My Favorite New York City Neighborhoods

Curious about the best New York City neighborhoods? NYC neighborhoods are geographically close to each other but still very distinct. It’s one of the things that makes New York City unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Of course, finding the perfect neighborhood for you depends on what exactly you’re looking for. After living in New York City for over four years, I spent enough time in New York’s neighborhoods to weed out the best ones.

So, whether you want a great place to stay in NYC, or to find a spot to live, I’m here to help you figure out which neighborhood in NYC is right for you! 

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27 Best Neighborhoods in NYC

Upper West Side (Manhattan)

A well-loved urban neighborhood with lots of personality and an ideal location bordering Central Park.

📍 Google Maps | Upper West Side Website | School Districts: District 3 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Wallace Hotel 

The Upper West Side is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think, “this is what living in Manhattan is like.”

The area runs from 59th Street to 110th Street on the West Side and is a fantastic location because it’s close to everything. Plus, it’s an easy subway ride to Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx. 

Within the limits of the UWS you’ll find a vibrant nightlife scene perfect for young people. There are a bunch of sleek and stylish bars like The Dead Poet and Prohibition. The Juilliard School of Music and Columbia University are both nearby, so there’s always a bunch of students running around. 

Despite its appeal to a younger crowd, it’s also a great place for families. The UWS is home to some of the most elite private schools in all of the five boroughs. 

Pros of the Upper West Side

• Perfect central location
• Home to the Museum of Natural History and more
• Close to Central Park and Riverside Park
• Endless restaurants and bars

Cons of the UWS

• Extremely high rental prices

Upper East Side (Manhattan)

A high-end district known for museums, luxury shopping, and being a major filming location for Sex and the City.

📍 Google Maps | Upper East Side Website | School Districts: Manhattan Community District 8 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Loews Regency New York Hotel 

The Upper East Side is on the opposite side of Central Park from the Upper West Side. It’s a little more straitlaced than its spirited cousin to the West. It runs from East 96th Street to right above East 59th Street. It also includes smaller neighborhoods like Carnegie Hill, Lenox Hill, and Yorkville. 

This neighborhood tends to have an older demographic despite being close to some big-name colleges. It’s mainly a residential area, so you’ll probably have a more difficult time finding a party in the UES. 

Instead, this neighborhood is part of the museum mile. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll to some of the best museums in New York City. The Guggenheim, the Smithsonian, and The Frick Collection can all be found in the UES. 

Pros of Upper East Side

• An abundance of housing options 
• Upscale atmosphere
• Lots of museums 

Cons of Upper East Side

• Insane traffic
• Limited places to park 

Greenwich Village (Manhattan)

A colorful and artistic neighborhood that’s home to some of the best restaurants in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Greenwich Village Website | School Districts: District 2 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Walker Hotel Greenwich Village 

Greenwich Village is an artistic neighborhood with a lengthy history. Today, it’s simply known as one of the nicest places to live in New York City. Albeit one of the most expensive. 

Along Bleeker Street and MacDougal Street, you can discover the heart of the neighborhood. New Yorkers from all over flock to this area for its abundance of restaurants, nightclubs, shopping, and overall charm. 

The Village also has lovely, clean architecture and some fantastic public parks. The neighborhood is located right next to the Hudson River, so many places have a beautiful waterfront view. It’s just an easy place to spend time, no matter who you are. 

Pros of Greenwich Village

• Rich culture and history
• Terrific shopping and dining 
• Close to other major neighborhoods 

Cons of Greenwich Village

• Extremely expensive 
• Overrun with students from NYC colleges

East Village (Manhattan)

A funky neighborhood with lots of food and shopping that was home to influential artists, musicians, and writers.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: District 1 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Bowery Hotel  

There’s no better place than the East Village if you want to be as close as possible to the legacy of famous musicians and artists. The neighborhood was the jumping-off point for huge art stars like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jeff Koons. Along with musicians like Madonna and the Strokes. 

Besides its incredible history as a home to the arts, the neighborhood is just a great place to spend a week or a lifetime. It’s steeped in stunning street art. There are a ton of exciting speakeasies like Please Don’t Tell and Death & Co. There are tons of upscale restaurants and cozy cafes. 

Despite the passage of time, the area still maintains its overall indie vibe. The price tag has definitely increased though.

