Thinking about living in New York City? The Big Apple offers great job opportunities, plenty of green space, incredible restaurants, exciting nightlife, and more. Here are the top five places to rent a home in NYC!
| Neighborhood | Astoria, Queens | Harlem, Manhattan | Lower East Side, Manhattan | Park Slope, Brooklyn | Washington Heights, Manhattan |
| Median Monthly Rent | $2,002 | $2,112 | $2,244 | $3,708 | $2,500 |
| Safer than % of New York City Neighborhoods | 43% | 13% | 15% | 65% | 50% |
| Renter Occupied Home Rate | 85.6% | 81.9% | 74.7% | 58.1% | 78.0% |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.9% | 5.3% | 3.6% | 4.4% | 7.6% |
Astoria, Queens
- Home Price: $2,002 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 43% of New York City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 85.6%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Along with being one of the best NYC neighborhoods for singles and young professionals, the neighborhood of Astoria in Queens a great option for NY renters of any age because of its safety, affordability, and vibrant culture. The New York borough of Queens is a welcoming community—people from all over the world call it home—and Astoria reflects this diversity in its large immigrant population and global food scene. New York’s Astoria also gives families access to top public and private primary schools like The Baccalaureate School for Global Education, Our World Neighborhood Charter School, Q300, The School of Performing Arts & STEAM (P.S. 234), and more. Plus, if you have a job in Manhattan, you can easily get around via the N train and W train.
Things to Do in Astoria
View the famous Hell Gate Bridge and the East River waterfront, swim in the city’s largest and oldest pool, play basketball, or walk your dog at Astoria Park. Watch your favorite movies and shows on 70mm or with Dolby Atmos, and see exhibits like The Jim Henson Exhibition, Anime’s Ascendant Decade, or 3D Rarities at the Museum of the Moving Image. Visit “the first museum in the United States to be established, designed, and installed by a living artist to show their own work” at The Noguchi Museum, featuring works by Isamu Noguchi. Attend performances from local choreographers, performers, and artists in residency at Astoria’s Green Space—or book studio space for your own rehearsals and events. Start your day with the Seoul Meets Bagel, Bagel with Nova Scotia Lox & Cream Cheese, or Bulgogi Omelette at Between the Bagel NY. Get authentic Greek food like Tzatziki, Tirokeftedes, and Stuffed Halloumi from Loukoumi Astoria, one of the best Astoria, NY, restaurants. Enjoy a taste of the ocean with fresh Egyptian seafood like Seafood Pasta, Bronzini, and Grilled Black Tiger Shrimp at AbuQir SeaFood. Or try Nepali and Filipino fusion dishes like Momos, Ramro Noodles, and Cheese Ice Cream at Ramro, where you can also sign up for the six-course Chef’s Counter Tasting.
Harlem, Manhattan
- Home Price: $2,112 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 13% of New York City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 81.9%
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
Harlem, Manhattan is a historic NYC neighborhood complete with the classic brownstone buildings you’d expect in New York City. As the home of the Harlem Renaissance, this renter-friendly NYC neighborhood is known for its massive influence on literature, music, and culture. The area is also home to multiple top schools, including Harlem Prep Elementary School, Success Academy Charter School – Harlem 4, and The High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College. If you’re interested in higher education, you can earn your degree at Harlem colleges like The City College of New York (CCNY), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, or nearby Columbia University. And if you commute to work in the Financial District or Midtown, you have easy access thanks to multiple Harlem subway stations.
Things to Do in Harlem
Hear the original sounds of jazz in its birthplace and learn about Black artists and their music at the Apollo Theater. Further your jazz knowledge through exhibits, live performances, and in-person workshops like Skid-Dat-De-Dat, Changes in Society, and Jazz Hands at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Observe and admire the work of contemporary African descent artists like Tom Lloyd, Carrie Mae Weems, or Allison Janae Hamilton at Studio Museum in Harlem. Sign up for community fitness classes, use the media lab, swim in the outdoor pool, or play some basketball at the Jackie Robinson Recreation Center. Listen to live jazz while you enjoy a slice of NYC pizza like the MVP, Arthur Ave, or Meatball & Burrata at Lucille’s. Get a taste of West Africa, France, and the Mediterranean through dishes like Poisson Yassa, Poulet Yassa, or Stuffed Flounder Alla Papilotte at Ponty Bistro. Dig into soul food dishes like Sylvia’s Smothered Chicken, Grilled Atlantic Bar-B-Que Salmon, or Tasty Carolina Style Fried Catfish at a 60-year-old soul food restaurant, Sylvia’s in Harlem. Or pair a signature or seasonal cocktail with house-ground burgers like Peanut Butter, Wake N Bake, or Jive Turkey at the simple but satisfying Harlem Public.
Lower East Side, Manhattan
- Home Price: $2,244 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 15% of New York City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 74.7%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
The Lower East Side (LES) is an exciting and affordable NYC neighborhood—and a top option for renting in NYC! LES also has some of the best entertainment, dining, and nightlife the city has to offer, making it a great place for singles and young professionals. In this Downtown Manhattan neighborhood, you can explore the many art galleries, live music venues, and second-hand stores, but you can also enjoy the outdoors at various parks and piers! Plus, when it comes to renting in the Lower East Side, you can choose from a mix of high-rise condos and pre-war walkups near top schools like New Explorations into Science, Technology & Math School and Bard High School Early College Manhattan. It’s also a breeze to get around the city, thanks to subway stations serving the B, D, J, M, Z, and F trains!
