There’s a reason people move to New York City. It’s a city of big dreams and even bigger skyscrapers. It’s home to some of the most famous businesses, entrepreneurs, moguls, fashionistas, athletes, artists, and entertainers. It’s the Big Apple, the City That Never Sleeps, the Capital of the World! And while NYC is known for things other than its safety or affordability, that doesn’t mean there aren’t safe New York City neighborhoods that still offer the big-city experience with affordable home prices. Check out these 25 safe, affordable New York City neighborhoods—organized by borough—and their rental and home buying prices, crime rates, and unique neighborhood features.
THE BRONX
Photo by @thebearmaiden
City Island
Home Price: $1,022 median monthly rent; $478,025 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Families, retirees
Located in Long Island Sound just off the coast of The Bronx, City Island is one of the best neighborhoods in NYC that embraces the ideals of small-town charm—even though it’s just up river from Manhattan. Once the home of a major shipyard, this Bronx neighborhood has fewer than 5,000 residents and is a favorite among families and retirees who want to live in a tight-knit community with affordable housing, good schools, humble dining and entertainment, and low crime. In other words, it’s a far cry from the busy and loud Manhattan lifestyle.
Country Club
Home Price: $933 median monthly rent; $244,659 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 73% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Though it lacks the diverse shopping and dining of other neighborhoods in The Bronx, Country Club is beloved by its local residents for its low-key suburban living and waterfront properties. Between Eastchester Bay and I-95 from Middletown Rd. to Layton Ave., this neighborhood has a good mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. With great views of Eastchester Bay, close proximity to Pelham Bay Park, and peaceful community streets, Country Club is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being within driving distance!
Morris Park
Home Price: $1,238 median monthly rent; $334,795 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
The Bronx is known for its cozy, community-focused neighborhoods, and Morris Park is no exception. It’s a great area to settle down, raise a family, or retire. The neighborhood is near the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, and Eastchester Bay and has a plethora of eateries, pizzerias, Italian restaurants, and mom-and-pop bakeries in the area, thanks to its deep Italian-American roots. And you can’t forget the famous Columbus Day Parade, which draws people from all over to this NYC neighborhood!
Throgs Neck
Home Price: $1,202 median monthly rent; $356,028 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 68% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Surrounded by Westchester Creek, the East River, and Long Island Sound, Throgs Neck, Bronx is a relaxed and friendly middle-class area. Residents—who spell it “Throggs” Neck—live in apartments, condos, single-family homes, and multifamily homes and enjoy the area’s excellent Italian restaurants, shops, and nightlife on East Tremont Ave., and water activities like fishing and boating. Throgs Neck is also home to the State University of New York Maritime College, so the area is convenient for marine and naval students who want to live close to campus.
Woodlawn Heights
Home Price: $1,274 median monthly rent; $230,318 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Tucked away from other New York neighborhoods in The Bronx between the 1,186-acre Van Cortlandt Park and the historic Woodlawn Cemetery, Woodlawn Heights (more commonly called Woodlawn) is quiet and almost completely removed from New York entirely. In fact, the area is often referred to as “Little Ireland” because of its large Irish-American population. It’s a proud heritage that’s reflected throughout the neighborhood, especially on Katonah Ave., where you’ll find four-leaf clovers all over the walls, windows, and signs of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The neighborhood offers a good variety of walk-ups, apartments, single-family homes, and multifamily homes and has quick access to I-87 and the Metro-North trains.
BROOKLYN
Photo by @brooklynpointnyc
Bath Beach
Home Price: $1,189 median monthly rent; $592,801 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
One of the historic New York City neighborhoods, Bath Beach has breathtaking views of the Lower Bay and is great for anyone who likes to take in the local sights and sounds. What was once a summer resort-like area for the wealthy is now a quiet, waterfront neighborhood with a diverse community, well-maintained rowhouses and single-family homes, and a variety of independent mom-and-pop businesses. The waterfront in particular is popular with residents who exercise and take leisurely strolls, though the beaches have been mostly paved over. Nevertheless, anyone looking to move to a family-friendly area in Brooklyn should consider Bath Beach simply for its affordable housing and excellent schools.
