canaan, Westfield, Bronxville
- Best for walkable town centers: Montclair, Westfield, Larchmont
- Best for top schools: Scarsdale, New Canaan, Millburn
- Best for family weekend fun: Montclair, Larchmont, Garden City
Choosing the right suburb becomes easier when you picture what daily life might look like in places like Garden City, Scarsdale, Westfield, Montclair, and New Canaan. Each town has its own rhythm, from the calm morning streets in New Canaan to the lively weekend energy in Montclair. Garden City feels friendly and familiar, Scarsdale stands out for its schools, and Westfield gives families that perfect mix of shops and parks. When you notice these small everyday moments, you start to see which suburb truly fits the way your family lives. Below are the NYC suburban regions that can help you picture what your own daily life could feel like.
Garden City and Manhasset, Long Island
Colonial at 140 Cambridge Avenue, Garden City
Whether you believe it or not, Garden City is one of the best suburban regions on Long Island because it gives families the comfort of quiet suburban life while staying close to the city they love. If you’re looking for a town with deep community roots, Garden City is ideal for families who seek calm from city life. A part of Nassau County, Garden City, is near the ‘city’ they love and, for many, a close work commute.
A lifelong resident of Long Island, Alexander Oliveri knows the area very well and can help families relocate to their dream home.
After a sales career, Patrick McCooey decided to follow his true passion for real estate and has been selling homes for the past 15 years all over Nassau County and the Hamptons. In Garden City, families will love the four-bedroom, three-bathroom Colonial at 140 Cambridge Avenue. Listed at $1,849,000, the gorgeous space encompasses 4,230-square-feet that’s set on an oversized 100×157 lot. Stunning details include 10-foot tray ceilings in the family room, beautifully landscaped rear yard, a chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, granite island and bespoke cabinetry, detached two-car garage, wood-burning fireplace, to name a few details.
Contact Patrick McCooey at 516-236-4287, Alexander Olivieri at 516-306-7738 or via email at TheMcCooeyOlivieriTeam@compass.com, compass.com
Maplewood/South Orange, NJ
8 Broadview Avenue, Maplewood, New Jersey
Maplewood is known for its gorgeous Tudor, Colonial, Victorian homes, diverse community, and easy commute to NYC. The area has something for every modern family with small shops, delicious restaurants, excellent schools, sprawling parks and playgrounds, access to recreational activities like tennis, ice skating, swimming, and gardens, and a local arts scene and events, such as Maplewoodstock Festival, Floods Hill in the summer, and Newstead 5K.
When looking for a home, reach out to Amy Lutz of the Keller Williams and Realtor, The DeCicco Group. Amy was inspired to become an agent after she relocated from Brooklyn to the South Orange / Maplewood (SOMA) and knows first-hand what families are looking for.
One of Amy’s hottest properties is at 8 Broadview Avenue, a stunning five-bedroom, five-bathroom home. Currently listed for $925,000, the picturesque home offers 9,300-square-feet of space, complete with a finished basement, custom storage, and a paved patio for entertaining.
Contact Amy Lutz at 646-239-5248 or via email at AmyLutzNJ@gmail.com.
Montclair/Glen Ridge, NJ
64 Forest Avenue, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
Montclair and the Glen Ridge area have been a popular destination for years. With a mix of classic homes from the late 1800s-1930s as well as modern offerings, Montclair and Glen Ridge are known for their tree-lined streets, parks, vibrant downtown area with restaurants, galleries, and special events. The area also has an excellent public school system and is only 30-50 minutes to Penn Station via the Midtown Direct train lines or bus options to Port Authority.
When looking to relocate to the area, work with Amy Owens of Keller Williams — specializing in New Jersey commuter towns since 2003. Amy and her family know the city to suburban move well having relocated in 2001 from the Upper West Side to Glen Ridge. She also knows and understands the home restoration process, having restored an 1860’s Victorian and a 1907 Craftsman Tudor in Glen Ridge.
Amy noted, “My attention to detail and to motivating all parties makes me successful as a realtor. I enjoy taking care of the extras for my clients, whether it’s meeting with a contractor, hiring a cleaning staff, or helping to stage a property for sale.” In addition to buying, Amy and her team also have relationships with investors, contractors, tradesmen, and local connections, which can significantly benefit buyers and sellers.
Montclair and Glen Ridge are chosen by many families as the best suburban areas in New Jersey because they feature classic architecture, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood parks that make daily life feel relaxed and inviting. A recent listing is this picturesque barn-style home at 64 Forest Avenue, Glen Ridge, NJ, featuring four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and .26 acres. Additional amenities include a dramatic foyer, chef’s kitchen with Carrera marble, stunning woodwork, and a spacious yard.