Pros of East Village

• Cheaper than other Manhattan boroughs
• Unique background as a home to artists
• Lively nightlife scene

Cons of East Village

• Not enough subway stops in the area
• Gets loud on the weekends

Bayside (Queens)

An interesting combo of suburbian and urban energy in a waterfront neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: District 26 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Four Points by Sheraton Flushing 

Bayside has a real sense of community that might be difficult to find in other New York neighborhoods.

It’s a quiet, spacious, and safe area that has that suburban feel without completely leaving the city vibe behind. Plus, there’s an abundance of accommodation options around the area and many excellent schools. 

It’s the perfect place for families who want to be part of NYC without actually being right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. 

Pros of Bayside

• Plenty of homes and apartments 
• Top-notch schools
• Very safe area
• A nice mix of urban and suburban

Cons of Bayside

• Long subway ride to Brooklyn or Manhattan

Financial District (Manhattan)

A maze of towering skyscrapers that belong to some of the most powerful corporations in the world.

📍 Google Maps | Financial District Website | School Districts: Community District 1 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Artezen Hotel 

You’ll know the Financial District (FiDi) from miles away. It features many of the enormous skyscrapers and high-rise buildings that the Manhattan skyline is famous for.

FiDi is located right at the southern tip of Manhattan and is home to Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange, and the Federal Reserve Bank. 

FiDi is one of the most important places in the financial world. That makes it a hotspot for young professionals working in this industry. However, it’s not the best place for anyone who’s hoping to find a neighborly vibe or nightlife. 

Pros of FiDi

• It’s the heart of NYC
• Lots of public transportation options
• Excellent shopping scene

Cons of Financial District

• Super busy
• Lacking nightlife
• Everything closes pretty early

Tribeca (Manhattan)

An affluent neighborhood bordering the Financial District known for celebrity sightings, colorful brownstones, and old city charm. 

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: District 2 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Warren Street Hotel

The acronym “Triangle Below Canal Street” evolved into Tribeca in the 1970s, when the neighborhood was populated mainly by artists working in the area. The old industrial buildings have since transformed into modern lofts and colorful brownstones, while old Belgian block cobblestone streets remain. 

The neighborhood is affluent, a popular home for celebrities and business executives alike. With historic landmarks like the Western Union Building and Staple Street skybridge, the charming streets are some of the most beautiful in Manhattan. 

Popular things to do include a visit to Mercer Labs for immersive tech-style exhibits, or relax at Aire Ancient Baths in a thermal bath and book a spa treatment. 

Tribeca is home to a fantastic selection of fine-dining options to enjoy, including Michelin-starred L’Abeille and Atera. Osteria Carlina Tribeca has some of the best seafood in all the boroughs, and Galerie Bar should be your top choice for a cocktail after dinner. 

Pros of Tribeca 

• Extremely safe part of Manhattan 
• Charming, walkable streets 
• Within walking distance of Fidi and SoHo
• High-end fine dining and cocktail bars 

Cons of Tribeca

• Very expensive to live/rent
• Not as touristy and less attractions for first-time visitors

Brooklyn Heights (Brooklyn)

A cozy, adorable neighborhood with tree-lined streets and some of the tastiest pizza around.

📍 Google Maps | Brooklyn Heights Website | School Districts: District 13 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Heights in Kings County is continually rated one of the best places to stay in NYC. But that comes with a super high price. Literally. 

The neighborhood is a top choice for families and young professionals alike because it’s just comfortable. The streets are beautiful. There are lots of parks and activities around. Plus, there are relatively direct subway routes to anywhere else you want to go in NYC. 

Pros of Brooklyn Heights

• Overall gorgeous neighborhood aesthetically
• Close to many public transportation routes
• Anything you could want is nearby
• Lots of bars, restaurants, parks, etc. 

Cons of Brooklyn Heights

• Street parking is impossible if you have a car
• Most apartments don’t have elevators 
• Difficult to find reasonably priced accommodations

Dumbo

Brooklyn’s trendiest and touristy neighborhood has cobblestone streets, famous landmarks, and views of the Manhattan skyline. 

📍 Google Maps | Dumbo Website | School Districts: District 13 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Ace Hotel Brooklyn 

Dumbo is a beautiful neighborhood in Brooklyn bordering Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge and a popular spot among tourists. The neighborhood is full of things to do, like biking in Brooklyn Bridge Park, riding Jane’s Carousel, eating delicious cuisine (like Ignazio’s pizza), or visiting an art gallery.

