NYC Neighborhoods that are Worth the Extra Cost

If you’re moving to New York and you’ve started to ask yourself where to live in Manhattan, then you have a huge decision to make. Figuring out which neighborhood you should call home is a tedious but necessary task. NYC is typically referred to as a series of small towns, each with its unique personality, making it near impossible to make a smart decision. With more than 50 to choose from in Manhattan alone, you have quite a bit of homework to do. Consider these five neighborhoods below because they are the best places to live in Manhattan - depending on your lifestyle, budget, and interests.

Upper West Side

You will not find a more picturesque neighborhood in Manhattan. Not only does the UWS offer an abundance of public green space - Central Park and Riverside Park flank the nabe, but you’ll encounter tree-lined blocks of brownstones. The subway runs along Broadway, also the center of the neighborhood, as well as Central Park West. For a one-bed apartment in the West 70s and 80s, budget at least $2,500 for a walk-up.

Lenox Hill on the Upper East

This pocket of the Upper East Side promises uptown life at its finest. Regal pre-war apartment buildings line Park and Fifth Avenues, also two of the most expensive blocks of real estate in New York City. Madison Avenue is well-known for its selection of chichi shops, and the brands match the residents of Park and Fifth. While the western half of the neighborhood is close to Central Park and leans wealthy, the eastern side of Lexington does offer some affordable housing options, as well as more down-to-earth feel. Expect to pay at least $5,000 for a luxury one-bedroom apartment near Central Park.

Washington Heights

New Manhattan residents shouldn’t discount Washington Heights, a soulful and lovely neighborhood in Upper Manhattan that’s minutes to Midtown by way of the A train. Not only will you rent more space for more money, but the apartment stock consists mostly of sprawling pre-war flats, many with nice Beaux-Arts details. Brimming with Hispanic flavor due to its large Dominican population, Washington Heights boasts a good number of Latin restaurants. For those who like to escape the city for Upstate, you’ll be that much closer when hitting the road for weekends away. Washington Heights is one of Manhattan’s cheapest places to live - there’s a stock of apartments that fall under the $2000-per-month price tag.

Battery Park City

This 92-acre planned community sits among lush paintings and comes with fabulous vistas of the Hudson River. Though its spacious setting is far removed from most Manhattan attractions, Battery Park is a favorite choice among families because it ranks among the safest neighborhoods in New York City. It hasn’t been known as a destination for shopping and dining, but that’s changing. Expect to pay at least $3,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Battery Park City, but many are “no fee”, meaning they skip the dreaded broker's fee.

Gramercy Park

It’s Manhattans only private park, but the neighborhood that surrounds the key-only parcel bears the same name. It’s widely recognized as a posh area but also one of the island’s prettiest pockets. It could be one of the city’s most convenient addresses as Gramercy Park lies within a quick walk of Chelsea, the East Village, NoHo, Union Square, and NoMad. That means two public parks are within a quick walk away. Expect to pay in a range of $2,500 for a small, walk-up one-bedroom, and more than $4,000 for a more spacious flat in a doorman building close to the park.