9 Underrated Neighborhoods to Rent a Room in New York City

New York City, the world’s capital and the ultimate playground, home to more than 18 million people. Who doesn’t want to be here? 

If you are new to the city, you would want to find rooms for rent in New York City’s most famous neighborhoods like Midtown Manhattan, Upper West Side, and so on. However, the cost of living or just the rental price at these places will burn a big hole in your pocket and spoil your experience of the city.

Can you avoid this and still have the best of NYC life? Definitely!

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Monochromatic image of the NYC traffic.  Image Source: Canva

Here are nine such underrated neighborhoods where you can find your ideal room for rent in New York City:

1. Forest Hills: This neighborhood is also known as a “sage neighborhood” and is one of the most underrated places toward rooms for rent in New York City. It has an ample number of bars and restaurants like Astoria and is pretty close to the subway. Home to the two biggest parks in Queens & Austin street (a modern street with many attractions), Forest Hills has been continuously pulling crowds from other neighborhoods for its charm.

P.S: This place was home to Peter Parker, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man

2. Astoria: Situated in Queens, Astoria is a laid back neighborhood with a diverse population.

Astoria blesses you with two fantastic museums- The Museum of Moving Image & The Noguchi Museum, tavernas, and cafes, and too many trendy spots to dine. You should be placing your bets on this heavenly neighborhood if you are looking for rooms for rent in New York City. The community is peaceful, and the rooms for rent in NYC at this locale are worth more than what you are offered for at rent.  

P.S: Astoria is very conveniently located to get you to Manhattan quickly for less than $5 on the subway!

3.  Inwood: This is the northernmost neighborhood in Manhattan with access to the Hudson River on the west and the Harlem River to the east. It is known for the beautiful parks that wrap around it, amazing restos and bars. Furthermore, the central subway access is just another one of the many advantages. This neighborhood should be in the top 3 of your list if you are looking up rooms for rent in NYC. 

P.S: This is the last affordable neighborhood in Manhattan as per The New York Times

4. Rego Park: You shouldn’t be surprised by another neighborhood that is hailing from Queens! This city by itself is the most underrated borough of New York City. Rego Park is adjacent to Forest Hills and is home to diverse immigrant groups. The area boasts good transportation availability, shopping points, and restaurants, mainly serving Central Asian cuisine. Finding rooms for rent in NYC at this locale will not be difficult as many residents rent their homes. Moreover, living in this neighborhood will give you a dense urban feel. 

5. Washington Heights: This underrated neighborhood is one of the cheapest places to live in Manhattan. It has ample access to public transportation, and the rooms for rent in NYC, in this neighborhood, are as low as $1400 a month. Washington Heights is a perfect nest for students and professionals looking to rent a room in New York City to live on a budget and experience the city. You will also be much closer when hitting the roads if you are someone who likes to escape the city for Upstate on the weekends.

 

A bird view of New York City.  Image Source: Canva

6. Jackson Heights: Known as “Little India,” this neighborhood is home to some of the most unforgettable South Asian restaurants in NYC. Just taking a stroll in on the streets will make you realize that you are walking on arguably the most colorful and varied neighborhood of the city. Each community that lives here has its businesses and restaurants that cater to it. If you are someone who loves to experience the authentic cultures and creations of a wide variety of populations, then Jackson heights should top your list. 

7. Bedford Park: Known as a true hidden gem, Bedford Park, situated in The Bronx, is about 51% safer than the other neighborhoods in the New York Area. It stays true to traditional architecture like most neighborhoods in The Bronx. This peaceful suburb is a perfect choice for someone who is looking for a quiet neighborhood while finding rooms for rent in New York City.

8. Gravesend: If you are looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with affordable rooms for rent in New York City, Gravesend might just be the place for you. It is one of the oldest populated areas in the entire nation and is home to varied age groups. It has a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Some of the other perks of this place would be that it is amazingly quiet and peaceful.

9. New Springville: Lying in the heart of Staten Island, one of the cheaper boroughs of the top five NYC boroughs, this place has more buildings than any other parts of the island. The fact that anyone- whether you are a parent, a retiree, or a single person focusing on your career- can find their home here makes this neighborhood stand out from the list. It is near the Staten Island Mall, making shopping a breeze. Additionally, public transportation is also decent unless you are traveling by night. 

You might have heard of these places before while looking up rooms for rent in New York City, but if you haven’t, now you don’t have an excuse anymore. Hope you find the right nest for you. 

Bon Voyage!