Contact Amy Owens at 201-396-2927 or via email at amy@amyowensteam.com
New Canaan, CT
54 Bridle Path lane, New Canaan, Connecticut
If you want a town where the schools are excellent, the streets are peaceful, and families feel instantly at home, then New Canaan is the best suburban region of New York for you. A town in Fairfield County, New Canaan is around an hour away from NYC, renowned for both classic Connecticut architecture as well as mid-century modern masterpieces. The school system is excellent with five public schools in the district and three private schools. New Canaan is also known for its sweet downtown area, filled with small shops, restaurants, and community events.
To find the perfect home in New Canaan, Darien or Rowayton, reach out to Christine Saxe and Amanda Bryan. Longtime friends, colleagues and veteran realtors separately, Christine and Amanda joined forces to form Saxe + Bryan Properties at Compass in the fall of 2020.
Amanda grew up in New Canaan, and after getting her MBA at Columbia and working on Wall St, she moved to Connecticut where’s lived for the last 17 years. She has great knowledge of several towns and understands the nuances of moving from the city to the suburbs. And Christine, a former interior designer, is known for not only being able to visualize potential in homes but also for being highly trustworthy, responsive, smart, and an incredible negotiator to help families find the right home.
Contact Saxe+Bryan Properties at 203-246-1064 or via email at SaxeBryan@compass.com
Westport, CT
38 Maple Avenue South, Westport, Connecticut
Another tight-knit community in Fairfield County, Westport, CT, is within close proximity to the Long Island Sound and renowned for its excellent schools and picturesque downtown area. Located along Long Island Sound, Westport is also known for its incredible beaches, parks, hiking, culture, recreation, including public and private golf and country clubs, arts scene, and shopping.
For a new home in Westport, Weston, Fairfield/Southport, and the surrounding areas, check out the Bross Chingas Bross Team. Made up of Barbara Bross, Alexander Chingas, and Doug Bross, the team has been serving Fairfield County for over two decades, earning many awards like the #1 real estate agents in their service area.
They currently have an incredible listing at 38 Maple Avenue South, Westport, CT. Featuring five bedrooms, the home is situated on over 6,000-square feet of land that’s dubbed as a “park-like property” for its incredible amount of space. The house is also filled with oversized windows that allow for ample lighting, high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, and so much more.
Contact the Bross Chingas Bross Team at 203-454-8000 or via email at info@brosschingas.com
Westfield, NJ
10 Hawthorn Drive, Westfield, New Jersey
Westfield is one of the hottest towns for modern families with a prestigious school system with 10 public schools, a convenient commute via train or bus to New York City, and a bustling downtown with tons of shopping and dining options.
Westfield also offers access to 211 acres of parks, golf courses, and recreational facilities, and buyers will find tons of picturesque homes that range in style from Victorian to Colonial-style as well as modern homes.
When looking for a home, reach out to Frank D. Isoldi of Coldwell Banker.
A lifelong resident and second-generation native of Westfield and a broker sales associate affiliated with the Westfield East office,
Frank has a fantastic listing at 10 Hawthorn Drive, Westfield featuring four bedrooms, three full and two partial bathrooms, and 3,169-square-feet of space.
Contact Frank Isoldi at 908-787-5990 or via email at frankisoldi@gmail.com. More info at TheIsoldiCollection.com
Pelham/New Rochelle, NY
998 Prospect Avenue., Pelham, New York
Lower Westchester neighboring towns, Pelham and New Rochelle, are great options for families looking to stay close to NYC while being in the suburbs. Pelham offers a small town with great character and a charming center, while New Rochelle is a small city with a bustling downtown, waterfront parks, and a Historic District. Both are located close to nature trails, beaches, weekend farmers’ markets, artisan food, great schools, and offer short commutes to Grand Central Station on the Metro-North train.
When you’re ready to move, reach out to Owen and Carol of the Berkowitz Marrone Team, who have helped many families relocate from the city to the suburbs, which they also did themselves.
To relocate to Pelham, they listed a stunning six-bedroom home, 4.1 bathrooms Victorian at 998 Prospect Avenue. The home also boasts tons of amenities like a huge dining deck, a spacious mudroom, eat-in kitchen, a central air, a two-car garage, and 3,592-square feet of space, to name a few amenities. It is also within close proximity to Prospect Hill school and a nearby playground.
Contact: Owen Berkowitz at 914.819.7622 or via email owen.berkowitz@elliman.com; Carol Marrone at 914.419.4000 or via email carol.marrone@elliman.com; Brooklyn2westchester.com; berkowitzmarroneteam.com
Short Hills, NJ
5 Highland Avenue, Short Hills, New Jersey
Families looking for a home within close proximity to New York City can find what they need in Short Hills, NJ. Just 23 miles outside of NYC, Short Hills is characterized by beautiful tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and bustling small downtown.
When looking to move, reach out to Victoria Carter of The Victoria Carter Group, Weichert Realtors.
A resident of New Jersey since 1994 and a professional in the real estate industry since 1998, her team has experience buying and selling in all of the major towns along the Midtown Direct train line, including Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, Chatham, and Westfield and understand the differences with all the school districts, commuting, recreation, and social offerings.
