Is it possible to use “affordable housing” and “New York City” in the same sentence (without someone bursting out laughing)? We think so.
As experienced NYC movers, we’ve learned a thing or two about the best neighborhoods for budget-conscious New Yorkers. We’re also here to help you find the cheapest neighborhoods in NYC.
Our in-depth guide explains some of the best neighborhoods for those seeking affordable rent and a low cost of living in the Big Apple. We also share some tips to help you find affordable apartments and single-family homes.
Top Cheapest Neighborhoods in NYC
Each of the five boroughs of NYC (Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx) has some affordable neighborhoods. Remember that “affordable” is subjective -- affordable rent in Manhattan is still higher than in Staten Island.
That being said, let’s jump into the most cost-effective new york city neighborhoods:
1. Inwood, Manhattan
Inwood is easily one of the most affordable options if you want to live in a Manhattan neighborhood.
The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,125 per month, which is nearly half the rent in other Manhattan neighborhoods. For example, the average rent in the NoMad neighborhood is over $5,500 per month.
This affordable neighborhood is also home to Inwood Hill Park, so it’s perfect for those who love green spaces.
2. Washington Heights, Manhattan
Washington Heights is another good choice for those who want to live in Manhattan without breaking the bank. The median rent is $2,230 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Washington Heights is known for its robust Dominican population, so it’s great for people seeking a diverse neighborhood. It’s also located close to the Hudson River and many historical sites.
3. Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
If you’re seeking affordable Brooklyn neighborhoods, consider checking out apartments, condos, brownstones, and row houses in Bay Ridge. The median rent for a one-bedroom here is just $1,950 per month.
This neighborhood is sometimes referred to as “Old Brooklyn” or “Real Brooklyn.” It features many mom-and-pop shops and local businesses. It was also Tony Manero’s neighborhood in “Saturday Night Fever.”
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4. Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Sheepshead Bay is another affordable Brooklyn neighborhood. The median rent is just $1,638 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly places in the city.
This neighborhood is excellent for those who love the coastal life and delicious seafood. It’s a popular fishing spot with restaurants and cafes serving some of the city’s best fish dishes.
5. Briarwood, Queens
Queens offers many inexpensive neighborhoods, including Briarwood. Briarwood has a median rent of $2,025 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
This neighborhood offers a variety of large apartment complexes and single-family homes. It’s also known for its quaint tree-lined streets and easy access to parks and green spaces.
6. Flushing, Queens
Flushing, Queens, is another good neighborhood to consider if you’re looking for low rent prices. A one-bedroom here costs a mere $1,875 per month.
This neighborhood connects you to many of the borough’s top attractions, including Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the Queens Botanical Garden. Flushing Town Hall also hosts many fun concerts throughout the year.
7. Country Club, The Bronx
Surprisingly, the Country Club neighborhood is one of the Bronx’s most affordable locations. This neighborhood has an average one-bedroom rental price of just $1,750 per month.
This area is a good choice for those seeking affordable housing prices and a more suburban, small-town feel. It’s known for its relatively low crime rate, too, and is one of the safest neighborhoods in the Bronx.
8. Morris Park, The Bronx
Morris Park is another safe and affordable part of the Bronx.
The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,600 per month. That means it’s one of the most affordable places on this entire list!
Morris Park provides access to many subway stations, so it’s easy to travel from here to the other boroughs. It’s also close to the Bronx Zoo.
9. Tompkinsville, Staten Island
Some people dislike the idea of living so far from Manhattan. However, when they see the rent prices in Staten Island, they reconsider.
Staten Island’s Tompkinsville neighborhood is known for its affordability. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is $1,400 per month. It’s also more accessible to potential homebuyers, with a median home sale price of just under $490,000.
10. St. George, Staten Island
Consider St. George on Staten Island if Tompkinsville doesn’t work for you.
This neighborhood has an average rental price (for one-bedroom apartments) of $2,400 per month.
It’s more expensive than Tompkinsville, but it’s also closer to the water. It provides easy access to attractions like the National Lighthouse Museum, too.
Related article: Cost Of Living In NYC
Tips for Finding Affordable Housing
Knowing which NYC neighborhoods to look for housing in is the first step to saving money. However, you also need to know what to look for in a house or apartment. That way, you won’t end up living in a hovel just because you were trying to save a few bucks.
Here are our top tips for finding the cheapest places in the city:
Spread the Word
New York City real estate moves quickly. A great apartment (especially a safe and affordable one) won’t just fall into your lap.
If you want to increase your chances of finding an affordable apartment, you have to spread the word. Tap into your network and let people know you’re looking.
Be sure to share your must-haves with them, too. For example, do you need easy access to the A train or want to live somewhere biking-friendly?
Look for Roommates
If even the most budget-friendly apartments in Manhattan are outside your price range, don’t give up hope. Consider splitting the cost with a roommate or two (or three).
There are plenty of young professionals in the city who can’t afford to live alone as they start their careers. Are you in the same boat? If so, get in touch and see if you can work together to find your ideal place to live.
We recommend living with roommates to save money and have a built-in friend group to experience NYC’s nightlife with.
Move During the Winter
Whether you’re heading to Harlem, Astoria, or midtown Manhattan, you’ll save money if you move during the winter.
Remember that the peak NYC moving time is during the summer.
You'll have less competition if you wait until the weather cools down. You’ll also have an easier time finding deals on apartments or other dwellings.
Be Aware of Scams
We’ve been in New York City for a long time, and we’ve seen a lot of scams. We also know how to help you avoid them. Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself during your search:
● Ask for an exact street address. This helps you ensure the apartment or house is real.
● Meet potential roommates in person. If they won’t meet face-to-face, there might not be an actual room for rent.
● Check social media profiles. If you can’t find your potential roommate online, they might not be real.
● Don’t wire money to a potential roommate or landlord. Asking about wire transfers is often a red flag and can lead to you losing your money.
Remember, too, that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If an apartment’s rent is unbelievably low, be wary of believing the price. It could be a scam.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about rent prices or affordable living in NYC? If so, here are some of our FAQs (with answers):
What Is the Cheapest Area to Live in NYC?
Most people consider the Bronx to be the cheapest area in NYC. We like the Bronx because it puts you close enough to Manhattan that you still feel part of the action.
Is Brooklyn Cheaper than Manhattan?
The average rent in Brooklyn is lower than in Manhattan. These are the two most expensive boroughs in the city, though. If you want to live in either, you’ll have to do plenty of research to find low-cost lodging.
What Are the Additional Costs to Consider When Moving to an Affordable Neighborhood in NYC?
The price of rent is only part of the equation. For example, consider the cost of groceries in nearby stores and meals at nearby restaurants. Remember to leave room in your budget for utilities and internet, too.
Conclusion
Do you feel more confident in your ability to find an apartment in NYC? We hope so!
It is possible to locate affordable housing in the city. Follow our tips and tricks, and you’ll have no trouble navigating New York’s competitive, fast-paced real estate market.
If you need help packing and relocating to your new place, we’re here for you at Oz Moving & Storage. Reach out to us today to get a free quote!
About the author |
Nancy Zafrani | General Manager |
Nancy Zafrani is the experienced General Manager of Oz Moving & Storage, with 30 years in the industry and a lifetime of knowledge as a New Yorker. She helped grow the company from 3 employees to 200 with 50 trucks and locations across the US. Her experience and organizational skills have led to over 500.000 successful moves. She is proud to lead a company that provides the best possible moving experience
