New York City is a dream destination for many, but for students, interns, and young professionals, deciding where to live can quickly become a dilemma. Do you stay within Manhattan to be close to all the action, or do you venture outside for more space, better value, and potentially less stress?
Let’s face it: Manhattan is expensive, especially for those on a student or intern budget. And while the idea of being close to everything can be incredibly appealing, the price tag often doesn’t match up with what you get in terms of living space. On the other hand, living outside of Manhattan can give you more room to stretch out, but at the cost of longer daily commutes and potentially losing the unique “Manhattan experience”.
In this post, we’ll break down the decision-making process and explore the pros and cons of living in vs. out of Manhattan, based on four key factors:
- Convenience to Commute
- Safety of the Surroundings
- Living Spaces
- Process of Settling In
1. Convenience to Commute
When it comes to commuting, living in Manhattan offers unparalleled convenience. Manhattan’s extensive transit system ensures you can get around quickly and efficiently – this is especially true if you’re working long hours — being able to walk to your office or take a short subway ride means you’ll have more time to unwind after your day plus no long commutes or overcrowded trains to drain your energy. A short commute translates into more downtime for relaxation, hobbies, or socializing, helping you maintain a better work-life balance.
In contrast, the daily commute out of Manhattan becomes a bigger factor to consider. While places like Brooklyn, Queens, or Jersey City might offer more affordable rent or larger living spaces, they often come with longer and less predictable commutes. Whether you’re traveling on the subway or relying on buses, your journey into Manhattan can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on where you live and especially on weekends or late nights. This extra travel time can eat into your free time, potentially making it harder to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Verdict: Living in Manhattan typically offers the best of both worlds — quick and reliable public transportation, shorter commutes, and more time for a balanced lifestyle . If time is money, you’ll definitely get more of it by being close to your work, school, and social life.
2. Safety of the Surroundings
Safety is always a top priority when considering where to live, and the truth is, both Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs have their pros and cons.
In Manhattan, you’re never too far from amenities like grocery stores, convenience stores, and 24-hour gyms, which can provide a sense of security and convenience. However, like any major urban area, there are still pockets where you need to be alert, especially late at night or in less populated areas.
Similarly, if you live outside of Manhattan, neighborhoods can vary widely in terms of safety. Some areas are well-developed with bustling streets and great local amenities, while others may feel a bit more isolated or less polished, especially in areas that are still undergoing redevelopment. Walking to the subway late at night might feel a bit riskier depending on the neighborhood, but there are certainly some great, safe options out there.
Verdict: It’s a tie. Both in and out of Manhattan have their own safety concerns, but the key is to choose the right neighborhood based on your lifestyle and comfort level.
3. Living Spaces
Here’s where living outside of Manhattan can really shine. Manhattan real estate is notorious for its sky-high prices, especially when it comes to apartment size. At best, you’ll get a small, efficient space that serves your immediate needs.
Now, compare that to living outside of Manhattan. For the same price you’d pay for a Manhattan apartment, you could rent a larger, modern high-rise apartment in Jersey City or Long Island City. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, larger living rooms, updated amenities, and sometimes even perks like doormen, gyms, and rooftop pools. If you are a homebody that has little to no intention to leave your apartment (if you don’t have to) and want the convenience of it all then apartments beyond Manhattan would be your cup of tea.
Verdict: Staying outside Manhattan wins this round. You get more space for less money, and you can still be relatively close to the city without the high rental prices.
4. Process of Settling In
Settling into a new home can be one of the most stressful parts of moving. If you’re the type who wants to avoid the hassle of sourcing furniture, setting up utilities, and navigating the complexities of moving into a new place, then a fully furnished apartment in Manhattan could be the way to go.
Heritage Collection offers fully furnished apartments in prime Manhattan locations, including Grand Central, Union Square, Chelsea and SoHo. These places come with utilities and Wi-Fi included in the rent, so you can hit the ground running and avoid the headaches that come with setting everything up.
On the flip side, if you choose to live outside of Manhattan, you may end up in an unfurnished apartment, which could mean extra work. You’ll need to purchase furniture, arrange utilities, and set up Wi-Fi, which can all take time and effort, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience with moving. But for some, this is part of the fun — and the opportunity to truly make the space your own.
Verdict: Staying within Manhattan in a furnished apartment takes the lead here. It’s the easiest option for those looking to move in quickly and hassle-free.
Final Thoughts: To Stay or Not to Stay?
Ultimately, the decision to live in Manhattan or outside of it depends on your personal priorities. If you’re all about being in the heart of the action, close to everything, and don’t mind smaller living spaces, Manhattan may be the perfect fit. The convenience of being near your school, office, or favorite hangouts is hard to beat.
However, if you value space, comfort, and the option of a more affordable lifestyle (with a longer commute), the outer boroughs may be a better choice for you. Whether it’s the luxury of a high-rise apartment or the peace and quiet of a quieter neighborhood, there’s more room to stretch out and live comfortably outside of Manhattan.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s all about finding what works best for you. After all, living in New York City — no matter where you are — is an adventure in itself.
And if you’re looking for a fully furnished, hassle-free option within Manhattan, Heritage Collection could be the solution. With properties across Manhattan, including Grand Central, Union Square, and Chelsea, we offer the flexibility and convenience you need to make the most of your time in New York.
Happy apartment hunting!
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