Buying a place of your own anywhere is an astounding accomplishment, but staking a claim in one of the most famous cities in the world is worth a top spot on any bucket list. The Big Apple’s home prices are as famous as the city itself, and the square footage they get you isn’t always as flashy as Times Square.

Yet, living in New York City has always been a mythical achievement, whether you get the keys to a stunning co-op on the Upper East Side or a small but sleek studio in Brooklyn Heights.

The world of NYC is its own universe, with each neighborhood offering different flavors, cultures, and experiences. Trying to decide where to settle in a city as legendary as this is no easy task. 

Below, the team from Prevu Real Estate will make that task as smooth as possible by guiding you through some of the best places to live in New York City.

Best places to live in NYC

• Yorkville

• Carnegie Hill

• Upper West Side

• West Village

• Gramercy Park

• East Village

• Chelsea

• Brooklyn Heights

• Park Slope

• Long Island City

• Astoria

Yorkville

The next time someone mentions the Upper East Side, ask “which part?” 

Even though they’re often clumped under “Upper East Side,” the iconic neighborhoods that create this historic part of the city deserve to be highlighted. 

Yorkville rests in the northern reaches of the Upper East, straddling the FDR Drive and East River. 96th and 79th Streets are its north and south borders, while 3rd and York Avenue define the area’s western and eastern limits. Within those coveted blocks is a rare residential oasis hard to find anywhere else in the Big Apple.

Yorkville flaunts a collection of timeless pre-war architecture, replete with classic co-op layouts and unrivaled design. Almost every block has a charming local haunt to explore, whether it’s a sidewalk cafe or a classic Italian eatery. Commercial corridors are easily accessible but never overshadow the laid-back charm Yorkville is known for. And the precious Carl Shurz Park gives residents a unique getaway from the crowds of the equally accessible Central Park without the typical crowds.

Historically, Yorkville enjoyed its insulated atmosphere with a caveat: it was sometimes challenging to commute to the rest of Manhattan. But the arrival of the Q express train to 2nd Avenue gave Yorkville a gateway to Midtown in under 20 minutes. And it doesn’t hurt to have the FDR Drive at your doorstep if you need the highway.

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Carnegie Hill

If you ever explore the legendary Museum Mile, there may be a moment when you wander into Carnegie Hill. When you do, you may need a moment to realize that you’re not looking at museums but at some of NYC’s most luxurious housing stock. 

The breathtaking mansions that line Carnegie Hill’s streets are as much a work of art as they are prime real estate. Stately townhouses and pre-war mansions on display here are arguably the rarest homes available in the city. And the proximity of some of NYC’s top attractions, such as Central Park and the Guggenheim Museum, help make Carnegie Hill one of the best places to live in Manhattan.

Of course, not all of the area’s housing options are exclusive mansions, even though they still sit at the top of NYC’s desirable real estate. Madison Avenue, Park Avenue, and Lexington Avenue are home to multiple pre-war buildings and post-war high-rises that offer coveted condos and co-ops for buyers to explore.

For those lucky enough to secure a home on Carnegie Hill’s share of 5th Avenue, Central Park will serve as your front yard. And that priceless perk also comes with views of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, the park’s largest body of water.

As convenient as it is luxurious, Carnegie Hill provides instant access to dining on 3rd Avenue, connection to the 4 and 6 trains on Lexington, and a wealth of local shops and boutiques.

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Upper West Side

Staking claim to some of the most luxurious brownstones and townhouses available in NYC, the Upper West Side rivals the Upper East’s collection of museums with its iconic shrines to the performing arts.

Lincoln Center, Juilliard, and the Metropolitan Opera make the Upper West a centerpiece of Manhattan’s cultural playground. Even if you’re not watching a remake of Don Giovanni or enjoying Jazz at Lincoln Center, the hallowed venues are as stunning to take in from the outside as they are when hosting the hottest concert series.

Like the Upper East, the Upper West has a range of character depending on where you go. Lincoln Square provides the nucleus of the area, bringing together famous concert halls, access to Central Park, and a wealth of outdoor restaurants. 

Nearby Columbus Circle offers one of the most complete subway hubs available in the city. Here, you’ll get access to the blue, orange, and red lines, while 57th Street connects to the yellow line just a few blocks away.