Bay Ridge
Home Price: $1,392 median monthly rent; $631,372 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Small town in a big city. That’s Bay Ridge in a nutshell. An affordable alternative to Manhattan, this Brooklyn neighborhood with beautiful, tree-lined sidewalks offers rowhouses and single-family homes to residents, but there are plenty of apartment complexes and a few Colonial-style and Tudor-style houses in the neighborhood, too. Like most neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Bay Ridge loves to host parades and street fairs so its residents can meet and mingle! And you’ll find all kinds of restaurants and cafes representing different cuisines from around the world, as well as amazing local bars and pubs that never feel unfriendly.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Home Price: $1,194 median monthly rent; $467,116 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 32% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Young professionals, families, retirees
Bedford-Stuyvesant (or Bed-Stuy, as locals call it) is about as Brooklyn as they come. Homes are mostly rowhouses and brownstones, though it’s not impossible to find apartments and condos. But it’s the low price tags and the practically untouched pre-1900s architecture of those rowhouses and brownstones that attracts new residents and makes Bed-Stuy one of the best neighborhoods in NYC. Despite the area being a mix of young professionals, families, immigrants, and retirees, it’s one of the tightest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. This is a community that’s truly all about community. Your neighbors have your back and encourage you to be an active member of the community—and you can’t miss out on all of the area’s block parties and street festivals!
Kensington
Home Price: $1,335 median monthly rent; $707,817 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 83% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Gorgeous Victorian-style homes and brick rowhouses are what you’ll get in Kensington, Brooklyn. This New York City neighborhood may have embraced the English district it’s named after in terms of appearance, but the area is incredibly diverse! Among its residents, you’ll find Mexican, Polish, Haitian, Ukrainian, Pakistani, and Russian immigrants, as well as amazing cuisine from all over the world and more than 20 different languages spoken throughout the area. With good food, great shopping, and several outdoor spots like Prospect Park, this is a Brooklyn neighborhood you won’t be disappointed with.
Sunset Park
Home Price: $1,237 median monthly rent; $583,673 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 60% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Brooklyn’s Sunset Park is beloved by its residents, who claim that the NYC neighborhood is almost like stepping ten decades back into the city’s past. It’s an area that hasn’t been gentrified by younger, hipper generations, so the walk-ups, condos, and single-family homes you’ll find in the area still have the old-school charm that’s been lost in other areas throughout Brooklyn. Though the neighborhood isn’t as trendy with its shopping and restaurant options, it does offer affordable housing and great views of the Upper Bay, the Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan’s skyline. And since there’s a large Asian population in Sunset Park, the neighborhood does have an awesome Chinatown (the first in Brooklyn, as a matter of fact)!
MANHATTAN
Photo by @bustyroams
East Village
Median Rent: $1,538 median monthly rent; $316,136 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 41% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
If you’re looking for a Greenwich Village-type neighborhood without the Greenwich Village price tag, East Village is for you! Along the East River between Houston St. and 14th St., this Lower Manhattan neighborhood is home to all kinds of eclectic hidden gems. Thrift shops, antique stores, cafes, restaurants, dive bars—you name it! Though it’s a fairly relaxed neighborhood during the day, New York nightlife comes alive each evening due to the area’s bar scene, so it’s probably not best for families looking to settle down in a quiet area. However, if you want a taste of New York’s Bohemian side, then East Village is perfect for you!
Harlem
Median Rent: $1,000 median monthly rent; $321,025 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 30% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles young professionals, families, retirees
Between the East River and the Hudson River from 96th St. to 155th St., you can find the historic Uptown neighborhood of Harlem (which is further divided into Central Harlem, East Harlem, and West Harlem). The area has been defined by its contributions to New York’s arts and culture scene over the years, and is great for those looking to move to one of the most affordable neighborhoods in NYC. This community-focused neighborhood is also great for those looking to lay some roots and raise a family. Spacious homes, cheap rent, and friendly neighbors is what you’ll find in this Manhattan neighborhood.
