Those who have lived in multiple apartments in New York City can tell newcomers quite a bit about choosing the right neighborhood. People often focus on the hippest neighborhoods or the most affordable ones. Choosing based solely on either of these criteria can be a big mistake.
The hottest neighborhoods are usually overpriced and likely to become passé at a moment’s notice. The cheapest neighborhoods are cheap for a reason, and you might end up spending just as much once you factor in all the long cab rides. If your goal is to find relatively affordable home with plentiful restaurants and nightlife, then consider these six very livable New York City neighborhoods.
Astoria, Queens
In terms of affordability, you can find lower rent in neighboring Long Island City; however, Astoria simply has far more restaurants, art galleries, and other signs of modern life. Split the difference and look in Astoria near the border with LIC to find shockingly cheap apartments and co-ops with as little as a 15-minute subway ride to midtown.
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Named one of NYC’s next hot neighborhoods in 2016 by the New York Times, Sunset Park is a neighborhood that many New Yorkers have scarcely visited, even though it’s close to tons of popular spots. With a waterfront view of lower Manhattan, Sunset Park puts you right by Prospect Park and the IKEA in Red Hook. The elegant brownstones rent for notably less than some of the more famous Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Kips Bay, Manhattan
Located about halfway between the East Village and the lower boundary of the Upper East Side, Kips Bay has a healthy balance of Midtown buzzy atmosphere and quiet, Brooklyn-like residential streets. Short bus and subway rides put you in the Empire State Building area or downtown, while large Fairway Market and other creature comforts are right outside your door.
Inwood, Manhattan
If you don’t mind an hour commute to downtown (which is how long it takes from many Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods anyway) then this northernmost corner of Manhattan has eminently affordable housing with plenty of greenery and breathtaking vistas. Postgrads from Columbia and Fordham have helped create a more upscale vibe over the years, and Inwood has been named one of the best areas for recent college grads.
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Any discussion of Greenpoint usually starts with the fact that you must transfer subway lines to get to Manhattan. On the other hand, not everybody works in Manhattan. Greenpoint has all of Williamsburg’s coolness these days, with perhaps even more authenticity. It’s hardly the cheapest option in Brooklyn these days, but Greenpoint still provides great value for your money.
Belmont, Bronx
This gorgeous neighborhood is home to the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, and Arthur Avenue (the Little Italy of the Bronx). Belmont has become one of the most livable neighborhoods in New York City, not just the Bronx, because of the attractiveness of its homes and boulevards as well as its food and culture of community. South Bronx is another great option, but Belmont’s commute is only slightly longer and the area has less chance of getting burnt out on overnight gentrification.