Best Neighborhoods for Single People in New York

New York City is a vibrant, bustling metropolis that offers a unique living experience for expats and digital nomads. With its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm, the city caters to a variety of lifestyles and preferences. For single people looking to immerse themselves in the culture, social scene, and excitement of the Big Apple, certain neighborhoods stand out as particularly fitting. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in New York, where single expats and digital nomads can thrive.

West Village

The West Village is a picturesque neighborhood with tree-lined streets, classic brownstones, and a bohemian spirit. It's a magnet for singles due to its vibrant nightlife, abundance of eateries, and cultural hotspots. Residents can join fitness clubs like Equinox or take part in yoga classes in the local parks. The area is teeming with bars, jazz clubs, and intimate music venues, providing ample opportunities to meet new people. For those interested in the arts, there are numerous galleries and improv theaters, as well as the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Location: West side of Manhattan, western part of Greenwich Village in Manhattan

Real Estate: The average rental price for a studio or one-bedroom apartment in the West Village can range from $3,000 to $4,500 per month, while purchase prices for similar units can start from $700,000 and go up significantly based on the property.

Where to Eat: The neighborhood boasts a variety of dining options, from the cozy Italian eatery L'Artusi to the trendy seafood spot The Clam. For a unique dining experience, check out the historic speakeasy Chumley's.

Interesting History: The Stonewall Inn, a National Historic Landmark and the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement, is located here. Visitors can still enjoy a drink at this iconic bar.

Celeb sightings: The West Village has been home to numerous celebrities, including Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, as well as Hugh Jackman.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg in Brooklyn is a haven for hipsters, artists, and young professionals. This neighborhood is known for its indie music scene, street art, and a plethora of bars and cafes. Singles can enjoy outdoor activities at McCarren Park or East River State Park, which often hosts food markets and outdoor movies. The area is also home to Brooklyn Bowl, a popular spot for bowling, concerts, and mingling with locals.

Location: North Brooklyn, along the East River

Real Estate: Renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment in Williamsburg can cost between $2,500 and $3,500 per month, while buying may start at around $600,000 for a modest apartment.

Where to Eat: Foodies can indulge in a variety of cuisines, from the famous Peter Luger Steak House to the innovative Japanese dishes at Okonomi. For a casual bite, Smorgasburg offers a wealth of food vendors during the warmer months.

Interesting History: The Domino Sugar Refinery, once the largest sugar refinery in the world, is a historic landmark that's being transformed into a mixed-use development with public space.

Celeb sightings: Williamsburg has attracted celebrities like Zosia Mamet and Penn Badgley, who appreciate the neighborhood's creative vibe.

East Village

The East Village is the epitome of eclectic New York living, with its diverse community, avant-garde theaters, and vibrant nightlife. Singles can explore the numerous bookshops, record stores, and vintage clothing shops during the day, and by night, dive into the neighborhood's lively bar and club scene. The area is also known for its community gardens and small parks, which provide a green respite from the urban environment.

Location: East side of Manhattan, south of 14th Street and north of Houston Street

Real Estate: Rent for a studio or one-bedroom can range from $2,200 to $3,000 per month, with purchase prices starting around $500,000 for a small apartment.

Where to Eat: The East Village is a food lover's paradise, with options like the Ukrainian diner Veselka, the Japanese izakaya spot Izakaya MEW, and the iconic Katz's Delicatessen.

Interesting History: The neighborhood was once the center of the punk rock movement, with legendary venues like CBGB (now closed) that hosted bands like The Ramones and Blondie.

Celeb sightings: Notable residents have included musicians like Madonna in her early days and actors such as Rosario Dawson.

Lower East Side

The Lower East Side (LES) is a neighborhood that combines old New York charm with a youthful energy. It's a hotspot for singles with its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and an ever-evolving dining scene. The nightlife is robust, with a mix of dive bars, upscale lounges, and live music venues. The LES is also home to the Tenement Museum, which offers a glimpse into the immigrant experience in New York.

Location: Southeast part of Manhattan, bounded by the Bowery, East Houston, the East River, and Canal Street

Real Estate: Rental prices for studios and one-bedrooms range from $2,300 to $3,200 per month, while purchasing starts at around $550,000 and up.