Lower East Side
Median Rent: $1,065 median monthly rent; $208,014 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Like its neighbor East Village, the Lower East Side (LES) also embraces New York’s entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Located between Houston St. and South St. from East River to Bowery, this neighborhood in Manhattan is known for being a magnet for creative types with its modern shops, contemporary art galleries, and bars and clubs focused on live music! Even though LES is getting younger and more diverse, there are plenty of longtime residents who help maintain the old-school community feel of the area while local museums preserve the area’s history.
Murray Hill
Median Rent: $2,474 median monthly rent; $650,646 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Murray Hill, Manhattan is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in NYC. Situated between the East River and 6th Ave. from 23rd St. to 42nd St., the area is also convenient for college students and professionals who want proximity to Grand Central Station and the New York Public Library. Murray Hill has a more down-to-earth residential feel compared to neighborhoods in Lower Manhattan, making it a better option for families who want the city landscape and history without the crowds and noise epitomized by nightlife.
Upper East Side
Median Rent: $1,968 median monthly rent; $916,352 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 77% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Families, retirees
Often described as a “suburb within the city,” the Upper East Side (UES) moves slower than other Manhattan neighborhoods and offers spacious yet affordable living. Between Central Park and the East River from 59th St. to 96th St., this New York neighborhood is perfect for anyone who wants a quieter area with larger homes, good schools, parks and community centers, and low crime. Though accessing NYC’s dining and entertainment isn’t as easy in Upper Manhattan, the proximity to Central Park and Museum Mile is fair trade for those in UES.
STATEN ISLAND
Photo by @_adams.world_
Annadale
Median Rent: $486 median monthly rent; $523,892 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Families, retirees
One of the safest neighborhoods in New York City, cozy Annadale is a great Staten Island neighborhood for anyone who wants to live within commuting distance of Manhattan but far enough away that it’s quiet. This New York neighborhood offers a good range of affordable living spaces: apartments, condos, single-family homes, and multifamily homes—though the homes in Southeast Annadale are considered “higher-end.” While the area doesn’t have as much to offer in terms of dining and nightlife, it does have Blue Heron Park Preserve, a city park at the heart of Annadale with ponds, wildlife, and excellent views for walkers and joggers.
Bay Terrace
Median Rent: $835 median monthly rent; $487,661 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 80% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Nestled between Great Kills and Oakwood, you’ll find Bay Terrace, Staten Island. This Staten Island neighborhood on the East Shore is small, quiet, and offers residents affordable apartments and single-family homes. Bay Terrace also has the Staten Island Railway—which leads to St. George Ferry Terminal—running through its heart, so it’s easy for college students and professionals to commute to Manhattan. What the area lacks in shopping and dining, it makes up for with proximity to Great Kills Park, which has beautiful beaches, wildlife viewing, and plenty of trails for walking, biking, and jogging.
Great Kills
Median Rent: $1,147 median monthly rent; $404,414 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for one of the safest neighborhoods in NYC to call home? With close proximity to Great Kills Park and Great Kills Harbor, an abundance of restaurants and shopping, a tight-knit community with great schools, and unique housing, the neighborhood of Great Kills is a favorite among Manhattan transplants. It’s one of those neighborhoods where people settle down and never want to leave. While the commute to Manhattan isn’t necessarily short, the train runs through the heart of the neighborhood, leading to St. George Ferry Terminal, making living in this Staten Island neighborhood easy enough for those who work in the big city.
Prince’s Bay
Median Rent: $1,213 median monthly rent; $554529 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 93% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Spacious Colonial and Tudor-style homes are the major draw of Prince’s Bay, Staten Island, though they’re not the only style of homes available to residents. With a good mix of old and new homes, people across all stages of life can find an apartment, condo, or house that fits their needs and styles. The area is also excellent for anyone who wants more greenery, as Prince’s Bay is home to Wolfe’s Pond Park and Lemon Creek Park, both of which take up the majority of the neighborhood. There’s also a station for the Staten Island Railway, which makes commuting to Manhattan from this New York neighborhood quick.
