Why This Affordable New York Town Was Just Ranked a Top Retirement Destination

With its small-town charm, surprising affordability, and special combination of history, culture, and easy access to nature, it makes sense that the city of Utica, New York, has been ranked a top retirement destination. This Oneida County city of just over 63,000—once a key part of the Rust Belt textiles industry—has revitalized itself as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and culture mavens alike.

Cost of Living in Utica, NY

One of the most important factors for many individuals approaching retirement is the cost of living. For those without a steady income, keeping costs to a minimum while maximizing opportunities for enriching experiences and being part of a lively community is key. Fortunately, Utica offers a compelling case as an affordable destination for retirees.

Oneida County has a median household income of just $68,819, while the median household income nationwide as of 2023 was $80,610. At the same time, the median home value for the county is $171,100, which is less than half the median sale price of a home across the U.S. of $419,200.

Monthly housing and food costs for Oneida County are also well below average, at $961 and $636, respectively. Compare that with the average monthly housing and food costs across the country for 2023, which came in at around $2,120 and $832. Monthly taxes for Oneida County are, on average, $689.

Health Care and Accessibility

Health care is an important consideration when planning a retirement destination, and fortunately, Utica has access to a large number of facilities and services. With 379 health care establishments and 14 hospitals in Oneida County, Utica residents have many options to choose from. For comparison, that means Oneida County has the same number of hospitals as the entire state of Hawaii.

Utica is located about 240 miles northwest of New York City and about 95 miles west of Albany. While a number of regional and smaller airports are easily accessible from Utica, the closest major airport to the center of Oneida County is Bradley International in Hartford, Connecticut, about 169 miles away.

The city also offers public transportation through the Centro of Oneida bus service. What’s more, Utica residents can take advantage of the city’s rich history as a railway hub by hopping an Amtrak train to New York City (about 5 hours and 36 minutes in total) or any number of other destinations across the northeast and farther afield.

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

With its gorgeous Philip Johnson-designed building, the Munson Pratt Museum is a haven for art and architecture enthusiasts in upstate New York. But that’s not the only place of interest for those passionate about arts and culture. The Stanley Theatre presents theater, music, comedy shows, and more, while a range of breweries, distilleries, and restaurants in and around the historic downtown appeal to lovers of food and drink.

Retirees interested in history will find plenty in Oneida County, which has a history dating back to the colonial era. The county has an impressive 92 arts and entertainment establishments to keep residents busy.

Close to the Adirondack Mountains, Utica is a wonderful starting place for those interested in hiking, biking, winter sports, and other outdoor activities. Further, with a relatively low climate risk level by FEMA, Oneida County is not likely to experience significant impacts from climate change in the near term.

The Bottom Line

Utica is often overlooked by those looking to retire in the northeast. However, this small city has an impressive combination of affordability relative to the region and the entire country more broadly. It offers easy access to health care and plenty of arts, culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities to cater to various interests. Though it may be an under-the-radar option, it’s worth considering Utica, New York, as a potential retirement destination.