Searching for the best neighborhoods in NYC for Millennials? You’ve reached the right place. New York City has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for counter-cultural creativity or mainstream vibes. It’s just a case of finding a neighborhood that reflects your interests, and your budget.
With that in mind, we’ve put together an overview of the places where millennials with different needs and backgrounds will be able to find a space to grow and flourish in the Big Apple.
Uptown Living: Exploring Upper Manhattan
If you’re looking to live your best life as a millennial, then look no further than Upper Manhattan. From Inwood Hill Park and the Cloisters Museum to stunning views of Central Park, this part of town is perfect for young professionals who want it all. With plenty of restaurants, bars, theaters and nightlife options, not to mention affordable housing, it’s easy to see why millennials are flocking here.
Watch this video to see just a few of the lively places in Upper Manhattan:
As a local, you can enjoy delicious eats from amazing restaurants, or take advantage of amazing outdoor activities such as kayaking on the Hudson River with Downtown Boathouse.
If culture is more your speed, check out some incredible art exhibits at El Museo del Barrio, or visit nearby Columbia University which offers tons of events throughout each semester. Uptown has something for everyone, so come explore what makes this area unique today.
Brooklyn Bound: Discovering the Hottest
Brooklyn remains the thinking millennial’s choice in terms of NYC boroughs, and it’s no surprise given how tightly packed with amazing places it has become in the past couple of decades.
Not only does it have some of NYC’s most iconic parks like Prospect and Coney Island, but there are also plenty of trendy restaurants and bars that offer unique experiences, whether you’re into street food, craft beer, live comedy, or anything else in between.
Another selling point of Brooklyn is that many spots offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. A visit to Williamsburg Waterfront Park gives you the opportunity to take in some incredible sunset views over New York City harbor, and there are regular events and festivals which add to the community vibe.
As part of the inevitable gentrification process, Brooklyn has become more expensive to live in, so if you’re hoping to rent an apartment or even purchase property, you’ll maybe need to consolidate and pay down high-interest credit card debt to get your finances in order.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the popular places for millennials in Brooklyn:
Queens of Cool: Uncovering Hip Areas In Queens
From the bustling streets of Long Island City to the laid-back vibes in Astoria, Queens is home to some of NYC’s most exciting hotspots perfect for millennials. Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town, or just want to find a place to call home, there are plenty of options available.
In terms of renting, Queens has comparatively competitive prices, with a typical studio apartment priced at $1,600, while a 2-bed is closer to $2,500. That’s significantly cheaper than Brooklyn, where prices have skyrocketed in the past 12 months.
One of the best places in Queens for millennials is Astoria. This neighborhood has a great mix of old and new, with plenty of hip bars, restaurants, and cafes alongside traditional Greek establishments. Astoria also has a growing arts scene, with museums, galleries, and theaters, and it’s conveniently located near Manhattan with easy access to public transportation.
Another top spot for millennials in Queens is Long Island City (LIC). This neighborhood has undergone a major transformation in recent years and is now one of the city’s most exciting areas. LIC is home to several art galleries, trendy restaurants, and bars, as well as a booming tech industry. The waterfront area is particularly popular, with stunning views of Manhattan and plenty of outdoor activities. LIC is also convenient for commuters, with multiple subway lines and easy access to major highways.
Looking for more things to know about Queens? Check out this video:
A Bronx Tale: Affordable and Up-and-Coming
The borough of the Bronx is often overlooked by millennials. However, its reputation is improving and there’s now an opportunity for forward-thinking people to get ahead of the crowd and experience it for themselves.
From affordable housing options in Riverdale or Kingsbridge Heights, you’ll find plenty of great areas perfect for those on a budget. Plus there are tons of fun things happening all around this area, from visiting The Bronx Zoo, which offers year-round activities such as animal encounters and educational classes, or heading over to Wave Hill Public Garden & Cultural Center, where you can enjoy eye-catching vistas while taking part in various art workshops.
Need some food? No problem! Try exploring local spots like Arthur Avenue Market, which plays host to authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients, or grab drinks at popular watering holes such as Gun Hill Brewing Company.
Watch this video to learn a few more things you surely didn’t know about the Bronx:
Lower East Side Lovers Unite: Finding Funky, Artsy Hangouts
The Lower East Side of Manhattan is well suited to millennials who’ve got a penchant for art and culture. There are oodles of art galleries showcasing some of today’s most talented creatives from around the world, including Soho Photo Gallery and WhiteBox.
Not only does LES provide plenty of entertainment options, but it’s also a safe and stylish place to live. There’s so much that hooks it into the history of NYC, and you’ll be able to leave your mark as well, which is really what it’s all about.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of the Lower East Side:
Final Thoughts
Ultimately what makes a New York City neighborhood right for you is down to personal preference, and of course how much cash you’ve got to splash.
It’s still an expensive city by national standards, so it’s possible to have a warped perspective of affordability if you’ve only ever lived within its boundaries. Bear that in mind if you’re venturing to NYC from further afield, and you’ll be fine.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram