Moving to NYC has challenges, especially if you have kids in tow. The city is known for its busy and fast-paced living, so many wonder if it’s an excellent place to raise a family. The good news is that New York boroughs offer the right balance between professional and family life.
As true-blue New Yorkers, we know the Big Apple like the back of our hands. While this place is known for its hustle and bustle, the following boroughs and neighborhoods would be fantastic places for growing families.
Most child-friendly neighborhoods in NYC boroughs
For those who barely explored New York City, it’s easy to think this place is all about skyscrapers. The truth is that NYC is one of the most diverse places in the world, with a lot to offer for families.
If you’re planning to move to the big city with kids, here’s what you should know about these boroughs.
Manhattan
Of the five boroughs of New York City, Manhattan is the most family-friendly option. It’s at the heart of public transportation, restaurants, good schools, and entertainment.
On the flip side of the towering buildings, Manhattan also has scenic and quiet parks. For example, Central Park is just a stone’s throw away from the famous Times Square.
If you’re looking for the most child-friendly neighborhoods, you’ll never go wrong with Battery Park City, Harlem, and Upper West Side. And if you’re affluent, the Greenwich Village will be perfect for your children.
When you move to Manhattan, your family won’t need a minivan or an expensive car. A short stroll will take you to the nearest subway station. Booking an Uber is also a breeze.
The only downside to raising a family in Manhattan is the cost of living. While this borough will make you want for nothing, it’s only ideal for those who can afford it.
Also, living space in Manhattan is smaller compared to other boroughs. But if you’re willing to trade this off for other perks, moving to Manhattan would be a great decision.
Queens
If you don’t like Manhattan’s expensive and upbeat vibe, Queens might be the best place for your family.
Some of the best neighborhoods to move to in Queens are Astoria, Bayside, and Ridgewood. If you want more privacy, you can settle your family in Jamaica Estates.
Many families who move to Queens also like Long Island. It’s just a short drive to Brooklyn and has fantastic beaches for fun family weekends.
And if you’re looking for relaxing spaces, Queens has the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queensbridge Park, and the Gantry Plaza State Park, to name a few.
But while moving to Queens is cheaper than Manhattan, it’s not exactly affordable. Also, the northeastern part of Queens doesn’t have a subway service. So if you’re planning to move to this borough, make sure you pick the right neighborhood that suits your family’s needs.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn offers the right mix of the laidback and fast-paced atmosphere of New York City. This borough has a great sense of community, accessibility to public transportation, and a long list of attractions.
Aside from that, Brooklyn is friendlier to newcomers and growing families. It’s also walkable, and there are a lot of green spaces to enjoy with kids. Some of these are Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sunset Park, Domino Park, and more.
Brooklyn is a great place for young professionals, families, and children. Park Slope is one of the most popular neighborhoods, together with Williamsburg, Carroll Gardens, and Brooklyn Heights.
Regarding downsides, Brooklyn is not the most affordable place in the United States. It’s situated in New York, so make sure you’re prepared for the cost of living.
Aside from that, some parts of Brooklyn can be crowded. But if your family prefers lively areas, this will be a significant advantage when you move to the borough.
The Bronx
If you’re looking for the most affordable spot in NYC, look no further than the northernmost borough. The Bronx might be the best place for your family if you want the usual residential vibe with a touch of nature and added frills.
Of all the boroughs, The Bronx is probably most recognizable in terms of sports and music. It’s home to the Yankee Stadium and is considered the birthplace of hip-hop music.
But for family-friendly spots, there’s the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. Your kids will also have a lot of space to play in Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, and Wave Hill Public and Cultural Center.
Another great thing about The Bronx is you can easily find parking. It’s one thing that makes this borough better than Manhattan and Brooklyn.
In terms of family-friendly neighborhoods, Riverdale is often the top choice. It’s followed by Baychester, Morrish Park, Kingsbridge, and Bedford Park.
Staten Island
If you prefer laidback and urban-suburban living, Staten Island is the best borough to move to in New York City. Rent is more affordable than in most of NYC, and it’s far from crowded.
Since Staten Island is geographically detached from the five other boroughs, it’s sometimes referred to as the “forgotten borough”.
Despite being less popular than the rest of NYC, this place is easy to reach. You can take the Staten Island Ferry or the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn.
Moreover, Staten Island has lots of green spaces and sandy beaches for the kids to enjoy. The pace of life is also slower, which many families prefer.
Tips when moving to New York City
Are you moving to New York City soon? While the process can be challenging, there are many ways to reduce your stress.
As professional NYC movers for 20+ years, here are some pieces of advice we recommend:
1. Hire a trustworthy moving company
Moving to a new place isn’t easy, whether in NYC or elsewhere. Still, the process would be more worthwhile if you have a reliable moving company working for you.
As much as possible, hire local movers since they know the ins and outs of every borough. Also, you should only trust experienced companies who have been in the industry for years.
This will save you a lot of time and energy from navigating the city alone.
2. Pick your neighborhood
NYC is a very diverse place, so make sure you pick the right neighborhood that matches your family’s needs.
If your family prefers an upbeat city life, Manhattan and Brooklyn would be ideal places. But for those who want a quieter location, Staten Island is unbeatable.
3. Search for the best schools ahead
Moving with kids mean you also have to find the best schools in the area. We recommend searching for the best schools as early as possible to avoid hiccups.
There are many options in NYC across any borough. Still, you’d want to have this sorted out before your move date, so it would be one less chore to think about.
4. Be smart with transportation
Many first-time New Yorkers lose a lot of money in taxicabs. Be wise and book yourself an Uber instead, where you can control your expenses.
Nevertheless, some boroughs like Manhattan and Brooklyn are walkable. There’s also the subway to your expense. In most cases, it’s wiser not to bring a car.
Also, parking might be an issue if you’re living in Manhattan. Make sure that you consider this when choosing a place to move to.
5. Consider the amenities
When moving to New York City, you’d want to consider the amenities you’d like to have nearby. Do you want a place near schools? Or maybe something close to your work?
This is a crucial consideration, especially for a growing family. Do your in-depth research and familiarize yourself with the neighborhood you’re planning to choose.
Also, don’t be afraid to research the negative aspects of the place. Every spot on Earth has its ugly part, and knowing them will help you prepare better.
6. Be more budget-conscious
If you’re coming from a place with an affordable cost of living, expenses in NYC can cause some serious culture shock. It’s best to be more conscious of your finances to ensure that you can sustain your move to the city.
New York City isn’t affordable, but for acceptable reasons.
Let's move your family to NYC!
Are you moving to NYC? If you’re on the hunt for a local moving company you can trust, look no further than EQ Moving.
For 20+ years, we’ve moved hundreds of families to and from NYC. As fellow New Yorkers, we know all the boroughs of the city by heart. So wherever you’re moving, you’ll get streetsmart movers who will make your relocation much easier.
We can move you from any point in the contiguous US to NYC. We have interstate movers ready to hit the road to ensure fast and seamless moves. You’ll save time, which you can use to plan a new start for your family.
Call us anytime to book your move. We can’t wait to welcome you to the greatest city in the world!
