New York City, New York
Overall Score 6.1/10
Miriam Weiner|USN Staff
What’s it like to live in New York City, NY?
New York City is a place written about in songs, it has served as the backdrop for countless movies and it's inspired people worldwide with its grandiosity. Brimming with some of the nation's tallest buildings and historic landmarks, New York City is never short on spectacle. For centuries, New York City has been a leader in trade and culture, redefining everything from fashion trends to what a proper bagel with schmear should taste like.
The metro area is a place of opportunity, which is why – despite the crowds and costs – people keep coming. Some of the world's best theaters, restaurants, museums, parks and cultural activities can be found here. New York City's communities are as diverse as its people, from Greenwich Village in downtown to Harlem in uptown. Beyond Manhattan, the city is comprised of four additional boroughs: Queens, which has a long history of fabulous immigrant food; Brooklyn and its thriving literary and arts scene; the Bronx and its abundant green space and wildlife; and Staten Island with its coastline.
New York City is known for its fast-paced, around-the-clock lifestyle, which may be overwhelming for newcomers. Known as "the city that never sleeps," this relentless metropolis draws those seeking to advance their careers and push their limits. People come to New York City to pursue their dreams, achieve a better life and test the adage "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere."
See all the best places to live in New York.
What is there to do in New York City, NY?
It's often described as a concrete jungle, but there's plenty of green space in New York City. Local officials are dedicated to maintaining and improving access to green space across New York City's boroughs – there are more than 1,700 parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities here. Central Park may be referred to as "New York City's backyard," but the High Line – an urban revitalization project in the Lower East Side – is fast becoming a favorite among residents and visitors.
New York City is also home to numerous world-class museums, a legendary theater scene and a dizzying array of nightlife venues. Outside Manhattan, nearby beaches lure sun-seeking residents in the summer, while the Coney Island amusement park has been entertaining New York City families for decades.
What’s the cost of living in New York City, NY?
Affordable housing is an ongoing problem in New York City, with one-bedroom apartments renting for several thousand dollars a month. Housing costs have risen throughout the boroughs – especially Brooklyn. Those looking to save on housing costs often look to communities in Connecticut and New Jersey, or on Long Island – though a hot market is driving up home prices in Long Island.
Best Local Services in New York City:
New York City offers a lower value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs 2022
- National Average
- $383,883
- New York City, NY
- $642,004
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors. Due to differences within the data source, home prices are not comparable across metro areas.
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What’s the weather like in New York City, NY?
New York City has four distinct seasons. Every spring you'll see flowers growing in area parks, and every summer you'll see people enjoying the sun on the High Line. Autumn brings with it cooler temperatures and the new theater season. Winters are legendary, with the occasional nor'easter passing through and dumping several inches of snow, which often brings the region to a standstill.
Average Seasonal Temperature (°F)
- WINTER
- 35.1°
- FALL
- 57.5°
- SPRING
- 52.6°
- SUMMER
- 74.4°
Average Seasonal Rainfall (in)
- WINTER
- 4"
- FALL
- 4.4"
- SPRING
- 4.5"
- SUMMER
- 4.6"
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
Monthly High and Low Temperature (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around New York City, NY?
Comfortable shoes are a must in New York City, because getting around usually involves walking. But those who opt to get around on foot need to pay attention when crossing the street. Traffic congestion is a major problem in New York City, and pedestrian accidents are a growing public concern.
Other options include taking a taxi or riding the subway or bus. New York City's extensive subway system consists of about two dozen lines serving all five boroughs, while dozens of bus routes provide above-ground service. Regional buses and trains also connect the city to suburbs in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York state.
Traffic delays at surrounding bridges and tunnels are common, especially during peak rush hours. While street parking is available, it is often very difficult to find, and parking garages can be expensive. In short, a car simply isn't your best option here.
New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York, and Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. Amtrak train and various coach bus services are available at multiple points in and immediately outside the city proper.
Comfortable shoes are a must in New York City, because getting around usually involves walking. But those who opt to get around on foot need to pay attention when crossing the street. Traffic congestion is a major problem in New York City, and pedestrian accidents are a growing public concern.
Other options include taking a taxi or riding the subway or bus. New York City's extensive subway system consists of about two dozen lines serving all five boroughs, while dozens of bus routes provide above-ground service. Regional buses and trains also connect the city to suburbs in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York state.
Traffic delays at surrounding bridges and tunnels are common, especially during peak rush hours. While street parking is available, it is often very difficult to find, and parking garages can be expensive. In short, a car simply isn't your best option here.
New York City is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York, and Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey. Amtrak train and various coach bus services are available at multiple points in and immediately outside the city proper.
Commuting in New York City, NY
- Average Commute Time
- 36.4 minutes
9.6 minutes more than national average.
81.8%
4.2%
2.5%
0.5%
Driving
Public Transit
Walking
Bicycling
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in New York City, NY?
New York City houses people from all walks of life. More than one-third of New Yorkers are foreign-born, making the metro area a genuine melting pot of cultures. Moreover, New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel and one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the continental U.S. New York City is also home to a flourishing LGBTQ community; the annual Pride celebration welcomes a few million attendees each year.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in New York City as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Marital Status Breakdown
About the same number of single people in New York City as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.