What Are the Most Affordable Neighborhoods in NYC?

When most people think of New York City, they think expensive… and they’re right; it is consistently one of the top most expensive places to live in the US. It certainly takes time to find a cheap (or rather, cheaper) place to live, unless you know where to look. Luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the most affordable neighborhoods in NYC.

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

Median One-Bedroom Rent: $2,200
Windsor Terrace came in at number one in the rankings for Localize, edging out other neighborhoods with aesthetic factors such as its location in between Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery. The neighborhood lacks a surplus of retail stores and nightlife, but still has a few gems — hearty French cuisine courtesy of Le Paddock and Windsor Place Antiques to name a couple. Ride a bike? You’ll find many like-minded friends in Windsor Terrace. Ride a horse? Maybe you’re not taking your horse for a stroll around the city, but you can go for trail rides or lessons at nearby Kensington Stables. All these factors lend itself to a more remote and serene environment. Although it’s surrounded by green spaces, Windsor Terrace also provides fast access to downtown via the F and G subway lines. If you’re looking for a tranquil, yet convenient place to call home, check here first.

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
Yorkville, Manhattan

Median One-Bedroom Rent: $2,800
A homey atmosphere sounds unlikely for the Upper East Side, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Yorkville. With a number of family-owned eateries (See Elio’s), local shops, and Carl Schurz Park, it certainly feels unique. Anyone here will tell you to see the Gracie Mansion (And you can bring your pup along too!) As for housing, options vary from condos to high-rises and historic town homes. It may take some time to find one in your budget, but it’s worth it to find a home here. This area is especially appealing to young families because of the proximity to a variety of standout public and private schools. Although there are limited options for public transportation, the Q train just recently opened on Second Avenue. The most central of all our options, Yorkville places you right in the city center yet keeps you out of the Midtown madness.

Yorkville, Manhattan
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Median One-Bedroom Rent: $1,800
Bay Ridge doesn’t sound like it belongs in New York (truth be told, it is a bit further from the city), but the result is a truly affordable neighborhood unaffected by the rush of downtown life. Most of the options available for rent are apartments or brownstone row houses — much less claustrophobic than almost anywhere else in New York. You aren’t paying “downtown prices” here for food and entertainment either. If you’re a morning person, grab a coffee and bagel from Mike’s Bagels. Need dinner reservations? Tuscany Grill has fresh homemade Mediterranean fare. Afterward, head over to the waterfront to watch the ship to in and out of the bay; it’s easy to forget that you’re in New York altogether. If you want a peaceful neighborhood truly cut off from the frenzy of NYC, Bay Ridge is where you want to be.

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Astoria, Queens

Median One-Bedroom Rent: $2,660
A growing young professional environment is developing in this diverse Queens neighborhood. When in Astoria, you have to give into the traditional Greek restaurants — gyros, saganaki, tzatziki — you name it, Astoria has it! From what we’ve heard, Telly’s Taverna is the best in New York. If you’d rather grab a drink, Astoria is home to Bohemian Hall, New York’s last legitimate beer garden. Shake off the food coma and take an easy walk on the riverside for stunning views of botanical gardens and Manhattan. It sits less than 15 minutes outside of Midtown by subway, with the N and W lines providing easy access in either direction. We love this neighborhood because it has a tangible cultural vibrancy while still being affordable.

Astoria, Queens
Washington Heights, Manhattan

Median One-Bedroom Rent: $1,825
Just graduated? Look no further than Washington Heights. Located in Uptown Manhattan, it was deemed the top neighborhood for recent college graduates by Patch for its “affordability, commuting distance, and an active nightlife.” You’ll find a mix of apartments, condos, and townhouses to suit your preferences. Hop on the A or C line from Eighth Avenue station to connect with the rest of New York or make your way across the Harlem River to watch the Yankees play (and most likely win). The fun doesn’t stop after the sun goes down — you can find many of your neighbors dancing in various nightclubs like Playroom NYC or having a beer over at Bar 180. On your way back, grab a shawarma — you’ll think it came straight from the Middle East. The influx of young professionals brought new stores, restaurants, and lifestyles to this area, placing Washington Heights high on the list of the best up and coming New York City neighborhoods.

Washington Heights, Manhattan