Immigrants
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10 mins read
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June 17, 2021
The Immigrant's Guide to NYC Neighborhoods
New York City offers many unique and idyllic neighborhoods to make your own. Use this guide to find the best NYC neighborhood for you.
The constant hustle, incredible diversity, unrivaled restaurants, and vibrant lifestyle — moving to New York City is truly a dream come true for many.
New York City is one of the liveliest cities in the US, with a population of over 8 million people. It comprises five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens.
There are hundreds of neighborhoods throughout the boroughs, each with its distinct perks and downfalls when it comes to commute, price, nightlife, food, and other amenities.
Finding the right neighborhood in New York City isn't exactly what someone would call easy. But it's possible — only if you know where to look. With that in mind, we've compiled a list for you with the top six NYC neighborhoods to live in.
Best for Safety: Riverdale, Bronx
If staying in a safe neighborhood is of paramount importance to you, Riverdale might be the perfect spot.
Situated in the Northwest Bronx with a population of over 47,000 residents, Riverdale is a low-key neighborhood in NYC. Many families flock to Riverdale to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without actually leaving the city.
Its wide lawns, quiet residential streets, and locally-owned restaurants and shops along Riverdale Avenue provide a comfortable, small-town vibe. As for housing, it features a combination of old tenement buildings, affordable apartments, single-family homes, and luxurious mansions.
When it comes to outdoor recreation spots, Riverdale has great access to parks and gardens like Riverdale Park,
, and
, making the area well worth a stroll.
What makes Riverdale one of the safest NYC neighborhoods is its lower crime rate in comparison to the rest of New York city. Furthermore, it is constantly patrolled by the
, which is in place to prevent criminal activity.
Best for Public Transport: Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Coupling the serenity of a suburb coupled with a lively urban vibe, Boerum Hill is a small neighborhood located south of Downtown Brooklyn. This quiet area is known for its brownstones and townhouses along the tree-lined pavements, which are perfect for a carefree outdoor stroll.
Living in Boerum Hill, you will never find yourself without transportation. It offers a plethora of transit options making the commute quick and convenient to other areas of the city. The transportation hub,
, sits right at the tip of this vicinity.
In recent years, Boerum Hill has attracted many eclectic restaurants, cozy cafes, and charming boutiques to open along the commercial thoroughfares: Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue.
Furthermore, the iconic
lies east of the Boerum Hill, which hosts exciting events like
basketball games, concerts, boxing matches, and other entertainment events.
As far as real estate prices are concerned, houses in this neighborhood are among the most expensive in Brooklyn.
Best for Families: Great Kills, Staten Island
At the South Shore of Staten Island, you'll find the borough's most family-friendly neighborhood, Great Kills. Unlike its name, Great Kills is a safe area, making it an ideal place for moving in with a family or raising your kids.
This idyllic vicinity boasts a low crime rate and a great mix of restaurants, parks, and shops. The residential areas offer a combination of an urban and suburban feel. Great Kills has some of the finest schools in New York City, which makes it a great place to start, continue, and complete your kid's education, no matter the level.
Great Kills Park provides a huge advantage to people with its four beaches. Whether you are looking for a peaceful morning stroll along the beach, a playground for your kids, or somewhere to take your four-legged friend, this park is a perfect spot to spend some leisure time with your family.
In short, this neighborhood has everything you need to live with your family or enjoy a quiet time while living in this huge, fast-paced city.
Best for Bars and Restaurants: Upper West Side, Manhattan
If it's tasty food you crave, you can't go wrong with the Upper West Side.
The Upper West Side is the very definition of a well-rounded neighborhood. It covers a large portion of Manhattan and is bounded by Central Park on the east and the Hudson River on the west. This thriving neighborhood is blessed with beautiful parks, stunning architecture, and rich culture.
While the Upper West Side is known for its mom-and-pop stores, bagel shops, and food markets, it is also home to many notable restaurants, cocktail bars with live music, and wine bars. Whether you want to watch sports with your friends at
, go on a date at
, or have your favorite seafood at
— there's something for everyone. And for all you vegan and vegetarians,
is the perfect hotspot.
It is also home to
and the
, which presents everything from dinosaurs and mammals to outer-space exhibits.
Best for Those on a Budget: Astoria, Queens
With over 95,000 residents, Astoria is home to many diverse communities. As for housing, private apartments and co-living spaces are available at much lower
than many other neighborhoods in the city. You can easily find a one-bedroom apartment for less than $2,000 a month.
When it comes to spending time outside, there's plenty to do. Astoria features spectacular views of the Upper Manhattan skyline, together with the Hell Gate Bridge soaring above on your right and Robert F. Kennedy Bridge on your left. Plus, there are a lot of coffee shops, bars, and
to satisfy your taste buds.
This Queens neighborhood also boasts relaxing parks and gardens, such as
, beer gardens, and more. Not only that, it has the largest pool (330 feet long) in New York City, which sits central to Astoria Park along the East River.
Best Upscale Neighborhood: Tribeca, Manhattan
Want to explore the more lavish side of NYC? Give Tribeca a try.
Tribeca, a syllabic abbreviation of Triangle Below Canal Street, is located in Lower Manhattan and is famous for its classic loft buildings and cobblestone streets. It offers a picturesque view of the Hudson River on its west, as well as trendy boutiques and cafes throughout. The area is filled with luxury apartments, bustling art galleries, and sprawling parks. Plus, it contains some of the tallest buildings,
being one of them.
The area is also home to many celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, Meryl Streep, and more. It also hosts the
, which brings world premieres of movies to the city every year.
However, while living in high-rise elevator buildings and loft spaces may sound exciting, it does come with a significant cost, making Tribeca one of the most expensive NYC neighborhoods to live in.
Whichever NYC neighborhood you decide to move to, make sure to explore everything it has to offer — public transport, parks, galleries, apartments, restaurants, and shops. And don't just visit during the day. Take a walk at night, too, to see whether it is the right fit for you and you feel safe enough at all hours.
Enjoy your house hunt, and good luck!
