Are you looking for the best New York City suburb for families? To come up with our list of the best NYC suburbs to live in for families, we considered towns in Westchester County, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut that have excellent schools, easy commute to NYC, and is a family-friendly town. Here are the best NYC suburbs for families
Best New York City Suburbs for Families
1. Short Hills, NJ
Short Hills is the best New York City suburb for families in New Jersey.
The main reason why Short Hills is such a great NYC suburb for families is because it has excellent schools and direct trains to NYC.
Short Hills has one of the best schools in New Jersey. In fact, Niche.com ranks Short Hills schools (Millburn Township school district) as the #1 school district in New Jersey.
Schools are a big draw for families moving to Short Hills, which is evident in the town’s population where 33.2% of Short Hills residents are children under 18 years old.
In addition to its top-notch schools, Short Hills is also one of the best commuter towns in NJ for families. The town has a direct train to NYC, eliminating the need to transfer trains in Secaucus and making the commute to the city a breeze.
The train ride from Short Hills to NYC takes only 38 minutes, making it a convenient option for families who want to enjoy the benefits of living in a New York City suburb close to the city.
The only downside to living in Short Hills is that it is expensive. The town’s mean household income is $428,352, and homes are pricey, with a median sales price of $2,081,069. You will need to be making big bucks to enjoy the upscale lifestyle of Short Hills!
Despite the cost, Short Hills is undoubtedly one of the best NYC suburbs for families who are looking for the best schools and an easy commute to the city.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #1 Best School District in New Jersey |
| Median Sale Price of Homes | $2,081,069 |
| Commute to NYC | 38 Minutes |
Check out the Best Places to Live in NJ for Families
2. Bronxville, NY
Bronxville is the best New York City suburb for families in Westchester County. The town offers an unbeatable combination of a quick commute to the city and excellent schools, making it one of the best NYC suburbs to raise a family.
As one of the closest NY suburbs in Westchester County, Bronxville residents enjoy a quick commute to the city with just a short 35-minute Metro-North train ride to Midtown Manhattan.
Schools are excellent in Bronxville. Niche.com ranks Bronxville Union Free School District as the #3 Best School District in Westchester County.
Aside from the short commute and amazing schools, Bronxville is also a nice NYC suburb to live in for families.
It has a small-town vibe. The town is only 1 square mile, making everything within walking distance, including the train station and downtown. The town’s bustling downtown area is home to mom and pop stores and restaurants, including Tredici Social, which has earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
It’s expensive to live in Bronxville where the median home price is $1,343,423. However, the good news is there is a wide variety of housing options in Bronxville, you can get a $750,000, 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment which is perfect for young families to $2 million 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bath homes that are ideal for larger families with older children.
Bronxville is one of the best NYC suburbs for families because of the great schools and short 35-minute commute to NYC.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #3 Best School District in Westchester County |
| Median Sale Price of Homes | $1,343,423 |
| Commute to NYC | 35 Minutes |
Check out: How Much Does it Cost to Live in Bronxville, NY? ($17,000+ a month)
Find out what it’s really like to live in Bronxville with our interviews with local Bronxville residents: Maura Fitzgerald’s Life in Bronxville, NY and Adrienne Harper’s Move from Boston to Bronxville, NY
3. Great Neck, NY
Great Neck is the best NYC suburb for families on Long Island. The town is known for its excellent schools, short commute to NYC, and affordable home prices, making it one of the best New York City suburbs for families.
According to Niche.com, Great Neck Public School District is the #1 best school district in New York state!
On top of that, Great Neck is an easy 31 minute commute to NYC on the LIRR train.
Great Neck also has one of the most affordable median home prices for New York Suburbs with great schools and a short commute. The median home price in Great Neck is $867,231.
There is a wide range of housing options in Great Neck. You can get a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo for $500,000 which is perfect for young families on a budget. Or if you are thinking of moving to Great Neck with older kids, you can get a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home for $1.2 million.
