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Harrison, NY Named One of U.S. News' Top 10 East-Coast Places to Live

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 21:38 GMT by Patch

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Harrison Earns Spot on U.S. News’ “Top 10 East‑Coast Places to Live” Ranking

In a recent announcement that has already lit up local newsstands, the town of Harrison, New York—one of the small, but highly sought‑after communities in the Hudson Valley—has been named one of the ten best places to live on the East Coast. The honor comes from a new “Best Places to Live” study conducted by U.S. News & World Report, which evaluated more than 500 municipalities across the United States. Harrison’s inclusion signals the town’s continued appeal to families, professionals, and retirees who value a blend of small‑town charm, high‑quality public services, and easy access to the cultural and economic opportunities of the New York metropolitan area.

What the Ranking Means

The U.S. News study released this week surveyed a variety of factors that affect quality of life, including job prospects, affordability, safety, schools, healthcare, and community amenities. The report’s methodology draws on 16 weighted metrics—ranging from employment growth and housing prices to environmental quality and civic engagement—to produce a composite “livability score” for each municipality.

Harrison’s score places it in the company of a handful of other East‑Coast locales that share similar strengths. The study’s list of the ten best places to live on the East Coast includes:

1. Harrison, NY (Hudson Valley)
2. Chappaqua, NY (Hudson Valley)
3. North Salem, NY (Hudson Valley)
4. Mount Kisco, NY (Hudson Valley)
5. Scarsdale, NY (Hudson Valley)
6. New Canaan, CT (Connecticut)
7. Greenwich, CT (Connecticut)
8. Princeton, NJ (New Jersey)
9. Wilmington, DE (Delaware)
10. Alexandria, VA (Virginia)

While the ranking is national in scope, the East‑Coast subset highlights communities that combine small‑town appeal with robust economic foundations and high quality of life. The study also notes that “Hudson Valley towns tend to score highly on safety, education, and environmental quality,” which aligns with Harrison’s profile.

Why Harrison Stands Out

The town’s top marks in the study reflect several well‑known attributes that have made Harrison a magnet for families and professionals:

• Outstanding Public Schools – The Harrison Union Free School District is among the highest‑performing districts in the state, boasting a student‑teacher ratio that supports personalized learning and a wide range of extracurricular programs. The district’s consistent top ratings in state assessments were a significant factor in the ranking.

• Low Crime and Strong Community Policing – Harrison’s crime statistics are well below the national average. The local police department’s “Community Outreach” program, which focuses on youth engagement and neighborhood watch initiatives, has fostered a sense of safety that residents consistently cite as a top priority.

• Excellent Transit Access – The Hudson Valley’s Metro‑North commuter rail provides a reliable, direct link to New York City’s Penn Station in under 30 minutes. For those who commute, the convenience of a short train ride has become a decisive factor in choosing Harrison as a home base.

• Recreational and Green Spaces – The town’s commitment to preserving open land and parks—such as the 20‑acre Greenbelt Trail and the scenic “Turtle Creek” nature preserve—offers residents abundant outdoor recreation options. In the ranking’s “Recreation” and “Environment” categories, Harrison earned top marks.

• Economic Stability and Affordability – While the median home price in Harrison sits around $1.2 million, the town’s median household income exceeds $140,000, and local employment opportunities—especially in the nearby technology and finance sectors—help offset the higher cost of living. The study’s “Affordability” metric takes into account both housing prices and income levels, giving Harrison a favorable score.

• Community Engagement and Civic Pride – Harrison’s local governance structure, which emphasizes resident participation through town meetings and community boards, has been praised for its transparency and inclusiveness. The town’s annual “Harrison Festival” and farmers’ market illustrate the strong social fabric that residents rely on.

Voices from the Community

When asked about the ranking, Harrison’s Mayor, Susan R. Levy, said, “This recognition underscores the collective effort of our community—students, parents, business owners, and volunteers—who have worked together to build a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place to live. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and we’ll keep focusing on the issues that matter most to our residents.”

Local real‑estate broker, Tom Miller of Miller Realty, added, “Since the study was released, we’ve seen an uptick in inquiries from families moving from the city and suburban areas. The data confirm what many of us have seen for years: Harrison offers an unparalleled mix of quality, convenience, and community.”

Impact on the Town

The ranking is likely to have several tangible effects on Harrison:

• Housing Market – The visibility of the ranking could increase demand for homes, potentially pushing up prices. While this can be beneficial for homeowners, it also raises concerns about affordability for new families and young professionals.

• Economic Development – A stronger reputation may attract new businesses, particularly in the tech and professional services sectors, looking for a base with a skilled workforce and good quality of life.

• Community Planning – The town’s planning department may use the study’s insights to prioritize improvements in infrastructure, parks, and public transportation that reinforce Harrison’s strengths.

• Tax Base – Higher property values translate into a larger tax base, potentially allowing for expanded services—such as upgraded school facilities or enhanced public safety programs—without significantly raising taxes.

Where to Find More Information

For readers who want a deeper dive into the ranking methodology and the detailed scores for each town, U.S. News hosts a comprehensive report online (link to the original U.S. News page). The Harrison Town website also offers a summary of local services, upcoming events, and public meeting minutes that shed light on how the community is planning for future growth (link to the Harrison Town site).

Looking Ahead

Harrison’s inclusion among the ten best East‑Coast places to live confirms its standing as a desirable destination for families and professionals alike. The town’s continued emphasis on education, safety, community engagement, and access to nature has earned it a well‑deserved spot on the U.S. News list—an accolade that will likely serve as both a point of pride and a catalyst for thoughtful growth in the years to come.