Definitely one of the best things to do in New York City, Dumbo is a great place to hang out and take a photo with the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington Street. The neighborhood is easily accessible to Lower Manhattan by the 3, A, C, and F subway lines.

Dumbo is known as a tourist spot, but it’s a great place to live for young families. If you can afford the hefty price tag, the area is less noisy than Manhattan, with less nightlife options that attract younger crowds. The fantastic skyline views and old-school Brooklyn charm are unparalleled. If you have children, there are excellent school options in a safe neighborhood with kid-friendly institutions like Main Street Playground and Creatively Wild Art Studio. 

Pros of Dumbo

• Lots of dining options 
• Very central location with access to Manhattan and Brooklyn 
• Some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline
• Extremely safe to live

Cons of Dumbo

• Very expensive to live and restaurants can be overpriced 
• Lots of tourism 
• Train is loud if living near the Manhattan Bridge

Williamsburg (Brooklyn)

A notoriously hipster neighborhood with a happening nightlife and indie music scene.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: James City Public Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Pod Brooklyn 

Williamsburg is constantly landing itself at the top of the list for the most ‘hipster’ neighborhood in Brooklyn. It’s one of the closest neighborhoods to Manhattan, only a quick trip over the Williamsburg Bridge or a 15-minute ride on the J-train. 

In Williamsburg, you’ll find lots of places for shopping, eating, and drinking. Along with a bunch of parks to hang out in on a Saturday and venues to watch live music. 

Though it has a reputation for being almost too trendy for its own good, Williamsburg does have a clear allure.

Pros of Williamsburg

• Lots of parks around the area 
• Amazing arts and music scene
• Plenty of places to eat and drink
• Easy trip to Manhattan

Cons of Williamsburg

• Many consider it overrated
• One of the most gentrified Brooklyn neighborhoods
• Expensive

📚 Related Reading: 15 Best Waterfalls in New York.  

Gowanus

A former industrial zone once called “South Brooklyn” is home to converted warehouses, an art scene, and a thriving local neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps | Gowanus Website | School Districts: District 15 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: TownePlace Suites by Marriott New York Brooklyn

Gowanus is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn that maintains the “old-world industrial Brooklyn” feel. The area boasts chic condos and townhouses mixed with funky warehouses and street art. 

Located in the northwestern portion of Brooklyn, the neighborhood is a 15-minute walk from popular Redhook and one of the best neighborhoods for young people seeking unique activities. 

With a group, you can go to Kick Axe Throwing or shoot arrows at Gotham Archery. Want to combine drinks and sports? The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club takes walk-ins and has active leagues with ten shuffleboard courts in a sprawling space.  

The area has plenty of dining options like Surfish Bistro for Peruvian and Table 87 and Aromi seemingly competing for Brooklyn’s best pizza. The neighborhood is walkable with pathways along the Gowanus Canal, and Ennis Playground is a great spot to bring young kids. Although it’s more of a hipster vibe, Gowanus has plenty of activities for all ages. 

Pros of Gowanus

• Amazing bars and unique nightlife
• Rare ambiance with an industrial feel yet beautiful architecture
• Lots of diversity and attracts all ages 
• Within walking distance of Prospect Park and Barclays Center 

Cons of Gowanus

• A bit far from Manhattan with Chinatwon about 15-20 minutes away by metro
• Some residents complain about constant construction and smell from Gowanus Canal

Hell’s Kitchen (Manhattan)

A haven for food from around the globe that’s close to major NYC tourist attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Hell’s Kitchen Website | School Districts: Success Academy Charter School | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel Scherman 

Hell’s Kitchen is one of New York’s coolest neighborhoods (despite its name). It’s located from 34th Street to 59th Street and its history is ripe with tales of New York’s historically seedy underbelly. 

Today, it’s become one of the best Manhattan neighborhoods with delicious ethnic restaurants and an energetic vibe. 

Hell’s Kitchen is close to some of New York’s major attractions like the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Lincoln Center. It’s also the High Line Park and Riverside Park South. Even though it’s pretty close to big attractions, it’s not overrun with tourists. 

