New York City is known for its vibrant energy, iconic landmarks, and non-stop hustle. But sometimes, trading the city’s fast pace for a quieter, more spacious lifestyle is the perfect move. For those considering moving to suburbs, NYC offers a treasure trove of charming commuter towns, many of which you’ve likely spotted in your favorite movies. Whether you’re looking for a better quality of life, shorter commute times, or a family-friendly environment, these cinematic NYC commuter towns seen in movies might just inspire your next move.

Why Consider Suburban Living?

Relocating from NYC to a nearby suburb comes with numerous perks. Imagine enjoying:

More space for your growing family or hobbies (realtor.com).
Affordable housing options compared to NYC’s skyrocketing rents (thebalance.com).
Top-rated schools and family-friendly communities (greatschools.org).
Tranquility and safety, without sacrificing proximity to the city (apartmentlist.com).

Suburban living allows you to savor a quieter pace while staying connected to NYC’s opportunities. But which suburb should you call home? Here are five commuter towns that are not only perfect for city dwellers but have also played starring roles on the big screen.

Four NYC Commuter Towns Seen in Movies

1. Greenwich, Connecticut – As Seen in The Ice Storm

Greenwich is a picturesque town frequently associated with luxurious homes and an upscale lifestyle. In Revolutionary Road (2008), directed by Sam Mendes, the town played a key role in depicting suburban discontent and the struggles of a married couple striving for a different life (ctvisit.com, imdb.com).

About Revolutionary Road:

Genre: Drama/Romance.
Notable Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon.
Awards: Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Michael Shannon.
Why It Stands Out: The film’s raw portrayal of suburban angst aligns seamlessly with the elegance and restraint of Greenwich.
Why It Stands Out: The film captures the tension and isolation often hidden behind suburban perfection, making Greenwich an ideal setting.

What Makes Greenwich Special?

Pro Tip: Research neighborhoods like Cos Cob for affordability or Old Greenwich for waterfront living (www.greenwichtime.com).

Commute Time: Just a 45-minute train ride to Grand Central Terminal (mta.info).

Lifestyle Perks: Excellent schools, expansive parks, and a thriving arts scene (greenwichchamber.com).

2. Montclair, New Jersey – Featured in Mean Girls

Montclair, a vibrant suburban town known for its cultural scene and excellent schools, was one of the filming locations for Mean Girls (2004). While the film is set in Evanston, Illinois, several scenes were shot in Montclair, adding to its cinematic appeal (wikipedia.org).

About Mean Girls:

Genre: Teen Comedy.
Notable Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Tina Fey.
Awards: Nominated for several Teen Choice Awards and MTV Movie Awards.
Why It Stands Out: The film’s witty script and cultural impact make it one of the most iconic teen comedies of the 2000s.

Why Move to Montclair?

Cost of Living: Offers a balance between urban accessibility and suburban charm (niche.com).
Community Vibe: Home to artists, musicians, and professionals, fostering a creative atmosphere (montclaircenter.com).
Fun Fact: Montclair’s historic Wellmont Theater hosts top-tier concerts and events year-round (wellmonttheater.com).

3. Scarsdale, New York – Highlighted in Wall Street

Scarsdale exudes sophistication and is home to some of the most coveted properties in the Hudson Valley. Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, features the Metro-North Harlem Division’s Scarsdale Station, capturing the daily routine of high-powered financial players commuting from the suburbs (visitwestchesterny.com).

About Wall Street:

Genre: Drama.
Notable Cast: Charlie Sheen, Michael Douglas, Tamara Tunie.
Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor (oscars.org).
Why It Stands Out: The film’s depiction of ambition and excess contrasts with the tranquil, suburban backdrop of Scarsdale.

Living in Scarsdale:

Insider Tip: Check out Scarsdale’s historic homes for a taste of timeless elegance (scarsdalemagazine.com).
Top Benefits: High-ranking schools, a low crime rate, and a short commute (niche.com).
Commute Time: A breezy 35 minutes to Midtown Manhattan (mta.info).

4. Hoboken, New Jersey – Seen in A Beautiful Mind

In A Beautiful Mind (2001), directed by Ron Howard, Hoboken serves as a key filming location, with many scenes shot in the city. The movie, based on the life of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash, won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The authenticity of the locations enhances the film’s storytelling, offering a genuine representation of Nash’s world (imdb.com, hobokennj.gov).

About A Beautiful Mind:

Genre: Biographical Drama.
Notable Cast: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris.
Awards: Winner of four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director (oscars.org).
Why It Stands Out: The film’s gripping portrayal of Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash’s life is enriched by the authenticity of Hoboken’s locations.

Why Consider Hoboken?

Historic Charm: Features brownstone-lined streets, a thriving arts scene, and a deep cultural heritage (visithoboken.com).
Commute Perks: Only a 15-minute PATH train ride to Manhattan (panynj.gov).
Vibrant Community: Offers a mix of urban and suburban vibes with waterfront views and an active nightlife (hobokennj.gov).

Scenic suburb sunset fall image by Nikola Knezevic from Unsplash.com

Final Thoughts: Moving from NYC to a Movie-Worthy Suburb

From the tranquil streets of Greenwich to the vibrant culture of Montclair, these suburban gems offer more than just proximity to NYC—they provide a lifestyle upgrade that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re drawn to their cinematic charm, top-tier amenities, or peaceful surroundings, these towns are perfect for anyone looking to make a move.

Ready to Make the Leap?

Check out CitiesToSuburbs.com for insightful tips and resources.