Nassau County Named Best Place to Live in New York Based on Combined Rankings
LONG ISLAND, NY – Nassau County has been recognized as the best place to live in New York, based on a combination of recent rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com. The two separate evaluations highlighted different aspects of quality of life across the state, with Nassau County consistently placing at the top.
While U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 “Best Places to Live” rankings focused on hundreds of communities nationwide, Niche.com—a platform that analyzes and grades neighborhoods, schools, and municipalities—ranked Nassau County as the No. 1 county to live in across New York State. The Niche rankings are based on a combination of data sets and resident feedback, factoring in schools, safety, family friendliness, and access to amenities.
U.S. News evaluated communities like Massapequa Park, a village within Nassau County, which earned a spot as the top-rated location in New York on their national list, placing No. 140 overall. Other Nassau County communities such as Syosset, Jericho, East Williston, and Manhasset also made U.S. News’ top 250 national list, further reinforcing the county’s high quality of life across multiple towns and villages.
Niche.com’s 2025 rankings offered even more accolades for Nassau, with Kensington – also in Nassau – being named the second-best place in the entire country to raise a family. In total, more than a dozen Nassau communities were ranked among the top 100 nationally for various lifestyle factors, including Garden City, Lake Success, and Russell Gardens.
The recognition reflects Nassau County’s strong public school systems, low crime rates, family-friendly environment, and relatively high levels of resident satisfaction. Nassau’s proximity to New York City combined with its suburban appeal continues to make it one of the most desirable areas in the state.
These dual recognitions from U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com have not only validated the appeal of Nassau County for current residents but also may increase its desirability for homebuyers and investors seeking stable, well-rated communities in the tri-state area.
Questions & Answers: Nassau County’s #1 Ranking
Q: Why was Nassau County ranked the best place to live in New York?
A: The ranking considered several quality-of-life factors, including education, public safety, housing, healthcare access, and job opportunities. Nassau County scored particularly well for its top-rated school districts, family-friendly communities, and proximity to New York City.
Q: Who conducted the ranking and what data was used?
A: The designation resulted from a combination of the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 rankings and data provided by Niche.com, a platform known for evaluating neighborhoods, schools, and places to live. The rankings utilize data from government sources, resident surveys, and third-party metrics.
Q: What is Niche.com and how does it rank locations?
A: Niche.com is a research platform that analyzes U.S. schools, colleges, and neighborhoods based on academic performance, housing trends, diversity, crime statistics, and local amenities. It uses a mix of public data and resident reviews to generate its grades and rankings.
Q: Which towns in Nassau County stood out in the rankings?
A: Communities like Garden City, Manhasset, Great Neck, and Rockville Centre were noted for high-performing schools, walkability, and overall livability.
Q: How does Nassau County compare to other top-ranked areas in New York?
A: Nassau edged out other top contenders due to its balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. While New York City boroughs and upstate areas were considered, Nassau’s school systems and income levels boosted its standing.
Q: Could this ranking influence the local housing market?
A: Likely, yes. Rankings such as these often drive increased interest in real estate, especially from families looking for safe communities with excellent schools. Demand may rise in key Nassau communities.
Q: Has Nassau County received similar recognition in the past?
A: Yes, Nassau has consistently ranked high in past reports and remains a popular destination for those seeking suburban living near New York City’s Brooklyn and Queens.
Q: How did neighboring Suffolk County fare?
A: Suffolk County was not ranked as highly as Nassau but still received favorable marks for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and affordability in comparison.
Q: Are there any downsides to living in Nassau County?
A: Despite the positive ranking, some challenges include high property taxes, traffic congestion, and a relatively high cost of living compared to national averages.
Q: Should this ranking impact relocation or home-buying decisions?
A: For those prioritizing schools, safety, and commuter access to NYC, the ranking reinforces Nassau County as a strong choice. However, prospective buyers should still consider their budget and lifestyle needs before making a move.
