This guide to the best neighborhoods to live in NYC was written by Alejandro Beltran, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
At one point or another, we’ve all thought about living in New York City. If you’re at a point in time where you dream is approaching fruition, it might be time to start thinking about the best places to live in New York City.
As you know, no two neighborhoods are alike! The neighborhoods have unique vibes and amenities that make them desirable for people at different stages in their lives.
This list will cover various NYC neighborhoods that should fit most walks of life, from young families to recent college grads eager to start their career with a bang (and properly celebrate after, no doubt). Let’s dive in!
Best Places to Live in New York City
Table of Contents: Where to Live in New York City
Table of Contents: Best Neighborhoods to Live in NYC
- Best Places to Live in New York City
- Upper West Side (Manhattan)
- Upper East Side (Manhattan)
- Greenwich Village (Manhattan)
- East Village (Manhattan)
- Bayside (Queens)
- Financial District (Manhattan)
- Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
- Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
- Hell’s Kitchen (Manhattan)
- Park Slope (Brooklyn)
- Harlem (Manhattan)
- Long Island City (Queens)
- Astoria (Queens)
- Gramercy (Manhattan)
- SoHo (Manhattan)
- Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn)
- Frequently Asked Questions: Best Neighborhoods to Live in NYC
- Best Neighborhoods to Live in NYC (Post Summary)
- Where to Live in New York City (Map)
Upper West Side (Manhattan)
Sandwiched between two parks, the Upper West Side is full of charming brownstone and tree-lined streets. Best known for being a hub for young families, the neighborhood has no shortage of interesting attractions (like the American Museum of Natural History & the Lincoln Center), schools and places to eat.
School District: District 3 | Best Hotel: Hotel Beacon | Median Rent: $4,200
Note: I currently live in the neighborhood, read: 20 Fun Things to Do on the Upper West Side (Local’s Guide)
A quiet neighborhood by NYC standards, the Upper West Side is one of the best places for families, students, and working professionals trying to figure out where to live in New York City. The neighborhood spans from west 59th to 110th Streets and sits between Central Park to the east and the Hudson River to the west.
Come night, the neighborhood becomes the sleepy part of town, but what the UWS lacks in nightlife it makes up for with ample green spaces, playgrounds and parks.
The neighborhood is home to some of the city’s top private schools, including the Trinity School (considered the best private school in the country from 2019-2022, it ranked 23rd as of 2024. The slower-paced life makes the Upper West Side one of the most sought-after neighborhoods to live in New York City, with median rents hovering slightly above city average.
Pros of living on the Upper West Side
- Ample green spaces
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Great public transportation options
Cons of living in the Upper West Side
- Limited nightlife
- Lackluster food scene (I mean, there’s plenty of restaurants in the neighborhood, but not many worth traveling for).
Upper East Side (Manhattan)
The Upper East Side is a prestigious neighborhood known for affluent residents, upscale boutiques, cultural institutions and iconic landmarks, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.
School District: District 2 | Best Hotel: Loews Regency | Median Rent: $3,748
Made famous by shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City, the Upper East Side (UES) is often considered one of the most opulent places to live in NYC (but the median rental quietly sits at almost $500 below Manhattan’s average).
The neighborhood lies east of Central Park, ending at the East River and running between east 59th and 96th Streets. The area is known for quiet streets, good schools and overall safe locale, making it one of the best places to live in NYC for families. Fun fact: The Upper East Side is second-highest population of senior citizens in NYC.
Upscale shops, high-end restaurants, and convenient access to various amenities cater to a posh lifestyle few New York City neighborhood emulate this well. The neighborhood is also home to the Museum Mile (a stretch on Fifth Avenue with dozens of museums).
Needless to say, there’s a never-ending list of fun things to do on the Upper East Side.
Pros of living in the Upper East Side
- Family-friendly neighborhood
- Upscale living
- Access to dozens of museums
Cons of living in the Upper East Side
- High cost of living
- Lackluster nightlife (perhaps due to older demographic)
Greenwich Village (Manhattan)
Greenwich Village is an eclectic New York City neighborhood characterized by historic charm, a vibrant artistic community, energetic nightlife and quaint meandering streets full of lively corner restaurants and cafes.
