Battery Park City
Battery Park City consists mainly of one and two bedroom apartments in the area’s high rises. Because this area has enjoyed recent decreases in price, renters or buyers will benefit in the short term. Because Battery Park City is located close to 9/11’s ground zero, residents receive $500 per month via the post-9/11 incentive program.
Battery Park City woos prospective renters with its nearly 32 acres of open space, abundance of free entertainment and its sweeping views.

Carnegie Hill
Carnegie Hill is one of New York’s most expensive and historic neighborhoods. Known for its luxurious early 20th century townhomes, Carnegie Hill boasts a suburban, yet family-friendly atmosphere. Although many of Carnegie Hill’s townhomes are single family residences, some have been converted to apartments.
Renters looking for accommodation in Carnegie Hill will enjoy its gourmet food stores, upscale boutiques, museums and galleries.

Central Park South / Columbus Circle
Central Park is the ideal location for busy executives. Its 843 acres is the city’s first man-made and landscaped public park. Whether it’s walking, running or cycling you prefer, Central Park provides its surrounding residents with much-needed respite. Renters will find quality apartments among this area’s classy clubs, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels. The impressive AOL Time Warner building is the largest construction project in New York City since the World Trade Center. With 5 levels of stores and restaurants combined with 1.1 million square feet of office space and residential apartments, The AOL Time Warner building represents the epitome of city living.

Chelsea - Flatiron
Home to an increasing number of doctors, lawyers and business owners, the Chelsea-Flatiron district’s townhomes and co-ops appeal to renters desiring an all-adult, dynamic  neighborhood. Because the area’s popularity has increased in recent years, renters will find newly renovated and pricier townhomes, along with high-rise apartments and condos. The area’s condominiums offer luxurious living spaces with all of the amenities.
Renters looking for a decidedly unique living space will want to seek out the area’s collection of newly-converted residential lofts, most of which are located in the area’s former warehouses.

Chinatown / Little Italy
Artists and professionals abound in this young, trend-setting neighborhood. Prospective renters will find a number of mid-size apartment buildings here, along with all the color and tradition of the Asian and Italian cultures. Among the garment factories (an Asian business staple), prospective renters will find cafes, nightclubs, affordable boutiques and restaurants in Chinatown.

As a child, famous film director Martin Scorsese’s home was on Little Italy’s Elizabeth Street. Boasting original architecture and six-story walkups, Little Italy was once home to Italian immigrants. Mulberry Streets upgraded apartments combine historical charm with modern renovations.

East Village
East Village boasts a decidedly downtown feel, despite its distance from downtown Manhattan. Prospective renters and buyers will find lower prices in East Village than in other Manhattan neighborhoods. The area’s established arts and music scene blends perfectly with its recently renovated apartments and tenement-style buildings. Tompkins Square Park is ideal for young professionals needing pause, and the Ukrainian and Polish communities offer a host of epicurean delights.

Financial District
Although this area bustles with the activity of a commercial center during the day, residents of the Financial District enjoy peaceful and quiet evenings among its local pubs and eateries. The area’s excellent transportation system is due in part to its proximity to the Holland Tunnel and the Brooklyn Bridge. Prospective residents will find reduced rents as a result of efforts to attract renters following the events of 9/11. Most of the Financial District’s primarily commercial buildings have been converted to luxury apartment complexes with sweeping views. Although these apartments come with a high price tag, the amenities and abundant space make renting in the Financial District quite reasonable.

Greenwich Village
This artistic center has a decidedly small-town feel with its cobblestone streets and cozy cafes. Greenwich Village has little zoning for high-rises, which means a less crowded atmosphere and much more ambiance than Manhattan’s other neighborhoods offer.
But because Greenwich Village is located in the most desirable part of downtown, a bargain can be difficult to find unless you’re looking west toward Washington Street. However, prospective renters may land their ideal apartment near NYU on Broadway if apartment hunting in June or September. Desirable space moves very quickly in Greenwich Village, so the added expense of a quality broker and a larger investment of time may be necessary to land your property of choice.

Harlem
This culturally diverse and historical neighborhood is enjoying a building boom. Prospective renters will find co-ops and condos, with ownership possibilities on Strivers Row. Do-it-yourselfers can purchase a fixer upper in Harlem for about 20% of the cost offered just a mile to the south. The Sugar Hill Condominiums at 146th Street and Convent Avenue offer 6 stories of luxury, with units as large as 1900 square feet. Bargain hunters only need to travel north to Third Avenue to find affordable accommodations.

Lower East Side
Known for its eclectic blend of musicians, writers, designers, artists and professionals, the Lower East Side offers food lovers a host of bars and restaurants. Typically, renters looking in the Lower East Side will find renovated walk-ups at under 500 square feet in size. However, less charming space can be found on Grand Street’s towers. Surprisingly, Bargain hunters may save brokerage fees, simply by asking where the best deals are.