Everyone knows it's expensive to live in New York City.
Any and everything about this city is wildly expensive. Whether it's the cost of keeping a roof over your head, or simply a night out on the town, nothing here comes cheap.
Remember: even people who make $100k a year are getting a little nervous.
Fortunately for those who wish to live in the Big Apple, there are still some areas that haven't been hit too hard by the astronomical rent prices this city is known for.
Whether you're in the market to buy or rent, you can find a good deal, if only you know where to look.
Need some help? NewYork.com singled out these eight neighborhoods as potential options for a reasonably affordable new home.
Inwood, Manhattan
If you're looking to rent someplace that's still in Manhattan, but doesn't really feel like Manhattan, check out Inwood. With a median rent of $1,895 for 926 square feet or a listing price of $499,000 for 900 square feet, it's a great option for a quieter, more suburban feel.
[anad]
This area is popular for people who commute both further into the city or into the surrounding suburbs, as it's an easy car ride to New Jersey or subway train into Manhattan. Sure, it's not as urban as Midtown, but it's full of parks and a community feel.
Yorkville, Manhattan
Yorkville is another great neighborhood in Manhattan if you're looking for an affordable area, but act fast, because these prices are on the rise. The median rent is $2,900 for 894 square feet, where as you can purchase a 1,315 square foot space for $1,600,000.
Yes, these prices are pretty steep, but considering it's glitzy location near Central Park and the Upper East Side, these prices seem like more of a steal. While public transportation is a bit of a walk, the 2nd Avenue Subway line should allow for easier transport.
Tudor City, Manhattan
If you're a single, working professional looking to skimp on space to save some dough, Tudor City is a great option. The median rent for a 450 square foot space is $2,236 or a listing price of $415,133 to purchase a 468 square foot space.
[anad2]
This is one of those areas that the location is too hard to pass up. The apartments are typically small, sometimes with Pullman kitchens, but its Midtown location is key. It's only about a 10 minute walk to Grand Central Terminal. If space isn't a priority, but location is, Tudor City is the place to look.
Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Brooklyn has been hit hard by the gentrification boom. Places in Williamsburg could cost you an arm and a leg, and you'll be surrounded by hipsters. Hard pass. Instead, check out Bay Ridge, where the median rent is $2,100 for 850 square feet, or a list price of $839,500 for 1,060 square feet.
The "original gold coast," as the locals call it, is seeing it's time in the limelight. It's still firmly keeping hold to some remnants of Old Brooklyn, but its prices are slowly creeping towards the likes of hipster Brooklyn. The costs are low, but the 40 minute commute to Midtown might keep some folks away.
<!--nextpage-->
Kensington, Brooklyn
Kensington is an incredibly diverse area in Brooklyn, and with a median rent of $2,147 for 887 square feet or $639,000 for 1,231 square feet, it'd be hard for anyone to pass up a chance to live there.
[anad]
Kensington has recently attracted many families and young professionals, but lacks the hip-trendy-cooler before you scene of Williamsburg. As with most areas of Brooklyn, the commute to Midtown takes about 40 minutes by the F train, but the prices make this area well worth it.
Jackson Heights, Queens
Jackson Heights is a great spot for those who want a quick commute into Manhattan, but don't want to pay top dollar for a small space. With a median rent of $1,850 for 800 square feet or price of $398,000 for 857 square feet, these areas have attracted a wide range of ages and nationalities.
Though the area is often deemed "Little India" due to the prevalence of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and clothing stores, Jackson Heights is a melting pot microcosm. The commute to Manhattan is only about 15 minutes by E or F train.
Grand Concourse, the Bronx
For a median rent of $1,472 for 1,112 square feet or a price of $299,000 for 1,751 square feet, you'll get a lot of space for your money in the Grand Concourse of the Bronx. Its early 1900s Art Deco style buildings offer details like built-in shelves and arched entryways.
[anad2]
Though the food scene is still up and coming (they're about to get a Starbucks), there are plenty of local restaurants and coffeeshops to get your fill. Plus, it's only a 20 minute subway trip to Midtown from the Yankee Stadium subway stop.
University Heights, the Bronx
University Heights gained its name due to the presence of the Bronx Community College campus. For a median rent of $1,370 for 640 square feet or a list price of $149,000 for 1,995 square feet, it's easy to see why many students opt to live off campus.
If you're commuting to Manhattan, you can either walk the University Heights Bridge to get to Upper Manhattan, or you can take a 30 minute trip on the 4 train.
Check out NYC's Population Has Officially Surpassed 8.5 Million for the First Time Ever.
[via NewYork.com]