School District: District 2 | Best Hotel: The Marlton Hotel | Median Rent: $4,525
Home to New York University, Greenwich Village is best known for its youthful bohemian vibe. This is where world-famous musicians like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis first took off. The neighborhood is popular with locals for the exciting nightlife scene, great cocktail bars (some of the best bars in the world, literally) and dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Greenwich Village is one of the most expensive places to live in New York City, and dozens of Hollywood stars have called the neighborhood home. This includes Taylor Swift, whose former townhouse on Cornelia Street was listed for a whopping $18 million.
Washington Square Park, which sits at the heart of the Greenwich Village, is never void of life, as evidenced by the usual wafts of marijuana (remember, “bohemian“). Greenwich Village is one of the best places to live in NYC for young, open-minded individuals (the neighborhood is famous for being progressive) who don’t mind paying a premium to be in the heart of the action.
Pros of living in Greenwich Village
- Vibrant food & drink scene
- The neighborhood is progressive, open-minded, and accepting
- Easy neighborhood to make friends
Cons of living in Greenwich Village
- High cost of living, especially for small spaces
- Noisy
- Not family oriented
East Village (Manhattan)
The East Village is a diverse neighborhood beloved by locals for its authenticity and quirky bohemian vibes, not to mention the great art scene and epic night life.
School District: District 1 | Best Hotel: Moxy NYC East Village | Median Rent: $3,875
Famous for being the birthplace of punk rock in the 1970s, the East Village has kept its edgy and eccentric character over the decades, it’s one of the few places where you can still catch glimpses of old New York.
As most locals will tell you, the East Village is one of the best neighborhoods for young professionals, artists and those that like to enjoy the nightlife (and have the means to afford it!). The bars span the gamut, from trendy speakeasies to no-frills dives filled with boozy locals.
One of the best places to live in New York City for foodies, restaurants like Veselka (a popular Ukrainian restaurant dating back to 1954), have become unofficial landmarks in this immigrant-rich neighborhood.
I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that it’s all rainbows and butterflies though. Gentrification has slowly stripped the neighborhood of some of the gritty vibe while increasing the price tag (although it’s still comfortably under Manhattan’s median rental price). However, it still feels like one of the most old-schools neighborhoods to live in New York City, so it makes our list!
Pros of living in the East Village Village
- Melting pot of cuisines
- Wide-array of bars
- Eccentric locals make it easy to be yourself
Cons of living in the East Village
- Poor access to public transportation
- Can feel dirty
Bayside (Queens)
Bayside, Queens is a tranquil residential neighborhood known for its suburban feel, waterfront park and excellent schools.
School District: District 30 | Best Hotel (Nearby): Best Western Gold Coast | Median One Bedroom Rental: $2,256
Only an hour’s subway ride from Times Square, Bayside Queens brings the suburbs to New York City. The neighborhood is mainly residential and full of standalone houses (instead of the towering apartment buildings that mark Manhattan), making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in New York City for families.
Between the great public schools and high safety ratings, Bayside provides families who need to be in NYC for work, school, or other reasons with a daily escape from city living. Better still, the area has some great parks (check out Fort Totten Park) which provide easy access to the outdoors.
Like most family-friendly neighborhoods in NYC, Bayside lacks nightlife and strong dining options. Luckily, attraction-filled Flushings Meadows-Corona Park is only a 20-minute drive, and Midtown Manhattan is less than an hour away by subway, 30-minutes by car.
Pros of living in Bayside
- Quiet, more suburban living
- Safe and family-friendly environment
- Good public schools
Cons of living in Bayside
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Reliant on LIRR or car for commuting to some areas
- Fewer dining and shopping options
Financial District (Manhattan)
The Financial District is the bustling epicenter of global finance, it’s an area characterized by iconic skyscrapers, historic landmarks and a fast-paced business-centered atmosphere.
School District: District 2 | Best Hotel: The Beekman | Median Rent: $4,500
The Financial District (referred to as FiDi), is the heart of finance in New York City (hell, the country as a whole). The neighborhood sits at the southern tip of Manhattan and is full of skyscrapers and historic buildings that date back to George Washington’s time.
The Big Apple is home to more than 330,000 financial service workers, and there’s no denying that this is one of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC for those starting out in the finance sector. It’s also great for anyone craving the fast-paced daily life NYC is known for.
