Where to Live in NYC: Comparing the Five Boroughs
Each of the five boroughs of New York City has a unique flavor, as most New Yorkers will attest. They will also argue to no end that their resident borough is the best one. Without starting an argument, let us say that they all have their strengths and weaknesses.
If you are thinking of moving to NYC or to another borough within the city, then you will need to choose which borough is right for you. Below, we will discuss each of the five boroughs of New York City and the pros and cons of relocating to each one.
If you are looking into local moving, hopefully article this will help you decide which part of NYC is right for you.
Moving to Manhattan
Moving to Manhattan
Population (2020 est.): 1,694,251
Manhattan is the most famous and recognizable New York City borough. It contains the most desirable addresses in the city. Tourists and new residents naturally flock to Manhattan because of its location and popularity.
This is not, however the first borough of choice for native New Yorkers. Manhattan comes with an extremely high cost of living that most people simply cannot afford. The tourists also turn native New Yorkers away from the city’s most famous area.
There are some benefits to living in Manhattan if you can afford it. Your daily commute will be shorter because it is where most of the office buildings in NYC are located. Also, in a recent survey conducted by homes.com, Manhattan was voted “the friendliest of the five boroughs.”
Moving to Brooklyn
Population: (2020 est.) 2,736,074
Jay Z’s hometown has undergone an interesting shift in recent years. Increasing gentrification of the area has led the place—once viewed as an affordable alternative to Manhattan—to become one of the most expensive places to live in the US. However, if you can find a place in your price range, Brooklyn has a lot of evidence to back up its reputation as the “cool” borough. Food and art is flourishing, and there are plenty of museums, parks, and other attractions to make moving to Brooklyn a great choice.
Brooklyn was once the fastest growing borough in New York City because of lower rents and the relocation of business headquarters there. But quickly rents caught up to demand and Brooklyn gentrification made it the most expensive place to live in the U.S.!
However, if you can find an apartment in your price range, Brooklyn is one of the great boroughs of New York City. Culture, food, art, and commerce are flourishing there. It is just difficult to find anything affordable. But, if you can pull it off, Brooklyn is a great choice when relocating to New York.
Moving to Queens
Population: (2020 est.) 2,405,464
If you want to experience the “true” New York, then locals suggest that you move to Queens. The largest of the five boroughs, Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world: 48 percent of its residents (as of 2020) were foreign born. There is literally something for everyone in Queens.
There is also a wide range of housing options available in Queens, NY. From suburban neighborhoods to high rises, there is something for every price range here. Because of its size and popularity, it has also become one of the most expensive places to live in America. But, the cost of living here is still on par with the rest of New York City, so it is still a great option for moving to NYC.
The commute from Queens can be long and arduous, so keep that in mind when making your relocation plans.
Moving to Staten Island
Population: (2020 est.) 495,747
Staten Island is the place to move if you want to live in New York City without feeling like you are living in New York City. This borough is more like a suburb with more space and family-centric neighborhoods, unlike in the other areas of the city.
The difficulty with moving to Staten Island is, if you work in Manhattan or Brooklyn, the commute is long. But if you have a family and do not mind taking a little extra time to get to work in the morning, then moving to Staten Island might be perfect for you.
Moving to The Bronx
Population: (2020 est.) 1,472,654
The Bronx has experienced a revival since the 1990’s. Once the most maligned part of New York City, today the Bronx is thriving more than ever before. Affordable housing initiatives have attracted new residents and the area’s character is getting a refresh because of it.
According to a survey by homes.com, The Bronx is still the least popular of the five boroughs, but new investments in both tech and real estate in the city have improved the area. Moving to the Bronx is better than it ever has been in history, so you should seriously consider it.
To conclude:
Long distance move to New York City for the first time, or relocating to a new borough, might seem like a daunting task at first. But with the right guide, your move will be a breeze. First you need to decide which borough you would like to move to using the information above. Then, you need to hire NYC Movers with the experience necessary to pull off a successful move to New York. Roadway Moving has conducted thousands of moves within New York City. We will take care of everything! Request a free quote today.
