How New York Apartments Vary in Each Borough?

Brooklyn: The Trendy Borough for Apartments in New York

Brooklyn has emerged as a trendy alternative to Manhattan, offering a blend of old and new. 

Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Park Slope are renowned for their artistic vibe, historic architecture, and vibrant nightlife. 

Let’s quickly gloss over some features of apartments in Brooklyn. 

 

• Apartment sizes: New apartments in Brooklyn are averaging about 712 square feet. There’s been a bit of a trend toward smaller units lately, but if you’re looking at older buildings, especially in historic neighborhoods, you’ll find they often have larger layouts.

 

• Architectural styles: Brooklyn is famous for its historic brownstones and charming row houses, particularly in areas like Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. Even newer developed apartments tend to blend modern design with the borough’s rich historical character.

 

• Amenities offered:  Brooklyn apartments offer more than just luxury. Many buildings are really focusing on community-oriented features, like outdoor spaces, co-working areas, and more! 

 

• Cost of living: Brooklyn is generally more affordable than Manhattan, but rents are still on the higher side. The median rent for an apartment in Brooklyn is around $3,600, with rent per square foot averaging about $56.71.

 

Additionally, apartments in Brooklyn offer more space for your money compared to Manhattan, making it an attractive option for those looking to get more bang for their buck. 

For more detailed guidance, check out our blog on How to Find Your Perfect Apartments for Rent in Brooklyn. Additionally, If you’re looking for personalized assistance in your New York Apartment hunting journey, feel free to contact us for more details.

Queens: The Melting Pot of Diversities

Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, which is reflected in its housing options. From the bustling streets of Astoria to the suburban feel of Forest Hills, Queens offers a wide range of apartment styles. 

If you’re looking for apartments in this area, you can find affordable studio apartments as well as spacious family homes across different budgets!

Here’s what you need to know about apartments in Queens: 

 

• Apartment sizes: In Queens, you’ll find some of the smallest new apartments in the city – averaging around 692 square feet. Interestingly, that is about 32 square feet smaller than apartment sizes a decade ago! 

 

• Architectural styles: This borough offers a variety of architectural options for you to choose from. You have a mix of post-war apartment buildings as well as charming garden apartments. This is true for the entire borough, but particularly for neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Astoria. 

 

• Amenities offered: Apartments in Queens tend to focus more on the basis rather than luxury. So, you will have all of your basic essentials covered – laundry, gym, outdoor spaces, and so on. 

 

• Cost of living: Queens stands out as a more budget-friendly borough for those looking for apartments for rent. The median rent is around $3,400,and the rent per square feet for an apartment in Queens comes around $56.07. 

 

If you’re a first time house hunter, our Beginner's Guide to Finding Apartments for Rent in Queens is a must-read.

The Bronx: For the Up-and-Coming Ones

The Bronx is undergoing a significant transformation, with new developments and revitalization projects enhancing its appeal. 

Neighborhoods like Mott Haven and South Bronx are becoming trendy, offering more affordable apartments in New York with modern amenities. 

Here’s how apartments in Bronx fare out: 

 

• Apartment sizes: Apartments here tend to be more spacious, especially in multi-family homes, which often offer larger layouts compared to what you might find in Queens or Brooklyn.

 

• Architectural styles: The Bronx is known for its traditional, residential vibe. You’ll see a lot of multi-family homes and co-ops, giving the area a more classic and homey feel compared to the other boroughs.

 

• Amenities offered: In terms of amenities, they’re generally more straightforward here. Many buildings focus on the essentials, like laundry rooms and shared outdoor spaces, along with other basic essentials. 

 

• Cost of living: The Bronx is one of the more budget-friendly options in NYC. With median rents around $2,187, it’s an attractive choice for families and individuals who want more space without spending a fortune.

 

All in all, the borough's vibrant community and diverse food scene make it an exciting place to live, especially for those looking to be part of an up-and-coming area.

Staten Island: Suburban Serenity Amidst New York Apartments

Staten Island offers the most suburban feel of all the boroughs, with spacious homes and a slower pace of life. Apartments here tend to be larger and more affordable.

Here’s what you need to know about New York apartments in this borough: 

 

• Apartment sizes: Staten Island stands out for offering some of the largest living spaces in New York, with many residents enjoying the comfort of single-family homes or townhouses. This gives the area a distinctly suburban vibe.

 

• Architectural styles: You'll find that Staten Island is mostly made up of single-family homes and townhouses, with a mix of architectural styles ranging from charming Victorian designs to modern suburban looks.

 

• Amenities offered: The suburban lifestyle is reflected in the larger outdoor spaces here, like yards and gardens. Instead of high-end luxury amenities, you'll more often find community parks and recreational facilities.

 

• Cost of living: One of the perks of living in Staten Island is the lower rent, averaging around $1,894. It's a great option for those who want a suburban lifestyle while still being part of New York City.

 

Known for its parks and green spaces, Staten Island is perfect for those who love nature and outdoor activities. 

Concluding Remarks

Finding the perfect apartment in New York City requires an understanding of the unique characteristics and offerings of each borough.

By understanding the distinct qualities of different boroughs and apartments in New York, you can make an informed decision that suits your lifestyle and budget!

Before we sign off – don’t forget to check out our blog to stay updated with various trends and happenings in the New York rental market! 

Also, to better plan your rental budget, you might want to use our mortgage calculator for NYC homes!

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FAQs

1. What are the differences between the New York boroughs?

Each borough has its own unique characteristics and living experiences. Manhattan offers luxury and convenience, Brooklyn is trendy and diverse, Queens is culturally rich and affordable, The Bronx is up-and-coming with a strong community feel, and Staten Island provides suburban serenity.

 

2. What are some rules and regulations with apartments in New York City?

New York City has strict regulations to ensure the safety and habitability of apartments. These include rules on rent stabilization, building codes, and tenant rights. It's important to familiarize yourself with these regulations before renting an apartment.

 

3. What is the cheapest borough in NYC?

The Bronx is generally considered the most affordable borough in New York City, followed by Staten Island and Queens. Each of these boroughs offers a range of housing options to fit different budgets.

 

4. Where does Loftey operate? 

Loftey was born in Manhattan and now works in much of Brooklyn and Queens. Check out our search listings page to find apartments in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.