Oldest Neighborhoods in NYC: A Guide to Historic Living

Posted on 03/04/202203/06/2025 by BigApple

New York City is a bustling metropolis that never stops evolving, but within its ever-changing landscape lie neighborhoods that stand as living monuments to its storied past. These oldest neighborhoods in NYC offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and heritage, making them ideal for those seeking a unique living experience. If you’re considering a move to the Big Apple, exploring these historic areas could be the perfect start to your journey.

Why Move to NYC’s Oldest Neighborhoods?

Living in one of NYC’s oldest neighborhoods means immersing yourself in a world of rich history, diverse cultures, and unique architectural landscapes. These areas are more than just places to live—they’re vibrant communities where the past and present coexist. From cobblestone streets to historic landmarks, these neighborhoods offer a living experience unlike any other.

Brooklyn Heights: Historic Charm with Modern Convenience

Brooklyn Heights, one of NYC’s oldest neighborhoods, dates back to the early 1800s. Originally a suburban escape, it has transformed into a historic urban enclave known for its stunning brownstones and townhouses. As the first neighborhood in Brooklyn to be designated a historic district, it offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Why Move to Brooklyn Heights?

Stunning Architecture: Elegant brownstones and historic townhouses. –

Breathtaking Views: Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. –

Community Vibes: A warm and welcoming environment with a strong sense of community. –

Convenient Location: Easy access to Manhattan while maintaining a tranquil residential atmosphere. –

Top-Rated Schools: Ideal for families seeking quality education options. –

Low Crime Rates: One of the safest neighborhoods in NYC.

Expert Insight: “Brooklyn Heights offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities. It’s a community where neighbors know each other, and local businesses thrive.” — Jane Smith, NYC Real Estate Expert

Lower East Side: A Melting Pot of Culture and History

The Lower East Side has a rich history dating back to the late 1600s. Initially settled by Dutch and German immigrants, it became a hub for Irish, Italian, Jewish, and Eastern European immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it’s a vibrant neighborhood known for its cultural diversity and artistic spirit.

Why Move to the Lower East Side?

Historic Charm with Modern Appeal: Historic tenement buildings alongside trendy boutiques and galleries. –

Artistic Spirit: Home to numerous art galleries, theaters, and street art installations. –

Cultural Diversity: A true reflection of NYC’s melting pot with a variety of cultural festivals and events. –

Vibrant Nightlife: Trendy bars, music venues, and diverse eateries offer endless entertainment. –

Community Connections: A welcoming atmosphere that fosters a strong sense of belonging.

DUMBO: Industrial Roots, Modern Living

DUMBO, short for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” has a fascinating history as an industrial hub dating back to the 18th century. Today, its warehouses have been transformed into trendy lofts, galleries, and modern apartments, creating a dynamic and artistic atmosphere.

Why Move to DUMBO?

Industrial Chic Living: Unique loft apartments with high ceilings and large windows. –

Art and Creativity: Numerous art galleries, cultural events, and creative spaces. –

Iconic Views: Stunning vistas of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. –

Tech Hub: A growing community of tech startups and entrepreneurs. – Waterfront Activities: Enjoy Brooklyn Bridge Park and waterfront recreational options.

Gramercy Park: A Serene Oasis in the City

Gramercy Park, one of NYC’s first planned residential communities, dates back to the 1830s. Its centerpiece is a private park accessible only to residents, offering a serene and exclusive living experience.

Why Move to Gramercy Park?

Exclusivity: Access to the only private park in Manhattan. –

Architectural Elegance: Stately townhouses and historic landmarks.

Quiet Retreat: A peaceful oasis amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Cultural Attractions: Close proximity to theaters, museums, and fine dining.

Community Feel: A tight-knit neighborhood with a sophisticated vibe.

Washington Heights: A Neighborhood Steeped in History

Washington Heights, one of NYC’s oldest neighborhoods, has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Its hilly terrain and strategic location overlooking the Hudson River have contributed to its historical significance.

Why Move to Washington Heights?

Affordability: More reasonably priced housing compared to other Manhattan neighborhoods. –

Cultural Richness: Strong Dominican heritage with vibrant music, street art, and cuisine. –

Historic Sites: Visit landmarks like the Morris-Jumel Mansion and The Cloisters. –

Community Events: Annual festivals celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse culture. –

Parks and Recreation: Abundance of green spaces like Fort Tryon Park.

