Known as the biggest city in the United States, New York is home to world-famous monuments, amazing restaurants, culture, and architecture. It is one of those places in the world where almost everyone dreams of visiting. With over 8.4 million residents, New York is one of the most populated cities in the United States. Over 800 languages are spoken in the city, and 36% of its residents were born in foreign countries. The city's vibrant and cosmopolitan culture makes it one of the most desirable destinations for expats in the US to settle in.
However, like any other big city, New York has its own setbacks. Finding accommodation in New York, for instance, can sometimes be a hassle, especially when you are on a restricted budget.
More general information can be found in the article: Accommodation in the United States.
Types of accommodation in New York
New York has the highest cost of living in the United States. According to ECA International's latest “Cost of Living'' research, it has now overtaken Hong Kong as the most expensive city in the world!
This means that most people living in New York live in small apartments, studios, or with roommates.
Accommodation prices and types also depend on where you live in New York. For instance, Manhattan's 57th Street has some of the most expensive real estate in the world. And, if you are looking to stay in New York's renowned areas like Greenwich, SoHo, or Tribeca, it would be wise to look into having roommates — as rent here is sky-high.
The further away you move from central New York, the lower the prices and the bigger the apartments will get. This is why it is important to look into the different neighborhoods of New York before arriving so that you have a good sense of which properties and locations fall within your price range.
Where to live in New York: Neighbourhoods and boroughs
Deciding where to settle in New York can be tricky. There are lots of factors to consider — and you should definitely do some research in advance.
You have probably heard of the city's popular areas like Tribeca or the Upper East Side. However, the fact that these areas are popular doesn't mean that they would be the best neighborhoods for expats to settle in. In fact, you may find much better options if you dig deeper into the boroughs.
As you explore New York's neighborhoods, remember that most New Yorkers typically commute to work within their borough. Thus, if your office is located in, for example, Queens, you may want to look for rental options in this specific neighborhood.
Another important thing to consider is the cost of rent. No matter which neighborhood you choose to settle in, you will probably spend from 30% to 50% of your salary on rent, but in some neighborhoods, like Manhattan, you can end up spending as much as 65% of your income on housing. Because of this, most landlords will insist on seeing proof that you have sufficient funds to pay rent — in some cases, it is required that your gross annual income is 40 times the amount of your monthly rent.
Boroughs and neighborhoods in New York
New York comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the most densely populated borough in New York and is home to over 1.63 million people. This small island (23 square miles) is also filled with some of the most-visited New York attractions — including Times Square and Wall Street.
Manhattan has great public schools, easy commutes, beautiful parks (including the world-famous Central Park), and truly remarkable architecture. The area also boasts exciting nightlife, from theatres to gourmet restaurants, clubs, bars, shows, and more.
With that, all of these amenities come at a price. The cost of renting in Manhattan is several times more expensive than rent in an average US city. The average rent for a studio in Manhattan is about $4,100 per month.
If you are interested in settling in Manhattan, consider the following neighborhoods:
- Upper West Side: This is a family-oriented neighborhood close to Central Park and with many amenities within walking distance. There are many museums here, good schools and shopping meccas like Bloomingdale. Prices are eye-wateringly high here – about $4,700 a month;
- Inwood: If you are looking for the peacefulness and safety of the suburbs — within 30 minutes from all the action of the city center, take a look at Inwood. One of the biggest benefits of living in Inwood is the greenery. Here, you will find Isham Park and Inwood Hill Park — and Fort Tryon Park is also within walking distance. Another important benefit is the pricing. By New York standards, rent in Inwood is really inexpensive, and you might snatch up a two-bedroom place for a bit over $2,500;
- Roosevelt Island: This is a relatively small community of around 14,000 people sitting right in the middle of the East River. This neighborhood is best suited for young couples and professionals looking for some peace and quiet while being close to the city. This area is very well-connected — especially to Queens and Manhattan. The average rent here is around $3,600.
Brooklyn
Even if you've never set foot in New York, you've probably heard of Brooklyn. Today, it's the most populated New York borough, with over 2.5 million residents. Brooklyn is a borough with a unique culture and feel known for its hipsters and creative scene. In general, living here is significantly cheaper than living in Manhattan.
Brooklyn is well-connected to other boroughs. It is bordered by a lot of water: the East River, the Upper and Lower New York Bays, and the Atlantic Ocean. There are lots of ferries connecting Brooklyn to other areas of New York — and the famous Brooklyn Bridge is just one of the ways to get to Manhattan. The average rent in Brooklyn is around $3,250 a month.
Here are some of the most exciting neighborhoods in this borough:
- Red Hook: This is the perfect neighborhood for young professionals looking for inexpensive (by New York standards, of course) rent. Once an industrial area, it is now home to artsy establishments and boutiques — with more prominent shopping malls and department stores also taking up the area. The average rent in Red Hook is about $3,000. Plus, there are lots of options for shared housing that can help you save on rent further;
- Clinton Hill: If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere outside of Manhattan, Clinton Hill is a good option. It's a quiet neighborhood with a peaceful community spirit. Plus, it has a vivid cultural thing. The area is home to Brooklyn's musical hotspots (like Howard Gilman Opera House), small eateries, upscale dining, and lots more. The average rent in Clinton Hill is $3,200 per month;
- Prospect Heights: This is a family-friendly neighborhood with a small population and a low crime rate. To rent here, you will need about 3,000. The area is well-connected, and a 30-minute walk will take you right to downtown Brooklyn.
