Most Exclusive Communities and Towns Outside of NYC

Dreaming of sprawling landscapes, massive custom colonials and idyllic towns? If you have the money, you might want to consider moving to one of New York’s most well known and exclusive suburban areas. From Great Gatsby-esque estates along the Gold Coast of Long Island to rubbing elbows with celebrities at the local Whole Foods, these towns literally have it all–and you will too (if you can afford it).

Most Exclusive Communities & Towns Outside New York City

1. Pound Ridge, NY in Westchester County tops the list of reasons for moving to New York State.

With just under 5,000 people and a median income of $170,500, Pound Ridge is like Mayberry meets Downton Abbey—the community is neighborly yet stately, downhome yet highly educated. Almost 80% of adults have a B.A. degree or higher. Good school systems? Need you even ask?

2. Lloyd Harbor, NY in Suffolk County.

Residents of Lloyd Harbor are dedicated to the preservation of “the rustic ambiance that has made this community so desirable.” It’s the ideal location for beauty, quiet, and privacy. Crime rate? At a meager 0.27 per 1,000 residents, it’s practically nonexistent.

3. Munsey Park, NY in Nassau County.

With its tranquil atmosphere and a population of about 3,000, you’d never guess that Munsey Park was located less than 30 minutes away by train from Manhattan. Munsey Park’s local government credits “the creative resources of an involved citizenry” for helping Munsey Park maintain the village’s pastoral beauty.

4. Brookville, NY in Nassau County.

Brookville is part of the Gold Coast of Nassau County, along with Westbury and Oyster Bay. It’s also a gardener’s paradise. The tree-lined avenues and numerous mansions don’t hurt the ambiance either. Despite a population of only 4,000, Brookville has its own university, thanks to a generous bequest from Marjorie Merriweather Post, the founder of General Foods.

5. East Hills, NY in Nassau County.

Located at the highest point in Long Island, East Hills (population 6,800) offers a lifestyle with many high points, too. This family friendly community features a 50-acre park with state-of-the-art facilities. The streets are so safe here they’ve won awards from AAA.

6. Muttontown, NY in Nassau County.

This peaceful community nestled amid the green hills of Long Island covers 4,500 acres. That works out at more than one acre of breathing space for each of its 3,600 residents. From its nature preserves to its fine estates, this could be the place that invented residential bliss.

7. Oyster Bay Cove, NY in Nassau County.

With the lowest population on the list at just over 2,500, Oyster Bay Cover is a place where neighbors still greet each other by name. The median income is a comfortable $151,525. Local treasure: Some of the most beautiful views in the state.

8. Scarsdale, NY in Westchester County.

One of the more populous areas (17,700), Scarsdale attracts residents with its excellent school system and convenient commute to NYC. While you may not see Beyoncé pushing a shopping cart at the local market, she’s one of many famous people who call Scarsdale home.

9. New Castle, NY in Westchester County.

The town of 17,600 is known for famous neighbors, present and past. Bill and Hillary Clinton reside in the New Castle hamlet of Chappaqua. Also here: The historic home of presidential candidate Horace Greeley. He ran against Ulysses Grant in 1872. Crime—what’s that? At a mere 0.56 per 1,000 residents, it looks like somebody forgot to return those library books.

10. Old Westbury, NY in Nassau County is no stranger to lists of great places.

Located on the North Shore of Long Island, the village has been named most expensive suburb of New York and the second wealthiest town in the nation. Don’t forget to pack your trust fund.

Do you live in or around one of New York’s most exclusive neighborhoods? Tell us what makes your town so great!