Stony Brook 85 Exceptional
Stony Brook Livability #35 ranked city in New York#486 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Stony Brook

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Stony Brook?

Stony Brook, New York is a mid-sized city with a population of 12,162 residents. The majority of Stony Brook residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Black. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Stony Brook offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 32 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Stony Brook, New York could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Stony Brook and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Stony Brook to New York and the national average.

Stony Brook, NY receives 85 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #29 in New York and #460 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Stony Brook ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Stony Brook has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Stony Brook has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A), education (A+) and housing (A+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Stony Brook. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Stony Brook, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 2% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Stony Brook, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 75%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Stony Brook can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Stony Brook is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Stony Brook come in at $850,415, which is 68.9% higher than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Stony Brook, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 16.1% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Stony Brook

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Stony Brook?

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      Stony Brook transportation information

      Statistic Stony Brook New York National
      Average one way commute32min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.3%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.5%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit6.1%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.0%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home11.1%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Stony Brook, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.