Despite what you may have seen in the movies, New York City isn’t the only place in the northeast to live. There are plenty of great cities you may not have considered but that offer a reasonable cost of living, good transportation, an arts scene, great restaurants, and pretty much everything else you’d want in a city.

Whether you’ve just graduated from college and you’re looking for your first adult job or itching to move to a new place after a long time in your current city, there are plenty of great places to explore. Check out our favorite cities to live in the northeast United States and find your next home.

Rochester, New York

Despite (or maybe because of?) its cold winters, Rochester, New York, is an incredibly affordable place to live, with a cost of living below the national average. Business Insider also ranked Rochester as a top-10 city to move to. Families also appreciate the high rate of spending per student in Rochester’s school district. In the summer, Rochester plays host to several outdoor festivals, and you can check out the Seabreeze Amusement Park of more than 3,500 acres of parks. Rochester residents can also enjoy boating or fishing on nearby Lake Ontario in the summer and accessible skiing slopes in the winter.

Burlington, Vermont

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, Burlington lives up to Vermont’s picturesque image. It’s also one of the most affordable metro areas in the northeast for housing and has a low unemployment rate, making Burlington a great place to both live and work. Burlington is home to Champlain College and the University of Vermont as well as the University of Vermont Medical Center. It’s chock-full of craft breweries, cheese shops, and college-budget-friendly entertainment options. The Burlington International Airport makes it easy to travel into and out of, as well.

Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is on the more expensive side in terms of housing, but it may well be worth the cost considering that it’s also one of the best towns in New Jersey. Cape May has a diverse local community, gorgeous surrounding scenery, and great restaurants and shops. Plus, easy excursions to nearby wineries, breweries, and pick-your-own farms make for great friend or family outings.

Jersey City, New Jersey

If you’re looking for easy access to New York City plus more affordable living and a great family atmosphere, look no further than Jersey City, New Jersey. Jersey City is also centrally located, with the Hudson River to its east and Hoboken, Union City, and North Bergen to the north. Living in Jersey City won’t mean that you miss out on incredible dining experiences — just check out the Jersey City waterfront or downtown for a wide array of cuisines. Plus, if you need to get away from the city for a few hours, Lincoln Park offers almost 275 acres of natural space, including hiking trails as well as children’s play areas and athletic fields.

Nashua, New Hampshire

Nashua, New Hampshire, is another affordable city that’s great for families, located in the heart of New England. SmartAsset ranked Nashua in its top 10 cities for cost-of-living considerations. Nashua also has low crime and poverty rates and low average annual child care costs. For natural space, enjoy the hiking trails at Mine Falls Park, found along the Nashua River. For those interested in cultural outings, Nashua is also home to the Symphony NH orchestra.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

It may not always be sunny in Philadelphia, but this city hosts a thriving arts and cultural scene. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has one of the largest health education and research centers in the country and also hosts several Fortune 500 companies and 10 of the largest law firms in the U.S., making it a great place to have a career.

In terms of transportation, Philadelphia is known as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, with over 400 dedicated miles of bike lanes. The simple grid design also makes the city easily walkable and navigable, with parks at nearly every corner. With the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Rodin Museum, just to mention a few, Philadelphia is a world-class arts destination. As the home of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia also has top-notch historical destinations for even locals to explore.

Portland, Maine

With a population of about 66,000, a thriving downtown, and a gorgeous waterfront area, Portland, Maine, is the perfect mix of the city living experience and more residential neighborhoods. Portland’s public school system also receives high ratings, and U.S. News and World Reports ranked it as the third safest place to live among metro areas in the U.S. 

Portland is also an unparalleled place to live for those who love the outdoors, with access to cross-country trails and downhill skiing mountains nearby in the winter, and coastal sailing and fishing opportunities in the summer. And, there’s nothing quite like Portland’s lobster rolls or oyster bars for seafood aficionados.

Washington, D.C.

With a mid-Atlantic location, mild weather, and a host of cultural and entertainment activity options, Washington, D.C. combines the best of accessibility and quality of living. Its cost of living isn’t too bad compared to other major cities, either. Washington, D.C. boasts diverse neighborhoods, a flourishing restaurant scene, and a highly educated populace. As the seat of the federal government, there are also a lot of interesting career opportunities available here.

The Smithsonian Museum system offers an incredible variety of free arts and cultural experiences, and there’s no better way to learn about the history of the United States than by strolling the National Mall or visiting the White House and the Capitol. And if you need to get away, day or weekend trips to New York, Baltimore, or Philadelphia are an easy train ride or drive away.

Get outside New York City and discover some of the best cities to live in the northeast. Whether you’re looking for good schools, low housing prices, or a great restaurant scene, there’s something here for you.

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