The 5 Boroughs of New York City, Explained

As any local will tell you, NYC isn’t just a single place, as you might expect with a smaller city. It can mean dozens of things! Do you want to head to Manhattan for a classic Empire State experience, perhaps looking to replicate the lifestyle you’ve seen on your favorite TV show? Or will you settle in Brooklyn, or maybe Queens? In all 5 boroughs of NYC, you’ve got a lot of choices! But don’t worry, we’ll help you narrow things down to find the best spot for you within the boroughs of New York.

New York is made up of 5 major areas or “boroughs,” some separated by rivers and connected via ferry or bridge. So, what are the 5 boroughs of New York? Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and The Bronx. Read on to find the right area for you.

NYC Neighborhood Guide: Where To Start Within the Boroughs of New York

As you consider where to live in the 5 boroughs of NYC, here are a few key factors to consider:

What, To You, Makes a Great Neighborhood?

If it’s all about quick transport to work, you’ll want to research subway lines to and from your job. Is it more important to have access to museums and high-end shopping experiences or to live walking distance from a grocery store? If you have kids, you’ll want to factor in the local schools and parks. There isn't one best neighborhood in NYC; it's all about what works best for you.

What’s Your Price Point?

Coming from almost anywhere, New York real estate will be a price bump, and the process of finding a new place is unique. There are significant price differences from borough to borough and neighborhood to neighborhood. Work through what you’re willing to spend before getting your heart set on a pricey locale.

Would You Rather Pay for Space or Access?

Rents in different neighborhoods pay for different benefits. In Queens or Staten Island, you get more space for your money but sacrifice quick access to Manhattan luxuries like shopping, dining, and a shorter commute. For some, it’s worth being farther out to enjoy extra square footage. Especially if you have or plan on having children, you’ll want to consider whether you want to live in a building with less space or a home with a yard. Regardless of where you end up, you'll want to find reliable city moving and storage services to help you navigate moving to your new home in the Big Apple.

Are You Renting or Buying?

Since certain parts of New York are more expensive than others, you may want to consider renting in Manhattan for a certain amount of years and buying a home in another New York borough once your need for more space arises. Buying an apartment in NYC typically comes with high taxes and high maintenance costs on top of what you'll already be paying for a mortgage.

We'll break down the boroughs one by one in a second, but before that, we'll answer some common questions we see about them.

If you ever lose track of the New York City boroughs, just take a peek at a New York map — the northernmost point is in the Bronx, while the most southern is in Staten Island. 

New York Boroughs Q&A

Q: What are boroughs?
A: A borough is a town that has its own government. Why does New York have boroughs, you ask? Because New York is so massive, there are 5 boroughs that make up the city. Each borough in New York has dozens of neighborhoods, some bigger and more well known than others. 

Q: Are there 5 or 7 boroughs in New York?
A: There are 5 boroughs of NYC. You’d be surprised by how many locals don’t know how many boroughs there are in their own hometown. Some people consider Jersey City and Hoboken to be the sixth borough because they’re so close to New York City (especially by train), but they’re not actually boroughs. Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island make up the 5 boroughs. 

Q: Which borough is Harlem in?
A: Since Harlem is located in Upper Manhattan, it’s a neighborhood in the Manhattan borough. To the west of Harlem, you’ll find the Hudson River. To the north is Harlem River and 155th street. Fifth avenue is on the east of Harlem, and Central Park North is on the south.

Q: Is Long Island part of the 5 boroughs?
A: No, the 5 New York City boroughs consist of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Many people assume Long Island is part of the 5 boroughs, but that’s not the case.

Q: What is the 6th borough of New York City?
A: Is there a 6th secret borough? Is Long Island a borough? While there are only 5 boroughs of New York, spend some time in the city and you may hear people talking about a 6th. It’s a concept that people use to talk about an area that isn’t truly one of the New York City boroughs but feels like it in some way, thanks to its proximity to the city or the demographics that make it up. People have used the phrase to refer to places like Long Island, Yonkers (just north of the Bronx), Puerto Rico, Jersey City, and beyond.  

What To Know About the 5 Boroughs of New York

Now that you’ve started to hone in on what you want your life in New York to look like, let’s get into each of the 5 boroughs of New York and what each one uniquely has to offer. In no particular order, from the Bronx to Brooklyn, here are the New York City boroughs, explained.

 

Of all the boroughs of New York, Manhattan is probably the first that comes to mind when you think of famous New York parts, like Times Square and Washington Square Park (pictured). 

1. Manhattan

When most people think of New York City — skyscrapers, museums, yellow taxis, Central Park — they are thinking of Manhattan. Manhattan is a narrow island at the center of New York’s 5 boroughs. While geographically very small, there are dozens upon dozens of small Manhattan neighborhoods offering differing costs of living, unique experiences, and their own mix of residents. Currently home to a population of some 1.6 million, Manhattan is bustling, crowded, and bursting with new things to see and experience around every corner — in a nutshell, it’s ideal for someone looking for a fast-paced lifestyle and access to big-city amenities.

