Brooklyn might be getting more popular, but when people hear NYC, they think Manhattan. From Central Park to the Empire State Building to the MET, Manhattan has everything you could possibly want, and all of it is easily accessible. While Manhattan has a lot to offer, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. With so many people and tourists in Manhattan every day, crime is an issue that many people worry about.
Luckily, crime rates have been on a downward trajectory throughout NYC as a whole. With that said, some neighborhoods are definitely safer than others. The guide below can help you find neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates to help your decision-making process.
Battery Park City
Located at the southern end of Manhattan, Battery Park City is one of the safest places in Manhattan, with crime rates lower than the city overall. Moving here means you have access to some amazing amenities like Brookfield Place for your shopping needs, Hudson River Park if you want to enjoy some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty, and some amazing restaurants like PJ Clarke’s. If you ever want to leave the neighborhood, you have access to almost every train line at the World Trade Center Station, and you can hop on a ferry if you want a nice boat ride to New Jersey.
Neighborhood Amenities and Parks
| Neighborhood | Number of Parks | Notable Attractions | Restaurants & Shopping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Park City | 3 | Hudson River Park, Brookfield Place | PJ Clarke’s, high-end stores |
| Roosevelt Island | 4 | Lighthouse Park, Octagon Park | Cozy restaurants |
| Murray Hill | 2 | Morgan Library & Museum | Bars, wine bars |
| Chelsea | 2 | High Line, Rubin Museum | Chelsea Market, LGBTQIA+ shops |
| SoHo | 1 | Cast-iron architecture | Luxury boutiques |
Sure, all of this might sound great, but living in Battery Park City isn’t cheap. You can expect to pay at least $5,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, if not more. You might be able to find more affordable options if you have enough time to look, but chances are you won’t find a one-bedroom under $3,500.
Roosevelt Island
Once a notorious neighborhood due to it being the site of a smallpox hospital and asylum, Roosevelt Island has morphed into a cozy and quiet neighborhood that many people forget exists. This 0.23 square mile island sits between Manhattan and Queens and offers a safe haven for those who are looking for a home where they can escape the bustle of Manhattan without leaving the borough. When it comes to safety, Roosevelt Island is incredibly safe with very little in the way of crime.
There are several restaurants for you to enjoy, and you can walk the entire length of the island in less than an hour. Included on this tiny island are four parks: Lighthouse, Octagon, Southpoint, and Four Freedom Parks. There are two ways to leave Roosevelt Island: by the F train or via the tram, which will give you some great views of the Manhattan skyline. So, how much does it cost to rent here? Expect to pay at least $3,5000 for a one-bedroom apartment, though prices are rising quickly.
Murray Hill
This east side neighborhood offers some old-style charm, as much of it is both a city and a national historic district. With that said, there are still plenty of sleek high rises in case you’re not a fan of pre-war buildings and brownstones. When it comes to safety, you can’t get any better than this! The neighborhood boasts a crime rate lower than both the city and national average. And there’s plenty to do here as it is home to the Morgan Library & Museum, which boasts rare books and manuscripts of the banker J.P. Morgan. There’s also plenty of great bars to check out on Third Avenue, and while it’s more popular with the young kids, you can definitely find a relaxed wine bar or restaurant if you want something a bit quieter.
Average Rent by Neighborhood (1-Bedroom, Manhattan, 2025)
| Neighborhood | Average 1-Bedroom Rent | Average 2-Bedroom Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Park City | $5,000 | $7,500 | Waterfront views, high-end |
| Roosevelt Island | $3,500 | $5,000 | Quiet, smaller area |
| Murray Hill | $4,000 | $6,000 | Historic charm |
| Chelsea | $4,000 | $6,500 | LGBTQIA+ friendly, vibrant |
| SoHo | $4,500 | $7,000 | Luxury boutiques, historic architecture |
Public Transportation is generally pretty good in Murray Hill. You have the 4, 5, 6 train, and the Q train, a short walk away. Grand Central Station is right on the edge of the neighborhood so if you like making out-of-town trips, then this is the perfect place to find your new apartment. Of course, it’s going to cost you. The average rent for a one-bedroom is about $4,000 a month. But for many, it’s worth it to live in a beautiful and historic neighborhood.
Chelsea
Consistently ranking as one of the best places to live in Manhattan, Chelsea has a lot to offer, including a high safety ranking. You don’t have to worry too much when walking around this neighborhood, as its crime rate is lower than the city’s overall. More importantly, there’s almost too much to do in Chelsea. If you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community, this is definitely the neighborhood you want to live in or, at the very least, hang out in! There are tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and more that are all LGBTQIA+ friendly. On top of that, you have access to some great hangout spots like the High Line, Chelsea Market, and the Rubin Museum of Art.
Getting to and from Chelsea is easy, as you have access to several train lines, including the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E. Rents are what you’ll find most inaccessible, as the average one-bedroom apartment will cost you around $4,000 a month.
SoHo
Initially, SoHo was a haven for artists, but today it has become synonymous with luxury retailers, cast-iron buildings, and cobblestone streets. Located South of Houston Street, almost the entire neighborhood has been designated a city and national historic district. Due to its beautiful streets, boutique shops, and great dining options, SoHo attracts many tourists and residents. Despite that, it’s still one of the safest places in Manhattan with crime below the city’s average.
Public Transportation Accessibility by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Train Lines Nearby | Average Commute to Midtown | Ferry Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Park City | 1, R, W, E | 15 min | Yes, to NJ |
| Roosevelt Island | F, Tram | 20 min | N/A |
| Murray Hill | 4, 5, 6, Q | 10 min | N/A |
| Chelsea | 1, 2, 3, A, C, E | 12 min | N/A |
| SoHo | 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, Q, R | 15 min | N/A |
There’s a lot to do and see in SoHo, but if you’re a fan of architecture, then you definitely want to live here, as it has the largest collection of cast-iron architecture in the world. There are also former industrial buildings dotted throughout. SoHo also has excellent access to public transportation. In fact, you can access almost all of them, save a handful (L, G, J, M, Z, 7). Like the other neighborhoods, SoHo isn’t cheap, and you can expect to pay at least $4,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
Make Your Move to Manhattan
If you manage to find yourself a nice apartment in one of these neighborhoods, you’ll want to hire professional movers. That’s where NYC Great Movers can help. We offer quality service at affordable prices. We’ll work with you to customize your Manhattan moving plan. Just reach out and let us know what you need, and we’ll make your transition to Manhattan seamless.
FAQ
How do I find an apartment in Manhattan?
Finding an apartment in Manhattan is equal parts luck and persistence. Your best bet is to take a multi-pronged approach: check out the various apartment/roommate listing sites/apps, ask friends or coworkers if they know anyone who needs a roommate, and work with a broker.
What are the monthly transportation costs if I move to one of these neighborhoods?
It depends on your activities. If you plan on using the subway a lot, you might want to spring for the monthly metrocard which will cost $132 as of 2024. But with how many amenities are in each area and how walkable Manhattan is in general, you might be able to get away with never buying a metrocard!
