The 5 Boroughs of New York City
New York City, or the "Big Apple," is one of the world's most iconic and diverse cities. NYC comprises five unique boroughs, each with stories to tell and communities to embrace. In this guide, we will walk you through the five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
NYC by the Borough
Manhattan: The Heart of The Big Apple
Manhattan, often regarded as the heart of New York City, may be the most iconic island in the country. Manhattan's elite constructed opulent mansions along Fifth Avenue during the Gilded Age. The 20th century brought the advent of skyscrapers and the beginnings of a world-renowned skyline.
Manhattan by the Numbers
Population: ~1.7 million
Household Income: $95,866
Employment: 62.5%
Home Ownership Rate: 24.3%
Source: US Census Bureau, Manhattan borough
Living in Manhattan Neighborhoods
Manhattan living is synonymous with a fast-paced urban lifestyle, but each neighborhood maintains a different atmosphere. The demand for luxury condominiums, green spaces, and sustainable living has shaped new residential developments. Still, conservation efforts preserve the charm of historic neighborhoods.
The Upper West Side features classic New York City architecture. Brownstone buildings share blocks with iconic residences like The Dakota.
The affluent "triangle-below-canal" Tribeca offers upscale penthouses with modern designs and panoramic views. This neighborhood draws celebrity renters and homeowners.
Trendy lofts exude artistic vibes on the Lower East Side, even as the area experiences change. It's a haven for artists and creative professionals who embrace, or at least don't mind, the active nightlife scene.
On the Upper East Side, elegant townhouses and pre-war co-op buildings provide a taste of classic New York City living. Residents here enjoy views of Central Park and the Museum Mile.
The Financial District (FiDi) has sleek, modern towers with state-of-the-art amenities. This neighborhood offers convenient living for professionals working in the financial sector. You’ll also see historic Dutch-style architecture and cobblestone streets.
Harlem offers a unique blend of historic charm and cultural vibrancy. You'll find elegant brownstones, townhouses, and lively apartment buildings. The neighborhood is famous for its role in the Harlem Renaissance.
Hell’s Kitchen, which borders Broadway from the west, hosts luxury high-rises amid vibrant entertainment and dining scenes.
Manhattan’s Hidden Gem
Located within Fort Tryon Park, The Cloisters is a unique treasure that transports visitors to medieval Europe. This Metropolitan Museum of Art branch houses an exceptional medieval art and architecture collection. Its cloistered gardens overlook the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades.
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Brooklyn: A Blend of Culture and Community
With its direct connections to Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, Brooklyn is a cultural epicenter. The borough's distinct neighborhoods, from the historic brownstones of Park Slope to the artistic enclaves of Bushwick, make it a destination for residents and visitors alike. With a storied history, Brooklyn welcomes all who seek to immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere.
Brooklyn by the Numbers
Population: ~2.7 million
Household Income: $73,951
Employment: 59.9%
Home Ownership Rate: 29.5%
Source: US Census Bureau, Brooklyn borough
Living in Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Real estate in Brooklyn varies in price, with some expensive areas like DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights and more affordable neighborhoods like Bay Ridge and East New York. This variety allows for a range of lifestyle choices within the borough.
Known for its mix of industrial lofts and modern apartments, Williamsburg also features historic rowhouses and converted warehouses. Once an enclave for starving artists, it has come to command some of the highest real estate tickets in Brooklyn.
Park Slope sees well-preserved brownstones and pre-war apartment buildings next to modern townhouses along its tree-lined streets.
Famous for its charming, historic brownstones, Brooklyn Heights offers a glimpse of old New York architecture alongside upscale new construction and converted warehouses.
Fort Greene features beautiful brownstones, co-op buildings, and new developments with plenty of access to green space. It’s home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music and several independent bookstores.
Known for its vibrant art scene, Bushwick offers loft-style apartments, townhouses, and industrial-inspired living spaces.
Crown Heights has recently seen a flurry of new developments, but you can still find impeccably preserved Victorian-style homes in its North Historic District.
Greenpoint, the northernmost neighborhood of the borough, offers quiet days, flavorful food, and wood-frame houses.
Brooklyn’s Hidden Gem
Founded in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery is a national historic landmark and a beautiful final resting place for notable figures, including Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat. It borders South Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Sunset Park.
