Top Places in Manhattan for College Grads

Looking for a place to stay and getting a job is the first step for most people right after graduation. Many people choose Manhattan, and for a good reason: there are many opportunities when it comes to working here. Manhattan is also a place in NYC with many Australian coffee shops, and the area offers a pool of endless opportunities. However, with NYC's real estate market, finding a place to stay could be a lot more complicated. First, you want to find a reasonably priced neighborhood you like and then a place that suits you. And we're here to help you do just that, as we have put together a list of the top places in Manhattan for college grads, and we hope you find it helpful.

Washington Heights

Located in the northern end of Manhattan, Washington Heights is the place where you pay less money for more space. This neighborhood offers a relatively quick commute to midtown, as you can make it there in around 30 minutes. This is because three train lines work in Washington Heights, and at least one of them is never too far. The neighborhood is home to a diverse community, and you can find just about anything you need here, from shopping to restaurants. You can also find some beautiful parks here when you want to relax. The median two-bedroom rent in Washington Heights is $2,295, making renting here fairly affordable. However, before moving here, we recommend you learn some ways to reduce stress during a move. Between the pressure of handling the costs and looking for an apartment, at least you can reduce the stress of the actual moving process.

Upper East Side

While the Upper East Side is on the expensive side, it is still trendy among college graduates for a good reason. The commute to midtown is rapid (as quick as 15 minutes), and it is a popular landing spot for young people in Manhattan. In addition, the nightlife here is considered to be top-notch. And while this neighborhood is lined with multi-million-dollar houses, you don't have to pay too much to live here. The median two-bedroom apartments in this neighborhood go for $3,000, so living here is actually quite feasible if you decide to get a roommate. Also, experts from Manhattan Movers NYC note that they've helped many college grads move here over time. Finally, the Upper East Side offers a lot of places where you can sit down and relax. Coffee shops, restaurants, pizzerias - you name it, the Upper East Side has it.

Central Harlem

Central Harlem delivers a unique combination of a rich and vibrant community with quick access to the heart of Manhattan. You can easily travel to pretty much anywhere in the city from this neighborhood, which is incredibly beneficial. Almost every train goes through Harlem, so you never have to depend on just one line. If you're a fan of parks, you'll be glad to know that they surround this neighborhood. Wherever you go, you are almost guaranteed to run into one.

Additionally, Central Harlem is a neighborhood rich in culture and history. And to top it all off, you can find just about anything you could need in the shops here. The median two-bedroom rent in Central Harlem is $2,550, making it very accessible to most people. Although, you might want to know some tips to make more space in your small apartment after moving here and opting for a studio apartment.

Chinatown

Chinatown is widely considered to be one of the top places in Manhattan for college grads. While it's more expensive than some other areas on the list, with a median two-bedroom rent of $3,448, it has a lot to offer for young people, making it so popular with college grads. And, of course, the neighborhood is famous for its vibrant culture and fantastic food.

Likewise, the area is known for having the largest concentration of Chinese people in the western hemisphere. All of this combined gives the neighborhood a unique atmosphere compared to the rest of NYC. So if you are thinking about moving to the area, we certainly suggest you search for the finest local movers in Chinatown. After all, local movers are experts in the area. You will need the help of an experienced team to get your belongings to your new place without any issues, and getting your belongings there safely should be your top priority.

Upper West Side

While this neighborhood is one of the best places to live in NYC overall, it is also one of the most expensive ones. Being the most expensive on this list, with a median rent of $4,100, the Upper West Side is still a very popular area among college grads. Most blocks give off a quiet, small-town feel on the Upper West Side. Additionally, the commute to midtown is only 15 minutes. This neighborhood is also one of the most affluent and refined areas in NYC. Overall, the Upper West Side has a lot to offer for college grads, making it so popular.

Top places in Manhattan for college grads – closing thoughts

Manhattan is a trendy landing place for anyone who's fresh out of college. With some planning and saving, you can get yourself a decent apartment. Then, you can find a job with relative ease. And besides the great opportunities that one can find in Manhattan, it is a very beautiful place to live, which is why a lot of people love Manhattan. We hope you found this list of the top places in Manhattan for college grads helpful. Likewise, we wish you plenty of happiness in one of them.