Something that becomes very important while choosing a place to reside in New York is safety. If we take the crime rates into account, which are higher than the average in some cities such as New York City, Buffalo, or Rochester, it is clear that safety concerns would be an issue. The good news is that there are many safe suburbs, towns, and small cities in New York, in different parts of the state.
1. Clarkstown
Sitting in Rockland County approximately 30 miles north of Manhattan is the town of Clarkstown which for many years now has been ranked as one of the safest towns in New York. According to the FBI data, the crime rate in 2019 was one of the lowest in the United States, including in Clarkstown. Murder and manslaughter are observed 91% less frequently here, while theft and robberies are 86% less often compared to the national rates. Being a town, Clarkstown possesses characteristics of a small town with a good neighborhood feel and intimate communities that are located between the mountains and are more or less family-oriented. The good Clarkstown school district is considered to be one of the primary reasons for many families to consider buying a house. Clarkstown has a population of slightly over 84,000 residents and there are various community services and recreation in the area despite the limited population.
2. Nassau County
Some of the nation’s richest communities, which are part of New York’s suburban area, Nassau County ranks seventh in the list of the richest counties. However, Nassau County is not only the Hampton or just wealthy New Yorkers’ commuting place anymore. A significant number of its townships and villages are also ranked high in terms of safety. For example, Jericho, Syosset, Garden City, and Mineola rate very low in crime while they offer the comfortable ambiance of suburbs. Such family-oriented neighborhoods with well-developed public school systems make Nassau County possibly the best place for childlessness worry-free. The fact that the county is located right next to the best employment opportunities, as they are present in New York City, means that it is also economically stable.
3. Saratoga County
Situated in New York, Saratoga County is based at the entrance of the Adirondack Mountain Range and hosts one of the most prosperous small cities of the state, Saratoga Springs. This is for the reason that crime in Saratoga County, both its cities, towns, and villages is exceptionally low. For instance, local authorities in charge of the police indicate that the county has experienced a decline in index crimes by 25-35% in the last two decades. In addition to low criminal activity, Saratoga County is home to recreation, entertainment, the performing arts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and business facilities that appeal to professionals and families. Saratoga Race Track brings a lot of activities to the area to make it a summer tourist attraction. Families will also benefit from the award-winning schools that are present for the children as well.
4. Monroe County
Although Monroe County is the county that contains the City of Rochester, which is characterized by a slightly higher than average crime rate, the remotely situated suburbs are practically crime-free in comparison with the overwhelming majority of city districts. Mendon, East Rochester, Pittsford, and Fairport are some of the tiniest townships and villages that have a very low number of violent and property crimes within a year, which therefore makes all of these places safer areas to buy homes within Monroe County. All these are residential suburban areas and ideal for raising a family, yet they are not too close to Rochester that the feeling of insecurity is created or that one feels like they are part of the city’s bustle. As a result of higher taxes the communities in Monroe County can dedicate significant resources to quality local institutions, education, and services.
5. Westchester County
A variety of ethnic groups with significant involvement in the real estate industry live in Westchester County; to the North of New York City and the west of Hudson Valley/Long Island Sound. It is considered one of the state’s elite public school districts, making the county suitable for families. Even though crime incidence in Kings County can be higher than in some of New York's rural counties, the rates of criminality are significantly low in Kings County compared to standard rates in the United States. It can be stated that towns such as Rye, Mamaroneck, Pelham, Yorktown, and Montrose are among the towns that are involved in very insignificant major crimes each year. On the transit rail on Metro-North, people who work in New York City will find Westchester very convenient for the transport system. Apart from silent and sleepy communities, Westchester has lots of parks, nature reserves, golfing greens, and country clubs to visit.
The Takeaway
In New York, it doesn’t have to be that safety and low crime rates come at the expense of convenience, amenities, and opportunities for economic advancement. For instance, while the urban community of Westchester has been ranked highly for safety, the rural community of Saratoga and exclusive parts of Nassau have also been ranked high for safety thus one is likely to find the best place to live in New York depending on the community they prefer. These areas are not only successfully maintaining a low level of violent crime but also have terrific schools, recreation facilities, and stunning scenery. When deciding on where exactly in New York one should seek refuge with his/her family or business, consider which of these safe cities suits your best.
