New York City—a concrete jungle where dreams are made, and neighborhoods have their own heartbeat. From the streets of Brooklyn to the skyline of Manhattan, NYC offers a diverse mix of cultures, vibes, and lifestyles. Whether you’re exploring the charm of the oldest neighborhoods in NYC or seeking out the latest trendy hotspots, the city has it all. Are you a young professional chasing your career, an artist looking for your muse, or a family searching for the perfect balance of comfort and convenience? The following are the best places to live near NYC:
But with five boroughs and hundreds of neighborhoods, choosing the right place to call home can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best places to live near NYC—from artsy enclaves to historic districts—to help you find the perfect match for your city lifestyle.
Best Neighborhoods Around NYC to Live
When it comes to calling NYC home, it’s not just about picking a borough—it’s about finding a neighborhood that speaks your language. Here are the best Suburbs in NYC to consider if you’re planning a move to the city that never sleeps
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Greenwich Village in Manhattan is a charming neighborhood located on the banks of the Hudson River. It gained prominence for being the backdrop of the famous series “Friends.” If you are looking for a place that is rich in culture and arts, having multiple theaters, historic sites, and jazz clubs, Greenwich is the name.
It is closer to places like NYU and Washington Square. The area is safe, with a strong community presence. The average rent for 1 BHK is $3989 here, making it one of the most expensive and best places to live near NYC. If you want to cut down the cost, you can rent a private room with shared housing at an average monthly price of $1455.
Harlem, Manhattan
Harlem ranks at the top when it comes to the best suburbs near NYC in terms of music and culture. If you are looking for affordable housing options in Manhattan, you can consider Harlem. The place is the best choice for families with kids, as it has many highly-rated schools.
The city is well-connected to several major subway lines and borders the Bronx to the north and Central Park to the east, leading to excellent citywide connections. Harlem is one of the best places in New York with regard to affordability, where the average rent of 1 BHK is $2898 monthly, and a shared room is $1426. Enjoy a diverse and inclusive community in Harlem that welcomes you with an open heart.
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
The next one on the list of best New York suburbs is Williamsburg, in Brooklyn. This neighborhood is ideal for you if you are a young professional. Several trendy cafes, eateries, and bars are located here.
With umpteen restaurants and bars located here, you can seriously hop on to the culinary adventure every night. Plus, who can say no to exciting nightlife? Expect to pay a higher monthly rent, a private room costing between $1600-$1900, and 1 BHK costing an average rent of $4108.
Astoria, Queens
Astoria is located in the North-West of Queens, known for its rich cultural diversity. Many Greeks decided to settle here in the 80s, which is why it is recognized as a Greek neighborhood. When you are finding places in New York City to live, Astoria is the place you can think of.
It has excellent public transport connections, affordable accommodation and a brilliant education system with plenty of schools. Talking about its rent, the good news is that Astoria is one of the cheapest neighborhoods in New York. Expect to pay somewhere around $1150 for a private room and $2723 for 1 BHK.
Long Island City, Queens
Once known as an industrial manufacturing center, Long Island City is one of the New York suburbs with greenery and iconic landmarks that give you an urban city vibe. Imagine beautiful parks and industrial architecture. Sounds interesting? If these are your thing, moving to Long Island City can never go wrong. Or you can consider moving to best neighborhoods in Long Island to get the same vibe.
The place becomes lively in warmer months with buzzing flea markets, colorful street festivals, and outdoor cinemas. Did I forget to mention the great transport connections? It has 8 subway lines, 3 ferry landings, 15 bus lines and the Long Island Rail Road. Thus, there is no denying to say that Long Island City has great connectivity and remains one of the most exciting areas on the outskirts of New York.
Prospect Heights
Located in the Northwest of Brooklyn, Prospect Heights is a multicultural haven due to its finest dining and bar scene. The extensive cultural scene of the place propels you to explore and move to this city. You can see iconic institutions like Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and Brooklyn Museum. Some of New York’s best schools are located here.
The point to be noted here is that the rent is expensive. $1550-$1725 is the average rent rate for a private room, whereas $4297 is the cost of the average rent for 1 bedroom apartment.
Midtown, Manhattan
Midtown is the central portion of New York City, divided into Midtown East and Midtown West. The east of Midtown gives a classic Manhattan vibe, while the West comes with stunning nightlife and contemporary structures. The subway lines include Long Island Railroad, Grand Central Station, and Penn Station. You need to pay more for dinner here, but you will get the food, the vibe, and everything of high quality.
The proximity of this neighborhood to major business centers puts its average rent on the upper side, which is $2000. Moreover, the average rent of 1 BHK is $4407 monthly. But worry not. You can find affordable options in East Midtown and fulfill your wish of living in Midtown, Manhattan.
Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bushwick is located in the northern part of Brooklyn. But you have to keep your budget on the little upper side with the living, shopping, and entertainment facilities available here. The colorful art adorning the buildings here makes you feel like you are living in a gallery.
This is an ideal place for families and professionals to live in New York. The average rent for a private room here is between $1400 – $1600, and for 1-BHK, it is $2,869 per month.
Final Thoughts
Living in New York City is more than a location—it’s a lifestyle. Each neighborhood has its own unique rhythm, culture, and personality. Whether you’re drawn to the bohemian charm of Greenwich Village, the energy of Midtown, or the artistic streets of Bushwick, NYC has a spot that feels like home.
But once you’ve chosen your dream neighborhood, the next step is making the move—efficiently and stress-free. That’s where Big Apple Moving steps in. It has been helping New Yorkers move since 1979. Whether you’re relocating to a brownstone in Brooklyn or a high-rise in Manhattan, our team handles your move with professionalism, care, and precision. Our full-service moving solutions include packing, unpacking, assembling, and disassembling your furniture pieces and many more. Our goal? To make your transition smooth, safe, and efficient—so you can focus on settling into your new neighborhood.
Contact us for more insights.