Are you a recent graduate seeking a new place to call home? Then it’s likely that New York City is beckoning you. Thankfully, there are literally hundreds of distinct neighborhoods in the Big Apple for you to select from. But it might take a little longer than a New York minute to go through them all. Below is a list of the top eight NYC neighborhoods that young professionals are most interested in. in addition to a couple runner-ups. Along with some advice and things to think about before moving.
Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Williamsburg has to be among the most well-liked neighborhoods in the known cosmos at this time. Not just with hipsters, either. The formerly industrial mini-city is still a thriving center for upcoming musicians, designers, artists, technicians, business owners, and individuals from various backgrounds. Every day, proponents of all colored collars gather here. Brooklyn mainstays like McCarren Park, Smorgasburg, the Brooklyn Brewery, and Brooklyn Flea are located here. And lots of secondhand clothes, artisanal food, and craft beer. Innumerable trendy shops, vintage boutiques, and picturesque rooftop retreats are also present. Not to mention some of the hippest indie music venues, cafes, pubs, and coffee shops in the nation. It is simply unheard of for a young, professional New Yorker to leave the L train at the notorious Bedford Av stop.
Bushwick
What some Brooklynites used to refer to as the “next Williamsburg” is located directly southeast of Williamsburg. Used to since the idea of what’s coolest in Brooklyn neighborhoods is subject to rapid shift. Still, Bushwick has a lot going for him. Its gridded 2.34 square miles are lined with historic brownstones, converted warehouses, and stunning street art. paired with an abundance of top-notch restaurants, pubs, stores, galleries, and nightlife. To mention a few, there are the peculiar DWEEBS, the notorious Roberta’s Pizza, Tortilleria Los Hermanos, and the House of Yes. Once a center for Latinos and Hispanics, the population is now very varied. And there’s a great feeling of community. Every day, tens of thousands of youth from around the nation (and beyond) reside, work, and play in Bushwick. As a result, the nightlife is also anything but boring.
Greenpoint
Greenpoint is located along the East River, to the north of Williamsburg. Once a center for Polish Americans, Greenpoint is now home to a diverse mix of modern New Yorkers, including young professionals, hipsters, and other subcultures, as well as traditional New Yorkers. As a result, hip cafes, tattoo parlors, craft beer bars, and fashionable restaurants mix with charming Polish stores and eateries. In addition, there are numerous music venues, nightclubs, and art places. Visit Word Book to leaf through a book. At Feng Swey, pick up a plant for your new home or a surprise gift for your new Brooklyn neighbor. Visit the Greenpoint Terminal Market to engage in some waterfront artisanal shopping. See a good B-movie at Noir Cinema. Or simply head to Karczma for a few sausages and spend the weekend barhopping.
Astoria (Queens)
Astoria is a traditionally Greek colony located further north. This riverfront NYC location is great for families as well as young professionals, and it has been growing recently. It has a distinct vibe all its own yet offers many of the same things to do as its Brooklyn cousins mentioned above. At Elias Corner, savor Mediterranean cuisine. Stop by Bohemian Hall to taste some Czech beer. Visit the Museum of the Moving Image to learn more about B-films and other films. Or simply unwind in Astoria Park’s lush surroundings to escape it all.
Upper East Side (Manhattan)
We next head over to Manhattan, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city. To begin with, the singular Central Park serves as the front yard for the UES’s towering skyscrapers and charming brownstones. The best shopping, dining, and wining on the planet can be found in this neighborhood. in addition to world-class artwork at the Met and Guggenheim. In addition to numerous more well regarded entertainment and cultural venues. Visit Comic Strip Live to see where Jerry Seinfeld first made his name. At Hex and Co., enjoy a game of Monopoly and a round of beer.Alternatively, take a picnic, jog, or stroll alongside the Conservatory Water.The general atmosphere of the UES differs greatly from that of hipster Brooklyn and Queens. Additionally, the rent can be scary. All the same, this upscale location has been a favorite among young professionals for many years.
Hell s Kitchen
Furthermore, Manhattan’s notorious Hell’s Kitchen lies along the Hudson River to the west of Times Square. The now-past history of Hell’s Kitchen is fairly gritty, much like Times Square (thus the moniker). But these days, the neighborhood is a thriving, varied, eclectic center for art, culture, and a wide range of food and beverages. It’s becoming more and more well-liked within the LGBTQ+ community and has some of the liveliest entertainment and nightlife in the city. Enjoy some jazz at the iconic Birdland. At the even more historic Rudy’s Bar and Grill, receive a complimentary hotdog with your beer. Alternatively, enjoy the views at Hudson River Park.Young professionals who want to be in the center of the city all the time can find enough to enjoy at Hell’s Kitchen.
