The 10 Best Neighborhoods In New York City, NY For 2024


The best New York City neighborhoods are Carnegie Hill and Battery Park for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Best Neighborhoods In New York
Source: Wikipedia User Dmitry Avdeev | CC BY-SA 3.0

New York City has the best pizza, the best shopping, the best people, and surprisingly, some of the best neighborhoods in America.

If you ask any New Yorker, the will have NO problem telling you that their little corner of the Big Apple is the best. Not to disappoint, but if your neighborhood is not on HomeSnacks’ list of the top ten best neighborhoods in New York City for 2024 below, it’s probably not the best of the best.

What does it take to be one of the best neighborhoods in New York City? We’ll tell you. In order to determine the best, we had to give each neighborhood an actual concrete score: we call this a neighborhood’s overall ‘Snackability’. To get this score, we looked at the latest census data on income levels, unemployment rates, crime, and home prices for 122 New York City neighborhoods. Incidentally, this is our tenth time ranking New York City’s best neighborhoods, so trust us when we say that these are the best of the best.

While New York City can be intimidating with all of its glitz and glamour, there really are places in NYC that can make one feel at home. Heck, if the city can make it’s current population of 8.3 million people feel at home, there’s a place for you. But, the trick is finding what neighborhood will best suit your lifestyle. So, if you’re looking for a neighborhood with some room to move, we recommend Westerleigh-Castleton, if you’re into that whole idyllic, Victorian vibe, we recommend Tottensville, and if you’re looking for a quaint, family friendly village, you won’t go wrong with Greenwich Village.

Want to know more? We recommend that you grab yourself a piping’ hot slice of ‘za, head to a shady park in Greenwood, and read on as we divulge New York City’s best neighborhoods.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table


The Best Neighborhoods In New York For 2024

  1. Carnegie Hill
  2. Battery Park
  3. Cobble Hill
  4. Upper East Side
  5. North Sutton Area
  6. Upper West Side
  7. Park Slope
  8. Garment District
  9. Central Park
  10. Utopia

The biggest cities in most states do tend to have the most problems; and while New York City does have its fair share of problems and some pretty dangerous neighborhoods, it does have some of the best, most unique, neighborhoods to call home.

So, what’s the best neighborhood in New York City for 2024? That would be Carnegie Hill.

To see how your favorite NYC neighborhoods compared, take a look at the list below; and if you don’t see it there, head to the bottom.

For more New York reading, check out:

The 10 Best Neighborhoods To Live In New York

Carnegie Hill New York, NY

Source: Wikipedia User | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 13,630
Median Home Value: $1,925,601 (best)
Median Income: $204,127 (Third best)
More on Carnegie Hill: Data | Real Estate

You’ve probably heard the old joke. Passenger asks the cabbie, “how do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Cabbie responds: “practice.”

Well, that’s Carnegie Hall, located just south of Central Park. Here, we’re talking about Carnegie Hill. For this area, the gag could have a new punchline: “have a lot of money.” (Not that living near Carnegie Hall would be a low-price choice.)

The median home price in Carnegie Hill sits above $1.7 million. But you do get value for your money. Great amenities and a location on the eastern border of Central Park. Plus, you’ll find loads of cultural landmarks, including the Guggenheim Museum.

Population: 15,714
Median Home Value: $1,546,050 (Eighth best)
Median Income: $211,402 (best)
More on Battery Park: Data | Real Estate

Battery Park is located on the very southern tip of Manhattan. Want to get a good look at either the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island? Well, then, head over to Battery Park.

With such iconic views, it’s no wonder this area of the city has become the number 2 best neighborhood in New York for 2024. Residents also find themselves in walking distance of the financial district and other key parts of the city.

Of course, addresses in this section come at a cost. The median home value sits at $1,546,050. But don’t start crying for the folks who have to swing those mortgage payments. The median income for the neighborhood hovers at around $170,000.

Population: 7,702
Median Home Value: $1,715,909 (Fourth best)
Median Income: $156,340 (Sixth best)
More on Cobble Hill: Data | Real Estate

Here’s another one of Brooklyn’s premier neighborhoods. In fact, a strong economy and abundant amenities make this the number 3 spots to live in New York for 2024.

