New York City is home to over 8 million people, with five distinct boroughs, and numerous neighborhoods. Each are offers its own unique characteristics, types of apartments, and communal activities. Therefore, some renters may find certain neighborhoods better than others. While some may argue about the best NYC neighborhood, it really comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking to move in NYC, there are several things to consider. You can find the best NYC neighborhood by looking at your budget and lifestyle.
Price
In a city as expensive as New York City, people are always on the lookout for deals. If price is one of your biggest concerns, but you still want to live in the city, don’t fret. There are several different neighborhoods in New York that are generally seen as more affordable and perfect for those looking to spend less.
One neighborhood that is consistently mentioned as one of the most affordable in NYC is Forest Hills, which is located in Queens, where condos and apartments can be found at discounted rates compared to most of the city. One-bedroom apartments go for a median price of $2,950 here, compared to the median NYC rent of $4,295.
If you’re interested in Brooklyn, consider Bay Ridge, which is not only relatively affordable to purchase and rent in, but also features awesome views of the harbor and decent shopping options.
Other neighborhoods to consider are: Riverdale, Washington Heights and Rego Park.
Of course, there are apartment or home deals to be found in most neighborhoods if you search hard enough, but these neighborhoods we’ve looked at are generally the best place to look if you are on a budget.
Noise Level
New York City is often billed as the city that never sleeps, but if you’re someone that likes your sleep and quiet time, that isn’t a real selling point. However, there are some neighborhoods within NYC that are actually quite quiet and family friendly. One of these neighborhoods is Battery Park City, located in Manhattan. This neighborhood is busy during the day, but really gets hushed down at night, and is a great place if you like your peace and quiet. Another neighborhood to consider is Greenpoint, in Brooklyn. It is a very quiet and subdued place, but commuting into Manhattan from here is hard, so be sure to be aware of that.
Other quiet neighborhoods to consider in NYC are: Clinton Hill, Tribeca and Upper East Side.
Learn More: Look at our data on noise complaints by area.
Restaurants/Nightlife
If you are a foodie and like to go out, New York City is one of the best places on the planet. You can find nearly every kind of cuisine within the city limits and can satisfy even the pickiest cravings. Each neighborhood boasts unique options, but there are definitely a few areas that stand out above the rest.
East Village has long been one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife, and has many high-end restaurants. It is also one of the diverse neighborhoods when it comes to non-pretentious cuisine. If you are a fan of Chinese food or Asian cuisine, you need to check out Flushing. It has one of the largest Chinese populations in North America and is home to several amazing restaurants.
Lower East Side is also worth consideration for the fact you can have a classy dinner and drink at several high-profile places, but can dine at a variety of different places if you are feeling more like a quick and casual meal, like at the world famous Katz’s
Other places worth checking out if you love restaurants or other nightlife include: Williamsburg, Chelsea and SoHo.
Family Friendly
Many neighborhoods are great for singles and young couples, things get a bit complicated for families. Renters who need a family-friendly neighborhood typically want peace and quiet, good schools, and outdoor space.
One neighborhood to consider is Greenwood. It has a strong school system, access to parks (including Prospect Park) and a large population of families with children. Add to that the affordability and size of many of the units available in the area, and it is a home run for families.
With Battery Park City appearing as one of our quietest NYC neighborhoods, it would make sense that it’s also one of the best for families. It features a ton of great parks (many of which are dog-friendly) and plenty of other things to do with families including museums.
While Lower East side can be quite busy and adult-oriented at night, during the day, it is a great place for families, It features great schools, a large community of parents and even private parks and playgrounds for some apartments.
Other family-friendly places to consider living are: Cobble Hill, Upper West Side and Woodlawn.
Conclusion
When you try to find the best NYC neighborhood, you’ll need to consider various factors. Your budget, desire for access to city amenities, and noise level are all important things to consider. Of course, be sure to visit the neighborhood in person and check out the surrounding area and make sure it is the right place for you.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.
