Three New York towns received national praise as HGTV named the top 20 hottest suburbs in the country.
The recognition comes from HGTV’s list of the hottest suburbs across America, curated with input from real estate experts at Suburban Jungle and focused on communities attracting people who are ready to trade big city living, and the noise and prices that come with it, for more space, qualify of life and strong sense of place.
While nearly half the list includes communities in the Northeast United States, six communities can be considered suburbs of New York City: three in New York, one in New Jersey and two in Connecticut.
The three “hottest suburbs” in New York include: Chappaqua and Larchmont, both in Westchester County in the lower Hudson Valley, and Port Washington in Nassau County on Long Island. All three were noted due to their proximity to Manhattan. The trio of communities are appealing those seeking suburban living, without giving up urban conveniences. Here’s more:
Why Chappaqua was listed as a hottest suburb by HGTV
This hamlet, located within the town of New Castle in northern Westchester County, offers a tight-knit community just shy of 3,000 residents, according to the HGTV list. The area is robust with parks and trails and has a quaint and walkable downtown with a variety of upscale boutiques and eateries. Many of Chappaqua’s residents know one another and gather for seasonal festivals and weekend farmers markets. It’s about 30 miles north of New York City. “Chappaqua is a beautiful turn-of-the-century town. Its proximity to Manhattan means less than an hour commute, and it’s also home to some of the best schools in the country,” says Robin Hoberman, Suburban Jungle New York strategist.
Why Larchmont was listed as a hottest suburb by HGTV
Larchmont is known for its stunning waterfront, as the town of roughly 6,600 residents sits on the Long Island Sound. Here, “life happens on the water,” as residents and visitors enjoys activities including boating, paddleboarding and kayaking according to the HGTV list. The area is roughly 30 minutes from Manhattan, making it a draw for commuters, but it’s also home to plenty of longtime residents. “Larchmont features enough shopping and activities for families to not have to feel like they need to go to the city for entertainment,” says Eleanor Johnson, Suburban Jungle New York strategist.
Why Port Washington made the HGTV list of hottest suburbs
The hamlet of roughly 17,000 is located on the Cow Neck Peninsula in the town of North Hempstead on the North Shore of Long Island. This Nassau County community is a sought-after suburb with a great school system. It’s 17 miles east of Manhattan. Port Washington was always the epitome of a quaint small town village and F. Scott Fitzgerald fans recognize Port Washington as the East Egg neighborhood in “The Great Gatsby.” “Port Washington has year-round family-friendly activities and festivals and features a welcoming and inviting Main Street town center,” says Suburban Jungle New York strategist Allison Levine.
What HGTV looks for in the hottest suburbs
HGTV’s list highlights suburbs that offer more indoor and outdoor space, and in many cases, lower cost of living compared to city life. They chose communities in the US that offered a solid balance of suburban living (space and calm) without feeling isolated entirely from city living. Factors included walkable downtowns, local dining and shopping, reliable transportation links and a strong sense of community.
Suburbs that feel established and evolving were key – places where residents can step away from city living without giving it up entirely.
How NY towns compares to other suburbs nationwide
On HGTV’s list, Chappaqua, Larchmont and Port Washington stand alongside suburbs in major metros like New York City, Atlanta, Denver and Chicago, with similar appeal to people seeking to step away from dense city living without sacrificing access to jobs, cultures and amenities. What sets Chappaqua, Larchmont and Port Washington apart is how the towns blend those traits, HGTV said, offering commuter convenience, a walkable downtown, plenty of restaurants and shopping, and strong local culture, all wrapped into a distinct suburban feel. Two towns -Larchmont and Port Washington – also tout a beautiful waterfront with activities including boating, fishing and paddling.
The 20 best suburbs in the U.S. according to HGTV
Contributing: USA Today network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: These 3 NY suburbs just made HGTV’s list of hottest in the U.S. See which ones
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