Indeed, the Upper West doesn’t shy away from the hustle and bustle, but just as quickly as you can lose yourself in the speed and music of its streets, you can find yourself in the middle of a residential paradise.

Venture towards Riverside Drive, and you’ll discover iconic architecture overlooking the Hudson River. Nearby West End Avenue and the surrounding blocks host pockets of canopied streets with storied townhouses and local shops.   

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Gramercy Park

You would think a central neighborhood in NYC would equal non-stop sirens and angry honking. But slip into the historic streets of Gramercy Park, and suddenly the laws that govern the Big Apple’s blistering pace no longer apply.

Some of the city’s busiest neighborhoods border Gramercy Park. Union Square is one block away; the Flatiron District and Madison Square Park are two streets away; head a few blocks south, and you’re in the East Village.

Yet even as it rests at the crossroads of Manhattan’s hottest areas, Gramercy Park continues to enjoy the bucolic paradise that has made it the stomping grounds of some of the most recognizable names in the nation.

Roosevelt, Edison, and Steinway are a few of the historic names called Gramercy Park home. Modern times have seen celebrities like Julia Roberts, Jimmy Fallon, and Winona Ryder claim a slice of one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods.

Though most will recognize the area for its member’s-only park, the surrounding streets, and homes display an unparalleled living experience difficult to find anywhere else. Though the price tags for homes here are some of the priciest in the country, the peaceful streets, pre-war masterpieces, and local haunts help make the real estate worth every penny.

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West Village

It’s only fitting that the neighborhood that hosted New York’s most avant-garde and bohemian minds has arguably the edgiest (and most confusing) street layout.

While most of Manhattan is neatly packaged into a simple grid of streets and avenues, the West Village emerged as a collection of jagged, diagonal streets that even some locals may have trouble understanding. 

Those quirky streets, however, are packed to the brim with history and social milestones that define an entire nation. For instance, the still-standing Stonewall Inn helped spark the LGBT movement that continues to resonate today. 

Residents lucky enough to claim keys to the colonial brownstones and exclusive co-ops that dot the West Village will gain access to an electric nightlife that blends comfortably with quiet, residential airs. 

Restaurants and bars are packed into every corner, and a lack of corporate infrastructure keeps the West Village insulated from the 9-to-5 grind and traffic prominent in other areas of the city. Nearby Greenwich Village, New York University, and Washington Square Park all add to the list of top attractions residents can enjoy. 

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East Village

Much like the Upper East Side’s friendly rivalry with its twin to the west, the East Village counters its Western version with its own blend of historic watering holes, off-off-broadway theaters, and a cultural melting pot.

Home to the Ukrainian Village and a multi-generational Ukranian-American diaspora, the East Village showcases the country’s rich culture with heritage museums, highly-rated restaurants like Veselka, and a wealth of community events.

No one character defines the East Village. While Cooper Square houses corporate buildings, name-brand gyms, and glamorous hotels, the intertwining streets are reminiscent of the brownstone and townhouse architecture often found in the Upper West or East. 

Tompkins Square is the verdant centerpiece of the neighborhood, providing a tranquil escape from the evergreen nightlife of Alphabet City and the Sunday brunch rush of nearby 2nd Avenue. Venture out from the park in any direction, and each block will showcase a slew of local theaters, performance spaces, and unique housing styles. 

The iconic St. Marks Place will lead you to legendary pubs like McSorley’s Old Ale House, established in 1854, while Astor Place will take you on a roller coaster ride of Asian-inspired eateries and eclectic boutiques.

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Chelsea

The unmistakable air of trendiness and low-key glamor help define one of NYC’s most popular neighborhoods.

Chelsea has long reigned as the perfect blend of luxury and down-to-earth aesthetic. Though expensive shops, art galleries, and exclusive housing stock are an essential part of the area’s DNA, Chelsea still maintains an accessible spirit that makes it an evergreen destination for anyone considering life in the Big Apple.

Modern condos, pre-war townhouses, and a wealth of co-op buildings are the bread and butter of Chelsea’s real estate market. The lush entertainment scene, access to the iconic High Line Park, and a glitzy collection of seen-and-be-seen bars and restaurants eliminate “boring” from Chelsea’s vocabulary.

Access to the blue and red subway lines, as well as the PATH train on 23rd Street, help make Chelsea a prime destination for homebuyers shopping for the best commuting neighborhoods in the city. 

