Moving New York: most popular neighborhoods, apartments and housing tips
Moving New York – The great and cosmopolitan city of New York attracts tens of thousands of people every year who want to work and live in the Big Apple, whether they are models, entrepreneurs, self-employed or authors. New York offers countless professional opportunities and who wouldn’t love to say they’ve lived in NY at some point. However, the housing market here is extremely competitive and New York City is a huge city, finding the right neighborhood for your individual needs here is not easy. We would like to give you an overview of the most popular and up-and-coming neighborhoods of New York and introduce you to the world of the American metropolis, so that your move to New York goes well. Even if you’re just interested in the city, you’ll find a lot of exciting information about hip neighborhoods in New York City here!
East Village Manhattan: Living & Going Downtown
The East Village is located on the east side of Manhattan. Manhattan, in turn, is an island where many of New York’s popular neighborhoods are located. The East Village was once a haven for hippies, punks and the alternative scene of New York. Today, this neighborhood is home to many boutiques, vintage shops and restaurants without losing its artistic charm. It’s also home to a number of tattoo parlors and casual cafes that attract a more casual crowd. Meanwhile, St. Mark’s Place is home to many trendy fast food restaurants. Stars such as Madonna, Lady Gaga and Iggy Pop have lived in New York’s East Village.
Vibrant nightlife: Clubs, bars and lounges
In addition to its more casual and cool crowd, the East Village is best known for its vibrant nightlife. Here, traditional bars, music venues and event spaces line up with chic cocktail lounges and restaurants. St. Mark’s Place used to be the hub of the local punk scene. There’s always something to do in the East Village, whether you’re in the mood for a wild night of partying or a quiet evening in a dignified bar with friends: you’ll find the right entertainment for every taste here.
Key figures:
- Population: approx. 69,000
- Area: 1,99km²
- Population density: approx. 34,670 inhabitants/km²
- Borough: Manhattan
SoHo: district for families, artists and famous film location
SoHo, even Carrie Bradshaw was once drawn to this chic neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan. SoHo is an elegant neighborhood full of art galleries, restaurants and bars. In addition, SoHo is a highlight for every shopping heart: designer boutiques and chic branches of chain stores as well as the exclusive art galleries make SoHo a trendy shopping district that is especially popular with out-of-town visitors. The area is best known for its cast iron facades and cobbled streets, creating an atmospheric backdrop for a fashion-conscious crowd who love to hang out in the upscale stores and restaurants. SoHo is also considered one of the safest neighborhoods in NY.
Shopping district for fashion fans & it-people
This district is particularly captivating due to its unique and diverse shopping opportunities. Exclusive boutiques of renowned designers are lined up here, as well as flagship stores of renowned fashion chains. The charming flair of the Cast-Iron Buildings and the cobblestones invite you to stroll and take pictures. The central location and excellent transport links make SoHo, like most districts in New York, a desirable place to live with a feel-good factor.
Key figures:
- Population: 19,573
- Area: 0.87 km²
- Population density: 22,497 inhabitants/km²
- Borough: Manhattan
Park Slope: quiet neighborhood for living with parks in Brooklyn
Park Slope is a quiet and unpretentious residential neighborhood in Brooklyn. Here, the streets are lined with trees and you will mainly find the typical New York brownstone houses. This neighborhood is known for its outgoing residents, which include mostly families and young professionals. Park Slope gets its diversity from its mix of independent boutiques, casual restaurants and cozy bars. An absolute plus for this neighbourhood is the spacious Prospect Park, which is located in the immediate vicinity and invites you to picnics, sports or even walks.
Perfect for young families and children
Park Slope is a neighborhood in New York City that is perfect for families and children. Excellent public schools can be found here, the crime rate is very low, and there are extensive green spaces. Prospect Park is considered one of the largest and most popular parks in New York. It is also home to a variety of shopping opportunities and the population is largely made up of artists and creative people.
Key figures:
- Population: 67,649
- Area: 3,88km²
- Population density: 17,400 inhabitants/km²
- District: Brooklyn
Williamsburg: East River skyline view & young crowd in Brooklyn
Williamsburg is the birthplace of hipsters and the current home of many artists and celebrities. Here you can find small shops, many interesting art galleries and several street markets. In addition to various small parks, Williamsburg is especially captivating due to its direct location on the East River, which makes walking along the riverbank with a view of the Manhattan skyline an absolute highlight. In summer, open air concerts and food markets take place here seasonally. In addition, you are directly connected to the center of Manhattan by the Williamsburg Bridge.