Aside from great schools and a short NYC commute, Great Neck has outstanding family-friendly recreational facilities including Steppingstone Park, a beautiful waterfront park with a pool, spray pad, playground, picnic areas, marina, summer camp, and summer concerts on the weekends.
There is also Parkwood Sports Complex with a town pool, tennis courts, and an ice rink, so residents can stay active all year long.
With amazing schools, a quick 31-minute train ride to NYC, and affordable home prices, it’s a combination that’s hard to beat. Making Great Neck truly one of the best New York suburbs for families.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #1 Best School District in New York |
| Median Sale Price of Homes | $867,231 |
| Commute to NYC | 31 Minutes |
Check out the Best Long Island Towns for Families
4. Greenwich
Greenwich is the best New York suburb for families in Connecticut. Living in Greenwich means you can enjoy the coastal lifestyle, a short commute to the city, excellent schools, and diverse housing options, making it one of the best suburbs of New York City for families.
As Greenwich is located right on the New York-Connecticut border, the commute into NYC is a quick 45-minute train ride, with four Metro North train stations in Greenwich, making it convenient for families to catch the train to NYC.
Families move to Greenwich for its excellent schools, with Niche.com ranking Greenwich Public Schools as the #3 Best School District in Connecticut. It’s no surprise that 26.4% of Greenwich’s residents are children under 18 years old.
Aside from great schools and a short commute to NYC, living in Greenwich means you can enjoy the beach lifestyle in the New York suburbs!
Greenwich is home to some of the best beaches in Connecticut, with two public beaches and two private islands. The Greenwich beaches are a community hub in the summer where families can enjoy impromptu playdates and dinners on the beach.
Greenwich is also home to one of the best shopping districts in Fairfield County, with Greenwich Avenue lined with upscale, luxury stores, often dubbed the “Rodeo Drive of Connecticut.”
Families who love good food will also be happy to know that there is no shortage of great restaurants in Greenwich, from Italian food to organic Mexican restaurants to celebrity chef Jean Georges’ newest restaurant.
While Greenwich is on the pricier side, with a median home price of $1,714,987, the good news is that its housing options are very diverse. Families can find affordable home prices in the Byram section of Greenwich with a median home price of $746,950 and the Pemberwick section of Greenwich with a median home price of $966,269.
You can get a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse in Byram for $560,000 which is perfect for young families or a 3 bedroom, 2 bath starter home in Pemberwick for $800,000. So, it’s possible to live in Greenwich – it’s just a matter of finding the right home that fits your budget!
Greenwich is truly one of the best NYC suburbs for families, with its excellent schools, unbeatable commute, beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, and diverse housing options.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #3 Best School District in Connecticut |
| Median Home Price | $1,714,987 |
| Commute to NYC | 49 Minutes |
Check out how much it costs to live in Greenwich. It costs over $17,000 a month for a family of four to live in Greenwich!
Find out what it’s like to live in Greenwich with our interviews with a local Greenwich resident: Why Alessandra Messineo Long loves living in Greenwich, CT
5. Montclair, NJ
Montclair is one of the best NYC suburbs for families, offering a perfect combination of family-friendly amenities and a bustling downtown. If you’re searching for a NJ suburb that is not too quiet, with walkable streets and an easy commute to NYC, then Montclair could be the perfect NYC suburb for your family.
Montclair has one of the best commutes to NYC of any New Jersey town, with direct trains to Manhattan and a quick 38-minute ride to the city. With six train stations in town, Montclair residents have easy access to NYC, making it an ideal place for families who work in the city.
Montclair is a family-friendly town, with 30.2% of its residents being children under 18 years old. The town also has highly rated schools, with Niche.com ranking Montclair Public Schools as the #5 Best School District in Essex County. Families moving to Montclair can rest easy knowing that their children will receive a top-notch education.
In addition to its excellent schools and easy NYC commute, Montclair has a vibrant downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants. The town is home to a diverse range of eateries, making it a foodie’s paradise. Montclair also has a rich arts scene, with the Montclair Art Museum and Montclair Film Festival.
