The Most Beautiful City in New York, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the city you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:18

Finding the most beautiful city in New York might sound trivial at first glance, but the impacts of such a discovery can be quite profound. Whether you're a tourist planning your next visit, a local exploring nearby beauties, or a historian documenting urban aesthetics, knowing which cities stand out for their charm and beauty could greatly enhance your experience and understanding of New York's diverse locales. This dynamic ranking offers a collective insight gathered from various voters who share their personal experiences and aesthetic appreciations. By participating, you contribute to a broader narrative, helping to paint a richer picture of New York's urban elegance. Each vote not only influences the current standings but also encourages a sense of community among those who cherish New York’s scenic cities.

What Is the Most Beautiful City in New York?

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76
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Fred Hsu on en.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

New York City

It's the largest city in the state and has iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.
New York City is one of the most iconic and vibrant cities in the world. It is located in the state of New York, United States, and is often referred to as NYC or simply New York. The city is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, bustling atmosphere, and countless landmarks and attractions. It serves as a global hub for finance, media, fashion, art, and entertainment, making it a major center of influence and innovation.

Population: Approximately 8.4 million as of 2021

Area: Approximately 468.9 square miles (1,214 square kilometers)

Boroughs: Consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island

Landmarks: Iconic landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge

Cultural Institutions: Home to world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
New York City in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous cities
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular city in America
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32
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Buffalo

Known for its architecture, art, and cultural institutions.
Buffalo is a vibrant city located in western New York. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and lively cultural scene. The city is situated along the shores of Lake Erie and is home to numerous parks, picturesque neighborhoods, and a diverse community.

Population: approximately 257,000

Architecture: featuring iconic buildings such as the Guaranty Building and City Hall

History: founded in 1789 and played a significant role in the industrial revolution

Culture: boasting art galleries, museums, and a thriving music and theater scene

Cuisine: known for its famous Buffalo wings
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23
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Ithaca

Located in the Finger Lakes region, surrounded by natural beauty, and home to Cornell University.
Ithaca is a vibrant and picturesque city located in upstate New York. It is renowned for its natural beauty, including stunning waterfalls, lush greenery, and breathtaking gorges. Nestled at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca offers a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural wonders. The city is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, fostering a lively and intellectual atmosphere throughout. With its charming downtown area, diverse cuisine, and thriving arts scene, Ithaca has become a popular destination for visitors and residents alike.

Location: Central New York

Population: Approximately 31,006 (as of 2019)

Area: Approximately 5.6 square miles

Geography: Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including gorges, waterfalls, and Cayuga Lake

Education: Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College
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18
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UpstateNYer · CC BY-SA 3.0

Saratoga Springs

A charming town known for its mineral springs, horse racing, and Victorian architecture.
Saratoga Springs is a picturesque city located in upstate New York. It is known for its charming Victorian architecture, lush green spaces, and therapeutic mineral springs. The city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and urban amenities. Saratoga Springs is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of cultural events, outdoor activities, and world-class dining and shopping experiences.

Population: Approximately 28,027 (as of 2019)

Location: Located in Saratoga County, upstate New York

Architecture: Renowned for its Victorian buildings

Natural Springs: Home to numerous therapeutic mineral springs

Parks and Recreation: Offers a variety of parks, hiking and biking trails, and outdoor recreational activities
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16
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Rochester

Known for its high-quality museums, parks, and the Genesee River.
Rochester is a vibrant and picturesque city located in western New York, along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and thriving arts and cultural scene. The city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm, making it a delightful destination for residents and visitors alike.

Population: Approximately 206,290

Area: City: 37.1 square miles (96.1 sq km), Metropolitan Area: 1,367 square miles (3,540 sq km)

Founded: 1817

Architecture: Rochester boasts a mix of architectural styles, including stunning neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, and Art Deco buildings.

Parks and Gardens: The city is home to an extensive park system, with over 3,500 acres of beautifully maintained public parks and gardens.
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12
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Albany

The capital of New York state, with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene.
Albany is the capital city of New York, located in the northeastern part of the state. It is situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 150 miles north of New York City. Albany is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

Population: Approximately 98,000

Area: Approximately 21.8 square miles

History: Founded in 1614

Architecture: Mix of historic and modern styles

Government: Mayor-Council
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3
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Hudson

A small town on the Hudson River that has become a hub for artists and creatives.
The Hudson River is a magnificent natural waterway that flows through the eastern part of New York state. It stretches approximately 315 miles, starting from the Adirondack Mountains and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at New York Harbor. The river passes through the scenic Hudson Valley and plays a significant role in the state's history, culture, and economy.