Cobble Hill is located on the far western side of the borough, near the water and just south of the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll find a host of trendy shops and restaurants along Court Street, in the heart of the neighborhood.

The only major drawback in Cobble Hill comes from its cost of living. A red-hot real estate market leaves the median home price above $1.2 million. That’s a steep mortgage, even when median incomes stand at $156,340.

Population: 187,724
Median Home Value: $1,412,032 (13th best)
Median Income: $152,408 (Ninth best)
More on Upper East Side: Data | Real Estate

This title defines a large section of Manhattan located between Central Park and the East River. It forms one of the more exclusive parts of the city. Residents have their choice of posh shops and restaurants, as well as a host of museums and other cultural touchstones.

The “east” part of the name refers to the fact that it sits on the east side of the island. Upper refers to the fact that it’s north of many of the iconic sections of the city – though it’s really more in the middle of Manhattan. Go further “up” and you’ll find places like Harlem and Washington Heights. Maybe it says something about the residents of this neighborhood that Central Park is about as far “up” as they’re willing to go.

Population: 17,279
Median Home Value: $763,965 (42nd best)
Median Income: $147,814 (11th best)
More on North Sutton Area: Data | Real Estate

A small neighborhood located on the east side of Manhattan, the general Sutton Place neighborhood covers the space between 53rd and 59th streets. On the east, you’ll fittingly find the East River. The western boundary is usually considered First Avenue.

This represents one of the most affluent areas of New York. One of these elegant apartments or townhouses will run you a median price of $763,965. Luckily, the median income in the area approaches $150,000 a year.

The area provides excellent access to New York’s wide array of amenities. Meanwhile, you’ve got restaurants and shops scattered throughout the neighborhood, along with Sutton Park for a spot of green amid the cityscape.

Population: 209,387
Median Home Value: $1,520,156 (Tenth best)
Median Income: $137,257 (17th best)
More on Upper West Side: Data | Real Estate

The Upper East Side appears on this list as well. Here’s its mirror image. The Upper West Side sits (fittingly enough) on the west side of Central Park, sandwiched between the celebrated park and the Hudson River.

The Upper West Side is one of the most famous posh neighborhoods in the world. It contains such high-end addresses as The Dakota, one-time home (and murder site) of former Beatle John Lennon.

In this area, you’ll find pretty much everything an affluent resident would want. This includes such cultural draws as the American Museum of Natural History and the Historical Society. What you won’t find: a deal on real estate. The median home value sits at $1,520,156.

Population: 66,947
Median Home Value: $1,541,846 (Ninth best)
Median Income: $155,486 (Eighth best)
More on Park Slope: Data | Real Estate

Most of the top neighborhoods in New York City sit in Manhattan. That’s what most of us think of when we imagine high living in NYC. But don’t forget: Manhattan represents just one of the city’s five boroughs. There are plenty of gorgeous addresses elsewhere in Gotham.

Take Park Slope as an example. One of the most affluent sections of Brooklyn, it offers great access to amenities like Prospect Park. You’ll also benefit from a host of retail and food establishments located around the neighborhood. Plus, get ready for some celebrity sightings!

Unfortunately, you should also prepare to clean out your bank account. The median home price for this part of Brooklyn runs to $1,541,846.

Population: 4,863
Median Home Value: $1,244,975 (15th best)
Median Income: $118,290 (23rd best)
More on Garment District: Data | Real Estate

Population: 2,973
Median Home Value: $1,669,593 (Seventh best)
Median Income: $136,230 (19th best)
More on Central Park: Data | Real Estate

Population: 2,341
Median Home Value: $834,900 (38th best)
Median Income: $136,933 (18th best)
More on Utopia: Data | Real Estate

Methodology: How We Determined The Best New York, NY Neighborhoods In 2024

To rank the best neighborhoods in New York, we had to determine what criteria define “best” and then apply Saturday Night Science to it.

Using FBI crime, Census, and extrapolated BLS data, we arrived at the following set of criteria:

  • High incomes
  • Low unemployment rates
  • Low crime
  • High home prices
  • High population densities (A proxy for things to do)

We then ranked each neighborhood with scores from 1 to 122 in each category, where 1 was the best.