In fact, Montclair is often referred to as the “Brooklyn of New Jersey” or “Park Slope West”.
In addition, residents can enjoy the ice-skating pond in Edgemont Park during the winter months and summer movies and concerts in the summer. Not to forget the Fourth of July parade, a beloved annual event.
Compared to other NYC suburbs on this list, Montclair is more affordable, with a median home price of $897,154. Families can find affordable housing options in Montclair, with a 3-bedroom, 2-bath starter home available for $615,000.
Montclair is one of the best NYC suburbs for families, offering an easy commute to NYC, great schools, a vibrant downtown, and affordable housing options.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #5 Best School District in Essex County |
| Median Home Price | $897,154 |
| Commute to NYC | 38 Minutes |
Check out the Best New York Suburbs
6. Jericho, NY
Jericho is one of the best NYC suburbs for families. Located on Long Island, Jericho has the perfect combination of excellent schools, a short commute to NYC, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for families to call home.
One of the biggest draws of Jericho is its excellent schools. The Jericho School District is consistently ranked as one of the best school districts in New York State, with Niche.com ranking it as the #2 Best School District in New York.
Commuting to NYC is quick from Jericho, making it convenient for families who work in the city. While Jericho doesn’t have its train station, it’s a 43-minute LIRR train ride to Penn Station from nearby Hicksville Station. Hicksville is a neighboring town, a 5-minute drive from Jericho.
Jericho is a family friendly town with lots of things to do for families from the children’s programs at the Jericho Public Library to the Jericho Farmers Market to the many youth sports programs.
Compared to other NYC suburbs, Jericho is affordable with a median home price of $1,054,154. You can get a 3 bedroom, 2 bath starter home at Jericho for $850,000 which is perfect for families.
Jericho is one of the best NYC suburbs for families, offering excellent schools, a short commute to NYC, a family-friendly atmosphere, and affordable housing options.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #2 Best School District in New York |
| Median Home Price | $1,054,154 |
| Commute to NYC | 43 Minutes |
Check out the Best Beach Towns to Live in near NYC
7. Scarsdale, NY
Scarsdale stands out as one of the best suburbs of New York City for families for several reasons- proximity to New York City and its top-rated schools.
The Scarsdale School District is consistently recognized as one of the top public school districts in Westchester County, with Niche.com ranking Scarsdale as the number 1 best school district in Westchester County.
For families looking for a NYC suburb with an easy commute to the city, Scarsdale is an ideal choice. The town is a quick 35-minute train ride to Manhattan via the Metro North train, making Scarsdale convenient for families who work in the city.
Scarsdale is also home to a bustling downtown with lots of mom and pop shops and restaurants.
Foodies will be happy to know that Scarsdale is home to many restaurants, including the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Cafe Alaia. Additionally, the upscale Westchester Mall in White Plains is just a 10-minute drive away.
While Scarsdale is an affluent town, with a median sale price of $1,343,738, families can still find affordable housing options in the town. A 3-bedroom, 2-bath starter home is available for a million dollars.
With great schools and an easy commute to Manhattan, it’s easy to see why Scarsdale is one of the best New York City suburbs for families.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #1 Best School District in Westchester County |
| Median Home Price | $1,343,738 |
| Commute to NYC | 35 Minutes |
Find out: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Scarsdale, NY? ($14,000+ a month)
8. Roslyn, NY
Roslyn is one of the best NYC suburbs for families. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, Roslyn is a family friendly town with great schools and, an easy commute to NYC.
Many families move to Roslyn for its excellent schools. The Roslyn Union Free School District consistently ranks among the best school districts in Long Island, with Niche.com ranking it as the #4 Best School District in New York.
Aside from great schools, Roslyn is an easy commute to NYC. The LIRR train ride from Roslyn to New York City is just 50 minutes, and the Roslyn LIRR station is conveniently located within walking distance of the downtown area.