Astoria: A Cultural Melting Pot

Astoria, named after John Jacob Astor, has a history dating back to the early 1800s. Originally a farming village, it evolved into an industrial hub and is now known for its diverse heritage, particularly its Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern influences.

Why Move to Astoria?

Culinary Destination: A food lover’s paradise with authentic eateries and cafes.

Cultural Diversity: Experience Greek tavernas, Italian bakeries, and cultural festivals.

Entertainment: Home to the historic Kaufman Astoria Studios and Museum of the Moving Image.

Community-Oriented: Friendly neighborhoods with local events and markets.

Accessible Location: Convenient commute to Manhattan and other boroughs.

Additional Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

St. George, Staten Island: The oldest neighborhood on Staten Island, offering Victorian-era architecture and waterfront views. –

Harlem, Manhattan: Rich in African-American history and culture, with iconic jazz clubs and soul food restaurants.

Conclusion

Choosing to move to one of NYC’s oldest neighborhoods is a decision that brings not just a new address but a connection to the city’s past. Each area has its own unique history, architecture, and community, allowing residents to experience the essence of New York City while enjoying its modern amenities. From Brooklyn Heights to the vibrant diversity of Washington Heights and Astoria, these historic neighborhoods offer a blend of nostalgia and contemporary living, making them a great choice for those seeking an enriching and authentic NYC experience.

Moving from New York to Texas

Posted on 08/25/201909/05/2023 by BigApple

Are you dissatisfied with the fast-paced lifestyle of New York? Are you experiencing ennui due to the crowds and traffic, inclement weather, and exorbitant cost of living? If so, it may be worthwhile to contemplate relocating from New York to Texas. Furthermore, you are not alone in this endeavor, as individuals throughout the United States are relocating for various reasons, including employment prospects, reasonably priced housing, reduced living expenses, low crime rates, and agreeable weather conditions, among others.

Prices and costs of living in Texas are much lower than in New York. For example, you can find big apartments in Austin only about half as much as small apartment price in Manhattan. And if you’re fed up with crowds and traffic, you’ll feel more space to breathe on the streets of Texas.

Think about your preferences before you consider moving from NY to Texas. If you’re moving from NY to Texas, consider hiring NYC interstate movers to move your belongings quickly, efficiently and safely.

Why More People are Moving from New York to Texas?

We’ll try to give an answer. According to a new U.S. Census Bureau report, of the 15 fastest-growing cities larger than 50,000 people, seven are in Texas. This also includes the top three: Frisco, New Braunfels, and Pflugerville. San Antonio is one of the cities with the greatest population by adding some 66 citizens every day!

San Antonio now has more than 1.5 million people and ranks as the nation’s seventh-largest city, just behind Philadelphia. But don’t worry, there are no such crowds on the streets like in NY. Houston is America’s fourth-largest city and is also the most diverse large city in the nation.

No taxes and lower costs of living are the reasons why more people are moving from NY to Texas. Texas expanded its housing supply by 10.3 percent for every household during the period, more than double the rate of New York.

Low Taxes

If you are considering relocating from New York to Texas, it may interest you to learn that despite New York having the highest tax burden of any state, Texas does not impose any state income taxes. The majority of Texas’ tax revenues are derived from taxes on businesses, property, and retail sales. The effective property tax rate throughout the state is 1.7%.

This means – more savings! Compared to NY where the state collects $7,400 per resident, Texas collects $3,500! What do you need to pay? If you want to start a small business in Texas, expect to pay employment and sales tax. You’ll also pay taxes on retail purchases. In Dallas and Austin, you’ll pay 8.25% in retail tax, while in Zavalla, you’ll pay a combined sales tax rate of 6.75%.

Costs of Living

Consider the prospect of expending a mere $7 in Texas for a commensurate brunch that would otherwise cost $20 in Manhattan. It is a well-established fact that New York is a city of exorbitant expenses, with a high cost of living and prices. In contrast, Texas boasts of a significantly lower cost of living, with affordable housing and gasoline prices.

Furthermore, Texas is among the top five most affordable places to reside in the United States, owing to its lack of income tax. The availability of reasonably priced housing is a significant draw for individuals, with the added benefit of larger homes.

The average 1 bedroom apartment is 870 square feet – that’s at least 40 sq feet larger than you’ll find in Manhattan. When it comes to cost, consider the risks of hiring cheap movers, you don’t want bad service. The median home price in Texas varies because the state is large. El Paso, Laredo, and Beaumont have median home prices of around $151,000. The median household income is $59,295, which is $2077 lower than the US average.

