How to Pick a New York City Neighborhood

Moving to New York City is an exhilarating experience. This diverse metropolis is often considered the mecca of civilization, earning it the title of one of the most famous cities on Earth. It’s truly a place with something for everyone – if you have what it takes to live there.

One of the most challenging aspects of moving to the Big Apple is choosing your neighborhood. Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right NYC neighborhood to call home.

First, Learn About the Boroughs

If you’re moving to New York from outside the city and haven’t spent much time there, start by familiarizing yourself with the boroughs. The five boroughs include:

• Manhattan
• Brooklyn
• The Bronx
• Queens
• Staten Island

Each borough is a city within itself, with unique features that add to the rich tapestry of this one-of-a-kind city. Knowing the benefits and pitfalls of each can help you narrow down your options before you start evaluating the neighborhoods within them.

Look Beyond Pop Culture References

Many people feel compelled to move to New York because of their favorite movies and shows. In the 1990s, TV shows such as Friends and Sex and the City had everyone wanting to move to the West Village and the Upper East Side, respectively. In the 2000s, aspiring debutantes dreamed of moving to a penthouse on Fifth Avenue, thanks to Gossip Girl.

These shows often highlight just a sliver of what New York City has to offer. There are endless vibrant, thriving neighborhoods to consider. Keep in mind that the pop culture icons that inspired you to move to the “city that never sleeps” were fictional – they didn’t have to worry about real jobs, rent increases, and traffic during rush hour. What was normal life for them does not likely exist in reality.

Set Your Priorities

You’ll have to weigh your priorities and what you are willing to sacrifice when choosing a home in New York City. The three key areas to keep in mind include your budget, location, and square footage. Depending on where you go, you’ll likely have to sacrifice one for another.

For example, there are plenty of stunning Luxury New York City Apartments in Brooklyn that offer more space and privacy at a lower cost than Manhattan. However, you’ll have to sacrifice location and travel in and out of Manhattan. Not to mention, you will lack the luxury of saying you live in the true heart of civilization.

This feeds into the larger task of identifying which borough is right for you. You may discover that having a smaller space in the heart of the action is more appealing than traveling from Queens every day.

Consider Your Commute and Transit Options

When choosing your neighborhood, consider your transportation options and how you’ll commute to work. Walking and the subway system are by far the most efficient ways to get around the city. Driving is an option, but traffic is a nightmare.

Evaluate your proximity to job opportunities and transportation options when choosing your neighborhood. You may determine that living a block away from a direct line to Manhattan is well worth the cost savings of living in Brooklyn.

Find a Neighborhood that Suits Your Lifestyle

Take some time to read about the different neighborhoods in your chosen borough. This incredible city can be completely different from one subway stop to the next. Keep your lifestyle in mind when choosing a location. 

Some neighborhoods cater to people from specific ethnic backgrounds, while others have a young, child-free professional vibe. Some communities have a lot of diversity and overlap, while others seem closed off and limited to a specific subset of society.

While it can get overwhelming, the key thing to remember is that there are more than eight million people in NYC; you’ll find your place.

Visit Before You Move

Finally, take a trip and spend some time in the neighborhoods you are considering before you move. Rent an Airbnb so you can be right in the thick of things. This experience will give you better insights into which neighborhood is right for you.