Ah, New York, New York. The bright lights are beckoning.
Many people move to New York City for the romantic ideal. Movies and TV shows are often set in this city – more consistently than almost any other city. Singers from decades ago through today sing about their love for New York. It isn’t difficult for the admiration those performers feel for the city to rub off on someone and make them want to call N.Y.C. home.
But people move here for more than nostalgia or romance. There are a ton of job opportunities, it’s a cultural melting pot and it’s one of the few cities where people feel they are their true selves with little-to-no judgment.
Of course, living here isn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Rent in most neighborhoods is sky-high but the challenge of making it in New York is also one of the things that draw people to the city.
If you do decide to move here, you’ll need to evaluate the neighborhoods first to see which one not only fits your budget but also your personality and lifestyle. Here’s our list of the best neighborhoods in New York City.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,925
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,392
- Walk Score: 99/100
The Upper East Side is one of the hallmark neighborhoods in N.Y.C. It’s one of the more refined areas in the city. Here, you’ll shop on Madison Avenue, home to some of the most extravagant boutiques and shops in the world. You’ll also have easy access to museums like the Guggenheim and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
While the luxury of the Upper East Side is definitely a draw for some, others move here because of the pace of this neighborhood. It’s decidedly slower than the Downtown area and more laid-back. In fact, you might forget you live in the Big Apple if you spend your day lounging in your apartment.
- Median 1-BR rent: $3,350
- Median 2-BR rent: $4,200
- Walk Score: 99/100
The vibrant East Village used to have a singularly bohemian vibe. Over the years, though, the neighborhood has evolved. There’s still an indie vibe, with some areas in the neighborhood retaining their grungy look and energy. However, there’s also an abundance of luxury complexes (including condos and apartments, where you might find your forever home!).
Many of the complexes in this neighborhood are on the small side, though the newer buildings offer more spacious abodes. Just remember that more space equals more money. Still, while the rent in this area is high compared to other cities around the nation, it does offer some of the more affordable price ranges in N.Y.C.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,850
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,495
- Walk Score: 100/100
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that’s a top nightlife destination, you should consider finding an apartment to rent in the vibrant Lower East Side. You’ll find plenty of trendy restaurants, cafés, rooftop bars and places to hear live music.
One of the things that makes this one of the best neighborhoods in New York City is that residents here totally embrace uniqueness. Take, for instance, the Home Sweet Home bar, where patrons dance to a live DJ in a room with chandeliers and taxidermy.
Residents in this neighborhood also have a strong appreciation for their roots. You’ll find multiple synagogues and museums that paint the picture of what it was like for the immigrant population that settled in this community.
- Median 1-BR rent: $4,025
- Median 2-BR rent: $6,338
- Walk Score: 98/100
The thing that makes the Upper West Side one of the best neighborhoods in New York City is the unpretentious attitude of the people who live there and the strong sense of community.
While many neighborhoods have become commercialized (hello, exorbitant rent prices!) and very citified, the Upper West Side feels like a nice residential community with a lot of character.
Another reason to consider moving to this neighborhood is the proximity to Central Park. If you love spending time in the great outdoors, you’ll have plenty of chances to bike, jog, walk or just hang out in Central Park — especially in the early morning hours before most of the city wakes up. It’s an experience that will help you de-stress from city living.
- Median 1-BR rent: $3,750
- Median 2-BR rent: $5,995
- Walk Score: 100/100
Technically, the West Village is a part of Greenwich Village, but everyone who lives in the area views them as two distinctive communities.
One of the reasons the West Village is one of the best neighborhoods in New York City is because it’s a more exclusive neighborhood. Which is great if you love privacy, as do many of the people who live here — namely, celebrities. The list of people who call or have called West Village home includes Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi and Claire Danes.
Because of the exclusivity of the neighborhood, you’ll find it more calming, with tree-lined streets, brownstones and charming restaurants and cafés tucked in here and there.
- Median 1-BR rent: $4,000
- Median 2-BR rent: $5,995
- Walk Score: 99/100
Greenwich Village, also known as “The Village,” has an awesome history. In the 1960s, it was not only the epicenter but also the birthplace of the beatnik generation. Famed celebrities who called the area home (or were there enough to call it home) include Bob Dylan and Allen Ginsberg.
Besides the historical factor, another reason to consider moving to this neighborhood is that it’s centrally located. You can get nearly anywhere else in NYC in under 25 minutes on the train, including Union Square, Wall Street and Grand Central Station. You can cut that time in half if you travel by car.
- Median 1-BR rent: $4,601
- Median 2-BR rent: N/A
- Walk Score: 97/100
This neighborhood, located in the heart of Manhattan, has so much to offer, including Battery Park itself, where the history of N.Y.C. began. It’s located between the Hudson River and West Street, and three sides of the neighborhood are in proximity to the water, which means you’ll almost always get a panoramic view of the Hudson.
Battery Park City is a laid-back, health-conscious neighborhood. There’s not even a subway station here. You’ll have to hoof it to the Financial District to catch the train. But a lot of people think the extra bit of exercise is worth it for the beautiful views, upscale restaurants and great community.