Though you may have heard it described as the concrete jungle, there is one day a year when a decidedly nature-made phenomenon casts a glow over the burrough: Manhattanhenge. Taking place between late May and mid July, it’s the moment when the sunset’s rays perfectly align with Manhattan’s east–west streets, causing them to light up gloriously. 

Noteworthy Manhattan Neighborhoods

Cost of Living in Manhattan

Cost of living in Manhattan is high when compared to the rest of the nation, and even in comparison to other boroughs. That said, your rent will vary greatly depending on the neighborhood in which you live, with average one-bedroom rents ranging from $2,600 per month (Washington Heights) to $6,100 per month (SoHo).

Living in Manhattan

Move to Manhattan if you’re looking for a “classic New York City” experience. Convenient for those who work on the island, there's also never a shortage of things to do in Manhattan, no matter the time. Well-connected and densely populated, Manhattan is city living at its core. With this prime location and added convenience often comes a higher price tag and less living space, though. Keep in mind that the cost of extra storage space may need to be factored into your total expenses!

Take a stroll down the beautiful, brownstone-lined streets of Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood and you’ll feel worlds away from Times Square. 

2. Brooklyn

Located west of Manhattan via the iconic Brooklyn Bridge — the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was first built — Brooklyn’s stereotype involves affluent families and hipsters too cool for mainstream Manhattan. While some of this characterization holds water, Brooklyn carries much of the cultural influence and weight of Manhattan, with a more relaxed vibe. Home to beautiful parks, terrific watering holes and dining experiences, and plenty of culture, Brooklyn neighborhoods offer a bit more breathing room than cramped Manhattan.

Not to mention, Brooklyn is huge, with endless enclaves to explore. Home to more than 2.6 million residents, it’s the most populous borough in NYC. If that number is hard to picture, try this: If you put everyone that lives in Boston; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; and Minneapolis all together, Brooklyn would still be bigger. 

Noteworthy Neighborhoods in Brooklyn

Cost of Living in Brooklyn

While the cost of living in Brooklyn may be higher than in similarly sized cities around the country, it certainly is a price break from Manhattan. Expect to pay $3,700 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, with a price jump of up to $4,700 for the priciest neighborhood (Greenpoint). Living in Brooklyn also often means a bigger apartment compared to those offered in Manhattan.

Living in Brooklyn

Move to Brooklyn if you’re looking for access to big-city amenities, with more space and a more relaxed atmosphere. While your commute to work may be slightly longer, you gain green spaces, unique culture, and great coffee and beer.

Move to the Bronx if you’re looking for decent access to Manhattan while enjoying lower rent.

3. The Bronx

The Bronx is home of the New York Yankees, is the cradle of hip hop, and boasts the biggest park in the city, Pelham Bay Park. Geographically, this borough is located north of Manhattan over the Harlem River. The Bronx features plenty of attractions that make it a unique place to live, including New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Zoo, Yankee Stadium, and phenomenal opportunities to experience culture. What’s the downside? While the subway is set up to take people back and forth to Manhattan, transportation within the borough itself can be a bit cumbersome.

Noteworthy Neighborhoods in the Bronx

Cost of Living in the Bronx

The Bronx offers lower rents on average than other boroughs like Manhattan or Brooklyn — think $1,900 per month instead of $4,950 for a typical one-bedroom. If it’s more important for you to have affordable rent than to be right in the heart of the city, the Bronx might be a great fit for you.

Living in the Bronx

Move to the Bronx if you’re looking for decent access to Manhattan (no ferries here!) while enjoying lower rent. Or if you’re just a huge Yankees fan. Also, if you’re a park person, you’re in luck. The Bronx is home to the most public parks of any borough. However, the night life and professional job market aren’t quite as robust as areas with a higher cost of living, typically.

There’s plenty of room to spread out in Queens — the largest of the 5 boroughs of NYC. 

4. Queens

Queens is the easternmost borough of New York City and geographically the largest of the 5. With a relaxed, suburban feel, Queens neighborhoods are unpretentious, less touristy than Manhattan, and filled with food from all parts of the world — plus, it’s still close to the big-city perks you love. And for sports fans, you have a major stadium on home turf: While the Bronx claims Yankees Stadium, Queens is home to Citi Field, where the New York Mets play. 

Noteworthy Neighborhoods in Queens

Cost of Living in Queens, NY

Queens offers a much lower cost of living than other New York City boroughs, with an average rent of $3,050 for a one-bedroom. The pricing and experience are much more akin to living in a suburb than living in New York City. If you have a family, this burrough may be perfect for you — for a lower cost, you’ll experience diversity, green space, and plenty to do with children. If you’re a young single looking for nightlife and excitement, you may want to choose Brooklyn or Manhattan, where you’ll pay a little more for access to amenities.