Length: Approximately 315 miles

Start: Adirondack Mountains

End: New York Harbor, Atlantic Ocean

Location: Eastern part of New York state

Importance: Major role in New York's history, culture, and economy
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9
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Lake Placid

Melvil Dewey

A picturesque village in the Adirondack Mountains, known for its winter sports and scenic beauty.
Lake Placid is a stunning city nestled in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. It is famous for its picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant outdoor activities. The city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and charming small-town atmosphere that attracts tourists all year round.

Location: Located in Essex County, upstate New York

Elevation: Approximately 1,856 feet (566 meters) above sea level

Lake: Lake Placid, a scenic lake with crystal-clear waters

Winter Sports: Renowned for hosting the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980

Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains with breathtaking views
Lake Placid in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful lake in Florida
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11
votes
Woodstock

A small town in the Catskills that became famous for the 1969 music festival of the same name.
Woodstock is a small town located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. It is widely known for its cultural significance and natural beauty, making it one of the most charming and idyllic destinations in the state. The town is characterized by its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene.

Population: Approximately 6,000 residents

Location: Situated in Ulster County, New York

Artistic Community: Known for attracting artists, musicians, and creative individuals

Woodstock Festival: Famous for hosting the legendary 1969 Woodstock Festival

Surrounding Nature: Nestled amidst scenic hills, forests, and streams
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1
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Beacon

A small city on the Hudson River that has become a destination for art lovers, with many galleries and museums.
Beacon is a city located in Dutchess County, New York. It is renowned for its picturesque charm and scenic beauty, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the state. Nestled along the banks of the Hudson River, Beacon offers a unique blend of natural surroundings, historic architecture, and a vibrant arts scene.

Location: Beacon is situated in Dutchess County, New York, along the eastern bank of the Hudson River.

Scenery: Beacon boasts breathtaking views of the Hudson River, the Catskill Mountains, and the surrounding natural landscapes.

Historic Architecture: The city is adorned with well-preserved historic buildings, including Victorian-era houses and notable landmarks.

Art Scene: Beacon is home to a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, art studios, and the renowned Dia:Beacon museum.

Outdoor Activities: The city offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, kayaking, and fishing along the Hudson River.

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Ranking factors for beautiful city

Architecture and Landmarks

A city's beauty can be defined significantly by its unique and historic buildings, distinctive landmarks, and impressive architectural designs.
Natural Beauty

The availability of natural resources, such as parks, gardens, waterfronts, and picturesque landscapes, contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of a city.
Cleanliness & Sustainability

A city's ability to maintain clean streets, reduce pollution, limit litter, and focus on eco-friendly policies can enhance its overall beauty.
Urban Planning

Effective urban planning and well-designed infrastructure can improve a city's functionality, convenience, and visual appeal.
Cultural Attractions

A city's cultural appeal, such as museums, art galleries, theaters, and historical sites, can contribute to its overall beauty and allure.
Street Art

Colorful murals, engaging public art installations, and vibrant street art can enhance a city's visual appeal.
Walkability

A walkable city allows residents and visitors to explore and appreciate its beauty at a more personal level, with well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and public spaces.
Nightlife and Entertainment

A thriving nightlife, including fine dining establishments, bars, and entertainment venues, can contribute to a city's overall attractiveness and ambiance.
Safety

A city's safety, including low crime rates and a sense of security for residents and visitors, can enhance its appeal and overall beauty.
Public Transportation

Accessible, efficient, and well-designed public transportation systems can improve the quality of life in a city and contribute to its overall beauty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful city in New York. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2789 views
200 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful city in new york

New York City is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, with each one offering a unique blend of culture, history, and architecture. From the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan to the quaint streets of Brooklyn, there is no shortage of stunning sights to see. But when it comes to the most beautiful city in New York, opinions can vary widely. Some may argue that the quaint charm of Beacon, NY takes the cake, while others may insist that the glamour of the Hamptons is unrivaled. It all comes down to personal taste, and that's what makes discussing the most beautiful city in New York such a fascinating topic.