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,800
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,250
- Walk Score: 97/100
This working-class neighborhood has a below-average crime rate for N.Y.C. It’s a relatively affordable community and residents here love the close-knit vibe amongst neighbors. Washington Heights is a hilly neighborhood with views of the Hudson and plenty of green spaces, like Fort Tryon Park. This Park covers 67 acres and there are not only playgrounds and basketball courts but plenty of paths for walking and jogging. Washington Heights is also home to the largest dog run in the Manhattan area, a budding art scene and the Cloisters medieval art museum.
- Median 1-BR rent: $4,022
- Median 2-BR rent: $5,150
- Walk Score: 99/100
You can find the Hudson Yards neighborhood on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan. If you’re looking for upscale, you can find an apartment to rent in this community, which is a 28-acre development. It’s Manhattan’s biggest gated community and if you’re in the market for sleek and luxurious, this just might be the community for you. Developers created it as a city within a city, complete with skyscrapers and parks.
- Median 1-BR rent: $4,500
- Median 2-BR rent: $5,250
- Walk Score: 98/100
Chelsea is one of the best neighborhoods in New York City because of its upscale, artsy ambiance. You’ll find an abundance of art galleries and studios, as well as some of the best restaurants in N.Y.C. and some great shopping, too.
Near the neighborhood is Chelsea Piers, which sits on the Hudson River. It’s a large complex for entertainment and sports, including skating, golf, batting cages, ice skating, bowling and more.
New apartment and condo towers line High Line Park but you’ll still find old brick walk-up apartments, too with tree-lined streets. However, the north end of the neighborhood has fewer green spaces and has a more industrial feel to it. So, basically, there’s something for every taste!
- Median 1-BR rent: $3,800
- Median 2-BR rent: $6,617
- Walk Score: 99/100
Murray Hill is a lively neighborhood that’s a manageable distance to Midtown, making it a great community for professionals who work in N.Y.C. In fact, it’s less than half a mile from Grand Central Station.
Beautiful brownstones line the neighborhood, giving it old-style charm. During the day, most people jet off to work, so the neighborhood feels like a sleepy village. It comes to life after dark, though, with many professionals from the city coming to Murray Hill for after-work drinks, dinner and dancing.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,800
- Median 2-BR rent: $3,300
- Walk Score: 97/100
The Park Slope neighborhood is a great community for families, with its excellent schools (both public and private), safety, gorgeous green spaces and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. The neighborhood is close enough to Manhattan (about 30 minutes away) that you can enjoy the urban amenities.
However, one of the things residents love about this neighborhood is that it has a definite small-town vibe. As a resident in one of the lovely apartments for rent in Park Slope, you’ll have easy access to quaint cafes and organic food markets, as well as Prospect Park, where you can go for your early morning run or a weekend picnic with your family.
- Median 1-BR rent: $2,200
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,500
- Walk Score: 99/100
Mott Haven is a Bronx neighborhood that’s experiencing a renaissance. According to The New York Times, the low-profile neighborhood is having a building boom in which a dozen residential towers have gone up in recent years. And good news for you — all those towers are rental complexes! In all, there are 20 projects (with over 5,000 apartments) that have recently opened, are currently under construction or will break ground on construction soon.
According to a recent Forbes article, Mott Haven is one of the best neighborhoods in New York City and is perfect for modern renters who seek convenience. The community has great public transport options and is close to amazing restaurants and art galleries, as well as live music and entertainment.
- Median 1-BR rent: $3,500
- Median 2-BR rent: $15,000
- Walk Score: 100/100
Do you want to live in a trendy neighborhood with great shopping opportunities? Then, SoHo is the neighborhood for you! You’ll find old cast-iron buildings, cobblestone streets and artists’ lofts, as well as chain stores, high-end retail shops, salons/spas and art galleries.
The cool vibe attracts tourists during the day, but nights are relatively mellow. You can enjoy a variety of international cuisine, lounges and bars in the evenings. There’s something for everyone in SoHo.
But you should know that this is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city — a reputation it’s maintained for years!
- Median 1-BR rent: $1,650
- Median 2-BR rent: $2,550
- Walk Score: 48/100
If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to check out the Silver Lake neighborhood in Staten Island because it has an incredibly fun history. In 1855, four men were out fishing and they swore that they encountered a monster in the lake. They described it as a 60-foot sea serpent that had glowing red eyes.
Since that time, more people reported sightings, and even though the legend was eventually proven false, it caused a boom in tourism that exists to this day.
Besides living in a neighborhood that provides you with a great icebreaker, Silver Lake is also a great place for families and those who love the outdoors. There are several parks and outdoor entertainment spaces.
The best neighborhoods in New York City – which one will you choose?
Choosing a neighborhood is an important decision in the apartment-finding process. If you’re still having trouble finding the right neighborhood after reading through our list of the best neighborhoods in New York City, we recommend you take our New York City Neighborhoods Quiz to help narrow your search. Once you figure out which neighborhood is best for you, it’ll be so much easier to find the best apartments for rent in New York City!
The rent information included in this article is based on a median calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Apartment Guide and Rent.com as of November 2021 and is for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
Source: rent.com