Pros of Hell’s Kitchen

• Somewhat affordable compared to other Manhattan neighborhoods
• Easy to walk to Midtown, Chelsea, Upper West Side, etc.
• Near Central Park
• Super LGBTQ+ friendly 

Cons of Hell’s Kitchen

• Close to Times Square
• High property crime rate

👉 Local Tip: If you’re planning a scouting trip to NYC, consider the season you’re visiting. The best time to visit NYC for a scouting trip is in the fall or spring. The weather isn’t too oppressively hot or cold around these times. 

Park Slope (Brooklyn)

A lovely, walkable neighborhood with brownstones, markets, and excellent schools.

📍 Google Maps | Park Slope Website | School Districts: District 15 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Ace Hotel Brooklyn 

Park Slope is one of the most well-known and loved neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It has the right combination of being family-friendly without being boring. 

There are lots of pleasant coffee shops and places to grab a bite along quiet streets lined with trees. It borders Prospect Park, one of the best parks in the whole city. To top it all off, the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are both nearby.

Pros of Park Slope

• Many amazing restaurants 
• Family-friendly community 
• Close to big parks
• Super clean

Cons of Park Slope

• Not the greatest nightlife scene
• Very difficult to find parking

👉 Local Tip: One of the best New York City travel tips I can give you is to explore the boroughs on foot. Even though it can get tiring, you always end up finding something amazing that you never would’ve known about. Brooklyn is a particularly awesome place to wander by walking. 

Harlem (Upper Manhattan)

A hotspot for black music history, featuring the famous Apollo Theater and the National Jazz Museum.

📍 Google Maps | Harlem Website | School Districts: Harlem UD 122 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Soul Food (Mont Morris)

Many people moving to NYC head to Harlem for its rich music history and sense of community. Central Harlem is a largely residential area with a community feel that many places in New York City lack. It also comes with the added benefit of being a conveniently quick subway ride down to other Manhattan neighborhoods. 

Additionally, the area has some of the most affordable apartments in the city. With that being said, gentrification is an issue in Harlem and many places in NYC. It’s something to think about if you’re considering a move. 

Pros of Harlem

• Rich culture and history 
• Dynamic nightlife
• Affordable housing 
• Has more of a community feel
• Plenty of access to public transportation 

Cons of Harlem

• Can get noisy
• Fewer accommodation options for families of 3+

Long Island City (Queens)

A waterfront neighborhood known for its stellar arts scene and beautiful parks.

📍 Google Maps | Long Island City Website | School Districts: District 30 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: LIC Plaza Hotel 

Long Island City has become a popular choice among people who work in Manhattan but don’t necessarily want to live there. It’s only about a 25-minute commute to get into Manhattan, and yet it feels plenty far away enough. 

There are lots of apartments, and many of them are bigger than your standard NYC abode. So, it’s a good potential option for large families.  

Pros of Long Island City

• Huge neighborhood
• Apartments have more space
• Great views of the Manhattan skyline
• Right near Gantry Plaza State Park

Cons of Long Island City

• One of the priciest neighborhoods in Queens 

Astoria (Queens)

A hip neighborhood with delicious Greek eats, only a trip over the East River from Manhattan.

📍 Google Maps | Astoria Website | School Districts: District 30

When I went to college in New York City, about 70% of the time when I asked someone, “Where do you live?” they’d say Astoria. It’s a common choice among students and young people for good reason.

Astoria is an easy ride to get into Midtown Manhattan, and it tends to be way cheaper than other neighborhoods in NYC. Plus, it’s there’s good food absolutely everywhere. 

The biggest drawback is that it’s a difficult trek to Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan. 

Pros of Astoria

• Easy to get to Midtown Manhattan
• Safe and quiet area
• Tends to be more affordable
• Delicious restaurants

Cons of Astoria

• Few local events or live music 
• Difficult commute to Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan

Roosevelt Island

An island in New York City’s East River within the Manhattan borough, hosting a local community, waterfront paths, and a giant cable car into mainland Manhattan. 

📍 Google Maps | Roosevelt Island Website | School Districts: P.S./I.S. 217 District 2 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Graduate New York 

Roosevelt Island might be a hidden gem for some tourists, but local New Yorkers know it’s an underrated spot. The Roosevelt Island Tramway is the most modern tram in the world and runs every 7-15 minutes from 59th and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan to the island. [Source]

For a small place, some 12,000 people call this Manhattan oasis home. The Roosevelt Island Tramway has unbeatable views of Manhattan and is worth a ride for tourists visiting the city for the first time.