Next, we averaged the rankings for each neighborhood to create a best neighborhood index.

And finally, we crowned the neighborhood with the lowest best neighborhood index, the “Best City Neighborhood In New York.” We’re lookin’ at you, Carnegie Hill.

Read on below to learn more about what it’s like to live in the best places New York, New York has to offer. Or skip to the end to see the list of all the neighborhoods in the city, from best to worst.

We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking the best neighborhoods to live in New York.

Summary: Putting A Bow On Our Analysis Of The Best Neighborhoods In New York

If you’re measuring the neighborhoods in New York where crime is low and everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.

The best neighborhoods in New York are Carnegie Hill, Battery Park, Cobble Hill, Upper East Side, North Sutton Area, Upper West Side, Park Slope, Garment District, Central Park, and Utopia.

As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in New York aren’t all good. Hunts Point takes the title of the worst neighborhood to live in New York.

The worst neighborhoods in New York are Hunts Point, Woodlawn-Nordwood, Clifton, East Brooklyn, and Steinway.

We ranked the neighborhoods from best to worst in the chart below.

For more New York reading, check out:

Best Neighborhoods To Live In New York For 2024 Detailed Data

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1 Carnegie Hill 13,630 $1,925,601 $204,127
2 Battery Park 15,714 $1,546,050 $211,402
3 Cobble Hill 7,702 $1,715,909 $156,340
4 Upper East Side 187,724 $1,412,032 $152,408
5 North Sutton Area 17,279 $763,965 $147,814
6 Upper West Side 209,387 $1,520,156 $137,257
7 Park Slope 66,947 $1,541,846 $155,486
8 Garment District 4,863 $1,244,975 $118,290
9 Central Park 2,973 $1,669,593 $136,230
10 Utopia 2,341 $834,900 $136,933
11 Carroll Gardens 14,535 $1,715,847 $159,531
12 Tribeca 21,871 $1,862,334 $205,908
13 Morningside Heights 39,365 $1,033,354 $98,486
14 Gramercy 56,008 $836,188 $143,821
15 Financial District 31,183 $1,221,787 $175,518
16 Downtown 15,186 $1,074,885 $134,995
17 Little Italy 8,216 $1,770,800 $107,048
18 Todt Hill 4,467 $812,500 $142,381
19 Huguenot 11,609 $740,786 $105,264
20 Chelsea 49,712 $1,087,861 $131,352
21 Middle Village 34,717 $725,579 $89,872
22 Woodrow 6,116 $551,250 $108,279
23 Prince’s Bay 9,669 $668,967 $109,917
24 East Village 65,898 $829,305 $90,545
25 Murray Hill 10,008 $992,218 $148,759
26 Forest Hills 72,632 $580,702 $94,597
27 Greenwich Village 44,403 $1,236,862 $155,690
28 Clinton 35,153 $1,207,833 $117,139
29 Borough Park 92,564 $1,008,418 $48,705
30 Bay Ridge 50,752 $879,942 $84,100
31 Whitestone 39,821 $838,977 $87,013
32 Soho 10,621 $1,694,001 $137,313
33 Rossville 9,736 $500,567 $91,484
34 Country Club 7,843 $579,543 $92,363
35 Great Kills 23,788 $559,585 $111,056
36 Dyker Heights 36,602 $956,217 $73,713
37 Boerum Hill 12,717 $1,506,009 $135,172
38 Woodside 46,363 $648,903 $69,068
39 Bensonhurst 96,974 $883,397 $58,789
40 Auburndale 28,366 $790,259 $75,551
41 Greenwood 17,307 $948,600 $98,534
42 West Village 22,170 $1,251,481 $140,741
43 Ridgewood 69,396 $756,326 $76,103
44 Spuyten Duyvil 16,320 $359,578 $110,042
