Figuring out where to live in NYC isn’t just the province of those newly arrived to town; it’s also an issue for people who already live here. Each neighborhood in NYC has its own look, feel, vibe, and level of affordability. Ideally, you want to find a place that works on every level. Many house and apartment hunters are looking for the same things when they search out areas to live: an easy commute to work; a sense of safety; a healthy supply of affordable, beautiful housing stock; and neighborhoods that fit their sensibilities.

You’re a Trendsetter with Money to Burn . . .

If you’ve got a hefty budget and you’re never home because you’re too busy out there being fabulous, neighborhoods like Tribeca and Williamsburg are calling your name. Tribeca, located in downtown Manhattan and bordered by Canal Street, Broadway, West Street, Chambers, and Vesey, has the bars, clubs, shops, art galleries, and social scene that will keep your Evernote app pinging for years to come. Williamsburg, the birthplace of a certain type of hipster, is the Brooklyn neighborhood that offers the fabulousness of Tribeca with a side of artisanal grit. Both neighborhoods offer high-end apartment listings for those who can afford to be discerning when searching for where to live in NYC.

You’re a Trendsetter Who Likes to Party, But Work Three Jobs to Pay for It . . .

If you’ve got thousand-dollar Champagne Krug Vintage tastes but have a ten-dollar Cava budget, you’d do well to look in neighborhoods like Bushwick. Bushwick is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Brooklyn that borders Williamsburg and is getting more “here” than up-and-coming every day. Hip bars, coffee shops, and shopping venues are opening every day, making this more and more of a go-to destination for New Yorkers looking for affordable cool.

You Need a Neighborhood with Great Public Schools, and You’ve Got a Healthy Budget . . .

PS 234 in Tribeca is one of the best public schools in the city, but you have to be zoned for the neighborhood in order for your kids to go there, so if you can afford to live in the area, it’s a terrific bet. Park Slope is a great option if you’re looking for a home in a nice area with great public schools. PS 321, overcrowded and bursting at the seams, still ranks as one of the best schools in the entire city.

You‘re Looking for a Neighborhood with a Sesame Street Vibe/Level of Diversity . . .

If you’re looking for a neighborhood where it feels like people of all stripes, creeds, and sensibilities are welcome, check out areas like Fort Greene and the Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Both areas offer a sense of community that other areas strive to emulate.

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