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Brooklyn Heights

If you’re convinced New York City’s luxury real estate is solely concentrated in Manhattan, take a moment to visit Brooklyn Heights.

One of Brooklyn’s most coveted neighborhoods, Brooklyn Heights serves up an idyllic residential oasis right on the waterfront of the East River. Charming cobblestone streets, historic and stately brownstones, and exclusive condos comprise the area’s prime real estate stock.

Though one of the smallest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, the Height's reputation is on par with some of the most famous areas in New York City. Yet as famous as its high-end real estate and ideal location is, Brooklyn Heights never fails to retain the laid-back vibe that draws aspiring buyers to explore its streets.

Residents gain access to the stunning Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a colorful array of local bars and restaurants, and leafy streets that seem to shut out the noise of commercial districts right around the corner. 

Anything you can’t find in Brooklyn Heights is just a stone’s throw away. DUMBO offers access to the Brooklyn Bridge and a wealth of high-end restaurants; the ferry or the red subway line gets you to Manhattan within minutes, and top Brooklyn attractions like Barclays Center and Prospect Park are a short commute away.

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Park Slope

The neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Park have long made a case for aspiring New Yorkers to move to Brooklyn. But few have garnered as desirable a reputation as Park Slope.

The underlying sheen of luxury is barely perceptible here, though there is no doubt Park Slope is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The rows of historic and colorful brownstones that decorate its tree-lined streets can comfortably rival those in Manhattan.

Prospect Park is a defining factor of Park Slope’s character. Though easier to access from the eastern part of the neighborhood, it is an ever present destination for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to live next to a foremost NYC park without the city rush hour. 

At times residential, at times playfully busy, Park Slope has managed to blend casual and upscale to perfection. Amid local pubs and packed cafes lie some of the best-rated restaurants in Brooklyn, and at any moment, you can find yourself lost in a high-end yet understated clothing boutique or sitting at a new favorite coffee shop.

Many homebuyers prize Park Slope for its residential vibe, yet NYC is just a train ride away. Two train stations serve the neighborhood via the green, orange, and yellow lines, making Manhattan’s Midtown and Brooklyn’s Williamsburg easily accessible.

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Long Island City

The blistering speed of Long Island City’s development gave rise to some of the most desirable high-rises and luxury condos available in Queens.

Once a post-industrial desert of abandoned warehouses and factories, Long Island City swiftly filled the emptiness with coveted real estate and a vibrant nightlife scene that offered homebuyers a near-ideal alternative to the hectic pace of Midtown. 

The neighborhood’s charm is evident the moment you begin to explore what it has to offer. From Gantry Plaza State Park with its stunning views of NYC’s skyline to MoMa PS1 and its eclectic installations and exhibitions, LIC has no shortage of fuel for its vibrant entertainment scene. 

The area’s desirability and invaluable proximity to Manhattan have slowly driven home prices upwards. But LIC remains a coveted destination for homebuyers eager to explore other parts of New York City, even if it means paying a pretty penny.

LIC’s prime real estate stock is showcased by its collection of sleek new construction and amenity-packed condominiums. The closer those are to the waterfront, the more expensive they will be.

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Astoria

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Queens, Astoria has long been a top choice on many homebuyers’ lists. 

The area once offered unbeatable affordability for renters and homebuyers exploring a chance to live in NYC. Though chances of snagging a perfect deal are slimmer these days, Astoria’s legacy and prime location remain a top draw for buyers.

It’s hard to pinpoint what exactly defines Astoria. It has green spaces and a tight-knit community; it has a wealth of cultural diversity, exemplified by home-grown Latin-American, Greek, and Middle-Eastern eateries; and it has a network of leafy, residential streets that can provide tranquility within earshot of Queen’s trendiest hotspots.

Much of Astoria’s housing stock comprises single-family homes and pre-war buildings, but a wealth of new construction and condo buildings have added to the area's real estate scene. 

At first glance, Astoria may seem like a primarily residential area by day. But hang around after the sun sets, and you’ll discover almost all you need for a satisfying nightlife scene. Renowned beer gardens and popular nightclubs light up the neighborhood almost every night. 

Couple that with a direct subway line to Midtown Manhattan and other central parts of the city, and you’ve got one of the best neighborhoods to live in New York City.

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