While there’s some residential development, FiDi needs more parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented activities for families with young children. However, I have a close friend who lived in the Financial District after college and loved it.
In my opinion, the Financial District is a great area for somebody fresh out of college that’s keen to work hard (long hours) and wants to make strong connections.
Pros of living in the Financial District
- Excellent career opportunities in finance and related fields
- Well-maintained infrastructure and transportation options
- Proximity to iconic landmarks and historical sites
Cons of living in the Financial District
- It can feel crowded and noisy during business hours
- Limited nightlife scene compared to other Manhattan neighborhoods
- Not many family-friendly amenities or green spaces
Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
Brooklyn Heights is a picturesque neighborhood full of endearing brownstones and pretty tree-lined streets. Plus, the views of the Manhattan can’t be beat and the community feel of this NYC neighborhood makes it one of the best places to live in New York City (for those that can afford it).
School District: District 13 | Best Hotel: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge | Median Rent: $4,500
Brooklyn Heights is a stone’s throw away from the southern tip of Manhattan, and from its waterfront, it has stunning views of the New York City skyline. Picturesque brownstone buildings lining the streets create a quintessential New York aesthetic.
The neighborhood exudes luxury, but don’t just take my word for it, celebrities like Matt Damon, Amy Schumer, Adam Driver, and Paul Rudd have recently moved into the neighborhood.
The neighborhood’s charm, great restaurants and ample green spaces have led The New York Times to call Brooklyn Heights “The Next West Village.”
Like most hot commodities, a rise in demand also means steeper cost of living. Brooklyn Heights has a median rent of $4,188, which is on par with the median rent in Manhattan. One of the most charming and quiet neighborhoods to live in NYC, Brooklyn Heights attracts families and working professionals who want a reprieve from the commotion of city life.
Pros of living in Brooklyn Heights
- Quiet and safe environment
- Breathtaking views and green spaces
- Proximity to Manhattan
Cons of living in Brooklyn Heights
- High cost of living
- (Growing) but limited nightlife scene
Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Williamsburg is a hip and eclectic neighborhood in Brooklyn known for trendy bars, artisanal eateries, vibrant street art and a thriving music scene.
School District: District 14 | Best Hotel: Hotel Indigo Williamsburg | Median Rent: $4,190
Once an industrial waterfront district, Williamsburg has undergone a significant transformation. The Brooklyn neighborhood sits on the borough’s north end along the East River. The factories and warehouses have been converted into art studios, trendy shops, and chic restaurants.
The art scene in Williamsburg is second to none, which is why it’s one of the best places to live in New York City for creatives. Whether you’re a painter, photographer, fashion designer or musician, the neighborhood caters to those that love to create.
A trendy neighborhood, Williamsburg’s rental prices are close to what you’d find in Manhattan and well above the Brooklyn median of $3,000. Having said that, it’s a big neighborhood, and the homes nearest to the East River tend to be more expensive than those further away inland
Pros of living in Williamsburg
- Thriving art scene throughout the neighborhood
- Beautiful waterfront
- One of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC for foodies
Cons of living in Williamsburg
- One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Brooklyn
- Quickly spreading gentrification
Hell’s Kitchen (Manhattan)
Hell’s Kitchen is a neighborhood in Midtown famous for diverse dining options, lively entertainment venues, and easy access to the rest of New York City.
School District: District 2 | Best Hotel: Ink 48 Hotel | Median Rent: $4,300
Hell’s Kitchen isn’t as grim as the name might suggest. The neighborhood is on the West Side of Manhattan, running from West 34th Street to West 59th Street, between 8th Avenue and the Hudson River.
Once known for a gritty and rugged, working-class character, Hell’s Kitchen was named after a policeman who remarked that the area was “hell itself.” There’s no need to fret, the neighborhood has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade.
While some grit remains, the area now attracts young professionals, families and new businesses. Its proximity to the Theater District makes it an excellent place for aspiring performers and actors to live in NYC. Its prime location in Midtown means it’s only a short walk to major attractions like the Rockefeller Center, Central Park, The Empire State Building and Bryant Park.
