Finding the right New York neighborhood to call home is important; it will inevitably become part of your New York identity. While you’ll generally find the most affordable options the farther you out you go (think: Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx), there are still pockets of affordability to be found if you know where to look. We’ve broken down the best neighborhoods (in Manhattan and beyond) for new residents to live, so read on and find your place.
- Murray Hill
- Lower East Side
- Harlem
- Astoria
- Williamsburg
Read on for more details of each!
Murray Hill
Not quite ready to leave college behind? Murray Hill is the spot for you. If you look at it on a map, you’ll see the location is amazing. Nestled along the East River and just south of Midtown, you won’t have a hard time getting to and from work via the subway station on 33rd Street.
Not only is the location ideal, but the neighborhood is stunning; in fact, some of the houses in the area are those beautiful, pre-war townhouses you’ve probably seen in movies. Combine the great location with endless bars and restaurants and you’ve got the perfect spot for those fresh out of college or new to town in New York City.
Lower East Side
If you play as hard as you work, the Lower East Side (LES) should be high on your list of considerations when in New York City. The LES is where many spend their nights dipping in and out of top-tier restaurants and bars. Have you ever ogled at Russ and Daughters’ famous smoked fish on Instagram? Now you can live right by it. You’ll also be a stone’s throw from the city’s hottest boutiques. Read more about this popular spot in our Lower East Side neighborhood guide.
Harlem
Harlem is one of New York City’s most interesting neighborhoods to live in. Its history is deep, and with a constantly changing personality since the 20s, it’s as diverse as they come. This was one of the epicenters for jazz in the past and is still home to a number of great venues, including the famous Apollo Theatre.
You’ll find New York’s best Latin American and Caribbean food in Harlem, as well as quieter bars where you’ll almost always find a seat. Oh, and Levain Bakery, home to the world’s most delicious chocolate chip cookie has a Harlem outpost, as well.
With moderately priced apartments and a more relaxed, culture-focused lifestyle, this is a great neighborhood for young professionals who aren’t still staying up until 2 am every night.
Astoria
Looking for reasonably priced housing close enough to commute to Manhattan but not actually in the thick of things? Astoria may just be the place for you. This is one of the more budget-friendly neighborhoods in all of New York, not just for apartments, but for dining, drinking, and shopping.
All of those little mom and pop shops that you think of when thinking of New York are thriving in Astoria—it’s especially great if you’re looking for authentic Greek food and other international shops. The Queens Street Fairs and Farmers Markets take place here from spring to fall, so there’s always something going on here.
New building options (and higher rental costs…) are creeping in, but plenty of good deals can be found elsewhere. And, as we mentioned, it’s also a quick subway ride to Manhattan, so there’s actually a chance your friends will visit.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Brunch, bikes, and mustaches may be what you think of when you hear Williamsburg…and you’re not wrong. But there’s so much more to this Brooklyn neighborhood than hipsters!
It’s one of the best neighborhoods for foodies, not just in New York City, but in the country. It’s hard to go wrong here. With good restaurants come good bars and late-night haunts, of course, and with so many creative-types living in the area, there’s a never-ending parade of new artisan shops, artists, musicians, and more.
The heart of Williamsburg has become pricey, as you’d expect, but if you’re willing to live farther out on its edges, you can find some affordable spots.
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