Are you a self-proclaimed city person determined never to leave the city? Or maybe you suddenly feel the draw to have more space, less noise and a more relaxed life without all of the expense and craziness of the big city.

While there are a whole host of suburbs outside of New York City to consider, you might be wondering about the commute time too. Sure, you want the easier life of the suburbs, but without making your commute a nightmare. 

So, what are the best commuter towns to NYC if you're considering a move out of the city? Read on to learn more about the best suburbs to commute to NYC.

1. Hastings-On-Hudson

If you're wondering where to live to commute to NYC, consider Hastings-On-Hudson. Located in Westchester County and perched near the Hudson River, this three-mile square village openly sells itself as a small town with an open mind --inclusiveness is part of the draw for many. This creative community is politically engaged and environmentally conscious.

Hastings-on-Hudson features narrow winding streets that run along the Hudson River. In the downtown area, you will appreciate shops and restaurants, none of which are chains. 

On Saturdays, you can run into your neighbors who have walked to the farmers market. After your market visit, enjoy a hike at the Old Croton Aqueduct, a 26-mile, state-owned park that runs partially right through downtown Hastings-On-Hudson.

Your weekday commute from the Hastings-on-Hudson Station to Grand Central Station can be completed in less than an hour.

2. Greenwich

With only a 45-minute commute from Greenwich to Grand Central Station, this Connecticut town is one of the best suburbs close to NYC. It has a lot of draw for those wishing to leave behind city life and still commute a reasonable time back into Manhattan.

The first thing to know is that the town of Greenwich is divided into four neighborhoods: Greenwich Proper, Cos Cob, Riverside, and Old Greenwich.

The Greenwich communities feature 32 miles of coastline along the Long Island Sound. Living in Greenwich, you get all the charm of a small-town feel along with the cosmopolitan benefits of close-by city life. The community features:

• Four beaches
• 4,000 acres of parkland
• Annual Greenwich International Film Festival
• Free movie screenings
• Bruce Museum of Arts and Science

For those with a family, consider Greenwich Proper which is renowned for its school system, spending 38% of its annual budget on education. 

3. Stamford

Another Connecticut option is the town of Stamford, offering a city-like vibe in a smaller town. Stamford features a host of nearby amenities so you won't ever feel like you've left the city. It has the largest public library in Connecticut and a free trolley is available around town as a method of public transportation. 

Need to commute to the city? The Stamford station offers access to charter buses, Amtrak, and Metro-North service, making Stamford one of the most convenient suburbs outside of New York City. To experience the best commute from Connecticut to NYC, take the express train straight into Manhattan to Grand Central Station and be there in 55 minutes.

After work, take time to appreciate Stamford's vibrant downtown featuring music venues, theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants.

4. Norwalk

Norwalk, Connecticut features a small town, down-to-earth vibe with an industrial edginess. It is home to many young professionals who appreciate the more affordable housing they can find compared to some other suburbs close to New York City and the community’s racial and socioeconomic diversity.

There are four commuter stations found in Norwalk. Three of those stations are on the mainline of the New Haven route (Rowayton, South Norwalk, and East Norwalk) and a fourth on the Danbury Branch (Merritt 7).

5. Scarsdale

Scarsdale is a highly sought-after suburb outside of New York City, offering an ideal blend of small-town charm and easy access to Manhattan. Located about 24 miles from midtown, it takes just 30-35 minutes on the Metro-North train, making the commute both convenient and manageable for professionals who need to get in and out of the city. Its proximity to NYC also allows residents to enjoy a suburban lifestyle while staying closely connected to the urban energy of Manhattan.

For those moving from the city, Scarsdale presents a peaceful, family-friendly environment with top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and a vibrant village center. It’s perfect for people seeking a quieter, spacious living experience without straying too far from New York. The balance of suburban tranquility and easy city access makes Scarsdale a prime choice among suburbs close to New York City.

6. Bronxville

If you aren’t quite ready for the total jump to the suburbs, you might appreciate the town of Bronxville located just 15 miles north of Manhattan. If you really want to know where to live if you work in New York City, this might be your best choice. As the closest suburb to NYC on this list, you can make it into NYC in about a half-hour. 

98% of the workforce in Bronxville are young professionals and commute into the city. 80% of the community members have at least a bachelor's degree, placing a high importance on the value of education. The town itself has many sought-after public schools and colleges. 

Living in Bronxville, you'll find a variety of housing options consisting of apartments, single family homes, co-ops within walking distance to the train, and even a handful of rental buildings.

7. Mamaroneck & Rye Neck

Rye Neck is a lovely little enclave with its own school district that straddles the village of Mamaroneck and the southwest section of Rye. Rye Neck is a good choice for young families looking for more space. You can find many compact homes that won't require the heavy maintenance of some larger yarded homes. The New Haven line allows commuters to make it into the city in well under an hour, making this community one of the most desirable suburbs close to New York City. 

Meanwhile, commuting in Mamaroneck is both convenient and efficient, catering to residents who work in New York City or surrounding areas. The town is served by the Metro-North’s New Haven Line, which offers frequent and direct services to Grand Central Terminal, typically taking just 35 to 40 minutes.

The town itself is rich in character, with a vibrant downtown area featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Mamaroneck’s scenic waterfront along the Long Island Sound adds to its appeal, offering recreational opportunities and beautiful views.

Excellent schools, diverse housing options, and a strong sense of community further enhance its attractiveness, making Mamaroneck a top choice for those seeking a commuter-friendly town with all the benefits of suburban living.

Check Out These Best Commuter Towns to NYC

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