Best NYC Neighborhoods to Live in 2021

Finding that best NYC neighborhood in 2021 may seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. Once you consider the time you need to spend in commute, the amenities that suit your lifestyle and let’s not forget the fact that rental prices are skyrocketing, finding the perfect NYC area to live in really becomes a challenge. But hey, you’re not alone! Many people are facing the same challenge as you are, and be sure you’ll get there eventually. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape from Manhattan or prefer an upscale busy neighborhood, New York certainly has just what you need – it’s just about finding the perfect spot. Sometimes, it takes time, but it’s all worth it once you find your new NYC neighborhood.

To help you get some ideas and hopefully find your new home in one of the five boroughs, we’ve created this list of best NYC neighborhoods to live in 2021. Use our selection to discover some of the best areas in NYC and figure out which one fits your personality.

List of the best NYC neighborhoods to live in 2021

The Upper West Side

The first neighborhood on our list is bordered by Central Park on one side and Riverside Park on the other. The reason it’s high on the list is that it’s one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in the entire city. This location makes a great choice if you’re moving with a family, just make sure to check if you can afford rent here because it’s not exactly the cheapest neighborhood in the city.

Lower East Side

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with lots of history and buildings representing this fact, then the Lower East Side may be a good fit. You’ll find awesome nightlife – if that’s your cup of tea, but if not, that’s fine as well because this vibrant neighborhood offers other ways to have fun, such as art galleries, stylish bars, art galleries, live music venues, etc. You can also check out other neighborhoods from here, for example, Brooklyn is just a few subway stops away from the Lower East Side.

Greenwich Village

This NYC neighborhood proudly holds its many LGBTQ+ highlights, including the Stonewall Inn. If you’re not sure where Greenwich Village is, it’s where the worldwide famous apartment in “Friend’s” was. Joke aside, this neighborhood is located on the west side of Lower Manhattan and its heart is Washington Square Park. You’ll find no shortage of things to do here, as there’s always something fun going on, regardless of your idea of fun – whether it’s nightlife or a chess game, it’s all proudly accepted in Greenwich Village.

Astoria

For those of you who just moved to NYC or those looking for an affordable area to live in 2021, you may want to check out Astoria. Located in Queens, this neighborhood is growing in popularity because of lower rentals, which is definitely something worth noting when you’re moving around NYC. As expected from an affordable NYC neighborhood, you’ll get a mix of nationalities followed by cuisines to prove the multiple origins – you’ll be able to taste flavors from Greece, as well as from Italy, Ireland, Baltic, Brazil, Egypt, etc.

St. George

If you need to commute daily to Manhattan, but you hate the idea of using a subway, then St. George may be the best neighborhood for you. In case you find it more convenient to get to downtown by ferry, check this area out. While there are many pros about moving here, such as amazing restaurants, options for spending time outdoors and getting almost anywhere by walking, there’s also a downside to it. Yes, you guessed right, it’s the cost. Rental prices are a bit pricey, so research well before deciding whether this is an ideal neighborhood for you.

Battery Park City

One of our favorite NYC neighborhoods combines two seemingly impossible things together – it’s cozy and quiet while being just a walk away from Wall Street. If you’re longing for the small-town vibe but you still want to be super close to happenings, make sure to check out Battery Park City. If your idea of a perfect neighborhood includes high-class high rises with a view of the Hudson River, look no further!

West Village

For people looking for a relaxed vibe, the West Village may be a good fit. You’ll easily feel at home if you’re a fan of European style – cobblestones will take care of it. The low-key atmosphere doesn’t mean you won’t find entertainment, quite the opposite – jazz clubs, piano bars, restaurants, and of course, shopping, is all around this laid-back NYC part.

Washington Heights

Another neighborhood that gives you a view of the Hudson River but has a whole different vibe compared to Battery Park City is Washington Heights. Perhaps you know it by its nickname “Little Dominican Republic” because of its predominantly Dominican population. Plenty of outdoor spaces, fabulous cuisine, reasonable rents, and a strong sense of community may be just what you’re looking for.

Jackson Heights

The last neighborhood on our list gives you a touch of global culture, even more than New York already does. This is due to the many nations and languages you’ll encounter daily – more than 150 languages are spoken in Jackson Heights. This melting pot offers reasonable rents and makes a perfect choice if you’re a fan of different cultures and foreign flavors. Besides, this inclusive neighborhood has decent public schools as well as several parks, so it’s worth checking out.

Hopefully, our list of best NYC neighborhoods to live in 2021 helps you find your new home. While you’re at it, you’ll also need an ally to conduct your relocation. Dumbo Moving and Storage NYC may be just the perfect choice. We’re only a phone call away and we’ll be more than happy to assist with your New York move – residential or office move. Whichever neighborhood you choose to live in, we’ve got you! Reach out to chat about your relocation and receive free moving quotes. No matter how big your relocation is or how many boxes you have, Dumbo moving is here to offer you both packing and unpacking service.