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If you’re wondering which is the best area to stay in Manhattan, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From trendy neighborhoods like SoHo and Greenwich Village to family-friendly sections of Manhattan like the Upper West Side, there’s a perfect neighborhood for everyone.
Are you thinking of moving to Manhattan but not sure where to start? With so many neighborhoods to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
This guide will help you find the best neighborhood in Manhattan that fits all your needs.
Best Neighborhoods in Manhattan:
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Upper West Side
The Upper West Side (UWS) is a residential and sprawling artistic neighborhood located between Riverside Park and Central Park. It is known for its beautiful brownstones, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Central Park.
UWS is also one of the city’s cultural hubs with a reputation for attracting artists, filmmakers, and writers. Tour renowned cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, or the New York City Ballet.
This neighborhood is also one of Manhattan’s greenest areas, with stunning views of Central Park and Riverside Park. The Sheep Meadow, Strawberry Fields, and Great Lawn in Central Park are a sight to see for beautiful spring blooms.
The Upper West Side offers a variety of dining and shopping options—with a lively bar scene and relaxed bistros—excellent public schools and easy access to public transportation. Brunch at Jacob’s Pickles, then catch a show at Beacon Theatre.
Tribeca
Tribeca (Triangle Below Canal) is a trendy and upscale neighborhood in Lower Manhattan. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, historic warehouses, and the Tribeca Festival.
The neighborhood offers luxury living, lively entertainment, and unbeatable amenities in a quiet environment away from the bustle of the city. If you can afford it, Tribeca is one of the best neighborhoods for hangouts, hip parties, and the coolest joints.
Besides the luxurious vibe, Tribeca is conveniently located with stunning views of the Hudson River and proximity to the One World Observatory. Take a walk down Canal Street, play miniature golf at Pier 25 at the Hudson River Park, or tour One World Trade Center for panoramic 360° views of New York City.
If you’d love living in a loft in the same neighborhood with celebrities, Tribeca is worth every penny—as long as you can finance your lifestyle.
Financial District
Bustling during the day and calm at night, the Financial District (FiDi) is both a residential neighborhood and a financial hub. It is located at the southern tip of Manhattan and is home to Wall Street.
FiDi is known for glassy skyscrapers, endless money, and cobbled streets along beautiful waterfront views. Its location at the East River and Hudson River confluence makes it feel like an urban oasis. It borders Tribeca, Chinatown, and Two Bridges.
Young professionals love it here because of plenty of job and career opportunities. Besides Wall Street, the neighborhood is home to major financial institutions like the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the New York Stock Exchange, and major banks.
It’s also home to historic buildings and attractions. Explore The Battery, a waterfront park with spectacular harbor views, take a photo with the Charging Bull, visit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, and take a walk and enjoy the best views of Manhattan at the Brooklyn Bridge.
Greenwich Village
Located west of Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village is known for its charming cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and bohemian atmosphere. It’s an artsy neighborhood with cultural institutes, art studios and galleries, and off-Broadway theaters.
You’ll find live music bars, jazz cafes, and many fun events here. This neighborhood is also one of the friendliest for the LGBTQ+ community—the Stonewall Inn gay bar. The neighborhood is also home to some of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions, including Washington Square Park and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Greenwich Village offers plenty of dining and nightlife options, cultural attractions, and a vibrant arts scene. Visit The High Line, a park built on an abandoned elevated railway, the spectacular Washington Square Park, and experience interactive optical illusions at the Museum of Illusions.
Greenwich Village is perfect for intellectuals, artists, and people who love a vibrant cultural scene.
SoHo
A trendy and upscale neighborhood known for its high-end shopping, designer boutiques, and art galleries. SoHo (South of Houston Street) is a popular destination for fashionistas and art enthusiasts. If you love shopping and clothing stores, you’ll love this place.
It’s also the place to visit trendy art galleries, including the Sperone Westwater and the David Zwirner Gallery. When you’ve had your daily dose of shopping, enjoy a meal at various dining options in the neighborhood. Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine at Café Altro Paradiso and tacos at La Esquina.
At sundown, SoHo’s vibrant nightlife comes to life. From VIP nightclubs to cigar bars, SoHo is a buzzing late-night scene in Manhattan. Go bar-hopping at the best clubs and music venues, such as the eco-themed Greenhouse, Comedy Cellar, and Madame X.
Grab a bite at Dominique Ansel Bakery, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Museum of Ice Cream, and get covered in slime at the Sloomoo Institute.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a neighborhood in Manhattan that offers a great balance of residential and commercial options. It’s known for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and nightlife options.
One must-see destination is Chelsea Market, a food lover’s paradise with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. The neighborhood is filled with trendy shops and delicious eateries, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy an urban lifestyle.