The group currently has a charming listing at 55 Highland Avenue, featuring seven bedrooms, 5.2 baths with 6500-square-feet of space. With 19th century origins, this two-story center foyer home includes wood-burning fireplaces, crown molding, soaring vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, large windows, stylish French doors, a galley kitchen with professional-grade appliances, a remodeled master suite, a sun-drenched in-law apartment, and much more!
Contact Victoria Carter at 973-220-3050 or email at victoria@victoriacarter.com. More info at Victoriacarter.com
West Orange, NJ
Listing provided courtesy of Keller Williams Midtown Direct realty
Around 30 minutes from NYC, West Orange is a popular relocation town that offers an easy way to stay connected to city life while having refuge in the suburbs.
Popular for its greenery and parks, including the Eagle Rock Reservation, Thomas Edison National Park, and the South Mountain Reservation — that’s great for wannabe (and novice!) hikers.
The area also includes the South Mountain Recreation Complex that features the Turtle Back Zoo, Treetop Adventure and miniature golf.
There are a variety of restaurants, shops, bakeries, and coffee shops located throughout the community.
The schools are also great with 12 public schools in the district as well as private schools. There are ample housing options available from stately historic homes in Llewellyn Park to newer homes.
To purchase your suburban home, contact Joanne Watkins of Keller Williams Midtown Direct located in Maplewood NJ.
A resident of South Orange for over 20 years, she has been actively involved in the community and served on the local PTA board for many years.
Joanne has personally renovated homes and can help buyers see past design obstacles. Her goal is to help you find the best home based on your needs and make the process as seamless as possible.
Contact Joanne at 973-986-2606 or via email at JoanneWatkinsHomes@gmail.com
Scarsdale, NY
With top-rated schools, safe streets, and quick access to Manhattan, Scarsdale is one of the best suburbs of NY, and families love the sense of calm and community that makes every day feel easier and more enjoyable here. Scarsdale is a great place to raise a family. Our school system consistently ranks high nationally. We have fabulous town amenities including a world class library, swimming pool complex, multiple tennis and paddle courts, golf courses, walking trails and nature centers. With our fabulous restaurants, shops and a quick 30-minute commute to NYC, it makes it one Westchester’s most desirable communities.
Contact Dawn Knief at 914-393-1159 or via email at dawn.knief@compass.com
How to Pick the Perfect NYC Suburb?
Reference link: https://www.lifestyle-moving.com/blog/best-suburbs
Whether you are starting your search for the perfect suburb region in NYC or already comparing a few towns, exploring NYC suburbs can feel like a big choice because each place has its own style and rhythm.
Garden City and New Canaan offer quieter streets and more space, while Montclair, Scarsdale, and Westfield feel livelier with walkable centers, parks, and friendly communities. Below are the simple tips that families can use to understand these differences so they can choose the suburb that feels right for everyday life.
- Look for Fun Spaces: Kids enjoy parks, playgrounds, and open spaces where they can run and play. Parents enjoy knowing there are safe places for family time. Fun spaces help a suburb feel bright and full of energy.
- Check the Schools: A good school helps children feel supported and proud. Families should look at teachers, activities, and the school environment. A caring school will make learning feel exciting.
- Picture Your Weekend Life: Weekends should feel slow and happy. Families can picture simple moments like walking to a bakery, playing in the yard, or visiting a nearby park. These small moments help a place feel like home.
- Pay Attention to Community Feeling: A kind community makes daily life feel warm and safe. Friendly neighbors, helpful people, and a welcoming atmosphere can make a suburb feel comforting for families.
Wrapping Up
Finding the right place in the NYC suburbs feels much easier when families look at what each town gives them in real, simple ways. Some places like Garden City, Westfield, and Scarsdale feel calm with strong schools, quiet streets, and a friendly town center. Other places like Maplewood, Montclair, Pelham, and New Rochelle feel bright and busy with parks, cute shops, and easy train rides that make travel simple. Towns in Connecticut, such as New Canaan and Westport, give families more space, clean neighborhoods, and a warm community feeling that helps everyone settle in.
The best choice comes from looking at the small things that matter every day. Families can think about how long the morning commute feels, what the schools are like, and how the town feels on weekends.
FAQs
What is the best suburb to live in New York?
There is no single best suburb because every family looks for something different. Some families love Scarsdale because it has great schools and quiet streets. Other families choose Garden City because it feels friendly and is close to the city. Montclair feels lively with shops and parks. New Canaan feels calm with lots of space. The best suburb is the one that matches the way your family wants to live every day.
What are the main 5 suburbs of New York?
Five very popular suburbs around New York City are Scarsdale, Garden City, Montclair, New Canaan, and Westfield. These places are known for good schools, safe streets, friendly people, and easy travel to the city.
What is the richest suburb of NYC?
Scarsdale is known as the richest suburb in the New York area. Families move there for the strong schools, peaceful streets, and warm community feeling.
What is the safest suburb in NYC?
Rockville Centre on Long Island is often named one of the safest suburbs near New York City. Families like it because it feels calm, clean, and comfortable for everyday life.
