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Many people have a dream of living in New York. It makes sense, given that New York is a prosperous social and business hub. However, the cost of living in New York can be relatively high. In addition, other living expenses might be very pricey in addition to rent. Because of this, life in NYC isn’t affordable for everyone.
However, NYC has several areas that are welcoming to renters. So there is undoubtedly a spot in New York City for you, even if you can’t afford a luxury home in the priciest area. Therefore, you should check out the most renter-friendly neighborhoods in NYC that we list in this article, especially if you are a first-time renter.
Renter-Friendly Neighborhoods in NYC:
Washington Heights
One of Manhattan’s last surviving hidden gems is Washington Heights. And even though there are many reasons for people to come here, they haven’t yet flocked to this area. Apartments in Washington Heights and its adjoining neighborhood Inwood are more reasonably priced and bigger than most of Manhattan’s. Additionally, it has several exciting bars, affordable eats, and fantastic restaurants.
Furthermore, in this multicultural area, there is no shortage of entertainment. The Cloisters, the Met’s medieval art museum and park, and Inwood Hill Park are also here. Washington Heights is full of spacious, open green areas and parks. It’s like living in NYC without all the downsides but with more space, greenery, and inexpensive food.
Inwood
The Hudson River, the Spuyten Duyvil Creek, and the Harlem River surround Inwood, the northernmost part of Upper Manhattan. Surprisingly enough, this peaceful neighborhood’s combination of a bustling metropolis and beautiful nature makes it unique. When you envision NYC, you don’t think of forest trails, tennis courts, playing fields, and picturesque river walks.
But if you live in Inwood, you’ll have access to everything. After all, Inwood is one of the unique neighborhoods in New York City, thanks to its famous park spaces.
At the same time, due to its affordability, Inwood is one of the most renter-friendly neighborhoods in NYC. For instance, you can expect to pay between $1500 and $2700 for a one-bedroom apartment. As a result, Inwood can leverage a lower rent cost while offering a safer, family-friendly atmosphere for its inhabitants than other NYC neighborhoods.
Lower East Side
Historical tenement buildings in the area still exist as they were formerly a hub for European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Lower East Side thrives with its excellent live music, hip clubs, exciting nightlife, and fantastic art galleries. In addition, it’s a terrific place to start exploring other New York areas because the Lower East Side is close to Chinatown, Little Italy, and Soho. A few metro stops will also get you to Brooklyn.
On the other hand, the Lower East Side is becoming more pricey, but it is still less expensive than most neighborhoods south of Midtown. For instance, expect to pay an average rent of $3200 for a one-bedroom apartment and around $2600 for a studio.
East Harlem
Renters will like East Harlem’s wide selection of housing options, which include reasonably priced walkups, townhouse flats, and brand-new buildings. This part of Manhattan has more big-box retailers than the other cheaper areas on this list. For instance, the East River Plaza is one of the biggest retail centers in the city. In addition, there is a lot of parking available inside.
In terms of entertainment, there are enough museums in the area, legendary dining options, and exciting bars and cafes. As for the housing prices, expect to pay an average rent of $2200 for a one-bedroom apartment. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
However, if you choose to move to this renter-friendly NYC neighborhood, make the relocation easier and look for moving experts in the area. After all, professionals can do it for you so that you have time to explore the area and meet your new neighbors.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bedford-Stuyvesant, commonly known as Bed-Stuy, is a neighborhood in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The Bed-Stuy area is particularly well-liked by renters, and the neighborhood’s average rent is still significantly lower than Brooklyn’s average. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment rent can be from $1800 to $2600.
Bed-Stuy has a beautiful dog park, adorable vintage boutiques, and entertainment venues. In addition, a magnificent and well-maintained historic quarter is also in the neighborhood. This area is characteristic of Brooklyn, with its rowhouses, brownstones, and long-term inhabitants. In addition, it is incredibly tight-knit, which might be challenging to find in other parts of New York City. Everybody attends several community activities and celebrations, and your neighbor will probably invite you over the first week you move in.
Park Slope
The Park Slope neighborhood is fantastic for families because of its top-notch public and private schools, safety, magnificent green areas, and walkways that are welcoming to pedestrians. Furthermore, Manhattan is only around 30 minutes from the area, so that you can use its facilities easily.
However, this neighborhood’s distinct small-town feel is one of the things that locals adore about it. You’ll have quick access to charming cafés, farmer’s markets, and delightful eateries. As a tenant in Park Slope, you can also go for a morning run or a weekend picnic with your family in Prospect Park. Moreover, the rent here is around $2800, so it is understandable why Park Slope is one of the most renter-friendly neighborhoods in NYC.
Chinatown
There are many undiscovered places and landmarks in Chinatown’s little streets. And although there isn’t a lot of new development in the area, many of the buildings have been updated. With much cheaper rents, the area is easily accessible compared to Manhattan’s downtown areas, like Soho, Tribeca, Nolita, and the Lower East Side. Additionally, you’ll be in a neighborhood known for its excellent cuisine, with restaurants that have been around for more than a century.
Conclusion
There are lots of renter-friendly neighborhoods in NYC that you can explore. However, the ones we listed are some of the most interesting. So be sure to check them out and pick your favorite. We are confident that you will find the perfect neighborhood for your requirements among them.