Where to Eat: Food enthusiasts can savor the flavors at Russ & Daughters Cafe, indulge in experimental cuisine at Contra, or enjoy the famous pastrami sandwiches at Katz's Delicatessen.

Interesting History: The neighborhood was a major gateway for immigrants, and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum on Orchard Street preserves this history for visitors to explore.

Celeb sightings: Celebrities like Chloë Sevigny and Moby have been spotted in the area, drawn by its creative and edgy atmosphere.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village, often simply referred to as "the Village," is a cultural and intellectual hub with a rich history. It's a favorite among singles for its central location, proximity to New York University, and a plethora of cafes, bookstores, and theaters. Washington Square Park serves as the neighborhood's heart, where residents gather to enjoy performances, people-watch, or participate in outdoor activities.

Location: Central part of Lower Manhattan, bounded by 14th Street, Houston Street, Broadway, and the Hudson River

Real Estate: Renting a studio or one-bedroom in Greenwich Village can be quite pricey, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per month. Buying a property starts at around $800,000 for a small apartment.

Where to Eat: The Village is home to iconic eateries like Joe's Pizza for a classic New York slice, as well as upscale dining options like Babbo for exquisite Italian cuisine.

Interesting History: The Village was the center of the Beat movement in the 1950s and the folk music scene in the 1960s, with historic venues like The Bitter End still hosting live music today.

Celeb sightings: Greenwich Village has been a home to numerous celebrities over the years, including Alec Baldwin and Anderson Cooper.

Chelsea

Chelsea is a dynamic neighborhood known for its art galleries, the High Line park, and the Chelsea Market. It's a great place for singles who appreciate art and culture, as well as those who enjoy an active lifestyle, with the Hudson River Park offering bike paths and sports facilities. The area's nightlife includes a range of bars and clubs, particularly catering to the LGBTQ community.

Location: West side of Manhattan, between 14th Street and 34th Street

Real Estate: The average rental price for a studio or one-bedroom in Chelsea ranges from $3,500 to $4,500 per month, with purchase prices starting at around $750,000.

Where to Eat: Chelsea offers a diverse culinary scene, from the gourmet food hall at Chelsea Market to the upscale Italian dishes at Del Posto.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the Hotel Chelsea, a historic landmark known for its famous residents, including Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Leonard Cohen.

Celeb sightings: Chelsea has attracted celebrities like Lady Gaga and Google's Eric Schmidt, who appreciate the neighborhood's artistic flair.

SoHo

SoHo is renowned for its cast-iron architecture, upscale shopping, and trendy loft apartments. It's a top choice for singles who enjoy a bustling atmosphere and a high concentration of fashion boutiques, art galleries, and design stores. The neighborhood's cobblestone streets and chic cafes offer a picturesque setting for socializing and networking.

Location: South of Houston Street in Lower Manhattan

Real Estate: Renting a studio or one-bedroom in SoHo can be quite expensive, with prices averaging between $3,500 and $5,000 per month. Buying typically starts at over $1 million for a modest-sized apartment.

Where to Eat: SoHo's dining options range from the classic French bistro Balthazar to the innovative cuisine at The Dutch.

Interesting History: SoHo has a rich history as an artists' haven in the 1960s and 70s, with many old factories and warehouses converted into studios and galleries.

Celeb sightings: The neighborhood is a favorite among celebrities, with residents like Justin Timberlake and John Legend often seen strolling through its streets.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is synonymous with sophistication and luxury, offering a quieter residential feel while still providing plenty of social opportunities for singles. The neighborhood is home to Museum Mile, featuring cultural institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. The area also boasts upscale dining, designer boutiques, and proximity to Central Park.

Location: East side of Manhattan, from 59th Street to 96th Street

Real Estate: Rental prices for a studio or one-bedroom on the Upper East Side range from $2,500 to $3,500 per month, with purchase prices starting at around $650,000.

Where to Eat: The dining scene includes classic establishments like Café Boulud and the trendy Italian eatery Sfoglia.

Interesting History: The neighborhood is home to the historic Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the Mayor of New York City.

Celeb sightings: The Upper East Side has long been a favorite for celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Kelly Ripa.

Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique slice of New York life, catering to the diverse interests and lifestyles of single expats and digital nomads. Whether you're looking for culture, cuisine, or a vibrant social scene, you'll find a place to call home in one of these dynamic communities.