Retiring in New York? Consider These NYC Suburbs for Seniors

"New York is made up of millions of different people, and they all come here looking for something," said Lindsey Kelk, a bestselling author.

New York is where those in the springtime of life come to try their luck and see whether this place will make or break them. Older people may find some areas of New York to be very friendly for seniors.

The Big Apple is big, but even though New York City has a reputation of being a city that never sleeps and a city where hustle never stops, it doesn't mean that you can't find places here that are suitable for older people. 

Quite the contrary. Seniors are more than welcome in New York. We can see that by the rise of senior-friendly suburbs everywhere across the state and the city. But, what is it that constitutes a senior-friendly suburb? Well, safety, accessible and affordable housing, hazard-free streets, developed transportation systems, top-notch health care, social support, plenty of health-promoting activities and programs come to mind. 

Which New York City suburbs are best for seniors where they can enjoy every minute of their retirement years?

West Brighton

Without a doubt, this little suburb in Brooklyn is one of the best New York City suburbs for seniors. We can see that almost 36% of West Brighton's population are seniors over 65. Thus, if you were looking for a suburb that will have a lot of residents in your demographic, you have found it. Here, you will find many activities and programs for seniors that will help you keep your body moving and your mind working. Moreover, going to those places will also be easy as West Brighton has some of the most developed transportation systems in the entire New York City area. This transportation can help you go from your affordable home to the beach, boardwalk, mall, restaurant, shopping center, health clinic, or any other place you want.

West Brighton is one of the best NYC suburbs for seniors who want to enjoy an active retirement.

Starrett City

Next on our list of some of the best suburbs for seniors in NYC is Starrett City or Spring Creek Towers. Like the suburb mentioned above, Starrett City is also a place where 35% of residents are seniors. They are coming here for one reason - affordability. 

Starrett City was once a troubled suburb in the past, and it was primarily occupied by middle-class families. Of course, it is no longer a troubled area. One thing remained the same - affordable homes (both for buying and renting), cheaper utilities, groceries, entertainment, and pretty much anything you can imagine. So, if you were looking for a senior-friendly place on a budget, this suburb will treat you well. 

But be wary of public transportation. That is, be mindful of the lack of it. You will need a car to get around this New York suburb. 

Westchester County

Westchester is not a suburb, per se. But it is a combination of many smaller suburbs and villages. Here, you will find something that you can't find in the rest of New York City - nature, serenity, and a lack of crowds. 

In Westchester, skyscrapers are replaced with small farmhouses and riverfront apartments, busy streets are replaced with green roads, and people are replaced with animals and plants. Living here feels like living on some other planet. And the best part about Westchester is that you can be on this different 'planet' but still go to the city and enjoy all the hustle and bustle whenever you want. You can keep your mind active, body busy, and spirits high.

So, if this is something that you need, start looking for your home as soon as possible. Of course, start searching early for reliable moving companies that operate from New York to Westchester - everybody, including movers, is busy at this time of the year. And, whatever you do, don't try to do everything by yourself - experts, either real estate or moving ones, are there to make the process of transitioning to another home a lot easier. 

If you like nature, peace, and quiet, you will love Westchester.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is one of the most expensive suburbs in New York City. This suburb is located in Manhattan, and it offers a posh kind of lifestyle to all its residents. And, the elderly, believe it or not, enjoy it the most. The Upper East Side is where you can shop till you drop, where you can eat in fancy restaurants, where you dress fashionable, and where you can completely enjoy your life. Moreover, here is where you will find some of the best doctors and health practices in the world! So, if you have money to spare, consider moving to the Upper West Side.

With the help of an excellent real estate agent, finding a home will be relatively easy. Just make sure to downsize before you move - don't waste your money on big apartments and storage units! Instead, move into something smaller and use your money to enjoy your retirement to the fullest. 

Living on the Upper East Side is perfect for those who still feel young at heart.

Inwood 

The last (but not the least) suburb on our list of the 'Best New York City Suburbs for Seniors' is Inwood. This suburb has many things to offer to its senior residents. Only some of those things are affordability, safety, proximity to health and rehabilitation centers, developed transportation, parks, etc. However, one thing that makes this suburb stand out is that two big senior citizen centers are located in the heart of the area. There, elderly citizens can live, eat, participate in many activities, and have fun with other seniors. Of course, living there is not mandatory - you can always find a separate, senior-friendly home for now and your future – or you can rent one. Real estate here will not break your bank no matter your decision. 

Long-Term Health Care in New York

When you live around New York City, you have access to some of the best medical care in the world, including care aimed at older people. There are a variety of in-home health providers, adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, memory care facilities, and nursing homes. 

The cost of care services is exploding, however. If you have Long-Term Care Insurance, you will have access to these services; otherwise, you will need your income and savings to pay the bill. 

If you are thinking of retirement and relocating to one of the many areas in and around New York City, you may want to plan now for the costs and burdens of aging and declining health. Long-Term Care Insurance is a solution.

Several options are available, and the State of New York is a partnership state. With a partnership Long-Term Care Insurance policy, you have dollar-for-dollar asset protection. Plus, there are state tax incentives available. 

Learn more on the New York page of the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator - New York Long-Term Care Resources | LTC News. The ideal time to obtain coverage is before retirement; most people get coverage in their 50s, sometimes earlier.