The Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Manhattan 2023
Apartment searching in New York City can be a headache and a half. When you think you know what you want, your priorities change. Keeping cool in the competitive NYC real estate market is sometimes difficult. There is a lot to consider. Time is not something you will have a lot of. However, finding the right apartment may not be as complicated as you thought if you keep some of these tips in mind.
Manhattan's rental market is generally robust and typically sees year-over-year growth in asking prices. This is because Manhattan has more neighborhoods in high demand among active renters than any other borough. The priciest neighborhoods to rent an apartment are all in Manhattan. However, there are still good deals to be found in the borough.
Best Neighborhoods to Rent in Manhattan
- Upper West Side: Best for Families
- Greenwich Village: Best for Young Professionals
- East Village: Best for Nightlife
- Battery Park City: Best for Waterfront Views
- Upper East Side: Best for Parks/Nature
- Midtown: Transportation Hub
Before You Start
Do you know what to expect from the application process? Being prepared is one of the most valuable ways to take a significant amount of stress off your search. Although not every application process will be the same, the general information required from applicants remains similar.
To qualify for most apartments in Manhattan, the applicant(s) need to earn at least 40 times the monthly rent on a yearly basis. Your credit score also plays a big part in whether or not you will find your ideal apartment.
You may be wondering, what credit score do you need to rent an apartment in Manhattan? The applicant’s credit score must be in “good” standing or close to it. If you’re unsure, be sure always to check your report before you begin. Remember, the average credit score range that many landlords abide by in New York is around 680-690. If you are having issues generating enough income to rent, here are some great tips to consider, especially if you haven't secured a job yet.
Tip: Try PropertyNest's Rent Affordability Calculator to see what you need to earn to afford rent.
Deposit
Most agencies require a security deposit at the time of application to show that you are seriously interested in the apartment. This is a standard ‘good faith’ procedure. The security deposit generally ranges from a few hundred to an entire month of rent.
Read more: What is a security deposit?
Be sure to read and check the money deposit contract for any refund policy. You also want to make the payment to the agency’s LLC or official company name.
Tip: Never pay directly in an agent or broker’s name. This usually means it is the agent’s illegal side deal or a rental scam.
Application and Credit Check
Once your application is complete, a credit check will be conducted and considered by the landlord.
The fee for this can range from $15-$175.
You can request a copy of the credit report by asking your agent.
Preparing Income Documentation
Income requirements and documentation will depend on the brokerage/management company. However, generally speaking, you will need these five important things:
- A government-issued photo ID (state ID, Driver’s License, or Passport)
- Recent bank statements
- Recent pay stubs
- Recent tax returns
- Some employment verification
For anyone receiving direct deposit, proof of pay can be obtained in a couple of easy ways, including:
a.) highlighting the deposit in the bank account OR
b.) asking payroll to print some statements for you.
If you have not filed taxes yet, compile documentation like W-2s or 1099’s showing your total annual income.
If you're concerned that you your limited funds won't cover all necessary fees, check out our latest article on how to get an apartment in NYC with low income.
Employment verification is as simple as requesting that your employer write a letter containing your position, salary, and start date.
Providing a recent letter/email stating a recent promotion may also provide confirmation.
Be sure to store all of your documentation in an easily accessible folder on your desktop.
It also might be a good idea to email the folder to yourself so they are ready to be printed at any location.
Prioritize
This is where you must think about what is most important to be comfortable in your living situation. This goes deeper than simply the neighborhood or your budget. It’s about figuring out the most important aspects of your daily routine.
This will also allow you to consider what features would be enjoyable but not essential. Some questions you may want to ask yourself before considering are:
- Are there school zones you’d like to live in?
- Do you spend a lot of time at local bars and restaurants?
- Are you primarily looking for a short commute?
- Do you work from home?
- Do you like to spend a lot of time in an outdoor space?
- Are you on a tight budget?
These may seem like insignificant considerations but will be crucial to what kind of place ends up right for you.
| Affordable Rents | The average price for a 1-bedroom is roughly $3,495. 2-bedrooms at $5,146. It will be a challenge to find anything below these prices in most of Manhattan. Expect to find more deals in uptown neighborhoods like Inwood and Harlem. |
|---|---|
| Parks | Is there a park in the neighborhood? Is it a park where you can carry out recreational activities or exercise? Does the park have a playground for your child or a dog park for your pup? |
| Restaraunts | Are there proper sit-down restaurants in the area? How about restaurants to order delivery? Do you need a good variety of cuisines to choose from? Is a close grocery store important? |
| Top Public Schools | If you have school-aged children, you probably want to make sure that you are in a good school district or zoned for a good school. If not public, check out the private schools also. |
| Movie Theaters | Manhattan has many big and small theaters to enjoy mainstream and indie films. Some of the top ones include: Regal Union Square Stadium 14 (convenient), AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 (IMAX and IMAX 3D), AMC Loews 84th Street 6 (most comfortable) and Regal Battery Park Stadium 11 (thin crowds) |
| Walkability | Almost every Manhattan neighborhood is walkable neighborhood at the right time. Make sure to also explore the neighborhood after dark to make sure that you feel safe at all times. Also consider is your chosen apartment in walking distance to the shops, stores and restaurants you will frequent. |
| Public Transportation/Commute | Most New Yorkers prioritize commute as a big factor when looking for housing. Although close proximity to public transit and a short commute time is significant to most, these factors may have to be sacrificed depending on your budget and desired apartment size. Remember that not everyone can be a hop, skip and a jump away from the train (a 10-minute walk is the average). |