Home for artists and cultural workers
Williamsburg is not considered an alternative neighborhood, but over time a number of creatives and artists have settled here. Street art gives the residential buildings on the thoroughfares and converted factories an alternative and fresh charm. The district attracts a young and fashion-conscious crowd who enjoy spending time in the chic boutiques, trendy cafés and lively restaurants. Nightlife is also not neglected here, with bars and clubs.
Key figures:
- Population: approx. 79,000
- Area: 5,64km²
- Population density: approx. 14,000 inhabitants/km²
- District: Brooklyn
Greenwich Village: “The Village” popular district with university for students
Greenwich Village is a very popular neighborhood in New York City, also centrally located in Manhattan. In the 1960s, the neighborhood with its tree-lined streets was still the center of the countercultural movement. Now more quiet, it’s home to many well-attended cafes, bars and restaurants, and charming little theaters are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Greenwich is also home to New York University and is home to many of the jazz clubs that Williamsburg is known for. The heart of the neighborhood is Washington Square Park, whose central plaza is bustling with activity. Celebrities such as Liv Tyler, Dustin Hoffman and Bob Dylan have lived here.
Trendy district & LGBTQ hotspot on the Hudson River
The Village is considered one of the most popular residential areas in New York and borders both the Hudson River and Broadway. Some artists and celebrities live here, but mainly young students and the young working class. The Village owes its name to the partially non-geometric streets (unlike the rest of Manhattan), which give the neighborhood a slightly chaotic and village-like charm. Together with Chelsea, Greenwich Village is the focal point as a lesbian and gay neighbourhood, which is also expressed by rainbow flags that are hung all year round.
Key figures:
- Population: 62,610
- Area: 0.75 km²
- Population density: 83,480 inhabitants/km²
- Borough: Manhattan
Chelsea: Hudson River view from skyscrapers & apartments
Chelsea impresses with its diversity of housing options: the neighbourhood captivates with a mixture of townhouses, low-rise apartment buildings and noble and modern high-rises such as the latest architectural project “Hudson Yards”, which is unique in the world. Also worth seeing is the adjoining High Line, a former railway line that now serves as a leafy walkway through Chelsea’s houses. Here you will find over 200 art galleries in former factory buildings, as well as the Chelsea Market with its delicatessens, shops and restaurants. The proximity to the Hudson River makes this part of town even more attractive.
Modern artists’ quarter: parties, markets and leisure activities
You can’t really get bored in Chelsea: Whether it’s a stroll through the numerous art galleries, a shopping tour through the noble boutiques or trying out one of the many excellent restaurants, there are virtually no limits to what you can do here. In addition, Chelsea impresses with the converted railway line, the so-called High Line, over which one can walk through the houses of the quarter and look into one or the other living room and office. Hudson Yard offers enormous modern architecture here, and the housing market in Chelsea is particularly diverse.
Key figures:
- Population: 47,325
- Area: 2,o km²
- Population density: 23,662 inhabitants/km²
- Borough: Manhattan
Tribeca: quiet luxury district in the heart of Manhattan
According to Forbes magazine, Tribeca is the most expensive district of New York and home to numerous stars such as Justin Timberlake, Leonardo Di Caprio or even Beyoncé and Jay-Z. It’s not surprising, then, that it’s mainly luxurious shops and exclusive, high-priced restaurants that can be found here. The hip Tribeca is characterized by old industrial buildings, which have often been converted into modern and spacious loft apartments, which are accordingly expensive. Even though the neighborhood is located on the Hudson River and both Washington Market Park and Hudson River Park attract many families, it is very quiet here on weekends, considering that you are in the middle of Manhattan.
Lofts in old industrial buildings and 3 large parks – perfect for children
Living in Tribeca is extremely expensive, but many of the residents feel this is justified. In addition to the immediate proximity to the Hudson River, as well as the districts SoHo, Battery Park City and the Financial District, Tribeca can also score with 3 green spaces. You are really in the heart of Manhattan, and yet it is very quiet by New York standards, especially on weekends. Those who can afford to live here will definitely benefit from the investment and this safe neighbourhood is also the right choice for families with children.
Key figures:
- Population: 17,362
- Area: 0.86 km²
- Population density: 20,188 inhabitants/km²
- Borough: Manhattan