When you’re trying to plot out your next move in NYC, the burning questions can be overwhelming – especially if you’re coming from out of town. New York is bursting with dozens of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. The most exclusive and desirable spots in the city – ahem, Tribeca – may not necessarily work for your budget, but there are lots of great neighborhoods at varying price points that provide the right mix of personality, retail and amenities. So, how can you decide where to put down roots? Let’s take a look at some of NYC’s neighborhoods.

The Standards

  • Gramercy Park is a quintessential New York neighborhood. When it comes to calling yourself a resident of Gramercy Park, you either have a key to the private park, or you don’t. Gramercy Park is known for being family-oriented, and a peaceful, inviting place to call home. A neighborhood with so much history and beautiful properties may list on the pricey side for most buyers, but renters may have more luck finding places to call their own here, park access included.
  • The Upper East Side is one of the first neighborhoods that comes to mind when you think of upscale New York living. Bordered by Central Park to the west, 59th Street to the south, the East River to the east, and 96th Street to the north, it’s in an ideal location that is synonymous with old money and classic New York sophistication, but in recent years has also become something of a haven for young professionals looking for a relatively affordable rental with easy access to work. While extremely family friendly, the Upper East Side has seen a growing list of nightlife options pop up to accommodate the influx of Millennials. With the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Central Park nearby, you’ll always have plenty to see and do right in your back (or front) yard.
  • Greenwich Village is the rebellious little sibling of the classic NYC neighborhoods, now all grown up. Traditionally home to bohemian artists and now full of trendy city dwellers, great shopping and abundant nightlife, it’s in an ultra-convenient location with lots of train accessibility, and home to an eclectic group of working professionals, NYU college students, and aging bohemians. You’ll never be at a loss for live music or an incredible bottomless brunch, and Washington Square Park provides an idyllic green space. You can find numerous high-end Greenwich Village luxury apartments for sale up to $30 Million, but affordability isn’t a pipe dream, with prices starting around $375,000.

Trending

  • Yorkville is a quiet, extremely safe neighborhood, and a great place for families, but it also has access to a booming nightlife not so far away. While it has long boasted some pretty affordable real estate prices, the addition of the long-anticipated Second Avenue subway has already started to cause an increase in rental and sales prices, which will only continue as future phases of the subway line come to fruition.
  • Kingsbridge is a patchwork of smaller neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Located in the Bronx, Kingsbridge is home to many working/middle class families. It’s also projected to be one of the hottest neighborhoods for home buyers this year, as people continue to be priced out of Manhattan. With its proximity to the 1 train, active shopping area, and affordability (for now), this is an area where many New Yorkers may want to set their sights. Bonus: You might be able to give up that gym membership, as the abundant open-air stairways will give you a great workout.
  • Bayside has received quite a bit of attention from outlets over years, and recently made a QNS hottest neighborhoods of 2017 list, so it’s no wonder that this Queens neighborhood is turning heads. The median sales price for a Bayside home in 2016 was $438,000, making it an affordable neighborhood for New Yorkers looking to become home owners. Bayside also boasts superior public schools, and a quick commute to Manhattan on the LIRR, making it a great option for families.

On the Rise

  • Crown Heights is a very active neighborhood, full of good-eats, with access to the 5, 4, 3, and the 2 trains. You’re also within a quick trek to all the outdoor space and culture you could want at nearby spots like Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. The crime rate might be a deterrent for families with small children, but it’s a pretty affordable and cool neighborhood for young New Yorkers.
  • Bushwick is notably one of the most popular and affordable neighborhoods on the rise right now so this is another neighborhood for New Yorkers and newbies to pay attention to. It’s a great neighborhood for New Yorkers looking for a neighborhood with affordability, personality, and an interesting community. The neighborhood is home to the outdoor art gallery Bushwick Collective, cult-favorite restaurant Roberta’s and an exciting nightlife and arts scene.
  • Woodside, unlike Crown Heights and Bushwick, is in Queens, and it’s still within the financial reach of many college grads seeking apartment shares, with two-bedrooms starting at $1800. Offering a diverse range of retail, dining and nightlife options, Woodside is a vibrant neighborhood with lots to offer, replete with pre-war construction and larger layouts than you would typically find in other neighborhoods.

While the old adage says that real estate is all about location, location, location, one of our favorite things about New York City is that you really can’t go wrong. No matter where you live, you’ll have easy access to the best of everything just a subway ride away.