Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New Paltz, NY
Considering a move to New Paltz, NY? This scenic college town of 7,300 offers a lively, youthful atmosphere thanks to SUNY New Paltz and a median age of just 22. Home prices average $392,000, and rents hover around $1,535, with a moderate cost of living. Crime rates are low, commutes are short at about 22 minutes, and educational attainment is high, making New Paltz a welcoming spot for students, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Enjoy four beautiful seasons, abundant trails, and a vibrant downtown while staying close to major healthcare and education resources.
Demographics - New Paltz, NY
Demographics - New Paltz, NY
New Paltz is a youthful community with a population of 7,324 and a median age of 22, reflecting the influence of its college-town atmosphere. The city is fairly diverse, with nearly 11% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, and a majority identifying as White. Its high population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to an active, vibrant local culture.
Population:
7,324
Density:
2,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.0
Gender Ratio:
84 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
78.8%
Black:
5.8%
Asian:
4.9%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New Paltz, NY?
Living in New Paltz comes with a moderate cost of living, reflected in a cost of living index of 118.7 and a median home value of $392,000. Rent averages $1,535 per month, while utilities and other expenses remain close to national norms, making it accessible for both students and families. State income tax rates range from 4.0% to 10.9%, so budgeting for taxes is important.
Median House Value:
$392,000
Gross Rent:
$1,535
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$765
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.7
Grocery:
110.2
Housing:
128.1
Utilities:
115.3
Transportation:
112.4
Health Care:
108.9
Miscellaneous:
106.5
Crime
Is New Paltz, NY a safe place to live?
New Paltz boasts a low crime rate, with just 103 violent crimes and 1,024 property crimes per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place to call home. The odds of being a victim of violent crime are about 1 in 970, which is reassuring for families and students. This peaceful environment adds to the town's appeal for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
103
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,024
Crime Index:
1,127
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 970
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 97
Weather
What is the weather like in New Paltz, NY year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in New Paltz, with winters dipping to 17°F and summers reaching up to 84°F. The town enjoys about 54% sunny days annually and receives around 44 inches of rainfall, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall are particularly mild and scenic, enhancing the area's natural beauty.

Winter
Min:
17°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The New Paltz community is educated and close-knit, with 95% holding a high school diploma and over half earning a bachelor's degree or higher. Median household income stands at $69,100, though the poverty rate is slightly above average at 21%. Most residents enjoy short commutes and rely primarily on cars, with minimal public transit use.
Median Income:
$34,500
Household Income:
$69,100
Family Income:
$96,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$36,900
Income Female:
$31,600
Poverty Rate:
21.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.8%
Rent:
$1,535
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.2%
Bachelors or More:
52.4%
Education
How are the schools in New Paltz, NY?
Education is a strong suit in New Paltz, home to well-rated public schools and the renowned SUNY New Paltz, which enrolls over 7,000 students. The area offers a mix of public and private K-12 options with low student-teacher ratios, and several colleges are within a short drive. This focus on education makes the city ideal for families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
New Paltz Central High School
Street:
130 S Putt Corners Rd
Phone:
845-256-4100
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.2
Name:
Lenape Elementary School
Street:
1 Eugene L Brown Dr
Phone:
845-256-4300
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.9

Private Schools
Name:
Mountain Laurel Waldorf School
Street:
16 S Chestnut St
Phone:
845-255-0033
Students:
140

Colleges
Name:
SUNY New Paltz
City:
New Paltz
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Marist College
City:
Poughkeepsie
State:
NY
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
6,600
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong in New Paltz, with major hospitals like HealthAlliance Hospital and Vassar Brothers Medical Center nearby and a healthy ratio of 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 92% of locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring most have access to necessary medical care. The area’s health care index is favorable, reflecting good quality services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
HealthAlliance Hospital - Broadway Campus
Address:
396 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401
Phone:
(845) 331-3131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Address:
45 Reade Pl, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone:
(845) 454-8500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New Paltz, NY?
The housing market in New Paltz features a median home price of $392,000 and an average rent of $1,535 for a two-bedroom unit. About 40% of residents own their homes, and vacancy rates are low, suggesting steady demand. Home values have appreciated by nearly 7% in the past year, making it an appealing market for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$392,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,535
Owner Occupied Rate:
39.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents of New Paltz are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Brewster. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are easily accessible, and more information can be found on the state DMV website. The DMV provides support for all standard motor vehicle needs.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1 Geneva Rd, Brewster, NY 10509
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.