The area has a history you won’t find anywhere else in the city. For a unique yet spooky experience, check out the first major Smallpox Hospital grounds (it’s now closed, but remains a historic landmark). The Octagon is a mid-19th-century landmark formerly the main entrance to the New York City Lunatic Asylum.

For more light-hearted adventure, see the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, built in 1872 from rocks on the island, or walk around Four Freedoms Park for unbeatable views of the East River. To take the edge off, have a cocktail at Panorama Room’s rooftop and enjoy 360-degree views of New York City from above. 

Pros of Roosevelt Island

• A calmer place to live than other areas of Manhattan and Queens
• Not much traffic congestion
• Beautiful scenic views of East River
• An underrated place to bring first-time visitors

Cons of Roosevelt Island

• Not an easy place to own a car
• Nightlife is very limited
• Rents are comparably priced to Manhattan

Gramercy (Manhattan)

An upscale neighborhood featuring a famed private park and stunning pre-war architecture.

📍 Google Maps | Gramercy Website | School Districts: District 2 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Freehand New York

Gramercy is one of those neighborhoods that set Manhattan apart from anywhere else in New York. First of all, it’s incredibly expensive. Like, celebrity-level expensive. But, if you have the budget, it’s a very nice place to be.

It’s sort of cut-off from the chaos of NYC with its private parks and incredible brownstones. But it’s still close to places like Union Square, Murray Hill, and the Flatiron District. 

Pros of Gramercy

• Walking distance to Madison Square Park and Madison Avenue
• Quiet and chill neighborhood
• Lots of activities around the area

Cons of Gramercy

• One of Manhattan’s more expensive neighborhoods (44% higher than other NYC neighborhoods)
• No parking 

👉 Local Tip: Everyone knows that New York City is super expensive. But, one way to get around the costs is by staying at a hostel. Even though many people wonder about their safety in hostels, it’s actually a great way to travel. I’d recommend checking out American Dream Hostel near Gramercy Park. 

SoHo (Manhattan)

A downtown Manhattan neighborhood with boutique shopping that’s been attracting artists since the ‘70s.

📍 Google Maps | SoHo Website | School Districts: District 25 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: The Dominick Hotel

SoHo has a reputation as being one of the coolest neighborhoods in all of Manhattan. That’s a pretty big statement, but it’s true. Nearby, you’ll find shopping at Canal Street and tons of renowned art galleries, perfect for dates or simply exploring the art scene.  

Plus, it’s close to New York University and other colleges. So it’s ideal for students that want to be close to campus. 

Pros of SoHo

• Trendy, artistic atmosphere
• Plenty of shopping
• Easy access to all the subway lines

Cons of SoHo

• Always has a lot of tourists around

Carroll Gardens (Brooklyn)

A Brooklyn neighborhood known for its Italian-American roots, hip restaurants, boutiques, and stunning brownstones. 

📍 Google Maps | Website | School Districts: District 15 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Carroll Gardens is a laid-back neighborhood in northwestern Brooklyn known for its gorgeous brownstones and tree-lined streets. It has a thriving small-business scene and plenty of options for dining, shopping, and culture.

Carroll Park is a great place to relax and bring your kids, as there’s a playground, basketball court, and baseball/kickball diamond for all ages. Carroll Gardens’ cuisine hosts some of the best Italian food in New York City. You can enjoy hip cocktail bars and European bakeries. 

Pros of Carroll Gardens 

• Incredible bars and restaurants
• Cozy and family-friendly 
• F/G lines make subway accessible 
• Plenty of high-rise housing options

Cons of Carroll Gardens

• Might not be ideal for young/single people
• Expensive

Forest Hills (Queens)

A Queens neighborhood with tudor-style buildings known for being family-friendly and full of fun things to do.

📍 Google Maps | Forest Hills Website | School Districts: Forest Hills Schools | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Holiday Inn Express 

Forest Hills is a hidden gem and one of the coolest neighborhoods in the Queens borough. You can enjoy shopping, dining, and wandering the streets to admire the gorgeous houses in this residential neighborhood. 

