Top 15 Best Neighborhoods to Live in New York

America has long been recognized as the Land of the Free, and nothing symbolizes this sense of freedom more significantly than the iconic Statue of Liberty, the nation’s most prominent landmark.

Majestically standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, holding a tablet of law in one hand and a torch representing enlightenment in the other, this robed female figure adorned with a crown has consistently served as a beacon for over a century, offering solace to countless individuals who traversed the harbor.

Today, New York represents the largest metropolitan area in the U.S., home to nearly 21 million residents who communicate in over 200 languages. Known as the Big Apple, the city is a visual spectacle, characterized by its historic architecture, renowned skyscrapers, and an array of diverse individuals.

Despite its grandeur and global recognition, New York City is particularly noted for its high cost of living, exemplified by elevated expenses in housing, food, transportation, clothing, taxes (income, property, sales), and entertainment, making it pricier than most cities in the nation.

The reality for residents is that maintaining a budget is crucial, with frugality becoming an essential practice.

Consequently, New York does not rank highly on many listings pertaining to quality of life, including the 2017 U.S. News & World Report, which positioned it at number 80 among the 100 best cities to reside in across America.

However, this should not deter you. There is a surprising reason why New Yorkers boast a long life expectancy: the Empire State offers plenty of commendable neighborhoods to consider as home. Now, let us explore the 15 best places to live in New York.

1. Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

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Bay Ridge is frequently regarded as one of the finest neighborhoods within the highly sought-after borough of Brooklyn.

Real estate prices exceed 1 million; however, the rates vary depending on the specific area, with median property prices in the neighborhood surpassing the national average, as reported by popular ranking site, Niche.com.

Offering excellent educational institutions from elementary to high school, Bay Ridge provides a favorable environment characterized by low crime rates and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal locale for families.

More than sixty thousand residents of Bay Ridge benefit from extensive public transport access, which enhances connectivity to local amenities.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the premier activities in Bay Ridge include:

• Narrows Botanical Gardens
• Americans Veteran Memorial Pier
• Fairytale Island
• Alpine Cinema
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Millennium Skate Park

2. Harlem, Manhattan

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Harlem may surprise many by its inclusion here, as it has historically been associated with crime, economic decline, and deteriorating infrastructure.

However, this perception belongs to the past.

The neighborhood experienced a positive transformation in the 1990s, marked by urban renewal initiatives. Crime rates fell, and new economic prospects emerged. Today, Harlem is home to around two hundred thousand residents and is now regarded as one of the trendiest locations in New York.

This transformation is reflected in the surging real estate prices, with the average home now valued at over 1 million.

While housing and economic conditions may not be superior compared to many other areas, Harlem offers quality public schools and a generally favorable setting for families. The nightlife scene is vibrant, featuring a multitude of trendy restaurants, modern bars, and fashionable clubs.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the notable experiences in Harlem include:

• Apollo Theater
• The Studio Museum in Harlem
• Red Rooster Harlem
• Marcus Garvey Park
• Bill’s Place
• Hamilton Grange National Museum
• The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
• Riverbank State Park

3. Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan

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Battery Park City is a meticulously designed community housing over sixteen thousand residents along the Hudson River. It is widely regarded as one of the premier locations to reside in New York City – providing proximity to the vibrancy of urban life while allowing residents to enjoy tranquility at the waterfront.

Living expenses reflect the high prices typical of NYC, with average home prices often ranging between $1,200,000 and $1,500,000 and similarly steep rental costs exceeding the national average.

Nevertheless, the investment comes with the advantage of abundant green parks, providing safe spaces for children to ride bicycles and areas for busy parents to exercise along the esplanade. Moreover, pet-friendly parks enhance the region’s appeal for pet owners.

Crime rates here are minimal, and residents enjoy stunning vistas, including the One World Trade Center, the Hudson River, and the Statue of Liberty.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the notable attractions in Battery Park City include:

• Castle Clinton National Monument
• Brookfield Place
• East Coast Memorial
• Rockefeller Park
• The Rink at Brookfield Place
• The Skyscraper Museum

4. Country Club, Bronx

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Country Club is a small suburb comprising over eight thousand residents, predominantly middle-class and affluent families, with household income averages around $80,000.

One of its major appeals lies in its reasonable cost of living, with home prices and rentals above the national average.

However, this does not imply a compromise on quality of life.

The neighborhood features quality educational institutions, alongside parks and beaches offering family-friendly spaces for relaxation. Additionally, ample parking is available for those who own cars, although the long distance from Manhattan presents a notable drawback for families with commuting obligations.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the notable experiences in Country Club include:

• Askari Tours
• Royal Carriage Rides
• St. Theresa Feast
• Skyline Bar
• Karibbean Krave
• Pelham Parkway Trail

5. Massapequa Park, Long Island

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Massapequa Park offers an excellent environment for families seeking to establish roots in New York.

