The rankings looked at everything from life expectancy and healthcare access to nursing home quality, air quality, walkability and the cost of long-term care. Why New York Ranked in the Top FiveNew York earned its spot by performing well in several key categories. Residents in the Empire State have the fourth-highest life expectancy in the nation at 79.5 years. Which State Ranked No. While no state is perfect, the report suggests New York offers a strong combination of longevity, healthcare access and community features that can make it a great place to grow older.