Bronx
The Bronx is a borough with a complicated history that includes many redevelopments and renovations. Today, there is still a lot of work that remains to be done here — but it doesn't prevent the Bronx from being a popular residential area. It is mainly favored by young professionals escaping Manhattan's high rent. With that, the Bronx also has nice residential options for families. One of the biggest benefits of settling in the Bronx is the area's diversity. The borough is home to over 1.4 million people and has a large Latino population. There are lots of different languages spoken in the Bronx, from Spanish and French to Igbo and Yoruba.
- Bedford Park: This is a very cozy neighborhood with a quick commute to Manhattan. This is a popular destination for families to settle, and it's known for its close-knit community, Queen Anne houses, and quiet tree-lined streets. The rent is surprisingly inexpensive here — starting out at about $2,100;
- Morris Park: This is another interesting option. Traditionally, Morris Park is an Italian neighborhood, and this is reflected in the restaurant scene: you might just have the best pizza in the city right here. However, it's not just about the food. Morris Park has lots of good schools and very low crime rates. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment here for around $2,300.
Queens
Just like the Bronx, Queens is a very diverse neighborhood. Here, you can hear people speak over 160 different languages and sample cuisines from all over the world. If you want to commute from Queens to Manhattan, you will need about an hour — this is why most people who live in Queens work here, too. The average rent in Queens for an apartment is close to $2,800 a month.
- Astoria is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in this borough. It is well-known for its rich history and its wonderful dining selection — with Greek food being a favorite specialty. One of the best things about Astoria is that it's the closest neighborhood to Manhattan – and it will only take you about 30 minutes to make the trip;
- Jamaica Estates is the neighborhood to consider if you want more space and privacy. Here, you will find a lot of Tudor-style homes with large yards, which makes it a great option for families. It is a safe and affordable neighborhood, with the average rent for a one-bedroom place starting at over $2,000;
- Long Island City is an emerging neighborhood in Queens boasting a busy nightlife, hip restaurants, innovative art galleries, and more. The area boasts sweeping views of Manhattan and is mostly covered in high-rises.
Staten Island
Staten Island is the least populated borough in New York — and many locals may not consider it part of “real New York”. If you choose to live in Staten Island, you may be missing out on New York's special vibe. On the other hand, you may be able to afford to rent a house with a backyard and escape New York's miniature apartment curse.
To get from Staten Island to the city, you can take the ferry or the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Taking the ferry is free and comes with some picturesque views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The ferry takes just 25 minutes, but driving on the bridge does make for a longer commute.
Rent prices on Staten Island range from $1,200 to $2,000 for a studio and up to $3,000 for a two-bedroom place.
- West Brighton is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Staten Island. It is located on the north shore and has a relaxed suburban feel, beautiful views, and a low crime rate. While the neighborhood is primarily quiet, you will find a bustling commercial strip on Forest Avenue with some of the best Italian restaurants in New York. The average rent in this area is around $1,400;
- St. George is the gateway to Staten Island, as this is where the ferry docks. It is the closest point to Manhattan and the island's most developed neighborhood, complete with many dining options and a vibrant nightlife. Rent here costs, on average, $1,300.
Rent prices in New York
As you can see from above, rent prices in New York can vary dramatically depending on the boroughs and even the neighborhoods within the boroughs.
Because of the high rent prices, living with roommates is quite common in New York. This can not only help manage high rent but also split housework and other responsibilities — and keep each other company in the big city.
If you don't have to have roommates or are moving to New York with family, consider looking beyond Manhattan and exploring neighborhoods in Brooklyn or Queens.
Rent and conditions in New York
Don't be surprised if the owner of an apartment you may be interested in requires you to sign a one-year agreement. This is a common practice in a city like New York. If you ever decide to leave the apartment before the lease agreement ends, you may need to find someone willing to take up your place. In New York, owners tend to be quite understanding and will do their best to find an arrangement that works for both you and them.
In the Big Apple City, rental agreements generally include both electricity and water bills, but this is not necessarily a given. Also, as car ownership is not very common, parking lots are rarely included in all the fees. Whatever the case, make sure to attentively read the terms and conditions of the agreement before signing it.
Furniture in New York accommodation
Most apartments are fully furnished and equipped with electric appliances like ovens and refrigerators. Apartments also come with an integrated heating system. In comparison, air conditioning is rarely included, so you may have to purchase your own if you ever need one. Lifts, doormen, and common laundry rooms are seldom part of the deal and are considered a luxury in New York, although some places may come with a shared laundry section.
It is common for people to do their laundry at the nearby laundromat, as older apartments usually do not come with a washing machine. More modern places may be more kitted out with more up-to-date appliances. All of this information should be contained in the rental or leasing advertisement and can be clarified with the agent.
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