Roslyn is also home to a charming and walkable downtown, with a clock tower, shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Families can also enjoy Gerry Pond Park, located right downtown, where children can feed the ducks in the pond and play on the playground.
For families who love shopping, Roslyn’s location is just a quick 5-minute drive from Americana Manhasset, an upscale shopping mall.
Families can also enjoy beach access at North Hempstead Beach Park, a 34 acres of sandy beach with a promenade.
Roslyn has a median sale price of homes of $1,064,192. There is a range of housing options for families- you can get a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo in Roslyn for $700,000 or a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath starter home in Roslyn for $960,000.
Roslyn is one of the best NYC suburbs for families with great schools, easy commute to NYC and a charming downtown.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #4 Best School District in New York |
| Median Home Price | $1,064,192 |
| Commute to NYC | 50 Minutes |
Check out the Best Affordable Commuter Towns to NYC
9. Chappaqua, NY
Chappaqua is one of the best NYC suburbs for families. It is a Northern Westchester County town with highly rated schools, an easy commute to NYC and a close-knit community.
Many families move to Chappaqua for the schools. Niche.com ranks the Chappaqua Central School District the #2 Best School District in Westchester County.
Aside from its excellent schools, Chappaqua is an easy commute to NYC. The Metro North train ride from Chappaqua to NYC is an hour, making it convenient for families who work in the city.
Chappaqua is also known as a tight-knit, family friendly town where neighbors support each other. We’ve interviewed local Chappaqua moms and they love living in Chappaqua because the residents are “warm and approachable” and it’s a town where everyone is quick to help a neighbor! This sense of community is what draws many families to Chappaqua.
The median sales price in Chappaqua is $1,162,876. Families can get a starter home with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath for $700,000.
Chappaqua is one of the best NYC suburbs for families, offering highly rated schools, an easy commute to NYC and a close-knit community.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #2 Best School District in Westchester County |
| Median Home Price | $1,162,876 |
| Commute to NYC | 1 Hour |
Check out our interview with Chappaqua residents: Sarah Shapiro’s Move to Chappaqua, NY and Katy Winter: What it’s like to live in Chappaqua, NY
10. Summit, NJ
Summit is one of the best NYC suburbs for families. Located in New Jersey’s Union County, Summit is a great suburb to live in for families who want an easy commute to NYC, great schools and a bustling downtown.
Families move to Summit for its top-rated schools, with Niche.com ranking Summit Public Schools as the #8 school district in NJ.
Aside from its highly rated public schools, Summit is also an easy commute to NYC, as there is a train station right in town with direct trains to NYC. The commute takes around 50 minutes, making it convenient for families who work in the city.
Plus, it’s conveniently located near major highways such as the Garden State Parkway, NJ Turnpike, and I-78, making it easy for families to travel to other parts of the state.
Summit attracts a lot of families with nearly 28% of its population made up of children under 18 years old.
There is no shortage of things to do in Summit for families. The town has a vibrant restaurant scene, and families can spend their weekends at the Summit Farmers Market, enjoy a play at the Summit Playhouse, or burn off energy at the Watchung Reservation.
While Summit is an affluent town, it’s more affordable than Short Hills, with a residential median sales price of $1,092,846. Families can still find affordable housing options in the town, with a 3-bedroom, 2-bath starter home available for as low as $550,000.
Summit is one of the best NYC suburbs for families, offering great schools, an easy commute to NYC, a bustling downtown, and affordable housing options.
| School Ranking (Niche.com) | #8 Best School District in New Jersey |
| Median Home Price | $1,092,846 |
| Commute to NYC | 50 minutes |
Check out the Best Places to Live in Connecticut for Families
Best New York City Suburbs for Families: Final Thoughts
There are many New York City suburbs for families, and the towns highlighted in this article are just a few of the best options. When considering a move to the NYC suburb, it’s important to do your research by visiting the towns, touring the schools, and talking to local residents. By doing so, you’ll get a better sense of which is the best New York City suburb for your family.