Pros of living in Hell’s Kitchen
- Up-and-coming vibe with trendy shops and cafes
- Convenient access to Broadway shows
- Family-friendly options emerging alongside the nightlife scene
Cons of living in Hell’s Kitchen
- It can still feel gritty in some areas
- Limited green space compared to other neighborhoods
Park Slope (Brooklyn)
Park Slope is a charming neighborhood characterized by leafy streets, historic brownstones, a family-friendly atmosphere and close-knit community.
School District: District 15 | Best Hotel: TownPlace Suites by Marriott Brooklyn | Median Rent: $3,885
Park Slope is like the Upper West Side of Brooklyn, catering to families and working professionals while offering all the perks of city living. A stone’s throw from Prospect Park, enjoying the outdoors is a breeze in the neighborhood.
Various cultural attractions include the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Museum, the Barclays Center, and Green-Wood Cemetery.
The area is among the most well-connected Brooklyn, with multiple subway lines servicing the medium-sized neighborhood. Access to Midtown Manhattan can take as little as 30 minutes via subway, making it one of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC for commuters.
The restaurant scene in Park Slope is top-notch too. You’ll find French bistros, Italian trattorias, Japanese ramen shops and everything in between, catering to a range of palates and budgets.
Pros of living in Park Slope
- Strong restaurant scene
- Family-friendly
- Close to big parks
Cons of living in Park Slope
- Lackluster nightlife
- Apartments in Park Slope (especially in prewar buildings) tend to be on the smaller side
Harlem (Manhattan)
Harlem is a culturally rich neighborhood renowned for its historical significance in African American culture, vibrant arts scene, soulful jazz clubs, and diverse community spirit.
School Districts: Districts 3, 4, 5 | Best Hotel: Aloft Harlem | Median Rent: $3,048
Harlem is often overlooked by newcomers researching where to live in New York City. The neighborhood features museums, key city landmarks and a great arts scene. Rent and property prices are typically lower than Manhattan’s average, offering a more affordable option within the borough.
Bordering the north end of Central Park, Harlem offers plenty of green space and recreational opportunities in a part of the park that doesn’t get many tourists. Subway lines and buses also connect Harlem to other parts of NYC effortlessly.
Pros of living in Harlem
- Affordable compared to Manhattan
- Offers a richer sense of community than other NYC neighborhoods
- Access to various parks, including Central Park, Morningside Park, and St. Nicholas Park
Cons of living in Harlem
- While crime rates have improved, some areas still have higher crime rates compared to Manhattan
- The quality of public schools can vary depending on the location within Harlem
Long Island City (Queens)
Long Island City, Queens, is a booming neighborhood characterized by waterfront parks, stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and rapid development.
School District: District 30 | Best Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn | Median Rent: $3,950
Long Island City is one of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC, and is in the midst of a boom. New apartment buildings sprouting up left and right! Hunters Point, the southern part of the neighborhood, often has brand-new apartments for prices comparable to older units in Manhattan.
The waterfront neighborhood sits directly across the East River from Midtown Manhattan and offers the best views of New York City’s skyline.
The one thing to note is that the burgeoning neighborhood is far from complete, and construction noises can get old quickly. People who work from home might decide there are better places to live in New York City (at least until the construction is complete).
Likewise, the neighborhood has a sleepy feel to it, so if you’re looking for nightlife, this might not be the best place to live in NYC for you.
Pros of living in Long Island City
- Stunning waterfront parks offer amazing views of Manhattan
- Multiple subway lines and the NYC Ferry connect LIC to Manhattan and other boroughs efficiently
- New developments and a growing young professional population create an exciting atmosphere.
Cons of living in Long Island City
- Newer developments can feel sterile and too modern rather than offering classic NYC charm
- One of the more expensive neighborhoods in Queens
- Construction noises
Astoria (Queens)
School Districts: District 30 | Best Hotel: TownPlace Suites by Marriott | Median Rent: $2,800
Astoria is just north of Long Island City, Queens. The neighborhood offers a happy medium between affordability and city life. The median rent is easier to stomach than most anywhere in Manhattan, and the neighborhood is less than a 25-minute subway ride from Midtown.
A large mix of immigrants call Astoria home, evidenced by the wide-ranging food scene. A sizeable Greek community alongside Eastern Europeans, South Asians, and other ethnicities add to the neighborhood’s diversity.