If you’re up for a concert, Forest Hills Stadium hosts big names all year round and is far prettier and more intimate than bigger venues! Right next door to the stadium is The West Side Tennis Club, previously hosting the US Grand Slam Tournament for over 60 years. 

Austin Street is always bustling and has plenty of retail shopping, from outlets to local boutiques. Grab a drink at the nearby Forest Hills Station House; it’s always packed in the summer and close to the stadium. There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy if you’re looking for a nice meal or something quick to eat. 

Pros of Forest Hills 

• Suburban enclave away from busy city
• Plenty of restaurants and shopping options
• Close to public transportation 
• Extremely safe and clean

Cons of Forest Hills

• Very expensive to live
• Can be a far commute to Manhattan depending on where you’re going

Prospect Lefferts Gardens

A lively and diverse neighborhood in the Flatbush area known as Brooklyn’s best-kept secret. 

📍 Google Maps | Prospect Lefferts Garden Website | School Districts: District 17  | 👉 Browse Vacation Rentals

Prospect Lefferts Gardens is an underrated spot in Brooklyn, loved by locals and arguably unknown to tourists. 

Situated to the East of Prospect Park,  the residential neighborhood will catch your eye with its mix of old Victorian mansions and trendy modern apartments. Coupled with tree-lined roads and public parks, you’re treated to surreal urban beauty.

The streets have plenty of life and are well suited to a diverse experience. If you’re a coffee fan, Hamlet Coffee Company serves a perfect cup of joe to compliment a reading session. PLG Arts offers free exhibits and performances throughout the Flatbush area to promote the diverse art scene. The Lefferts Historic House Museum is an 18th-century farmhouse that enhances the unique architecture of the area. Just a fifteen-minute walk to Prospect Park, this neighborhood is the perfect day out in Brooklyn. 

Pros of Prospect Lefferts Gardens

• Great dining options 
• Less gentrified and has a local community feel
• Beautiful brownstones and tree-lined streets
• Less expensive than nearby neighborhoods 

Cons of Prospect Lefferts Gardens 

• Nightlife is not as great 
• Crime is higher in some areas than other parts of Brooklyn

Sunnyside (Queens)

A quiet Queens neighborhood known for local charm, diverse cuisine, and community events. 

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Split: District 30 and District 24  | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: LIC Hotel

Sunnyside is a diverse western Queens neighborhood with a cultural scene and quieter, residential streets. The area is one of my top choices for renters seeking more affordable places to live, with easy access to Manhattan via the 7 line.  

While much less touristy, Sunnyside prides itself on supporting locals, with a great pub scene. The Courtyard Ale House, Alewife Brewing, and Sanger Hall are fantastic options for a night out and meeting new people in a friendly community. 

This Queens neighborhood is well-known for its events, including an Oktoberfest hosted in Sunnyside Gardens Park during the fall season. “Taste of Sunnyside” also takes place in October as a food festival featuring tastings and live entertainment. A guaranteed family-friendly affair, and always a blast. 

Sunnyside has a strong Irish community, hosting a very popular St. Pat’s For All Parade yearly, typically on the first Sunday of March. Butcher Block is one of the few grocery stores in the city dedicated to Irish and English products. 

Pros of Sunnyside 

• Fantastic local festivals and events
• Much more affordable for renters
• Great pub scene 
• Safe, residential streets 

Cons of Sunnyside

• Not many hotel options
• Limited green spaces and parks 
• Not a large nightlife scene 

Ridgewood (Queens)

A vibrant neighborhood in Queens bordering Brooklyn to the west, with local landmarks, a fantastic pub scene, and tree-lined streets. 

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: District 24  | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel 1200

Ridgewood is becoming more well-known for its vibrant community, residential streets, and peaceful atmosphere, attracting families and newcomers alike. The neighborhood borders bustling Bushwick and East Williamsburg, while remaining a calm enclave.

Walking the streets of Ridgewood, you’ll find plenty of 20th-century historic charm in the architecture, with lots of color, bay fronts, and brick rowhouses. I encourage you to visit the 1820 Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, New York City’s oldest Dutch stone house, which now operates as an event center and museum.

The neighborhood has an impressive selection of cozy cafes to relax with a coffee, like Nomad Cafe and Eatery and Cute Cafe. The food scene is equally diverse and impressive for a quiet neighborhood. Varenyk House cooks some of the best Ukrainian food in the city, locally famous for pierogi. Rudy’s Pastry Shop has rainbow cookies to die for. 