Homes are relatively affordable within this hamlet of over seventeen thousand residents located in Nassau County. According to Zillow, the median home value is favorable compared to New York standards.

This area boasts high-ranking schools per the GreatSchools platform, often receiving commendable ratings.

Residents can easily commute to Midtown Manhattan in less than an hour via the Long Island Railroad, allowing them to enjoy the economic and cultural advantages New York City offers.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the distinct activities in Massapequa Park include:

• 9/11 Memorial & Museum
• Massapequa Preserve
• John J Burns Park
• Dave & Buster’s
• Jones Beach State Park
• Tobay Beach
• The Good Life
• American AirPower Museum

6. Kenmore, Buffalo

Source: Pubdog / Wikimedia

Kenmore ranks among the top locations in New York for two primary reasons: it boasts one of the lowest costs of living in the Empire State and offers high-quality public schools.

Median home prices are below the national average, which presents a welcome prospect for prospective residents. Additionally, rental rates also remain lower than the national average, which is commendable in New York.

Like Massapequa Park, Kenmore is classified as a village, home to over fifteen thousand residents. The community enjoys the benefits of affordability along with quality educational institutions that excel in performance metrics.

Although it may appear to be a remote village, Kenmore surprisingly holds a range of employment opportunities, primarily in the local science and technology sectors. Furthermore, recreational chances abound, with the scenic Niagara River enhancing its attractiveness.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the notable points of interest in Kenmore include:

• The Buffalo Zoo
• Delaware Park
• Japanese Garden
• Kenmore Lanes
• Adventure Landing Buffalo
• Ellicott Creek Park
• Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium

7. Jackson Heights, Queens

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Jackson Heights establishes itself as one of New York’s premier locations for families, owing to its convenient public transport access, quality public schools, and one of the most diverse populations in the city.

Located in the northwestern section of Queens, property values here exceed the national average. While this may seem daunting in many states, over one hundred thousand residents in this neighborhood find it an appealing option, alongside the notable rental rates well above the national average for apartments in Queens.

Coupled with attributes such as community-oriented residents, proximity to educational institutions and employment opportunities, as well as access to outstanding healthcare facilities, Jackson Heights represents a favorable living environment.

Entertainment & Activities

Some key attractions in Jackson Heights include:

• Museum of the Moving Image
• Queens Zoo
• New York Hall of Science
• Astoria Park
• Queens Night Market
• Bowlero
• Central Park

8. Endwell, Broome County

Source: PMCC Post Office Photos / Flickr

Continuing with the theme of affordable living, this hamlet of approximately twelve thousand residents is favored mainly by young families and retirees.

This picturesque area, located alongside the scenic Susquehanna River just outside Binghamton, offers a welcoming neighborhood ambiance, aided by a notably low crime rate.

Median household incomes hover around the national average, providing ample financial comfort in a locality where monthly rents remain reasonable.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the best experiences in Endwell include:

• Skate Estate
• Cinema Saver
• AMC Vestal Town Square 9
• Roberson Museum and Science Center
• Ross Park Zoo
• Fairways Indoor Golf Co.
• The Pour House Pub and Grill
• Rosamond Gifford Park

9. Tribeca, Manhattan

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Tribeca, an abbreviation for ‘triangle below Canal Street’, is an elegant residential neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, accommodating approximately seventeen thousand residents.

This area is exceptionally safe and is widely considered one of the optimal locations for raising a family in New York. Previously a thriving business district, the conversion of commercial spaces into luxurious lofts has propelled its residential appeal.

Its central position affords easy access to the entirety of Lower Manhattan, though this convenience comes at a cost, with monthly rents often exceeding $3,000 and property values averaging around $2 million, with some reaching as high as $5 million.

Such prices are hardly surprising when celebrities such as Jay-Z and Taylor Swift are among the neighbors.

Entertainment & Activities

Some notable activities in Tribeca include:

• Pier 25 Mini Golf & Volleyball
• One World Trade Center
• One World Observatory
• The Woolworth Building
• Pier 26 at Hudson River Park
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Charging Bull Sculpture

10. Kips Bay, Manhattan

Source: en:User:jim.henderson; cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) / Wikimedia

Positioned between 23rd and 34th streets south of Murray Hill, Kips Bay is a relaxed neighborhood home to over thirty-five thousand residents, creating a stunningly residential environment amidst the bustling streets of NYC.

What may surprise many is the affordability of property values in Kips Bay. While some properties are indeed listed in the millions, the median home price is around $800,000, making it relatively accessible.

Median household income is solidly in six-figure territory, and the pet-friendly neighborhood provides ample amenities and activities, especially given its advantageous location.

Overall, this represents an excellent opportunity in Manhattan.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the noteworthy attractions in Kips Bay encompass:

• AMC Kips Bay 15
• New York Comedy Club
• The Morgan Library and Museum
• Museum of Illusions
• Empire State Building
• Stone Creek Bar and Lounge

11. Murray Hill, Manhattan

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Murray Hill’s origins date back to the mid-19th century, at which time it was considered the most ‘uptown’ neighborhood in New York City.