Murray Hill
Murray Hill is located precisely one and a half blocks east of the Empire State Building. All the benefits of big-city living are available to families, young professionals, and recent graduates in this central neighborhood. It is, nevertheless, in some ways less busy and touristy than its Midtown neighbors, despite its proximity. However, there’s never a dull moment because to its innumerable world-class cultural establishments, restaurants, and pubs. This place is home to several iconic NYC spots, including the Ginger Man, Mososan Ramen & Sake, and the 2nd Ave Deli. So are Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. Grand Central is about two minutes away. As is the East River, which boasts breathtaking views and a fantastic running promenade. Murray Hill is a particularly wonderful area to call home if you intend to work in Midtown.
Lower East Side
Finally, a little further south is the renowned LES, which is the epitome of what it means to be in New York City. Millions of residents and tourists enjoy many a wonderful night (and frequently early morning) because to the abundance of dive bars, clubs, and music venues. There are literally hundreds of different cuisines to try around every turn. Including some of the nation’s best Asian cuisine. It’s also brimming with culture, art, and history. Among the most well-known are the Tenement Museum, the New Museum, and the Anthology Film Archive. Located directly beneath the Williamsburg Bridge, the LES is tucked away to the north of East Broadway (the street, not the avenue). This implies that everything in NYC is also conveniently close by. including Wall Street and the financial district, two of the most well-known historical daytime haunts of young, professional New Yorkers.
The Runners Up
Other NYC neighborhoods that have traditionally attracted a growing number of young people are:.
What Makes a Neighborhood Great for Young Professionals
Every one of the five NYC boroughs, with more than 250 neighborhoods to select from, has something special to offer young professionals. encompassing the Bronx and Staten Island. Certain more isolated communities, for instance, have a more suburban, carefree, small-town atmosphere. Some, however, are the epitome of the concrete jungle. In comparison to other areas, some are more gentrified.Thus, there are significant differences in crime rates and general safety in different areas of the city. And so forth. However, keep the following points in mind in general:
Proximity to Job Opportunities and Business Districts
If you are a remote worker, this is usually not a significant issue. Otherwise, there are more work prospects in neighborhoods that are more central and populated. Consequently, areas such as TriBeCa, Murray Hill, and Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan are among the best places to work. As do Astoria and Flushing in Queen, Williamsburg and DUMBO in Brooklyn, and so on.
Vibrant Social and Nightlife Scene
There’s never a shortage of things to do in the city that never sleeps. We have nine whole Chinatowns, for instance. In addition, there are about 24,000 pubs and restaurants, 1,500 art galleries, and 150 museums. However, having more options also usually means being closer to the epicenter. And once more, central Manhattan and northwest Brooklyn serve as the epicenter in this instance.
Access to Transportation and Commute Options
It’s no secret that you can get by without a car in NYC. You can get anywhere at any time using the buses, subway lines, and ferries that make up our extensive public transit system. But the Big Apple is, well, the Big Apple. Thus, getting from one borough to another or even inside one could take hours. Examine that map, then. Moreover, keep in mind that New Yorkers are notorious walkers. In addition, about 10% of us ride bikes.
Affordable Housing Options for Young Professionals
The value of real estate in New York City is skyrocketing. For example, it costs more to live comfortably in Manhattan than it does practically anyplace else in the world. Therefore, almost half of us live with roommates, whether we are in lofts, brownstones, condos, or high-rises. As of 2023, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $4,000. The most reasonably priced boroughs are Staten Island and the Bronx. In the meantime, the aforementioned price will probably increase in Williamsburg or Murray Hill.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood as a Young Professional:
Tip 1: Know Your Wants
Every kind of lifestyle is easily accommodated in New York City. However, there are so many possibilities that it can be daunting. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have a general idea of what you want. in terms of employment and leisure.
Tip 2: Budget Wisely
The world’s capital has the highest cost of living in the entire nation. So create some spreadsheets, read up on the subject, and have a strategy. To live comfortably here, you’ll need to have savings of at least $80,000 each year.
Tip 3: Shop Around, First-Hand
Any wants of a young professional will be satisfied in NYC. But there are just no words to adequately describe the real NYC experience. So how might one locate the ideal neighborhood? Explore the streets, parks, bars, restaurants, markets, stores, galleries, and other places in New York City to experience their allure for yourself.