The 7 Most Underrated Neighborhoods in NYC

Alt-tag: The view of NYC from water.

Whenever you hear someone dreaming of moving to NYC, the story usually has some of the most popular neighborhoods in it, such as the Upper East Side, Astoria, or Theater District. But if you are considering moving to this magical city, you should try to look beyond what’s super posh. Here are some of the most underrated neighborhoods in NYC that deserve some attention.

1 Ditmas Park – a romantic Victorian vibe

Brooklyn’s popularity has been on the rise in the past decade, and rightfully so. You might be familiar with some of its well-known areas, such as Brooklyn Heights or Park Slope, but here’s one that is truly worth a second look – Ditmas Park. If we had to choose two of its most prominent features, they would be Victorian architecture and affordable homes. This neighborhood was designed back in the 1900s by Lewis Pounds, a Kansas ex-pat who made it a Victorian wonderland of a sort. It lies close to the less-visited part of Prospect Park, which guarantees its residents a dose of nature without going too far. And if wining and dining is your preferred recreational activity, you’ll be happy to know there are a few excellent restaurants here with foodies coming from all over NYC. All in all, this neighborhood is not to be ignored.

2 Ridgewood – one of the coolest neighborhoods out there

Yes, the coolest. Or at least some surveys say so. Ridgewood has the unique charm it owes to the mix of the new and the old, making people decide to live there. There are hip new stores every trend follower would ever want, as well as old-school family-owned shops for those that crave to preserve some history. Given that it’s not exactly sizable, it’s a surprise how long it would take you to explore it fully. So if you are moving to NYC from a different state, Ridgewood would make a great choice. But keep in mind that in that case, hiring interstate movers may be a good choice too. So, once you secure the help of seasoned movers, you can spend the rest of your time discovering why Ridgewood is so cool.

3 Turtle Bay – one of the most underrated neighborhoods in NYC

Even though there is the UN headquarters, multiple embassies, and some iconic structures in this neighborhood, it is exceptionally calm. Residents mainly occupy apartments within tall skyscrapers, although one can find smaller buildings and giant mansions. This area is very livable, especially if you work nearby as well. Traffic can be a problem when the UN is in session, but if you walk to work, that would not be a problem. What’s especially great about this neighborhood is that it’s pretty safe. Therefore, if a modern environment and high safety attract you, this neighborhood is for you.

Caption: In Turtle Bay you’ll find the UN headquarters and many embassies.
Alt-tag: The view of the building that is the UN headquarters.

4 Jackson Heights – the multicultural heaven

They say this neighborhood holds the essence of NYC – its multicultural nature. It is a place you will find the most different nations per square mile. Like its residents, every avenue here has its character. Some are peaceful; some are bustling with life. It has become very popular with tourists recently, too. Also, in recent years, people wanting to rent an apartment in NYC often look here. So, it’s a soul of New York City that’s great to live in.

5 Gravesend – for middle-class beach lovers

This is a family-oriented neighborhood in every sense of the word. Not much makes one area luxurious, but there’s everything its residents would ever need. It’s quiet so that you can relax after work, there are a couple of bars if you want to go out for a drink, and there are some fantastic restaurants with tasty food that is not overpriced. Those who love the beach should consider moving there because it’s next to Coney Island.

And if you decide that’s the best for you and you happen to be on the budget like most people here are, don’t reject the idea of hiring professional movers immediately. The experts on moving from bestcrosscountrymovers.com say that DIY moving can turn out to be costlier than hiring pros to do it. The reason for that is that inexperience, lack of supplies, and the proper vehicles lead to making expensive mistakes. In any case, Gravesend is definitely one of the most underrated neighborhoods in NYC.

6 Forest Hills – old-style charm and world-class entertainment

Forest Hills offers a slow-living vibe of a small town, but there is so much more that is almost unexpected for such a seemingly calm area. There are lovely row houses, high rises, and everything else in between designed in the Tudor style. The streets are lined with trees, which is one of the reasons why this is a very eco-friendly neighborhood. Shoppers will love the old-style shops that offer high-quality merchandise. As for the entertainment, apart from fine dining restaurants, there’s a stunning Forest Hills Stadium where all the greatest shows take place. The only downside to this neighborhood is the significant price of properties, which proves that living there is highly desirable.

Caption: One of the reasons why Forest Hills is among the most underrated neighborhoods in NYC is the entertainment it offers.
Alt-tag: A scene from a concert taken at a large concert venue.

7 Bensonhurst – offers a comfortable and affordable life

In the past, Bensonhurst was home primarily to Italians and Jewish. Today, there are a lot of Russians and Chinese, but the fact is that this is another one of the places that embrace multiculturalism. What makes it a great area to live in and raise a family is that it’s safe, there are stores with reasonable prices, and great restaurants a middle-class family can afford to visit. There are churches, mosques, and synagogues, so you can practice any religion you like. All in all, it is a comfortable and affordable neighborhood to live in and raise a family.

Caption: Multiculturalism is the essence of Bensonhurst’s identity and charm.
Alt-tag: Many different individuals coming from various cultures and nations.

Final thoughts

As you can see from this overview of the seven most underrated neighborhoods in NYC, it’s good to look beyond what’s popular sometimes. Because, among those that are considered unworthy of a second look, there may be a true treasure. It’s the same as choosing a dress. The modern and expensive one may not fit you, as does another hiding somewhere in the back of the shelves. Before deciding where you will live, consider all your options first, even the not-so-popular ones.

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Are you moving to NYC? Don't just explore the popular areas. Here are the 7 most underrated neighborhoods in NYC you shouldn't ignore.

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most underrated neighborhoods in NYC

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