Find a Job in One of the Best Places to Live in New York
Looking for a new career in the Excelsior State? Our list of New York’s top cities can help make your decision so much easier.
Known as the "Excelsior State," New York is one of the most diverse and exciting places to live in the United States. Ranked among the most famous places around the globe, New York State is distinguished for the sprawling metropolis of New York City, also known as "The Big Apple." However, if you're looking to find some of the best places to live in New York for a new career, there's a lot more to discover outside the famous city.
From its stunning shorelines and mountainous terrains to its glistening lakes, parks, waterfalls, and historic landmarks, New York State has distinct regions to suit your lifestyle, budget, and career goals. If you're thinking of finding work in New York, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the state in the healthcare, finance, retail, education, and manufacturing sectors.
What are the Benefits of Living and Working in New York?
- The state has a low crime rate compared to the U.S. average.
- The median household income is much higher in New York than the national average.
- Eligible employees can benefit from the Healthcare and Mental Hygiene Bonus Program.
- The NYS Health and Essential Rights Act (N.Y. Hero Act) protects private sector employees.
- Higher education in New York State ranks as one of the best in the country.
- The Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free.
- Famous Upstate New York landmarks include the Adirondack Mountains, Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes, Lake George, Thousand Islands, and the Ausable Chasm.
- New York State offers ideal weather if you enjoy the change of distinct seasons.
- New York City is home to iconic landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Coney Island.
Now that you have a better idea of what the Excelsior State offers look at our list of the best places to live in New York. Whether you prefer to live and work in a bustling city or desire a quieter, rural lifestyle, we can help you find a destination to suit your needs and career goals.
Albany
For many reasons, the state's capital ranks number one in the best places to live in Upstate New York. Firstly, Albany residents benefit from a high median household income and excellent schools, and it's much cheaper to live here compared to New York City and elsewhere in the state overall. Plus, the unemployment rate is considerably lower. Located on the precipice of the Adirondack Mountains, the region exudes an old-world charm. Its historic downtown area is home to the Empire State Plaza and the iconic New York State Capitol building.
If you're looking for work in Albany, you can find plenty of government, life sciences, and healthcare jobs. Also, the State University of New York (Albany SUNY) is a huge contributor to the economy, providing numerous opportunities in education and administration.
Explore Albany, NY jobs on Monster.
Syracuse
Located on the eastern side of the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is the fifth-largest city and one of the best places to live in New York state. Although relatively small, the college town offers plenty of outdoor activities, an exciting downtown district, and easy access to lakes, hiking trails, and wineries.
The overall cost of living is much lower than the state average, and housing costs are significantly lower than in other New York metro areas as well. Also, the city is home to excellent schools and one of the most prominent colleges in the state, Syracuse University. Syracuse is a perfect option if you're searching for one of the best places to live in New York for families. People searching for work here can find jobs in education, local government, healthcare, and professional and business services.
Explore Syracuse, NY jobs on Monster.
Rochester
If you've always dreamed of living and working by a beautiful lakefront, Rochester is one of the best places to live in New York. Sitting on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, Rochester offers a distinctive blend of history, charm, and innovation. The inner city has kept many of the original homes and buildings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, yet the area continues to modernize. You can enjoy plenty of activities on Lake Ontario, such as boating, fishing, and kayaking. During the winter, residents hit the nearby ski slopes and resorts.
The cost of living here is way below the state and national average, which is one of the main reasons people choose to make Rochester their home. Furthermore, the city is home to excellent schools and the esteemed University of Rochester. The best industries to find jobs here are manufacturing, healthcare, education, and life sciences.
Explore Rochester, NY jobs on Monster
Buffalo
New York's second-largest city, Buffalo, sits at the eastern end of Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara River. It ranks number four in the best places to live in New York for its high quality of life, great schools, and low cost of living. Buffalo's housing prices are much lower than the state average, making home ownership more attainable. This friendly city offers a diverse food scene, a revitalized waterfront, and plenty of sports and outdoor activities. And Buffalo is only 20 miles away from one of the country's most celebrated natural wonders; Niagara Falls.
The abundance of hospitals, research institutes, and universities in the region provide job seekers with many opportunities in healthcare and education. But you can also find jobs in the state and federal government and finance sectors too.
Explore Buffalo, NY jobs on Monster.
New York City
Far removed from Upstate New York's rural and mountainous areas, "The Big Apple" is one of the best cities to live in New York. There are many nicknames for New York City, but "The City of Dreams" and "The City That Never Sleeps" seem more fitting than others. This buzzing metropolis is a land of opportunity and multicultural neighborhoods, boasting some of the world's best restaurants, hotels, nightlife, theaters, museums, parks, and cultural activities. It's no surprise that NYC ranks as one of the best cities in the world.
Aside from New York City's most famous borough, Manhattan, the city has four additional boroughs, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. These areas offer their own distinct character and lifestyle, are less congested, and more affordable.
The “Big Apple” also has one of the highest median household incomes in the country. As a global economic hub, it's one of the best places to live in New York for young adults and professionals. Because the job market is so diverse, you can work in any industry. However, the city is known for its lucrative finance sectors, as well as construction and healthcare. Some of the best companies to work for in New York City are Fortune 500 firms, including Deloitte, American Express, and Accenture.
Explore New York City, NY jobs on Monster.
Your New Career is Waiting for You in the “Excelsior State”
Are you ready to relocate to one of the best places to live in New York? You can start by creating your Monster profile to find the perfect job. When you upload your resume, we help connect you with recruiters in New York. Plus, you can sign up to receive free custom job alerts, allowing you to be one of the first to apply to new opportunities.