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Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in New York?
Guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in New York City for digital nomads, students, or travelers in general.
The Big Apple has a truly unique energy, and that becomes clear when you think about the best neighborhoods to stay in New York. With more than 8 million residents and an unmatched blend of cultures, languages, and lifestyles, the city stands out as a fascinating destination for those looking to settle in for a while or even make it their permanent home.
Whether you are coming to study, work remotely, or simply soak up its dynamic energy, there will always be a New York neighborhood that fits your lifestyle. Today, we will tell you about them.
Discover the best neighborhoods in New York to live in, whether you are looking for an ideal setting for digital nomads, students, or simply want to make the most of your experience in the city that never sleeps.
What are the five best neighborhoods in New York City?
Before diving into the best neighborhoods to live in New York, it helps to briefly explain how this great city is organized, especially since it is one of the largest cities in the world.
If you have read our article on where to stay in New York for an extended period, you already know the city is divided into five major boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each one feels almost like a city of its own, with distinct lifestyles, housing costs, services, and communities.
Within each borough, neighborhoods are what truly set the tone. Some stand out for their calm atmosphere and green spaces, others for their nightlife and cultural scene, and there are also those known for their international communities or their proximity to universities and coworking hubs.
The public transportation network, especially the subway, makes it easy to get around between boroughs, even though the daily living experience in each one is very different. Below, we take a look at the neighborhoods that stand out as the best places to live in New York thanks to their quality of life, services, and overall vibe.
1- Upper West Side (Manhattan)
The Upper West Side is one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods and is often seen as the area that best balances residential living with easy access to the heart of the city. Located between Central Park and the Hudson River, it is known for its tree lined streets, classic style buildings, and its safe, calm atmosphere.
The Upper West Side offers the best of both worlds: close to cultural landmarks like the Natural History Museum and Lincoln Center, while also providing top-notch supermarkets, banks, hospitals, and schools. Everything you need for daily life is right there, without having to venture into other neighborhoods or boroughs. On top of that, its multiple subway lines make it easy to get downtown or travel to other parts of the city quickly.
Life in the Upper West Side offers a perfect mix of cultural energy and a cozy, livable atmosphere, making it a great choice for families or professionals who appreciate a top-notch urban lifestyle.
2- Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
Thanks to its creativity and energy, Williamsburg has become one of New York’s standout neighborhoods. Its streets are filled with art galleries, trendy cafés, music studios, and coworking spaces that draw digital nomads and artists from around the world, making it perfect for anyone looking for a youthful, multicultural, and ever-changing vibe.
Although it’s part of Brooklyn, Williamsburg’s short commute to Manhattan makes it very convenient. With its vibrant nightlife, great restaurants, and all the essential services like supermarkets, schools, and healthcare, it is an ideal neighborhood for anyone wanting a modern, dynamic lifestyle while still having everything they need close by.
3- Astoria (Queens)
Astoria is one of New York’s most diverse and welcoming neighborhoods. Located in Queens, it is known for its multicultural atmosphere, home to Greek, Latin, and many other communities. This rich mix is reflected in its food scene, with ethnic restaurants and local markets adding flavor and character to everyday life.
Astoria is also more affordable than many neighborhoods in Manhattan or Brooklyn, making it a great choice for students and young professionals on a tighter budget. This is no small detail, especially considering that New York is one of the most expensive cities in the United States.
With easy access to downtown via the N and W subway lines, getting around is simple, and spots like Astoria Park provide riverside green spaces to escape the city’s hustle. All in all, Astoria strikes an appealing balance between safety, quality amenities, and an international vibe that makes newcomers feel welcome.
4- Riverdale (Bronx)
Riverdale, in the Bronx, stands out as another top neighborhood in New York, mainly because it offers a peaceful oasis within the city. This residential area has a lower population density, quiet streets, and plenty of green spaces like Van Cortlandt Park, making it easy to enjoy cleaner air and a more relaxed pace of life.
At the same time, Riverdale is known for its prestigious private schools, making it a popular choice for families. In terms of connectivity, the Metro-North train station gets you to Manhattan in just 20 minutes, offering the perfect blend of suburban calm and easy access to the city center.
