New York City has long had an allure as being the ultimate American dream. This city is a swirling mix of ambition, grit, and endless possibilities. From Broadway to the fast-paced energy of Wall Street to the rich cultural enclaves, NYC has something for everyone. There’s plenty to consider when moving to NYC. It is not as simple as picking a location on the map—it’s about choosing a lifestyle, a rhythm, and a borough that fits lifestyle, needs, and budget.
When deciding on what borough, there are plenty of things to consider. The 5 boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island are each distinctive in character. Let’s explore the advantages and tradeoffs of each borough.
From skyscrapers to sandy beaches, here’s your essential guide to picking the perfect slice of the Big Apple for your next move. Join the 8.3 million people that have selected the ideal borough that elevates their personal lifestyles.
Exploring The Five Boroughs
Manhattan: The Heart of It All
When most consider living in New York City, they envision Manhattan. Iconic attractions and landmarks dot Manhattan. Discover much of the culture of NYC in this area with the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park. Don’t miss the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Broadway, and high-end shopping.
The cost of living is as high as the skyscrapers spanning the skyline. From exorbitant rents on one-bedroom apartments averaging $4,000+ monthly in the desirable areas. New homeowners can choose from luxury high-rises, classic brownstones, and small, iconic pre-war walk-ups.
New homes in Manhattan are sure to come in with stunning amenities and a great location. Popular neighborhoods include the family-friendly Upper West Side, the trendy Lower East Side, and Harlem with its rich history and emerging real estate market.
This diverse and fast-paced borough is a blend of finance, tech, arts, and media professionals. In this part of the city, the subway and taxis will be the best mode of transportation. Parking and high insurance rates are an additional cost to consider.
Advantages: Unmatched job opportunities, world-class restaurants, 24/7 entertainment, historic landmarks
Tradeoffs: Insanely expensive, small apartments, tourist congestion
Brooklyn: The Trendsetter’s Paradise
In Brooklyn, you will find a diverse array of attractions and landmarks. Images of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge come to mind for this borough. Create memories at Coney Island. Discover the historic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum.
Brooklyn is made up of young creatives, freelancers, and families. Brooklyn has a higher cost of living but varies by neighborhoods. Bay Ridge is more affordable while Williamsburg rivals Manhattan pricing. Some of the housing options here include loft conversions, new high-rises on the waterfront, and brownstones. Brooklyn new home options will check off your wants and needs list for city living.
Families will feel comfortable in Park Slope while hipsters will find Williamsburg a good fit. Tech start ups and scenic views can be found in DUMBO. Getting around in Brooklyn? The subway is solid while many choose to cycle or take the ferry.
Advantages: Thriving art, food, and music scene; great for families; access to parks and waterfronts
Tradeoffs: Gentrification has driven up costs; longer commute times to Manhattan
Queens: The Borough of Global Flavor
Mets fans find their home in Queens. Citi Field is where the Mets play. Residents love parks like Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Astoria Park. Jazz great Louis Armstrong is celebrated at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
Give Queens some consideration for its more moderate cost of living. Queens is made up of many single-family homes, mid-rise apartments, and co-ops coming in at a more affordable price point than Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn.
Choose your next new home in one of these welcoming neighborhoods. Live in a foodie paradise when you choose Flushing. Looking for other young professionals and a Greek influence? Maybe Astoria is for you. Long Island City is where it is at for the growing tech scene and luxury high-rises.
Queens takes pride in being the most ethnically diverse borough and is home to many immigrants from all over the world. This melting pot finds its residents taking the subway, buses, and the Long Island Railroad.
Advantages: Most diverse food scene in NYC, great parks, and more space for your money
Tradeoffs: Some areas lack nightlife, longer commutes to Manhattan
The Bronx: Underrated and Up-and-Coming
The Bronx has a strong showing for entertainment and fun. Take the kids to the Bronx Zoo with its 265 acres. It is one of the largest zoos in the nation. Even if you aren't a Yankees fan, you must agree that Yankee Stadium is a longstanding legacy of baseball. It's even grown to include soccer for the home games of the New York City FC until they complete their new venue. Explore the natural beauty at the New York Botanical Garden, Van Cortlandt Park, and Pelham Bay Park.
A strong community vibe and a lower cost of living make the Bronx an option for many. The Bronx is an area where affordable housing and rents might make the difference in your Big Apple dream coming to fruition.
Pre-war apartment buildings, row houses, high-rises are some of the housing choices. Choose one of the popular neighborhoods including the revitalized Mott Haven with many new developments. Riverdale offers a more suburban feel while Arthur Avenue is NYC’s “real” Little Italy.
This community has a strong influence of Hispanic and African-American heritage. Residents have fairly good subway access, but many utilize the Metro-North to escape to the suburbs.
Advantages: Home to Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and authentic Latin cuisine
Tradeoffs: Some areas struggle with safety and infrastructure challenges
Staten Island: The Suburban Retreat
If NYC homeownership is your goal, Staten Island is the best place to realize this goal. This is the most affordable of the five boroughs with single-family homes, townhouses, and condos available.
Utilize the ferry to get to St. George or choose from the luxurious homes in Todt Hill. If you are into beachside suburbia, Great Kills measures up. Join the many lifelong Staten Islanders or the newcomers seeking affordability when you purchase a new home in Staten Island.
Transportation is a bit trickier for Staten Island residents as public transit options are limited. Enjoy the perk of the free Staten Island Ferry.
Advantages: Low cost of living, green spaces, family-friendly vibe
Tradeoffs: Long commute to Manhattan, limited nightlife
| Fun Facts About NYC |
|---|
| NYC is the most populous city in the U.S. |
| The Empire State Building gets hit by lightning about 25 times per year. |
| The subway system has 472 stations, more than any other city in the world. |
| There are more languages spoken in Queens than in any other place on Earth. |
| Central Park is larger than the entire country of Monaco. |
Final Thoughts: Finding Your NYC Home
Choosing where to live in New York City is about balancing cost, lifestyle, and personal priorities. Do you want to be in the heart of urban living, or do you crave more space and quiet? Are you looking to be part of the cultural melting pot? Is proximity to work your top concern as transportation is varied throughout the city?
Regardless of where you land, one thing is certain: NYC is a city with a renowned reputation for infectious energy and endless opportunities. Whether you’re here for a year or a lifetime, you’ll never run out of things to explore. NYC-the city that never sleeps! Happy house hunting and congratulations on becoming a New Yorker!
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.