New York 75 Excellent
New York Livability #221 ranked city in New York#3,480 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas

New York, NY - The City That Never Sleeps

Living in New York, NY, known as 'The Big Apple,' offers a dynamic and vibrant lifestyle unmatched by any other city. Located in the southeastern part of New York State, New York City is a vast metropolis that embodies urban living with its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and relentless energy. Neighboring major cities like Newark and Philadelphia add to its appeal as a central hub in the Northeast corridor. The city's diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm, from the artistic vibes of Greenwich Village to the luxury of the Upper East Side.

New York City is renowned for its iconic landmarks that draw millions of tourists each year. The Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of freedom and democracy, while Central Park offers a sprawling green oasis amidst the urban jungle. Times Square, with its dazzling lights and vibrant atmosphere, epitomizes the city’s nonstop energy. The city's cultural scene is equally impressive, with world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History. The culinary landscape is unparalleled, offering an endless array of dining options that represent every cuisine imaginable, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.

The city hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including the famous New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square and the vibrant parades of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These events contribute to the city's festive atmosphere and offer unique experiences for both residents and visitors. Prestigious universities like New York University and Columbia University contribute to the city's educational and cultural richness, attracting students and academics from around the globe and fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in New York City is unmatched, featuring Broadway theaters, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and countless galleries in Chelsea. Living in New York means constant exposure to new and exciting cultural experiences, from concerts and theater performances to art exhibitions and literary events. The city's libraries, including the iconic New York Public Library, offer resources and programs that cater to all ages and interests.

New York’s community is a melting pot of cultures, making it a unique and enriching place to live. The city boasts professional sports teams like the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, and Rangers, providing plenty of entertainment for sports enthusiasts. Major industries in New York include finance, media, and fashion, with significant employers such as Goldman Sachs and The New York Times. Public transit options are extensive, with the famous subway system, buses, and ferries providing comprehensive coverage. The city experiences a temperate climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers, requiring residents to adapt to a wide range of weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Living in New York

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

  • Schools

    The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

  • Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

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What's it like Living in New York?

New York, New York is a large city with a population of 8,379,552 inhabitants. In New York, there are 27,889 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. More than a quarter of the residents of New York identify themselves as Hispanic or Latino, and 24% of the population speak Spanish as their primary or secondary language. In New York, only 47% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Something to be aware of when living in New York are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 41 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in New York, New York. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, commute, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in New York and in the areas around New York is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 76 out of 100, New York is ranked #2,675 in the United States and #182 in New York. Based on this score, New York would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. There are nine total categories that form the livability score. New York ranks well for education (B+) and employment (A-) Regrettably for New York, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (D) and cost of living (F).

New York has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that New York has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in New York are: Central Park, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in New York is actually affordable. The median home price for New York homes is $635,200, which is 121.9% higher than the New York average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in New York, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 9.5, which is 102.1% higher than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around New York

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Compare New York, NY Livability

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      New York transportation information

      Statistic New York New York National
      Average one way commute41min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work22.3%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.5%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit52.8%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.3%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk9.8%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home7.4%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The New York, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).