Riverdale offers everything you need for daily life, from healthcare and grocery stores to local shops, all within a safe and welcoming community. For anyone looking for a calmer lifestyle while staying close to the heart of the Big Apple, it’s a perfect choice.
5- St. George (Staten Island)
St. George, in Staten Island, is one of the most appealing areas of the borough thanks to its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the convenience of the free ferry, which reaches the southern tip of the island in just 25 minutes.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or Brooklyn, St. George has a more relaxed, residential feel with a lower cost of living. It’s a multicultural neighborhood where families and young professionals enjoy a quieter lifestyle with access to beaches, parks, and open spaces. With schools, local supermarkets, and medical centers like Staten Island University Hospital, it offers a practical and comfortable place to call home.
St. George’s clean streets, low pollution, and overall calm make it an ideal choice for those who value a safe, natural environment while still being close to Manhattan.
What are the best neighborhoods in New York for digital nomads?
New York is one of the world’s top hubs for remote work. The city offers first-class digital infrastructure, with a wide network of coworking spaces and cafés suited for laptop-based work, as well as coliving options that encourage a sense of community.
For digital nomads, picking the right neighborhood means finding a place where productivity and quality of life go hand in hand. In other words, it should have reliable internet, a safe environment, efficient transportation, and an international vibe that makes networking easy.
Within the five boroughs, some areas stand out for their energy, convenience, and services tailored to this lifestyle. Here’s a look at the best neighborhoods in New York for digital nomads to settle in.
1- Williamsburg (Brooklyn)
If any neighborhood embodies the digital nomad lifestyle in New York, it’s Williamsburg. Its creative vibe, packed with galleries, studios, and coworking spaces, makes it a magnet for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Places like WeWork Williamsburg and Green Desk provide flexible office spaces with a lively community, while cafés such as Devoción or Butler are ideal for long hours of laptop work. For those looking for shared experiences, coliving options like Common Williamsburg make it easy to connect with a network of young international professionals.
Daily life is vibrant here: during the day, it is productive, and at night, the cultural and culinary offerings keep it active.
2- DUMBO (Brooklyn)
Located right by the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of the city’s most picturesque and trendy neighborhoods.
For digital nomads, DUMBO offers an ideal setup: a mix of tech offices, coworking spaces like Spaces DUMBO, and cafés with stunning skyline views such as Front Coffeehouse. With plenty of lofts turned into studios and coliving options, it’s a vibrant and professional neighborhood that’s perfect for those looking to be in the heart of the action.
Digital connectivity is excellent, and the proximity to Manhattan adds convenience for those who need to attend meetings downtown.
3- East Village (Manhattan)
The East Village has an alternative vibe that draws digital nomads looking for something authentic. The neighborhood is packed with independent cafés like Think Coffee and Everyman Espresso, offering strong WiFi and a setting where working feels just as natural as socializing.
The coworking options here are diverse, ranging from boutique spaces like The Farm SoHo East to larger setups. At the same time, coliving spaces like Outpost Club make it easy to connect with communities of creatives and entrepreneurs.
The neighborhood has a young, multicultural, and lively atmosphere, with nightlife and cultural activities that perfectly balance long days of remote work.
4- Astoria (Queens)
For those seeking a balance between affordable costs and a good quality of life, Astoria is an excellent alternative.
This multicultural neighborhood features coworking spots like The Brass Factory and Spaces Queens Plaza, complemented by relaxed cafés such as Kinship Coffee and Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters. Coliving options have also expanded, with Outpost Club providing spaces ideal for those staying for shorter periods.
Its close proximity to downtown Manhattan via the N and W subway lines makes it a convenient base, while Astoria Park offers a refreshing green space along the East River.
5- Bushwick (Brooklyn)
In recent years, Bushwick has evolved into an artistic and alternative hub that draws digital nomads from around the world. Its old industrial warehouses now house coworking spaces like Brooklyn Desks and Bat Haus, prized for their collaborative atmosphere.
Cafés with WiFi are everywhere, from Sey Coffee to Variety Coffee Roasters, all with a laid-back, hipster vibe. Coliving options like Outpost Bushwick also provide shared spaces designed for young creatives.