| Parking | Street parking has always been a challenge in Manhattan. For as long as NYC maintains its status as a highly desirable place to live, street parking will continue to be difficult. Luckily, most Manhattan-ites forgo owning a car and rely on strictly on foot transportation. If, however, your budget is not tight and you are a car-owner, you might want to consider snatching a luxury apartment. These usually offer garages. This way you know you will always have a spot when you come home after a long day. |
| Music Venues | There is no shortage of musical talent in NYC. No matter what kind of establishment you find yourself in, the entertainment will be above-average. In Manhattan, even your local karaoke bar is a treat. During the warmer months there are many live outdoor concerts in places like Tompkins Square Park and Central Park. Other large venues include Bowery Ballroom, Beacon Theatre, Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. For now, NYC remains hard to beat when it comes to live music. |
| Access to Farmer’s Markets | Fresh foods are quite popular in NYC and could be an added bonus to any neighborhood. Although fruit stands can be found throughout the city, greenmarkets are becoming increasingly popular in each neighborhood. Your desired neighborhood will most likely have some sort of weekly fresh fruit and vegetable market in walking distance. A map of current greenmarkets can be found at www.grownyc.org. |
| Coffee shops | Move over Starbucks. Thanks to city-wide gentrification, many small coffee shops are popping up in most neighborhoods. Local coffee shops are a great place for residents to work, meet and create a community ambiance. After all, coffee options are a good thing. |
| Crime | Manhattan is home to over 8 million people so crime is going to occur more frequently. Violent crimes have decreased at a relatively significant rate, but all urban areas are going to have their shortcomings. Be sure to take note of how safe you feel walking the neighborhood during the day and at night. This could be a determining factor, depending on how important it is for you to feel a sense of security. |
| New York Pizza | Don’t forget about the days you will be glad to know that you can order quality New York pizza. There are many late-night classic New York pizzerias all around the city. If it’s important to you, be sure to check if your neighborhood joint has gluten-free or real brick-oven options. |
Budget Appropriately
There is a general formula that most landlords use to judge your ability to pay rent.
Keep in mind that individual requirements will vary from landlord to landlord.
However, your annual income should equal 40 times the rent. I.e., If monthly rent is $2,000, then your yearly household income should be at least $80,000.
It is essential to keep your budget as your number one priority.
It’s All About Personality
Are you someone who needs a historic pre-war charm to your apartment, or would you choose a modern, luxury, or traditional apartment instead?
Does it matter if you’re on the first or tenth floor?
Do you prefer to have an elevator, or is a walk-up more your style?
When your budget is limited, you can’t be too picky in Manhattan, so decide what personality factors are most important to you.
Manhattan Neighborhoods
Manhattan has something to offer for everyone, regardless of race, religion, or background.
It is quintessentially the melting pot city of America.
Depending on your taste, each neighborhood specializes in something to offer you.
| Best for Families: | Best for Young Professionals: | Best for Nightlife: | Waterfront Views: | Parks/Nature: | Transportation Hub: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper East Side | Lower East Side | Hell’s Kitchen | Tribeca | Upper West Side | Midtown |
| Upper West Side | Murray Hill | Midtown | Battery Park City | Upper East Side | Financial District |
| Battery Park City | Chelsea | Chelsea | Hell's Kitchen | Gramercy Park | Soho |
| Gramercy Park | Kip's Bay | Lower East Side | Chelsea | Greenwich Village | Chelsea |
| Tribeca | Greenwich Village | East Village | Upper West Side | Chelsea | Greenwich Village |
Uptown
Located away from the hustle and bustle of midtown, uptown offers residents a refreshing arts culture with many museums and art galleries and the city’s most famous playground - Central Park.
Uptown Manhattan is the area above 59th Street and below 96th Street. The Upper West Side and Upper East Side are two of the most notable neighborhoods in Uptown.
Some other neighborhoods include Harlem, Washington Heights, Lenox Hill, and Yorkville, which are prized for their historic beauty as well as affordable prices.
Although prices have risen in recent times, these neighborhoods are among the most affordable in the borough.
The Upper East Side includes some of the world’s most expensive properties between high-end boutiques and pre-war historic gems.
The area can be affordable but continues to be one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Manhattan.
The Upper West Side is quaint and more affordable than it’s eastern counterpart (UES).
Though much of it is residential, it also contains many gems, including the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, The American Museum of Natural History, and The Beacon Theatre.
This peaceful neighborhood is full of lush gardens (and Central Park), historic churches, and activities involving the arts.
Midtown
Midtown Manhattan is the area between 34th Street and 59th Street.
If you want to be in the heart of the lively city, this is your place.
Some of the neighborhoods in Midtown include Union Square, Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and Gramercy Park.
Neighborhoods along the East River, like Kip’s Bay and Stuy Town, may surprise you with affordable places.
If you plan to have roommates, then your options increase.
Downtown
Downtown Manhattan, sometimes referred to as Lower Manhattan, includes any neighborhood below 14th Street.
Some neighborhoods include West Village, Soho, Tribeca, and the Financial District.
Business, culture, and government define this southernmost area of Manhattan.
The better-known locations include Greenwich Village, Canal Street, Wall Street, One World Trade Center, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, and the American International Building.
Although Downtown NYC has a picturesque charm, the cost of living is pricier, and spaces are generally smaller.
Most walk-ups are found in the Village, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown - and these usually rent for a little less than those on lower floors.
Deciding on the Best Apartment for You
Be sure to take the time to reflect on what is important to you before choosing a neighborhood in Manhattan to live in.
No matter what neighborhood you choose, there will be important things to consider.
To make things easier, prioritize your checklist down to the top three that fit the description of what you are looking for.
If your list of potential apartments exceeds five, you may need to reevaluate your priorities.
Remember, the apartment that wins you over may not have every item on your checklist, so don’t discount your inner feelings and intuition on the search.
Frequently Asked Questions