Another great attraction in Chelsea is the High Line. It’s a great place to take a stroll, ride a bike, or sit and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Art lovers will love it here, with over 200 art galleries showcasing everything from contemporary art to photography and sculpture.
Picnic at Madison Square Park, go wine tasting at the Rose Wine Mansion, and if immersive spy-themed experiences seem like something you’d try, check out Spyscape.
Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is one of the best places to live in Manhattan for everyone. Be sure to check out The Hayden Planetarium, catch a drink at Brandy’s Piano Bar, and laugh your heart out at Comic Strip Live.
One of the most popular attractions here is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This world-renowned museum is home to over 2 million works of art, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art. Other must-see attractions include the Guggenheim Museum, The Frick Collection, The Jewish Museum, and the Vessel.
If you’re looking for a bit of nature, parks are plenty, including Central Park, Carl Schurz Park, Bryant Park, and John Jay Park. These parks have many activities, from horse carriage rides to sports tracks and playgrounds, model-boat ponds, and ice skating in winter.
Visit Tompkins Square Park, and laugh your lungs out at Batsu!. And if you’re a big figurine and anime fan, you’ll love Toy Tokyo.
Average Room Rent Prices in Featured Manhattan Neighborhoods
When considering a move to Manhattan, understanding the cost of living, especially rent prices, is crucial. Below is an overview of the average room rent prices in the neighborhoods featured in this article, helping you gauge which areas might fit your budget.
Luxury Neighborhoods:
- Tribeca: While not explicitly listed, Tribeca is one of Manhattan’s priciest neighborhoods, with average rents often exceeding those in most other areas due to its luxury appeal and celebrity residents.
Mid-Range Neighborhoods:
These neighborhoods offer a balance between affordability and access to Manhattan’s vibrant culture, making them popular choices for many residents.
- Chelsea: $1,840 (Max: $1,900, Min: $1,780) – Cheapest Month: June, Priciest Month: March
- Upper East Side: $1,637 (Max: $1,680, Min: $1,560) – Cheapest Month: April, Priciest Month: June
- SoHo: $1,699 (Max: $1,830, Min: $1,610) – Cheapest Month: May, Priciest Month: June
- Greenwich Village: While specific rent data isn’t listed, Greenwich Village is generally comparable to SoHo, offering a blend of artistic vibe and upscale living.
Affordable Neighborhoods:
These neighborhoods are more budget-friendly, offering great value for those looking to live in Manhattan without spending top dollar.
- Upper West Side: $1,427 (Max: $1,490, Min: $1,380) – Cheapest Month: January, Priciest Month: May
Honorable Mentions:
While the neighborhoods listed above are some of the most iconic in Manhattan, there are a few other gems worth mentioning:
- East Village: A haven for those who love a bohemian lifestyle, with its eclectic mix of vintage shops, dive bars, and a thriving music scene.
- Meatpacking District: A hotspot for both locals and visitors, offering a mix of high-end fashion boutiques, chic hotels, and rooftop bars.
- Harlem: Rich in history and culture, known for its jazz clubs, soul food, and the historic Apollo Theater.
Each of these areas brings something unique to the Manhattan experience, ensuring that there’s a perfect spot for everyone in the city that never sleeps.
Find Apartments and Rooms for Rent in Manhattan With June Homes
Manhattan has plenty of nice areas to live in, from upscale Tribeca to trendy neighborhoods like Greenwich Village. The best neighborhood in Manhattan to live in will depend on your needs. Young professionals will love the Financial District, while families will have a quiet atmosphere in the Upper West Side.
June Homes can help you find an apartment for rent in NYC, whether you’re a student or a single looking for a cool neighborhood in Manhattan to call home. From entire apartments to private rooms, we’ll find you a place in one of the best areas in Manhattan.
Contact us today, let us know your needs, and let us find you a home away from home.
FAQ about Manhattan Best Neighborhoods
1. What are the best neighborhoods to live in Manhattan in your 20s?
The East Village, Lower East Side, and Chelsea are top choices for people in their 20s. These areas are known for their vibrant social scenes, diverse dining, and youthful energy.
2. What neighborhoods in Manhattan have the best nightlife?
For the best nightlife, head to the East Village, Meatpacking District, or Lower East Side. These neighborhoods are bustling with bars, clubs, and live music venues.
3. Which side of Manhattan is good?
Both the East and West Sides of Manhattan have unique appeals. The East Side is famed for cultural institutions and quieter areas, while the West Side is vibrant with neighborhoods like Chelsea and the Upper West Side, known for parks and a lively atmosphere.
4. What is the safest part of Manhattan?
The Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Battery Park City are among the safest parts of Manhattan. These areas boast low crime rates and a family-friendly environment.
5. What is the rich neighborhood of Manhattan?
The Upper East Side, especially along Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue, is synonymous with wealth and luxury. This area is filled with high-end apartments, exclusive boutiques, and art galleries.
