Three New York communities were included in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Places to Live rankings, which evaluated more than 850 U.S. cities based on quality of life, job market strength, value and residents’ desire to live in each area.
Here’s a look at where New York places ranked on the list.
Massapequa Park
Massapequa Park, a village in the town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, ranked No. 118 nationally and was the highest-ranked community in New York.
The village, home to nearly 17,000 residents as of 2025 U.S. Census estimates, received an overall score of 6.2 out of 10. It scored particularly well in the job market category (7.5), but was weighed down by affordability, earning a low 0.9 in cost of living. U.S. News noted housing costs are about 42% higher than the national average.
Greece
Greece, the largest town in Monroe County and the only western New York community on the list, ranked No. 190 nationally and was the second-highest ranked place in the state. It also ranked No. 234 among best places to retire.
The town has more than 94,000 residents, according to July 2025 U.S. Census estimates, and received an overall score of 6.2 out of 10. It posted a 5.1 in value and a 4.8 in job market strength.
Hicksville
Hicksville, a hamlet in the town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, ranked No. 237 nationally and No. 3 in New York.The community earned an overall score of 5.8 out of 10.
Like Massapequa Park, affordability was a major drawback, with a 0.9 cost-of-living score tied largely to housing costs running about 42% above the national average.
Top 10 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
According to U.S. News, the top-ranked communities nationally are concentrated in the Midwest and South, including four in Texas. The top two spots are suburban Indianapolis communities.
Other New York communities in top 10 state rankings
Beyond the top three New York communities above, several others ranked among the top 10 in the state:
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Best places to live in NY: See which communities made U.S. News rankings
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
