5 Affordable New York City Neighborhoods

New York City is often thought of as one of the most expensive cities in the world, and for the most part, it lives up to it's reputation. Paying five figures just to move into an apartment, if you can find one, is quite common! Added to the fact that there are endless neighborhoods to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and the thought of moving to New York City can leave someone dazed and confused. We thought we'd put together a short list of five affordable communities in and around New York City. These are not the hot, trendy neighborhoods with movie stars. These are affordable neighborhoods all within an easy commute to Manhatten, each with their own unique charms and personalities. Enjoy!

#1: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, New York City

Fueled by nearby Park Slope's growth and popularity, Ditmas Park is emerging as one of Brooklyn's most affordable neighborhoods. You'll find plenty of spacious, century old victorian homes (NOT condos or coops) with actual yards, complete with green grass, for $400,000 to $600,000. The words spacious, grass, and yards are not what normally come to mind when one thinks of living in New York City, but if you're willing to live outside of the trendy areas, you will find bargains galore in Ditmas Park. The only downsides to this affordable Brooklyn community is the lack of local retail stores and restaurants, which should correct itself as this neighborhood matures. The commute to Manhattan is a 40 minute train ride on the Q line.

#2: Cliffside Park, New Jersey

Cliffside Park, like the name suggests, is located cliffside on the New Jersey side of the Hudson river. Most of it's residents are Manhattan workers who enjoy this quiet bedroom community. This is a low key town where you can find a home without views of the Hudson between $200,000 and $500,000. If you'd like Hudson river views, your price range will jump to a million dollars.

#3: St. George on Staten Island

You don't have to go far in NYC to find an affordable neighborhood, and Staten Island's St. George proves this well. You can rent a one bedroom apartment for $900 to $1,00, while single family homes can be had for under $500,000. Apartments and co-ops go for around the same, studio, one and two bedroom units can be had for under $500,000. There are good choices for public schools, as well as private schools like Trinity Lutheran in Tompkinsville. Great schools and an easy 25 commute on the ferry to midtown Manhattan make Staten Island an attractive place for affordable real estate in New York City.

#4: Sunnyside, Queens New York

This is a great middle class neighborhood only about 15 minutes outside of mid-town Manhattan, without the high real estate prices of midtown. One bedroom apartment rentals can be found for around $1,000 a month, and 3 bedroom single family homes can be had for under $600,000. Coops and apartments are also affordable, starting at around $100,000. Trees line the streets and the views of NYC are amazing. Easy access to the subway lines makes the commute to New York City a snap, and low taxes will keep this neighborhood affordable for years to come. Head on over to Queens Boulevard for all of your shopping and entertainment needs. You're bound to find an affordable co-op, apartment, or house in Sunnyside Queens!

#5: Hudson Heights, Manhattan, NYC

If you simply must live in Manhattan, Hudson Heights is an affordable neighborhood right in Manhattan. Compared to the West Village, Lower East Side, Upper East Side and the Upper West Side, you'll find Hudson Heights and extremely cheap place to find real estate. Coop and apartment rentals are around $1,000 to $2,000 monthly, lofts can be found for around $2,500 to $3,200 per month for rent. To purchase a co-op or apartment, they start at around $140,000 for a one bedroom, and move on up to around $800,000 for a large 4 bedroom apartment. This affordable neighborhood (a tad south of Fort Tryon Park) is up around 180st street, and you'll get great views of the Hudson River, and the George Washington Bridge. The commute is an easy ride on the Subway's A Line to downtown Manhattan. If you are looking for an affordable neighborhood right in New York City, you'll find what you're looking for in Hudson Heights NYC.