Many will agree that finding a place to stay in New York is somewhat difficult. One of the first things you need to do when apartment hunting is get the lay of the land. New York City comprises five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough has its unique charm, cultural diversity, and lifestyle. To help you in your home search, here's an insight into some of the most popular boroughs in New York.
Manhattan
Manhattan, the most popular borough in New York, is home to iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. It is divided into several areas, including Upper Manhattan, Midtown, and Lower Manhattan, each with its own character and appeal. Despite being a safe place overall, specific neighborhoods like East Harlem have high crime rates, making them less desirable for residents. Manhattan's real estate is also among the most expensive in the city, with average rents for a studio apartment around $3,500 as of August 2023.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn, the largest borough by population, is known for its hipsters, vibrant art scene, trendy nightlife, and diverse neighborhoods. However, areas like Brownsville and East New York are considered dangerous due to high crime rates. Despite this, Brooklyn's popularity has led to increasing rental prices, sometimes even surpassing those in Manhattan.
Queens
Queens, the largest borough by size, offers a mix of cultural experiences and attractions. It is home to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, several museums, and a lively nightlife scene. Despite its growing popularity, Queens still offers relatively affordable rents compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The Bronx
Recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop, the Bronx offers a different perspective of the Big Apple with its open green spaces, historical structures, and cultural diversity. However, it is also known for having the highest crime rate among the boroughs, with areas like Hunts Point and Fordham being particularly risky.
Staten Island
Staten Island, often overlooked by tourists, is known for its green spaces and slower pace of life. It offers affordable rents and is home to attractions like the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. However, its distance from Manhattan and underdeveloped public transport system makes it less desirable for those working in the city center. If you live on Staten Island, owning a car is probably necessary.
Safety and rental prices
Regarding safety, it's important to note that crime rates vary drastically across different neighborhoods in New York City. As of 2023, neighborhoods like Hunts Point, Brownsville, Mott Haven, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Midtown, East Harlem, Fordham, Highbridge, Bushwick, and Tremont are considered the most dangerous.
Regarding rental prices, they have been on the rise despite a loss in population during the Covid-19 pandemic. Average rents in Manhattan are up 30% compared to 2019, with the average monthly rent in July reaching a record $5,588. This trend is reflected across other boroughs as well, making New York City one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.
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