New York City is made up of 5 distinct boroughs, each complete with their own unique history, character and atmosphere. Though New York first became a city in 1653, the 5 boroughs of NYC were only established in 1898, when the counties of Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island joined Manhattan to become the modern city of New York.
Where to live in NYC?
Deciding where to live in NYC can be a challenge if you aren’t familiar with the unique qualities of each of these boroughs. As a seasoned NYC moving company that’s gotten to know each and every city block, we’ve compiled a guide to help you better understand the individual features of each of NYC’s iconic 5 boroughs.
What is a borough?
An NYC borough refers to the governmental divisions that comprise the city. In NYC, there are 5 boroughs, each corresponding to its own individual county within the state of New York.
What are the 5 boroughs of New York City?
BROOKLYN: THE MOST POPULAR BOROUGH
Brooklyn is the most populated borough of NYC and often considered to be the most desirable. Depending on where you go in Brooklyn, you can find a neighborhood suited to your lifestyle, whether that be hanging out in industrial lofts and edgy music venues or strolling around historic brownstones, large parks, and charming cafes. In general, Brooklyn offers a more laid-back atmosphere with a greater sense of peace and quiet than Manhattan.
Who is best suited to live in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn is home to a diverse range of neighborhoods that can cater to different lifestyles. In some parts of Brooklyn like Dumbo or Williamsburg, you can find tall, modern apartment buildings designed for young professionals, while in other areas like Ditmas Park and Manhattan Beach, you will find single-family homes that are reminiscent of suburbia.
In the past few decades, Brooklyn has become a cultural center for art, music, culinary artistry and nightlife. Due to this transformation, Brooklyn is often thought of as the hub for young artists and creatives. Many young people start their NYC journey in Brooklyn, living near their peers in neighborhoods like Bushwick, Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights.
And, due to the calmer nature of the borough, wider sidewalks and historic architecture, Brooklyn is also seen as the best place for families, young professionals and those who prefer a bit of outdoor space.
What are the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn?
As a Brooklyn based-moving company, we’re experts on the borough. If you’re just moving to Brooklyn, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn: Williamsburg, Dumbo, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Ditmas Park, Greenpoint, Crown Heights.
How much does it cost to live in Brooklyn?
In the past, Brooklyn was considered a cheaper alternative to Manhattan living. However, in recent years, average monthly rents in Brooklyn occasionally surpass those in Manhattan. At present, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn is $3753, a whopping 60% higher than it was 3 years ago. Due to the rapid growth in rent prices, it can be more economically feasible to live in Brooklyn with 2-3 roommates.
MANHATTAN: THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED BOROUGH
Manhattan is the borough most synonymous with NYC. As the most densely populated borough of the 5, Manhattan is vibrant, a little hectic and full of around-the-clock energy. With rows of historic skyscrapers, excellent restaurants, acclaimed theater venues and world renowned museums, there is a never-ending list of things you can do in Manhattan.
Who is best suited to live in Manhattan?
Not every New Yorker wishes to live in Manhattan due to the busy pace of life and high cost of living. But, life in Manhattan can be an incredibly rewarding experience that is full of constant interactions, unparalleled people watching, and once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities. Life in Manhattan is perfect for people who love new experiences and thrive off of fast-paced energy.
Manhattan is also home to an excellent network of public schools and globally recognized universities like Columbia and NYU, such that Manhattan can be the ideal borough for families with school-aged children, and university students.
Prior to 2020, Manhattan was the ideal borough for those who wanted to live close to the office. However, due to Covid-19, and the advent of remote work, many of the office buildings now remain empty and many of their employees have chosen to live elsewhere.
How much does it cost to live in Manhattan?
Manhattan is considered to be the most expensive borough in NYC, with average rents of $4233 for a 1-bedroom. However, there are more affordable areas like Inwood, at the very tip of Manhattan. In Inwood, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is only around $2400. Inwood is a quieter, leafier neighborhood that can be a great escape for the chaos of lower Manhattan.
What are the best neighborhoods in Manhattan?
As a NYC based-moving company with over a decade of moving experience, we’re quite familiar with the streets of Manhattan. If you’re just moving to Manhattan, we’d suggest looking at the following neighborhoods: Upper East Side, Upper West Side, West Village, East Village, Chelsea Tribeca , Inwood.
QUEENS: THE LARGEST BOROUGH IN NYC
At the eastern tip of Brooklyn, across the Queensboro bridge, you’ll find the dynamic borough of Queens. With over 800 distinct languages spoken, Queens is the largest and most diverse borough of NYC. Famous for its beautiful beaches, delicious cuisines, and sports stadiums, Queens is typically seen as a more affordable place to live in NYC.