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The Bronx: The Northernmost Borough
During the 19th century, the Bronx saw significant urban development. Elegant homes and Victorian-style buildings went up in areas like the Grand Concourse. In 1899, the Bronx Zoo opened its naturalistic animal habitats, the first of their kind in the U.S.. The borough's enormous green spaces have also lent themselves to state parks and the New York Botanical Gardens.
The borough that gave us rap music and salsa dancing is still brimming with culture and creativity. From the South Bronx to Van Cortlandt Park, you have plenty to discover in the only New York City borough not situated on an island.
Famous Landmarks by Borough
Manhattan
An enduring symbol of the city, the Empire State Building's Art Deco design and 360-degree views from its observation deck offer a breathtaking perspective of Manhattan.
The epicenter of global finance, Wall Street features iconic symbols like the Charging Bull statue and the New York Stock Exchange, showcasing the borough's financial prowess.
Often referred to as "The Crossroads of the World," Times Square dazzles with its electronic billboards, Broadway theaters, and an atmosphere that never sleeps.
Staten Island
The Staten Island Ferry Terminal provides breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden houses museums, gardens, and galleries.
The Staten Island September 11 Memorial is a touching tribute to the borough's lost residents.
The Bronx
A true icon in the sports world, Yankee Stadium is home to the New York Yankees. With its storied history, legendary players, and electrifying atmosphere, catching a game here is a quintessential Bronx experience.
Dubbed the "Real Little Italy," Arthur Avenue in Belmont is a food lover's paradise. It's renowned for its authentic Italian markets, bakeries, and restaurants.
Wave Hill, nestled in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, offers a picturesque escape with its lush gardens, stunning views of the Hudson River, and an oasis of natural beauty.
Brooklyn
A global symbol of engineering brilliance, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan. Its Gothic arches and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline make it a must-visit landmark.
Known for its boardwalk and the iconic Cyclone roller coaster, Coney Island has been a destination for fun and entertainment for over a century.
Barclays Center, a state-of-the-art arena, hosts major sports events and concerts. It's a hub for entertainment in Brooklyn and the home of the New York Nets NBA team.
Queens
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park was the site of two World's Fairs and is now home to iconic landmarks like the Unisphere and Queens Museum.
MoMA PS1 in Long Island City is an innovative art institution housed in a converted school building. It hosts exhibitions, music events, and more.
An architectural gem, the Flushing Town Hall cultural center hosts performances, exhibitions, and events that reflect Queens' diverse communities.
The Bronx by the Numbers
Population: ~2.7 million
Household Income: $73,951
Employment: 59.9%
Home Ownership Rate: 29.5%
Source: US Census Bureau, Bronx borough
Living in Bronx Neighborhoods
The Bronx is generally more affordable, with relatively low median rents. South Bronx neighborhoods, despite ongoing development, remain some of the most budget-friendly options in NYC.
The Grand Concourse area is known for pre-war buildings with ornate facades, spacious interiors, and intricate detailing. Here is where you’ll find the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, the prolific poet’s former home turned museum.
Riverdale offers Tudor-style homes, colonial estates, and contemporary condos. Many properties in this leafy enclave provide spacious lawns and proximity to parks.
Known for its tree-lined streets and rows of classic Italianate and Victorian homes, Belmont exudes traditional charm.
Fordham features a blend of housing options, including mid-rise apartment complexes, townhouses, and brownstones. It offers a more urban lifestyle with easy access to shopping and dining.
Pelham Bay boasts contemporary apartment complexes with various amenities. You'll find comfortable living spaces in modern designs, often with balconies or terraces.
The Bronx’s Hidden Gem
City Island, nestled along the Long Island Sound, is an idyllic island known for its maritime heritage, fresh seafood dining, and a close-knit community.
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Staten Island: The Suburban Enclave
Staten Island provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Here, you'll find a slower pace, family-oriented communities, and lesser-known cultural sites worth a visit.
The island once was pivotal in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a strategic outpost. In the 19th century, it evolved into a resort destination known for its scenic beauty. Staten Island's transformation into a residential enclave began with the construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964.