St. George
Median Rent: $1,036 median monthly rent; $328,144 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With great views of the bay and beautiful old homes on steep hills, you might think St. George, Staten Island is a little slice of San Francisco in New York. It’s no wonder why this Staten Island neighborhood is a favorite among NYC residents looking for a safe, affordable, and fun place to live outside of Manhattan. St. George is home to great schools, well-maintained public parks, and an ample selection of local restaurants and craft beer bars. And, of course, St. George has a ferry terminal that offers residents and visitors free trips back and forth between Staten Island and Manhattan, so St. George is one of the best neighborhoods in NYC for young professionals who work in the city and anyone else who wants to be close, but not too close, to the action.
QUEENS
Photo by @aerocinefilms
Astoria
Median Rent: $1,339median monthly rent; $397,118 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 54% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Space—and a lot of it—is what you’ll get if you move to Astoria, Queens! The apartments, townhouses, multi-family buildings, and luxury condos you’ll find in this popular Queens neighborhood often offer upwards of 800 square feet of living space. It’s a good bang-for-your-buck neighborhood when you’re on a budget, and commuting to Manhattan is easy! Astoria is also home to fitness-friendly and family-friendly parks, like Astoria Park, which has a great view of the East River and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (and has been featured in several movies and TV shows).
Jackson Heights
Median Rent: $1,379 median monthly rent; $394,683 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 45% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
An older neighborhood in Queens, Jackson Heights has beautiful, old exteriors and a good mix of private and co-op gardens. While there are several trains running through the neighborhood, the commute to Manhattan isn’t as fast as other areas like Astoria. However, Jackson Heights is close to LaGuardia Airport, which makes it ideal for anyone who frequently travels. And Jackson Heights, Queens is also one of the more diverse neighborhoods in the area with large populations of people who identify as Latino, South Asian, and LGBTQ. So if you’re looking one of the best places to live in NYC that is quiet, offers a welcoming community, and serves up excellent ethnic cuisine, move to Jackson Heights!
Laurelton
Median Rent: $986 median monthly rent; $388,489 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Families, retirees
You won’t find modern high-rises in Laurelton because this cozy Queens neighborhood is all about the small-town residential feel—to the point where it almost seems out of place in the New York City metro. But that’s not a bad thing! Despite having fewer homes available for rent and fewer dining and nightlife hot spots, Laurelton, Queens has some of the best home purchase prices in the borough! You can find classic Tudor-style homes with gorgeous gardens in the $300,000 to $500,000 range in this New York neighborhood. It’s the perfect place to raise a family or settle down for retirement. And though it’s a bit removed from everything else, Laurelton does have a train station with lines running through Queens to Brooklyn and Manhattan, and it’s just north of JFK Airport.
Ridgewood
Median Rent: $1,317 median monthly rent; $428,957 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Ridgewood, Queens is an affordable and roomier alternative to Brooklyn. In fact, this Queens neighborhood is just on the edge of Brooklyn, so it shares a lot of the same attributes—tree-lined streets, convenient commutes to Manhattan, and a variety of homes that appeal to young professionals, families, and retirees alike! While Ridgewood does have several shopping districts and quirky restaurants that provide plenty to do in the area, residents are close enough to other trendy neighborhoods in New York like Williamsburg that a quick trip isn’t a hassle!
Sunnyside
Median Rent: $1,466 median monthly rent; $410,644 median purchase
Crime Rate: Safer than 67% of New York City neighborhoods
Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
“Old-school” is how many residents of Sunnyside would describe this Queens neighborhood. In the 1940s, the area was popular among artists and writers who wanted to raise families outside of the city, and you can still see their influence in the area today. It’s a community-focused neighborhood in New York with residents from all different backgrounds and commercial areas filled with local bars, restaurants, and mom-and-pop shops! And if you’re looking for a home with character and outdoor space, you’ll love the pre-war apartments and rowhouses of Sunnyside, Queens which often come with with yards or private park access.
***
Moving to New York City? Extra Space Storage has several storage facilities in New York conveniently located throughout neighborhoods of The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and Staten Island! Find cheap storage near you!
Neighborhood statistics via AreaVibes.com
