The Only New York Town On The ‘Best Places To Retire’ List Is In Western NY — With Great Lakes Access And $179K Homes

Retirement rankings don’t usually shine a spotlight on Western New York — but one low-key Rochester suburb just broke through. Greece, NY has officially landed on U.S. News & World Report’s list of the 250 Best Places to Retire , ranking No. 234 overall — and standing out as the only New York town to make the nationwide list. For a list that typically skews toward Sun Belt cities and Southern standbys, the inclusion of this quiet Lake Ontario–adjacent town came as a surprise. But once you look closer, Greece’s appeal actually starts to make a lot of sense. Located just northwest of Rochester in Upstate NY, Greece offers suburban calm, everyday convenience, and waterfront access — without the sticker shock or sprawl that often comes with “retirement hotspot” status. Why Greece, NY made the list ---------------------------- U.S. News & World Report’s rankings evaluate cities using a mix of government data, private research, and a national survey of adults age 45 and older. Places are scored across six key categories , including quality of life, value, health care access, retiree taxes, and overall livability . Greece earned its spot thanks in large part to affordability and ease of daily life . The median home value here sits around $179,000 , less than half the national average, while median rent hovers just over $1,000 per month. Average commute times come in under 19 minutes , making everyday errands and appointments refreshingly manageable. A retirement-friendly town with real infrastructure --------------------------------------------------- One reason Greece quietly works so well for retirees is that it’s built to support aging in place. The Greece Community Center — often just called “The Center” by locals — anchors the town’s Parks & Recreation programming with fitness classes, cards, bingo, social events, and activities specifically geared toward older adults. There’s even a town-run transportation program offering low-cost rides for residents 60 and over, a small but meaningful quality-of-life perk. Healthcare access is another big draw. Being minutes from Rochester means residents can easily reach major hospitals, specialists, and medical networks — without having to live in a dense urban area. Lake Ontario access without the crowds -------------------------------------- Greece’s location also gives it something many retirement towns lack: easy Great Lakes waterfront access . Ontario Beach Park sits just minutes away, offering a wide stretch of sand, a long pier, shaded green space, and one of the most charming surprises in the region — a restored 1905 Dentzel carousel . In warmer months, the park features lifeguarded swimming, a spray park, volleyball courts, and lakeside walking paths designed for strolling rather than hustling. Even winter doesn’t shut things down entirely. A synthetic ice rink operates seasonally near the beach , creating an unexpectedly scenic cold-weather hang with Lake Ontario views. For retirees — and visitors — it’s a calmer, flatter, more accessible waterfront experience than many Finger Lakes or Hudson Valley destinations. Close to culture, far from chaos -------------------------------- While Greece itself leans residential, it benefits from being just a short drive from Rochester’s cultural heavyweights . Within 15 minutes, you’ll find the Eastman Theatre, Geva Theatre Center, The Strong National Museum of Play, Highland Park, and a steady rotation of concerts, exhibitions, and festivals . It’s the kind of setup that lets residents enjoy museums and performing arts by day — then return to quieter nights back home. That balance is a big part of why Greece works not just as a retirement town , but as a soft-paced escape for New Yorkers visiting family upstate. Who’s moving here? ------------------ According to U.S. News & World Report, about 24% of Greece’s population is over age 65 , and nearly 60% of residents are single , both higher than national averages. The median age sits in the mid-40s , giving the town a distinctly multi-generational feel rather than a retiree-only vibe . It’s not flashy, trendy, or trying to reinvent itself — and that’s exactly the point. Even if retirement isn’t on your immediate horizon, Greece’s rise says something bigger about where New Yorkers are looking next. Florida and the south may still dominate the rankings — but Greece’s appearance shows you don’t have to leave New York to find a place that quietly gets retirement right. And sometimes, the most compelling places aren’t the loudest ones — they’re the towns that simply make life easier. Source: https://secretnyc.co/greece-ny-best-place-to-retire-us-news-world-report/