Staten Island by the Numbers
Population: ~495,747
Household Income: $93,164
Employment: 57.9%
Home Ownership Rate: 68.7%
Source: US Census Bureau, State Island borough
Living in Staten Island Neighborhoods
Each Staten Island neighborhood has a unique residential character, from historic homes to modern apartments with waterfront views. Its most affordable areas include neighborhoods like St. George and Port Richmond. In contrast, areas like Todt Hill and Emerson Hill command higher rents, reflecting their more upscale residential character.
In the historic neighborhood of St. George, you'll come across charming Colonial Revival homes. These residences boast gabled roofs and symmetrical façades, often featuring red brick exteriors. St. George also offers sleek condos.
Great Kills features a mix of spacious single-family homes and townhouses. Many waterfront properties boast contemporary designs, but you can also find traditional Colonial and Cape Cod-style houses.
You'll find a variety of home styles in this sought-after neighborhood of Tottenville. Look for cozy Cape Cod-style residences, spacious ranch houses, and even newer constructions with modern amenities.
Willowbrook offers a mix of housing options, including single-family homes and apartments. Many of the single-family dwellings follow traditional suburban designs and well-maintained lawns.
Stapleton features various apartment complexes, offering comfortable living spaces for renters. These complexes come in contemporary designs and provide convenient access to local amenities.
Staten Island’s Hidden Gem
Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island's Richmondtown neighborhood is a captivating living history village. Explore early American life through preserved historic homes, exhibits, and demonstrations. Reach it via the Staten Island Railway to Richmondtown station.
Moving to Staten Island
Are you planning your move to Staten Island? Cool Hand Movers will guide you through a smooth transition.
Queens: The Suburban Enclave
Queens, sometimes called the "World's Borough," has undergone a remarkable transformation throughout its history. With significant urban development in the early 20th century and its role as the host of the 1964 World's Fair, Queens has seen waves of change and progress. From its early days as a cluster of small towns to becoming a cornerstone of New York City life, Queens has evolved into a vibrant and multicultural hub.
Queens by the Numbers
Population: ~2.4 million
Household Income: $80,557
Employment: 60.1%
Home Ownership Rate: 68.7%
Source: US Census Bureau, Queens borough
Living in Queens Neighborhoods
Queens offers a balance of affordability and cultural vibrancy. Astoria and Long Island City tend toward higher rents due to their proximity to Manhattan and thriving local scenes, while neighborhoods like Jamaica and Flushing are more budget-friendly.
Astoria, a bustling neighborhood in western Queens, features a mix of historic townhouses and contemporary apartments. It's known for its diverse restaurants and East River views.
Flushing offers many housing options, including single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. Its bustling business district is a hub of activity.
A rapidly developing waterfront neighborhood, Long Island City features sleek high-rises with stunning Manhattan skyline views. It's a popular choice for young professionals.
With its tree-lined streets, Jackson Heights offers a blend of pre-war co-op buildings and garden apartment complexes. It's known for its cultural diversity and historic district.
Forest Hills is a residential neighborhood boasting Tudor-style homes, co-op apartments, and upscale condos. It's a family-friendly area with excellent schools.
Queens’ Hidden Gem
Visit the former Corona home of the jazz legend Louis Armstrong. Delve into the life and legacy of one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
Cool Hand Movers are local experts. Find out how we can give you a hassle-free Queens move.
Cool Hand Movers understands that moving can be a challenging endeavor but also an exciting opportunity for a fresh start. We encourage you to reach out for any moving needs or inquiries. Our experienced team is here to deliver a stress-free move in any of New York City's boroughs. Get a free custom quote for your NYC move. There are also so many options outside of the city to explore.
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New York City comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. All boroughs of NYC were incorporated into the city through consolidation in 1898, with Manhattan being the first to join.
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Long Island is not part of the five boroughs of New York City. It is a separate geographical region that includes Nassau and Suffolk Counties. However, Queens, one of the five boroughs, is on the Long Island land mass.
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Harlem is in the borough of Manhattan. This historic neighborhood in Upper Manhattan is known for its cultural significance, including its role in the Harlem Renaissance.
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Queens is one of the five boroughs of New York City. Situated to the east of Manhattan, it is known for its diverse communities, cultural attractions, and residential neighborhoods.