The Most Affordable Neighborhoods in NYC

New York City is a city of opportunity, and while many reports say it’s one of the best cities for young professionals to find jobs, this increased career potential does come with a hefty rent price tag. New York City is the second highest metropolis in the U.S. when it comes to rent prices. While many people are moving outside of Manhattan and into surrounding boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx, rent prices are still skyrocketing. If you’re on the apartment hunt, don’t worry there is a light at the end of the tunnel! We’ve rounded up five affordable neighborhoods in New York City that you can start your apartment hunt in:

1. Bed-Stuy
   

   Deep in the heart of Brooklyn you can find a modest size studio apartment for around $1,400 a month. While this might not land you a doorman-secured apartment, it does give you easy access to public transit and rent that won’t break the bank. There are also a lot of bars and restaurants in the area, making it a great option for the younger crowd.

2. Bushwick

   
   This Bed-Stuy adjacent neighborhood is quickly growing in popularity as a lot of the Williamsburg community is moving here to find cheaper housing. Once home to thriving distilleries and breweries, it is now a thriving artist community. It’s a perfect place for those seeking unconventional, unique living spaces, as a lot of the housing options are converted lofts in old industrial factories. You can find a simple one-bedroom apartment here for around $1,650 a month. If you don’t mind living with roommates, the rent goes down substantially from there as well.

3. Astoria
   

   It’s no secret that the landscape of Astoria is quickly changing as new luxury buildings are popping up everywhere. With the quick commute from here to Manhattan, it’s no wonder that it has become such a coveted place to find housing. You can find a 300-square-foot studio apartment here for around $1,350 a month. While this may seem small, it does give you more space than you would have in Manhattan, along with a quieter atmosphere.

4. Crown Heights
   

   Home to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, this Brooklyn neighborhood is filled with inexpensive brownstone and limestone townhouses. Many residents are flocking here due to its tree-lined streets and proximity to Prospect Park. You can find a spacious, bright studio apartment here for $1,475 a month. Since many of these apartments have older architecture, you can count charming features like hardwood floors and decorative mantles among the added benefits of the housing options here.

5. Washington Heights
   

   This uptown neighborhood north of Harlem is quickly becoming one of the city’s most sought after neighborhoods. Since it is so far uptown you have the added benefit of being removed from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, giving you a relatively quiet living situation. While there are some newer buildings popping up in the housing market here, the majority of what you’ll find are prewar buildings that offer lower rent prices. You can find a newly renovated 650-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment here for around $1,475 a month, giving you tons of living space, a spacious kitchen, and a decent sized living room. If you don’t mind the commute into the city, this neighborhood is a great way to save money and have a spacious apartment.