“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do…”
Ahh, New York. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. The Center of the Universe. And… Home sweet home? New York is a dream for people from all over the world looking to connect with art, culture, and to make it big in business. This amazing multicultural city has something for everyone, with a variety of neighborhoods to suit virtually every lifestyle.
If you’re dreaming of your move to NYC, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the options. Where do you even begin? We’ll share our list of the best New York neighborhoods to live in 2021 to help you narrow down your search.
Washington Heights
Starting our list is Washington Heights, located in upper Manhattan. This neighborhood is also affectionately known as the “Little Dominican Republic”, as it has a large Dominican population. There’s also a large immigrant population from around Latin America, creating a vibrant and diverse atmosphere – and offering some delicious eateries!
You’ll find a nice community vibe here, which can be a welcome reprieve from the busyness and anonymity of the big city. With 67 acres of walking paths, you don’t have to go far for a nice stroll through the neighborhood. There are stunning views of the Hudson River, including from the High Bridge, a pedestrian-only thoroughfare connecting Washington Heights with the Bronx.
This neighborhood inspired the Broadway musical-turned-film In the Heights, so check it out if you’re looking for more inspiration.
Tribeca
With an eclectic mix of industrial charm and simple sophistication, Tribeca is a spacious and chic neighborhood. Living here you’ll have all of the perks of NYC living, without all of the noise. Enjoy late but peaceful nights and beautiful strolls along the Hudson River.
Tribeca offers a variety of living spaces downtown. You’ll find renovated lofts and luxury buildings, and you’re likely to spot some of your favorite celebrities on your morning walk to your favorite cafe. Its elegance is understated with a thriving artist community. The area is well-known for its architecture, mixing restored factories-cum-living spaces and modern high-rise buildings.
Located on the west side of Manhattan, you’ll be able to show your guests an impressive view of the NYC skyline from across the river. The nightlife caters to a slightly older and perhaps more sophisticated crowd, and the neighborhood is known for its dining scene. The many wine bars and restaurants are open late, meaning you can dine well into the night in a cozy setting. If you feel like living downtown without the suffocation of the bustling city, you’ll find it in spacious Tribeca.
Murray Hill
A more affordable option, Murray Hill is popular amongst college students and recent grads. Not only is rent more manageable than surrounding neighborhoods, but there are also affordable food options. If you’re a fan of Indian food, you may pick up its affectionate nickname Little India.
With modern high rises and classic brownstones, you can have your choice of home styles. The quieter streets mix well with the work-hard-play-hard mentality, and you’ll find vibrant nightlife here if that’s your thing. You’re in close proximity to Grand Central Station and have a nice walk along the East River for those times when you feel like using your feet.
If you want easy access to Midtown with affordable prices, a lively social scene, and delicious brunch options, Murray Hill has it all.
Chelsea
This vibrant, industrial-style neighborhood is on the west side of Lower Manhattan. Chelsey is a more upscale area of town and is known as one of the best places to live in NYC. Once upon a time, it was a popular immigrant neighborhood full of warehouses. Now, it is home to art galleries and a thriving LGBTQ+ community.
Chelsey feels a bit more industrial than other New York City neighborhoods, with old brick tenement buildings transformed into quaint walk-ups. There are also new high-rise apartment buildings if a modern feel is more your style.
You’ll find a large sports and entertainment complex along the Hudson River. With a driving range, synthetic fields for a variety of sports, an ice rink, a skate park, a batting cage, bowling lanes, there are plenty of ways to keep active. The cost of living is rising here, so be prepared for a higher sticker value if you look for a home in Chelsea.
Hudson Yards
Located above Chelsea, Hudson Yards is one of NYC’s newest, swankiest neighborhoods. A formerly desolate area the neighborhood has seen the rapid addition of commercial and residential skyscrapers. In fact, it was only a few years ago – in 2019 – that the first phase of Hudson Yards came to the scene.
Perhaps you’ve seen the new NYC landmark dubbed Vessel. It rises 16 stories and was designed by a British architect as a beautiful centerpiece attracting locals and tourists alike. And it’s located in Hudson Yards.
The area has also become the new destination in NYC for dining options. Foodies can rejoice with a variety of polished restaurants opened by some of the world’s top chefs. There’s also a center for performing arts, a string of luxury retail shops, and an up-and-coming commercial center. With a brand new station – 34th St Hudson Yards – home will be easily accessible from anywhere in the city that you may wander to. Though, you might not need to with all Hudson Yards has to offer.
Battery Park City
Dreaming of a swanky high rise with a view of the Hudson River? Look no further than Battery Park City. This quiet neighborhood is within walking distance of Wall Street but has all of the charms of a small-town vibe. Residents of Battery Park City often feel like they’re living in the suburbs, with all of the convenience of big-city variety.
Life in Battery Park is relatively quiet on weekends, with residents tending toward an active, athletic lifestyle. There isn’t a train station here, and the walk to the financial district is about a quarter of a mile. Battery Park City has everything you need, though, with grocery stores, parks, restaurants, cinemas, and cafes throughout.
When you’re ready to plan your move to New York City, we can help you get started. With Unpakt’s online tool you can get quotes from trusted, reliable movers in a matter of moments.