While it keeps a more casual, urban feel, its lively energy and relatively lower prices compared to Williamsburg make it a highly sought-after neighborhood.
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What are the best neighborhoods in New York for students?
New York is one of the world’s leading university cities. It’s home to prestigious institutions like New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Fordham University, and The New School, which draw thousands of international students each year.
Proximity to campus, housing costs, a youthful atmosphere, and available study spaces are key factors when choosing where to live. With that in mind, we believe the following are the best neighborhoods in New York for international students:
1- Greenwich Village (Manhattan)
Greenwich Village is Manhattan’s student hub and the main home of New York University (NYU). Its streets, lined with cafés, bookstores, and cozy restaurants, create the perfect setting for those looking to balance academics with a vibrant social life.
Cafés like Think Coffee and Caffe Reggio are great for studying with a coffee in hand, while places like Bobst Library offer quiet, modern spaces for focused work. Plus, the neighborhood’s central location means you’re just steps from multiple subway lines that make getting around the city easy.
It is a safe, lively neighborhood with great social ties between local and international students.
2- Morningside Heights (Manhattan)
Morningside Heights is home to Columbia University and the Barnard College campus, giving the neighborhood a distinctly academic vibe. With university bookstores, student housing, and cafés where intellectual life meets the city’s energy, it’s a hub for students. Spots like Joe Coffee and the Hungarian Pastry Shop have become popular gathering places for the campus community.
Access to green spaces like Riverside Park provides a welcome break from the demands of student life. The area is safe, offers a range of student housing options, and its multicultural atmosphere makes it easy to feel part of the university community.
3- Fordham – Belmont (Bronx)
In the Bronx, the Fordham neighborhood is a hub for student life, centered around Fordham University. Compared to Manhattan, rent tends to be more reasonable, making it an attractive option for students who want affordability without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
The neighborhood offers supermarkets, pharmacies, and the iconic Bronx Zoo just nearby. For off-campus studying, cafés like Prince Coffee House provide strong WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere.
Although the Bronx has a mixed reputation for safety, the Fordham neighborhood feels more secure, largely due to the university community in the area.
What is the best neighborhood to live in New York?
Picking a single “best” neighborhood in New York is no easy task, as each borough offers a very different experience. Greenwich Village buzzes with NYU’s student energy, Williamsburg shines with its creative community and coworking spots, and Riverdale brings a suburban calm to the city. Still, if we had to choose one area that balances quality of life, convenience, and an international vibe, the Upper West Side would come out on top.
This Manhattan neighborhood combines the city’s best features: leafy residential streets, easy access to Central Park, world-class museums, and excellent transport links that make getting around New York effortless. It has a safe, multicultural, and welcoming vibe, with strong healthcare and education options, while still offering an active cultural scene without the chaos of busier areas in Manhattan.
All in all, the Upper West Side stands out as the most well-rounded neighborhood to live in New York, whether you’re a student, a digital nomad, or a professional seeking new opportunities in the city that never sleeps.
Frequently asked questions about the best neighborhoods in New York City
For first-time arrivals, the Upper West Side is often the top choice. It offers safety, easy access to Central Park, reliable transportation, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a neighborhood that lets you adjust to the pace of New York without getting overwhelmed by the downtown hustle.
For NYU students, Greenwich Village is the best choice, putting you right in the center of campus life. Those attending Columbia University will find Morningside Heights ideal, offering a safe, scholarly environment with student housing close by.
Digital nomads tend to gravitate toward Williamsburg and Bushwick in Brooklyn, as well as the East Village in Manhattan. These neighborhoods offer plenty of coworking spaces, cafés with reliable WiFi, modern coliving options, and a multicultural atmosphere that makes it easy to connect with creative communities.
Neighborhoods like Astoria in Queens and Fordham Belmont in the Bronx are known for being more affordable than Manhattan or Brooklyn. Rent tends to be lower, and everyday services are readily available, making them a popular option for students and newcomers.
The Upper East Side is known as the city’s most upscale neighborhood. It’s home to luxury residences, Fifth Avenue boutiques, and close access to museums like the MET. Safety is excellent, though the cost of living is among the highest in New York.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