45 Canarsie 86,694 $579,181 $76,372
46 Corona 107,981 $707,427 $60,039
47 Annandale 9,989 $523,892 $95,729
48 Charlestown-Richmond Valley 1,829 $565,767 $82,504
49 Riverdale 14,118 $405,592 $104,116
50 Queensboro Hill 75,376 $521,976 $57,190
51 Clearview 28,704 $555,508 $81,878
52 Oakwood 11,113 $533,914 $87,079
53 Hamilton Heights 48,477 $910,682 $62,103
54 Sunset Park 93,293 $943,771 $57,733
55 Lower East Side 79,738 $885,206 $57,235
56 Williamsburg 157,050 $1,095,912 $75,970
57 Laurelton 27,665 $488,835 $97,949
58 Chinatown 10,815 $1,053,520 $72,970
59 Midtown 16,642 $1,458,940 $137,325
60 South Beach 8,036 $454,100 $88,241
61 Glendale 35,623 $654,182 $82,011
62 Maspeth 55,134 $696,249 $76,126
63 Douglastown-Little Neck 82,321 $518,824 $83,053
64 Ardon Heights 23,582 $408,846 $87,757
65 Bushwick 110,855 $869,402 $64,602
66 Westerleigh-Castleton 29,688 $449,604 $85,305
67 Harlem 131,215 $978,624 $64,830
68 Queens Village 56,496 $498,356 $89,618
69 Jackson Heights 63,293 $503,525 $66,127
70 Midland Beach 9,559 $489,467 $85,664
71 City Island 4,322 $590,067 $107,660
72 Mapleton-Flatlands 206,460 $610,874 $56,352
73 Ettingville 34,729 $458,711 $87,429
74 College Point 26,932 $733,374 $63,320
75 Throggs Neck 36,390 $516,032 $78,092
76 Baychester 18,238 $453,325 $89,569
77 Washington Heights 170,572 $554,229 $60,340
78 Flushing 78,900 $657,454 $53,919
79 Gravesend-Sheepshead Bay 255,533 $545,099 $58,223
80 Inwood 40,035 $425,657 $65,039
81 Springfield Gardens 19,098 $509,200 $86,749
82 East Harlem 121,147 $843,575 $46,861
83 Fort Green 120,941 $663,709 $71,767
84 New Brighton 6,741 $457,300 $62,832
85 Richmondtown 38,728 $481,561 $79,373
86 Rosebank 11,991 $481,956 $77,571
87 Woodhaven-Richmond Hill 121,346 $461,136 $62,501
88 Morris Park 36,251 $479,960 $68,130
89 Sunny Side 60,580 $410,644 $67,936
90 Nkew Gardens 90,685 $376,981 $67,182
91 University Heights 53,395 $575,333 $44,030
92 Eastchester 11,257 $430,033 $84,107
93 Mariners Harbor 33,993 $316,042 $70,893
94 Jamaica 131,773 $492,953 $68,501
95 Parkchester 40,838 $281,648 $59,426
96 Tottensville 15,609 $399,725 $78,173
97 Saintalbans 73,668 $395,594 $71,773
98 Bloomfield-Chelsea-Travis 10,884 $374,558 $75,810
99 Fordham 48,002 $518,950 $37,284
100 Port Richmond 17,368 $401,650 $77,048
101 Astoria-Long Island City 126,283 $397,118 $57,906
102 Morris Heights 43,069 $453,080 $39,507
103 Yorkville 56,751 $330,640 $46,148
104 Tremont 55,743 $446,900 $37,660
105 Bedford Park 55,901 $178,830 $45,401
106 Soundview 84,966 $448,668 $43,105
107 Howland Hook 3,871 $157,420 $64,184
108 Bedford-Stuyvesant 234,457 $467,116 $44,779
109 South Bronx 94,230 $481,247 $32,781
110 The Rockaways 119,512 $297,562 $63,514
111 High Bridge 39,263 $460,450 $31,864
112 Mott Haven 51,253 $490,343 $30,394
113 Brownsville 47,457 $460,138 $36,522
114 Kings Bridge 36,668 $127,395 $54,734
115 Wakefield-Williamsbridge 108,756 $330,776 $51,245
116 Williams Bridge 56,005 $239,389 $43,368
117 Union Port 39,750 $285,142 $47,945
118 Steinway 55 $335,250 $62,031
119 East Brooklyn 147,562 $354,964 $40,728
120 Clifton 3,226 $428,400 $55,488
121 Woodlawn-Nordwood 10,349 $230,318 $63,730
122 Hunts Point 11,425 $352,400 $34,456
About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.