Job Opportunities

When considering the abundance of employment prospects, New York City stands unparalleled. However, it must be noted that the cost of living in this region is significantly higher than that of Texas. In recent years, Texas has witnessed the addition of over 300,000 job opportunities, which accounts for 12% of the total jobs added across the nation. In comparison, the private job sector in New York has only increased by 113,000, indicating that Texas has more than twice the number of job opportunities.

When it comes to the unemployment rates, Texas wins with 5.5 percent against New York’s 6.9. Texas’ major industries include energy, agriculture, petrochemicals, higher education, tech, aerospace and other. According to recent research, the energy sector and higher education are Texas’ biggest employers.

There are many large companies in Texas such as Exxon Mobil, Phillips 66, ConocoPhillips, Sysco, Kimberly Clark, AT&T, American Airlines and other. Also, a quick reminder to seek where to find free packing materials as well.

Transportation Costs

Transport is really expensive in New York. Transportation costs are about 52% higher in New York than in Texas. Traffic and crowds in NY are a real nightmare, but you can also meet with it in large metropolitan cities like San Antonio, Austin, Dallas or Houston. The difference is, you can easily drive your car, while more than half New Yorkers don’t own their car.

Simply, it’s not affordable. It’s expensive and you can’t find a place to park. This is why they are using the metro, taxi or UBER. The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the second largest in the nation, while rail system doesn’t quite match up to New York standards, but Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have bus and light rail systems. Amtrak can take you around Texas, Chicago, Los Angeles, or some other place.

10 Famous Landmarks In New York

Posted on 09/27/201807/31/2023 by BigApple

New York City, the Big Apple, is a vibrant metropolis that captivates millions of visitors from around the world every year. Known for its diverse culture, iconic skyline, and rich history, the city is brimming with famous landmarks that have become symbols of its unique identity. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten of the most celebrated New York landmarks that showcase the city’s grandeur and allure.

Most Famous New York Landmarks

Here are famous landmarks of New York you must see if you ever visit or move to NYC.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a towering symbol of hope and freedom, proudly stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. This magnificent copper statue, generously gifted by France in 1886, serves as a welcoming beacon to travelers arriving in the United States, while also embodying the fundamental principles of democracy and liberty.

Empire State Building

Dominating the city’s skyline, the Empire State Building is an architectural marvel that was once the tallest building in the world. Its Art Deco design, breathtaking views from the observation decks, and appearances in countless movies make it an integral part of New York’s allure.

Times Square

Times Square, the vibrant hub of New York’s entertainment industry, is a dazzling display of neon lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds. Renowned for its iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop, it is a destination of choice for both residents and visitors.

Central Park

Central Park, situated amidst the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, provides a captivating escape from the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. This expansive urban sanctuary spans over 843 acres and boasts picturesque walkways, serene lakes, charming bridges, and an array of recreational amenities.

Brooklyn Bridge

An engineering marvel, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering breathtaking views of the East River and the city’s skyline. Walking or cycling across this historic suspension bridge is a memorable experience for visitors.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is a vibrant and dynamic complex that comprises a diverse range of establishments, including retail outlets, dining establishments, and the renowned NBC Studios. The annual lighting of the colossal Christmas tree during the festive season attracts a multitude of visitors from across the globe, adding to the bustling atmosphere of the center.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Art enthusiasts will find themselves in awe at The Met, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums globally, boasting an extensive collection that spans thousands of years and diverse cultures.

MoMA

MoMA is a veritable repository of modern and contemporary art, featuring celebrated pieces by luminaries such as Picasso, Van Gogh, Warhol, and numerous other influential artists, rendering it a haven for aficionados of the arts.

The High Line

Transforming an abandoned elevated railway into a beautiful urban park, the High Line is a unique attraction offering lush greenery, public art installations, and picturesque views of the city streets below.

One World Trade Center

A poignant symbol of resilience and remembrance, One World Trade Center, also known as the Freedom Tower, stands tall on the site of the former World Trade Center destroyed in the September 11 attacks. It houses a moving memorial and offers panoramic views from its observatory.

Conclusion

New York City’s landmarks are not just architectural wonders but also repositories of its history, culture, and aspirations. Each of these ten famous landmarks mentioned above contributes to the city’s iconic status and leaves a lasting impression on those who visit. From the Statue of Liberty’s enduring symbol of freedom to the modern artistic gems at MoMA, these landmarks showcase the city’s vibrant spirit and allure, making New York an unforgettable destination for all.