More recently, in the 1990s, the demographic composition of this area, which now hosts over twenty-seven thousand residents, transitioned from an older population to a community of young professionals intent on raising families.

Similar to its southern neighbor Kips Bay, Murray Hill offers competitive prices within a notoriously expensive city. The median home value exceeds the national average, albeit some condominiums command prices in the millions.

The area is abundant in amenities for its relatively small population, including the 2.8-acre St. Vartan Park, where facilities like Gymboree Play and Music center and Kidville provide ample opportunities for children’s activities.

Entertainment & Activities

Explore some of the finest activities in Murray Hill:

• The Morgan Library and Museum
• AKC Museum of the Dog
• Peter Dillion’s Pub
• The Junction Sports Bar
• Bryant Park
• The Museum of Modern Art

12. Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

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Windsor Terrace is a charming and peaceful community comprising over seventeen thousand residents, adorned with beautiful historic multi-family homes. This neighborhood offers a suburban ambiance while simultaneously providing the conveniences of urban living.

The median household income here is close to double the national average, comfortably exceeding six figures. This income level is more than sufficient to cover the low living costs typical of this region of New York, where home values average near 1 million.

Windsor Terrace features several reputable schools, and while they may not reach the standards of some neighborhoods on this list, it excels in aspects such as crime reduction, safety, diversity, nightlife, and family-friendliness.

The area boasts many delis but could benefit from an increased number of grocery stores.

Entertainment & Activities

Notable attractions in Windsor Terrace include:

• Prospect Park
• The Double Windsor Pub
• Terrace Books
• Prospect Park Zoo
• Brooklyn Museum

13. Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

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When envisioning Brooklyn, images often conjure up views of quaint brownstones and brick townhouses lining the streets, complemented by an array of small businesses, charming cafés, and, of course, local bars.

Prospect Heights embodies this classic Brooklyn aesthetic, serving a population of over twenty-two thousand residents.

As with much of New York City, this neighborhood commands a higher price point, with median rental prices for one-bedroom apartments exceeding the national average.

Nevertheless, this price is justified by low crime rates, a multitude of family-friendly amenities, an exciting dining and nightlife scene, and the enrichment gained from its distinct ethnic diversity.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the finest experiences in Prospect Heights are:

• Barclays Center
• Prospect Park
• Bearded Lady Bar
• Branded Saloon
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum

14. Lancaster, Buffalo

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Lancaster is a small town with a population of just over ten thousand that exceeds expectations.

This town boasts some of the highest-rated public schools in New York, having earned an impressive 9/10 rating on the reliable GreatSchools platform.

For individuals considering relocation within the Buffalo area, an apartment in Lancaster presents a desirable option, as the median home value here remains below the national average, thus making it one of the most affordable locales within the expansive state. Additionally, rental rates are also competitive.

Though lower prices might invoke thoughts of a less desirable neighborhood, such assumptions can be misleading in New York.

Besides exceptional schools, this tranquil suburban town exudes a friendly and leisurely atmosphere, with essential services conveniently located within close proximity.

Accessible shopping and dining establishments, along with a notably safe environment characterized by low crime rates, are hallmarks of this community. Families can partake in various activities such as sledding, ice skating at Como Park and Elma Meadows, and a range of additional sports and community events.

What truly stands out in Lancaster is the warmth and friendliness of its residents, contributing to a close-knit community that actively supports one another.

Entertainment & Activities

Some of the prominent attractions in Lancaster feature:

• Buffalo Museum of Science
• Como Lake Park
• Six Flags Darien Lake
• Keysa Park
• AMF Lancaster Lanes
• Buffalo Art Museum
• Adventure Landing
• 5 Wits
• Grand Island Fun Center

15. Astoria, Queens

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As Brooklyn gains popularity, the borough of Queens has emerged as an increasingly appealing destination for the discerning New Yorker.

Housing remains budget-friendly in Queens, and this borough, renowned for its remarkable diversity, maintains easy accessibility to Manhattan.

Astoria, a small neighborhood with more than ninety-seven thousand residents, exemplifies the perfect balance of affordability and diversity.

The exceptional cultural variety within Astoria is evidenced by the myriad businesses that have flourished here – ranging from Korean eateries to Greek tavernas and Pakistani markets.

Some residences are deemed affordable, with average rental costs exceeding $1,000. Astoria is tailored to families, offering a plethora of amenities destined to accommodate any need.

Beautifully landscaped with expansive green spaces, it is conveniently located and notably safe.

Astoria stands out as one of New York’s most livable areas, without a doubt.

Entertainment & Activities

Key highlights in Astoria include:

• Astoria Park
• The Noguchi Museum
• Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• American Museum of Natural History
• The Bonnie Bar
• Belvedere Castle