With its thriving economy and amazing choice of lifestyles, it’s no wonder that NYC is attracting young professionals in ever greater numbers. If you’re single and thinking about purchasing a home in New York City, the problem you’ll most likely have is which of the many great neighborhoods to choose.
Now is a great time to invest in property. The city has put plenty of financial incentives, such as the NYC buyer rebate in place, to help first-time buyers manage the costs associated with their first purchase. However, although buying a home is probably going to be the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make, it’s never purely a business decision. You’ll want to find a place where you can settle and make the most of your time living there.
With this in mind, let’s look at four great New York neighborhoods, each with its attractions and atmosphere, where, as a single, you’ll soon feel at home and enjoy being part of the community.
Astoria
If you’re looking for an amazing ethnic vibe, and a diverse cultural mix, there’s almost no better choice than Astoria. Traditionally the center of NY’s Greek community, but also home to the Spanish, Balkan, and Maltese communities. Not to mention Little Egypt and Little Morocco. So if you love experimenting with different cuisines, and dining out in high-quality authentic restaurants, this could be your place. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or ultra-modern, there’s a fantastic range of apartments for sale in Queens. Whatever you choose, you’ll still be within easy commuting distance of Manhattan.
Chelsea
OK, to buy a property here, you’ll need quite a budget, but it’s one of the most sought-after districts in Manhattan. It’s also a global art center, with over 200 galleries. Famous for its designer shops, great restaurants, and buzzing nightlife, this area is also an LGBTQ hub. The famous Chelsea market is not only great for browsing or picking up amazing foods from around the world, but it’s also a fantastic place to meet up with friends. The median price of a home in Chelsea is just under $2,000,000.
Long Island City
LIC is a thriving business hub, attracting investment at the city and state level, so it makes a great (and still affordable) place to live and work. The local economy has benefitted from the influx of young professionals who choose to live, work, and generally enjoy life here. Long Island City is the epicenter of the thriving local art scene with its museums, galleries, and studios. It’s also the venue for the Queens Hip-Hop Festival, part of the local hip-hop scene that has produced many of the genre’s leading names. The median price of a home in LIC is around $950,000
DUMBO Brooklyn (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)
This area has become uber-hip in recent years with young creatives flocking to the district. With its fabulous renovated loft spaces it makes the perfect base when you’re free and single. Laid-back and friendly, with pedestrianized streets and quirky shops which give it a village feel, there are also plenty of choices for fine-dining. The waterfront is a great place to hang out and enjoy the views. The desirability of the location is reflected in the median home price of around $1,800,000.