If you have young children, Grover Cleveland Playground is expansive, safe, and hosts Manhattan skyline views. 

Pros of Ridgewood

• Excellent, diverse food scene
• Historic charm and old-school architecture 
• Very safe for families with children 
• Homey yet trendy feel

Cons of Ridgewood

• Far from Midtown Manhattan for commuters (45 mins by train)
• Not many hotel options nearby for visitors 

Greenpoint (Brooklyn)

A popular Brooklyn neighborhood, famously Polish-American, with stunning architectural design and picturesque Manhattan skyline views.

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: District 14  | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Henry Norman Hotel

Greenpoint is a popular Brooklyn neighborhood for all the right reasons. Bordering Williamsburg, the neighborhood has views of the East River and walkable pathways from Greenpoint Landing and WNYC Transmitter Park.

Certainly not underrated, you’ll find bustling streets at all hours full of locals, newcomers, and families. This is the neighborhood for Polish eats at popular spots like Karczma and Pierozek.   

If you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll find a buzzing scene less intimidating than Manhattan, yet just as fun. Twin’s Lounge is popular among younger crowds, and Goldie’s Bar is hip with a solid music selection. 

Pros of Greenpoint

• Very trendy, packed with things to do 
• Walkable to Williamsburg 
• Great bar scene 
• Incredible Polish/Eastern European cuisine 

Cons of Greenpoint

• Very expensive to live 
• G train can be unreliable, especially on weekends 

Bushwick (Brooklyn)

One of Brooklyn’s trendiest neighborhoods with a hipster atmosphere and popular among emerging artists, creatives, and younger New Yorkers. 

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: District 32 | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel 1200

Bushwick is Brooklyn’s most artistic neighborhood, with art murals, warehouses, and culture that defines its unique appeal to creatives. 

If you’re a fan of live music, Ornithology Jazz Club, The Keep, and The Sultan Room are just a few options in a thriving music scene that attracts visitors from other boroughs on weekend nights. 

Syndicated Bar Theatre Kitchen is the best place for pub grub in a theatre/bar/restaurant that will play a movie in the cinema while you have a drink. This is a one of a kind experience if you want to impress your friends! 

You can’t visit without checking out The Bushwick Collective, entire blocks of graffiti and street murals emblematic of the area and its evolving history. 

Pros of Bushwick 

• Very artistic and trendy
• Unique food and dining scene 
• Incredible nightlife and live music venues 

Cons of Bushwick 

• Some areas less safe, especially at night
• Increased gentrification leading to rent hikes 

Bedford Stuyvesant (Brooklyn)

Known more informally as Bed-Stuy, a neighborhood full of diversity, colorful brownstones, and a growing restaurant scene. 

📍 Google Maps | School Districts: Split: District 16 and District 13  | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Akwaaba Mansion Bed & Breakfast

Bedford-Stuyvesant, conversationally known as “Bed-Stuy,” is becoming increasingly popular day by day, with historic brownstones, diversity, and a growing food scene. I keep hearing of more people who moved to Bed-Stuy from other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. 

Stroll through Herbert Von King Park’s tree-lined walking paths, check out the amphitheatre, or let your children (or dog) run around in the playground. 

Tompkins Avenue and Lewis Avenue are the best streets to enjoy the food and shopping scene. Bar Camillo on Tompkins Ave. has my favorite Italian food in the neighborhood. I’ve heard from locals that Peaches HotHouse rivals the South for delicious comfort food. 

LunÀtico hosts live music on the weekends and offers an overall incredible, rustic vibe. Although a bit far from Manhattan, you’re well connected by multiple subway lines. 

Pros of Bed-Stuy 

• Evolving food scene 
• Stunning brownstones and charming streets 
• Strong cultural and diverse atmosphere 
• Rents more affordable than other NYC neighborhoods

Cons of Bed-Stuy

• Some parts are less safe 
• Can be far from Manhattan, longer commute times 

📚 Related Reading: What to bring to New York City

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Thanks for reading! I hope you’ve found the NYC neighborhood of your dreams. If you’re planning on venturing out of the city to get a taste of the country, don’t miss our list of the best towns in New York or our guide on where to live in New York.

–Niamh Hayes contributed to this post

(Featured Image Credit: littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock)