Cracking the Zip Codes: Finding the Right NYC Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle

FEBRUARY 13, 2012

New York City is made up of dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and all with so much to offer; how do you choose one that suits your lifestyle?

Beyond due diligence on schools, subway access, housing costs, and number of grocery stores that stock the items you like, you need to do some legwork to find the best neighborhood for you. First, think about what you're really looking for in a new neighborhood. You may have to compromise on some things, so put the “no compromise must-have" factors at the top of the list. Consider the kinds of apartments in the area. For example, if you’re looking for a new condo with top amenities and wow factor, neighborhoods like West Chelsea and Downtown Brooklyn have plenty to choose from, with buildings like Chelsea Modern, HL 23 (shown) and Oro making an unforgettable statement at first look.

More tips for finding the right neighborhood:
- Ask the locals. Most New Yorkers would love to tell you about their neighborhood and a few others, too.
- Ask the experts. A knowledgeable real estate broker can be helpful with neighborhood information, since most are very familiar with the city and with the neighborhoods they work in.
- Survey the territory. Take walks and taxi rides through different parts of the city, making sure you’re focused on little else but looking at neighborhood streets and buildings as you pass them by.
- Get a closer look. Spend a few mornings or afternoons in a cafe in a neighborhood you like, watching the street scene; return in the evening to a restaurant or pub. Neighborhoods can appear radically different after dark; they can be much quieter after work hours, or they can become bustling nightlife destinations.
Read up. Publications like TimeOut New York and New York Magazine do frequent features comparing neighborhoods and giving updates on recent or impending changes.
- Try one on. Consider a short term rental or a sublet in a neighborhood you’re curious about.