Things to Do in Lower East Side
Join a pickup game of basketball or enjoy a waterfront bike ride at John V. Lindsay East River Park—or head over to Pier 35 to take in riverfront views while relaxing on the giant swings. Wander through Essex Market to shop for food and other goods from local vendors, including Luna Brothers Fruit Plaza, Luis Meat Market, Essex Olive & Spice, and Catalyst Records. See rotating exhibits at the New Museum of Contemporary Art, Manhattan’s only dedicated contemporary art museum—or learn about early immigrant history in New York City at the Tenement Museum. Take a stroll or ride your bike across the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Enjoy Japanese snacks like the Matcha Crack Pie, drink a hot espresso, and play with cats at Koneko. Pick up some Corned Beef, Turkey, or Pastrami from the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen, one of the most famous delis in NYC. Stop for lunch and order the Fried Chicken Sandwich, B.E.L.T., or Crispy Potato Pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company. Or head to Saturday Happy Hour and try the Jackalope Spritz, Oysters, and Belly Tots at Bar Belly NYC.
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Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Home Price: $3,708 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of New York City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 58.1%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Park Slope is a Brooklyn neighborhood with a slightly more upscale feel, but it still offers great affordability and safety—perfect for families living in New York. Here, you’ll find spacious, tree-lined sidewalks and a mix of classic Brooklyn brownstones and newly built high-rise apartments. You also have access to amazing outdoor spaces at nearby Prospect Park, which has a lake, zoo, plenty of walking trails, and more. Plus, Park Slope is home to Brooklyn’s own 5th Avenue, where you can find tons of trendy shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. There’s no shortage of amazing schools in the neighborhood either, with options like Park Slope Elementary School (P.S. 282), Millennium Brooklyn High School, and The Berkeley Carroll School!
Things to Do in Park Slope
Play on the playground, go skateboarding, and see the historic Old Stone House at Washington Park. Cheer on the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) or New York Liberty (WNBA) as they take the court at Barclays Center. Bring the kids to see marionette theater productions of classic stories like Pinocchio and Hansel & Gretel at Puppet Works—or get tickets with friends to catch a comedy show at Union Hall, which has featured comedians like Joel Kim Booster, Rachel Feinstein, and Ramy Youssef. Shop for trendy secondhand finds, or sell some of your old pieces at Beacon’s Closet. Get your morning started with an Iced Vietnamese Coffee, Brown Sugar Matcha Latte, or Thai Iced Tea at Brew Memories. Try a Spicy Mango Salmon Wrap, Kale-Quinoa Salad, The Park Slope Sandwich, and other fresh eats from South Slope Eatery. Order a delicious Italian meal like the Roasted Heirloom Tomato & Red Pepper Soup, Toto Grass-Fed Panini Burger, or Eggplant Parmigiana at Bar Toto. Go wine tasting at Brookvin and take home a bottle of your new favorite white or red.
Washington Heights, Manhattan
- Home Price: $2,500 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of New York City neighborhoods
- Renter-Occupied Homes: 78.0%
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With a diverse community and relatively affordable rent, Washington Heights is a great urban neighborhood in Manhattan to call home. Located in the northernmost area of the borough, Washington Heights has been coined “Little Dominican Republic,” and there are tons of spots where you can experience the culture! In this lively neighborhood, you can settle down in one of the neighborhood’s co-ops, waterfront properties, or industrial-style lofts. You’ll also be able to take in the great views of the Hudson River and have access to plenty of parks and outdoor spots—including the largest dog run in Manhattan, Sir William’s Dog Run. And if you’re commuting into Downtown Manhattan or one of the other NYC boroughs, you can hop on the A or C subway train.
Things to Do in Washington Heights
Join Sunset Yoga, play basketball, cool off in the splash pads, or visit The Met Cloisters Museum and learn about medieval Europe at Fort Tryon Park. See Hispanic art like ceramics, sculptures, architecture, and more at the Hispanic Society Museum & Library. Pick up local goods like Mexican herbs, ripe orchard fruit, and fresh pastries at the Fort Washington Greenmarket—or support a local business by shopping for your next read at Word Up Community Bookshop. See concerts from big music acts like Mumford & Sons, Lady A, and John Legend at United Palace. Wake up with breakfast or brunch items like the Savory Dutch Baby, Summer Vegetable Shakshuka, or B-L-A-T Sandwich at Dutch Baby Bakery—and don’t forget to get some baked goods to go! Fill up on an Overlook Burger, Cheese Fries, and a Nutella Milkshake at Burger Heights. Try Spanish-inspired dishes like Churrasquitos En Salsa Espanola, Pulpo A La Vinagreta, or Paella Valenciana at Manolo Tapas. Or enjoy Ethiopian cuisine like Kik Alicha Wot, Awaze Tibs, or Key Minchet Abish at Addey Ababa.
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
City statistics from AreaVibes