Who is best suited to live in Queens?
From Greek, Indian, Mexican and Caribbean ethnic enclaves to the hipster energy of Ridgewood to the historic Tudor mansions of Forest Hills, Queens has a bit of something for everyone. Typically, Queens is recommended as a great place for families who need extra bedrooms, students on a tight budget and those who may need to commute to Manhattan for work. With modern residential developments in areas like Astoria and Long Island City, Queens has also become a destination for young professionals that rivals Brooklyn.
How much does it cost to live in Queens?
Queens is a far more affordable borough than Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Queens, it is possible to rent a 1-bedroom apartment for around $2971 per month. The affordable nature of Queens can make this borough a perfect place for starting life in NYC, or for starting a family.
What are the best neighborhoods in Queens?
As NYC moving professionals, we’d suggest looking at the following neighborhoods, if you’re just moving to Queens: Astoria, Long Island City, Forest Hills, Flushing, Elmhurst, Ridgewood, Jackson Heights.
THE BRONX: THE BOROUGH THAT GAVE US HIP-HOP
The Bronx is an exciting and lively borough that is known as the birthplace of hip-hop. The Bronx offers a mix of urban living and suburban charm with beautiful parks and lots of recreational activities for families like the Bronx Zoo, The New York Botanical Garden and Yankee Stadium. The Bronx is also considered an affordable alternative to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Who is best suited to live in the Bronx?
Depending on your budget and phase of life, there is a neighborhood in the Bronx that can be suited for your lifestyle. For example, families may choose to live in single family homes in Riverdale or Spuyten Duyvil, while younger people may flock to the South Bronx, for a more energetic landscape with easy access to Manhattan.
How much does it cost to live in the Bronx?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the Bronx is $2400, which makes it a more affordable borough compared to Manhattan, Brooklyn and even Queens. Of course, the cost of living can depend on the neighborhood, however, there are plenty of areas in the Bronx where you can strike a deal.
What are the best neighborhoods in the Bronx?
The Bronx is home to many wonderful and charming neighborhoods, here are a few to look into if you’re considering to move to the Bronx: Riverdale, Parkchester, Pelham Bay, Morris Park, Fordham, South Bronx.
STATEN ISLAND: THE GREENEST BOROUGH
Staten Island is often thought of as a city of its own, or rather a suburb in the backyard of a city. In fact, 59% of Staten Island is made up of green spaces, making it the greenest borough of NYC. Due to the reduced public transit available between Staten Island and the other boroughs, Staten Island is a more confined borough with a more suburban style of living. There is only one metro line that goes through Staten Island and one ferry line connecting the borough to Manhattan.
Who is best suited to live in Staten Island?
In Staten Island, most people live in single family or split-level homes on tree-lined streets in neighborhoods that resemble suburbia, while some live in modern apartment buildings on the waterfront. Though there are walkable neighborhoods like Huguenot and St. George, due to the lack of public transportation, a car is typically required to live comfortably in Staten Island which can make it unappealing to certain city folk.
However, there are a lot of benefits to living in Staten Island. The leafy borough is home to excellent public schools, beautiful parks, hiking trails and historical sites, and is often considered the best borough for families, those who want to get more bang for their buck, and those who need extra space.
How much does it cost to live in Staten Island?
Staten Island is by far the cheapest borough when it comes to rent. In Staten Island, you can rent a 1-bedroom apartment for just $1645 per month.
What are the best neighborhoods in Staten Island?
Moving to Staten Island offers a blend of nature, suburban charm and sea views. Here are a few neighborhoods where you can experience the best Staten Island has to offer: Richmond, St. George, Livingston, Annadale, Great Kills, New Dorp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why move with JP Urban Moving?
At JP Urban Moving, we give personalized attention to your move and oversee all the necessary details for your job with excellent service and care. Our team takes the time to get to know your needs and provide you with a customized quote for the most cost-effective, efficient, and stress-free moving experience. Our contactless moves take remote move management to a whole new level. We have fully stocked & GPS-equipped trucks and offer $5M COI coverage. Whether you’re moving to a new home or office, moving into storage, or moving in or out of NYC, our team is here to help.
How far in advance should I contact you to book my move?
While we are sometimes available for last-minute requests and can handle any size jobs, we get booked very quickly. It’s better to contact us as early as possible, especially to book for prime moving dates like the end of the month, beginning of the month, or the 15th. Prime moving dates are often booked 3 – 4 weeks in advance.
Ready to move to any of NYC’s 5 boroughs?
Trust your move to JP Urban Moving, a 5-star rated moving company based in NYC. Contact us for a free estimate and to see our availability. We also offer various moving deals and discounts for new and loyal clients.