The biggest drawback to Astoria is the lack of public transportation options within the neighborhood. The N and W trains bring folks in and out of the neighborhood, and there are ferry terminals along the East River, but only a few busses help inter-neighborhood commuters.
Pros of living in Gramercy
- Upscale charm
- Low crime rate
- Central location
Cons of living in Gramercy
- Unless you have access to Gramercy Park, there aren’t many greenspaces
- High cost of living
SoHo (Manhattan)
SoHo is a trendy neighborhood characterized by cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets, upscale boutiques, art galleries and the constant buzz of tourists and locals alike.
School Districts: District 2 | Best Hotel: SoHo Grand Hotel | Median Rent: $7,000
SoHo (South of Houston) is a trendy and artistic neighborhood in downtown Manhattan. It’s known for being the city’s prime shopping district. Highly desirable, it’s easily one of the best neighborhoods to live in NYC.
The neighborhood is always buzzing with energy, from the exciting art galleries, great stores to some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. Plus, the neighborhood’s central location allows easy access to other popular neighborhoods.
The fashion district also has a knack for making you feel under-dressed, serving as a public runway most hours of the day. For this reason, it’s one of the best neighborhoods to live in New York City for anyone who keeps up with trends, works in the fashion industry or has aspirations in the fashion world in general.
Pros of living in SoHo
- Countless shopping opportunities
- Charming, unique architecture
- Central location that offers access to more popular neighborhoods
Cons of living in SoHo
- Tourist crowds
- Costly living
Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn)
School Districts: District 15 | Best Hotel: TownePlace Suites by Marriott | Median Rent: $4,200
Known for being one the safest neighborhoods in NYC, Carroll Gardens is the place to be for families. The area has excellent public schools and an abundance of parks and playgrounds. It’s ideal for families with children who want to get away from the crowds of Manhattan.
The neighborhood’s brownstones tend to be well-maintained and offering unrivaled charm (with price tags to match). Median rent prices clock in at $4,250 and sale prices are double the borough’s average. Families ready to slow down and grow roots consider the cost worthwhile.
Pros of living in Carroll Gardens
- One of the most charming neighborhoods to live in NYC
- Cozy and family-friendly
- Strong restaurant scene for a quieter neighborhood
Cons of living in Carroll Gardens
- Above-average prices
- Little nightlife
- Not a great neighborhood for young singles
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Neighborhoods to Live in NYC
Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Live in NYC
The nicest neighborhoods in NYC include areas like the Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, Brooklyn Heights, and the Upper East Side, which are known for their blend of charming architecture, cultural attractions, safety, and vibrant community life.
Williamsburg in Brooklyn is widely regarded as the hippest neighborhood in NYC, known for its trendy bars, artistic vibe, diverse culinary scene, and thriving music and arts community.
Family-friendly neighborhoods, like the Upper West and Upper East Side, are often among the safest neighborhoods to live in New York City.
Most apartment applications require tenants to make 40x the rent annually. For a $2,000 apartment, it’d be $80,000, for a $3,000 apartment, it’d be $120,000, for a $4,000 apartment, it’d be $160,000; and so on.
The wealthiest residents of New York City often reside in neighborhoods like the Upper East Side, Tribeca, Greenwich Village, and the Upper West Side, known for their luxurious real estate and upscale amenities.
Staten Island is the safest borough to live in NYC, with generally lower crime rates than other boroughs. Manhattan comes in second-safest.
Generally, the further away from Manhattan you live, the less expensive it is. Therefore, Staten Island, The Bronx, and Queens are all some of the most inexpensive boroughs to live in NYC.
Best Neighborhoods to Live in NYC (Post Summary)
- Upper West Side (Manhattan)
- Upper East Side (Manhattan)
- Greenwich Village (Manhattan)
- East Village (Manhattan)
- Bayside (Queens)
- Financial District (Manhattan)
- Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)
- Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
- Hell’s Kitchen (Manhattan)
- Park Slope (Brooklyn)
- Harlem (Manhattan)
- Long Island City (Queens)
- Astoria (Queens)
- Gramercy (Manhattan)
- SoHo (Manhattan)
- Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn)
Where to Live in New York City (Map)
Things to Know About Living in New York City
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I hope you enjoyed my roundup of the best places to live in New York City! Leave any questions in your comments. I, and other New Yorkers, are always happy to help!
Cheers.
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