New York Insights - HOUSING

Choosing the most suitable area to live in New York is not that easy when you are new to the city. Know what is important to you –  Are you looking for a less expensive area, an area close to good schools? Do you prefer the hustle & bustle of inner-city life or rather the leafy suburbs? Are you willing to commute and if so for how long?

Here are insights directly from NYLESA members on where we are living and what we like or don’t like about such area, to help you making that housing decision! 

Check out the map – areas with the house icon are those we have articles contributed from members, and more to come. 

Scarsdale, Westchester

Scarsdale, Westchester

I am the spouse of a UN staff member, together we moved from Ireland, with our kids, to Scarsdale, Westchester more than six years ago.  Much has happened in our lives since we moved here - we settled into our community, the kids all started school and I managed to...

Midtown – South Central Park

Midtown – South Central Park

I spent four years in New York and lived during this period of my life at the south door of the Central Park (58th Street and 6 Avenue). I was very happy living in this location, which is very central and overcrowded, but where I could almost immediately step in the...

Midtown East

Midtown East

As former New Yorkers moving back into the city, my wife and I had a clear idea of what we wanted in our new home: a) half-hour commute to the UN; b) a closed kitchen; c) a monthly rent < $4,500; d) a two bedroom apartment; and e) a fun & vibrant neighborhood....

Mamaroneck, Westchester County

Mamaroneck, Westchester County

When my husband was assigned to New York for his current assignment, we were torn about where to live. Having lived once before in New York, as young singles, we'd had the city experience, and now with teenagers decided to look for a place in Westchester County, just...

Harlem

Harlem

Surely, for those of us moving to New York after years in various postings in Africa and Asia, the first barrier to making the most of our new surroundings is coming to terms with the high apartment rental costs in this city. Finding a tolerable balance between rent...

Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island

For many UN families unfamiliar with NYC the choice of a place to live can be quite challenging. Very often they base this important decision on the proximity to work and schools, easy commute and cost of living. Some go by the recommendation from friends and this is...

Park Slope, Brooklyn

Park Slope, Brooklyn

When we arrived in New York City 4 years ago we temporary rented an apartment on Roosevelt Island. We liked the slower pace of the island but decided that wanted a neighborhood with a bit more vibe and charm so we started looking for apartments in different areas......

Long Island City

Long Island City

OK, I have a confession to make: I did not know Long Island City before we signed the lease on our current apartment. It was not the first time we were posted to NY, we thought we knew about the neighborhoods in general and we had a pretty good idea that we absolutely...

Upper East Side

Upper East Side

I just liked saying ​Chappaqua​.... When I first learned we would be moving to New York in 2016, I imagined settling in this picturesque Westchester town. I had heard about its amazing public schools and charming spacious homes with wraparound gardens—an idyllic...

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