Best areas for students in New York

Morningside Heights, Manhattan

This is considered one of the best neighbourhoods for students in New York, and it’s located in northwest Manhattan, in Upper Manhattan. It’s a neighbourhood that’s full of students because it houses the main campus of Columbia University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It also has other institutions, such as Barnard College.

Morningside Heights has a quiet and residential environment, very different from the hustle and bustle of other parts of Manhattan. In fact, it's known for being one of the safest. Its tree-lined streets and historic architecture give it a special charm. Being a university area, there are many bookstores, cafes for studying, and small restaurants with affordable options. It also has a variety of bars and has easy access to Harlem's varied dining and entertainment offerings.

Among the cultural sites that stand out in this area are:

• The Riverside Church: a neo-Gothic church, which hosts concerts, lecutres, and exhibitions.
• Cathedral of St. John the Divine: one of the largest cathedrals in the world, which also hosts cultural and artistic events.
• Miller Theatre: part of Columbia University, offers a programme of contemporary and classical music.

As green spaces, in Morningside Heights two parks stand out: to the west is Riverside Park, by the river Hudson, and to the east is Morningside Park, with ponds, sculptures and sports courts. It’s also worth noting that the famous Central Park is just a few minutes' walk away, so you can easily enjoy everything this iconic site has to offer.

This neighbourhood invites students to move on foot, in addition to being prepared for the use of bicycles with bike lanes. It also has access to New York City public transportation, including the subway and bus lines.

Washington Heights, Manhattan

This neighbourhood is located at the northern tip of Manhattan, between Harlem and the Hudson River. It’s a lively neighbourhood, with a strong presence of the Dominican and Caribbean community, but also home to many students as it’s the home of the Columbia University Medical Centre and its proximity to City College of New York and the main campus of Columbia University.

It’s also worth noting that Washington Heights is one of the favourite neighbourhoods for students and young professionals who are on a tight budget. It has a more relaxed atmosphere than downtown Manhattan, and is known for its unique identity, local shops, Latin restaurants, and strong community spirit.

Among the prominent cultural sites in this neighbourhood are: the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest house in Manhattan and where George Washington stayed; United Palace, an architectural gem that today functions as a concert hall, cinema, and cultural centre; The Hispanic Society Museum & Library, with a collection of art and literature from Spain, Portugal and Latin America.

In Washington Heights, several outdoor spaces stand out:

• Fort Washington Park: a park on the banks of the Hudson River that features a lighthouse, sports courts, sculptures, and even a small beach.
• Fort Tyron Park: one of the most beautiful parks in Manhattan. It overlooks the Hudson River, has trails, gardens, and is home to The Met Cloisters, a museum dedicated to medieval European art.
• Highbridge Park: it’s a lesser-known high-altitude park, but it’s ideal for walking, playing sports or relaxing.

Despite being far from the centre of New York, this neighbourhood is very well connected with metro, buses and bike lanes.

Bushwick, Brooklyn

Bushwick is considered another one of the best neighbourhoods for students in New York, being one of the most alternative and creative neighbourhoods in the city. Located in northern Brooklyn, it’s a neighbourhood that has transformed from an industrial area into one of the city's most important cultural epicenters. Although some areas have gentrified, it remains a more affordable option than Manhattan or some parts of Brooklyn, and very popular with art, design and music students.

This neighbourhood oozes art everywhere and has a very lively atmosphere. Its old factories have been converted into studios, galleries, and coworking spaces. The streets are full of murals and graffiti of local and international artists. It also features a variety of venues with live music and nightclubs, as well as trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants frequented by students.

Bushwick is known for its offer of nightclubs and cocktail bars, making the nightlife in this neighbourhood very lively. Each space has its own particular atmosphere, such as the theatrical and circus atmosphere of House of Yes, or the science fiction themed bar Jupiter Disco.

This neighbourhood isn't particularly green, but there are some interesting outdoor spaces. One of them is Maria Hernandez Park, the neighbourhood's largest park, ideal for sports, relaxing, socialising, picnicking, or skateboarding. Irving Square Park is smaller, but it’s a quieter option for resting or reading.

From Bushwick you can reach Manhattan and the rest of the city via metro, bus, and train lines. In addition, within the neighbourhood it’s easy to move around by bicycle.

Astoria, Queens

It’s located northwest of Queens, next to the East river. Known for its relaxed vibe, its multicultural community (especially Greek, Egyptian and Latin) and its excellent value for money, Astoria is a very popular choice among students looking for more affordable accommodation without moving too far from the centre.

This neighbourhood combines a residential environment with a varied cultural and gastronomic offering. In its streets there are a lot of cafes, diners, ethnic restaurants, independent shops, and artist spaces. It’s also home to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, the city's oldest beer garden, with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.

Some of the cultural sites worth visiting in Astoria are:

• Museum of the Moving Image: museum dedicated to film, television, and video games. It features interactive exhibits and screenings of classic and independent films.
• The Noguchi Museum: an art museum dedicated to the artist Isamu Noguchi.
• Kaufman Astoria Studios: historic studios where films and series have been shot since the 1920s. They’re still in operation.

The Astoria neighbourhood has some of the most beautiful green spaces and parks in Queens. Among them, the following stand out: Astoria Park (a large park by the East river, overlooking the skyline of Manhattan, athletic tracks, courts and one of the largest public swimming pools in New York), Socrates Sculpture Park (a park with contemporary sculptures and free cultural events), and Rainey Park (smaller, but with good views and areas to rest in front of the river).

Astoria is very well connected to Manhattan and other areas of Queens not only through bicycles and metro and bus lines, but also with the ferries.

FAQ about neighbourhoods in New York