Top 7 Best neighborhoods in NYC with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Crime rate: 12.09 crimes per 1,000 people (114th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,398
• Median property buying cost: $900,000

Astoria offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, and they are known for their authentic Greek-flavored restaurants.

Families value schools like P.S. 122 and the Young Women’s Leadership School. Astoria Park, along the East River, offers a pool, jogging walkways, and stunning Manhattan skyline views.

Astoria is popular on online forums like Reddit due to its vibrant atmosphere, appeal to young professionals, a lot of coffee shops, and welcoming community. 

It is our top pick of the best neighborhood to live in NYC because of a low crime rate of 12.09 crimes per 1,000 people and having the best quality of life. Housing costs should be considered, with a median 1-bed apartment at $2,398 (July 2023) and median property cost at $900,000 (June 2023).

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020), & NYPD (2022)

• Crime rate: 8.70 crimes per 1,000 people (69th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,400
• Median property buying cost: $742,500

Canarsie stands out for its access to natural beauty along Jamaica Bay’s coast, offering beautiful waterfront views and outdoor activities.

Originally a fishing town, Canarsie transformed into a popular summer resort in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with the well-known Canarsie Pier attracting fishing enthusiasts for years.

The neighborhood is home to the historic educational institution, Canarsie High School.

Canarsie reports a combined property and violent crime rate of 8.70 crimes per 1,000 people. However, housing costs should be considered, with a median 1-bed apartment at $2,400 (July 2023) and median property cost at $742,500 (June 2023).

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020), & NYPD (2022)

• Crime rate: 19.40 crimes per 1,000 people (112th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $2,450
• Median property buying cost: $467,600

Forest Hills has a low crime rate of 19.40 crimes per 1,000 people, ensuring a sense of security. Median property cost as of July 2023 were $467,600, while a 1-bedroom apartment was $2,450 in June 2023.

Education opportunities are abundant, with Forest Hills High School, known for strong academic programs, ranking 208th in New York.

Recreational areas are diverse, with Austin Street serving as the main commercial hub and Forest Park, one of Queens’ largest parks, offering ample green spaces for outdoor activities.

Real reviews on forums like Reddit rave about Forest Hills, with praise for its world-class museum, beautiful Victorian homes, and convenient commute, making it one of the best neighborhoods in NYC.

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020), & NYPD (2022)

• Crime rate: 17.10 crimes per 1,000 people (17th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,995
• Median property buying cost: $1,106,325

Midtown East is a bustling neighborhood known for its central location and iconic landmarks like Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, and the United Nations headquarters.

In terms of safety, Midtown East has a reported crime rate of 17.10 crimes per 1,000 people, offering a secure environment for NYC residents.

Real reviews on platforms like Reddit often highlight Midtown East’s convenience with easy access to multiple subway lines and Time Square is nearby.

As of June 2023, the median cost of housing is approximately $1,106,325, while a 1-bedroom apartment costs around $3,995 as of July 2023, making it one of the best neighborhoods in NYC.

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020), & NYPD (2022)

• Crime rate: 31.87 crimes per 1000 people (9th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,050
• Median property buying cost: $1,200,000

East Village is renowned for its safety, with a reported crime rate of 31.87 crimes per 1000 people. The area offers diverse recreational options, including parks like Tompkins Square Park and Stuyvesant Square Park, promoting relaxation and socialization.

The neighborhood’s vibrant artistic community earns praise from real people on forums like Reddit, making it a charming and unique residential environment.

With a rich history as one of New York’s wealthiest districts, East Village showcases beautiful architecture. It is also home to Museum Mile, a line of world-renowned institutions along E. 82nd St.

As of June 2023, the median housing cost is approximately $1,200,000, and a 1-bedroom apartment is around $3,050 as of July 2023, solidifying East Village as one of the best neighborhoods in NYC.

Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020) & NYPD (2022)

• Crime rate: 24.985 crimes per 1000 people (78th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $3,350
• Median property buying cost: $1,651,666

Park Slope is renowned for its mix of brownstones, pre-war buildings, and modern apartments, once known as a “streetcar suburb.”

The neighborhood houses schools like P.S. 321 and the Berkeley Carroll School, and residents enjoy the recreational offerings of Prospect Park, including green spaces, playgrounds, and a zoo.

Real reviews on platforms like Reddit often praise Park Slope for its excellent amenities and vibrant cultural scene.

With a reported crime rate of 25 crimes per 1000 people, Park Slope provides a sense of security. As of June 2023, the median cost of housing was $1,651,666, and a 1-bedroom apartment rental cost around $3,350 as of July 2023, making it an attractive choice in NYC.

Rocket Homes (June 2023), Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020), & NYPD (2022)

• Crime rate: 39.32 crimes per 1,000 people (76th precinct)
• Median 1-bed apt rent: $4,595
• Median property buying cost: $2,092,500

Carroll Gardens has a reported crime rate of 39.32 crimes per 1,000 people, indicating a generally decent safety record.

The neighborhood’s residents enjoy recreational opportunities at Carroll Park, a beautiful green space perfect for everyone. Real people on online forums frequently highlight the peaceful and family-friendly environment, recognizing it as an Italian-American community.

Families in Carroll Gardens have access to reputable schools like P.S. The Carroll School and Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School.

As of March 2023, the median cost of housing was $2,092,500, and a 1-bedroom apartment rented for around $4,595 as of July 2023.

Rocket Homes (March 2023), Zillow (July 2023), City data (2020), & NYPD (2022)