5 Popular New York City Neighborhoods For Young Black Professionals, Singles & Black Families – New York

So you’re thinking about moving to New York City! If you’re looking to join the hustle and bustle of this vibrant cultural epicenter, stay tuned.

Let’s break down my recommendations for the best New York City neighborhoods for black people. There are options, both for black families, as well as black singles and young professionals.

3 Best New York City Suburbs for Black Families

Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights is that neighborhood that you think of when you picture classic brownstone, Brooklyn. The area has rich historical roots in the Caribbean-American community, and you’ll still find they have a strong presence there today.

The average price for a private residence in the area is $1,455,909, which is typical for a location like this in New York City. For those looking to rent, you’ll average $1940.

Things to Do

The family moving to Prospect Heights will have plenty of things to keep them busy. Take the kids to Prospect Park and one of its many playgrounds. Play softball or run in the park.

Walk to the Brooklyn Museum or the neighboring Brooklyn Botanical Museum. Visit the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket on the weekends or check out one of the many family-friendly restaurants in the area.

Schools

Pick from dozens of public elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in the area, known for their diversity. There are dozens of privately-owned and home childcare centers in the neighborhood for younger children as well.

Crime Rate

It’s important to note that the crime rate for Prospect Heights is 7% higher than the national average. When you’re moving your family to a new urban environment, you want all the information you need to keep them safe.

For that reason, it’s also important to remember that New Yorkers are not surprised by these numbers. Measures are put in place to keep families safe on all levels because of these statistics.

Jobs and Travel

If you’re looking for work in Manhattan, it’s only a 20-minute commute by train. In Prospect Heights, you’re within a few blocks of several different subway lines, and the MTA bus also runs through the neighborhood. A lot of families have cars or utilize NYC’s new bike lanes.

Battery Park City

More affluent families who want to be in the middle of the action will check out Battery Park City. Located in lower southern Manhattan, this is the epitome of shiny New York City family life. In this neighborhood, you will either rent or own an apartment. To own a home/apartment, the median price is $1,022,027. The average rent runs $3204.

Things to Do

While the neighborhood isn’t as diverse as it could be, the area is attracting more and more young families, so that will continue to change. The area is very family-oriented. I recommend spending the day at Rockefeller Park with its spacious playground. Teardrop Park is also a great choice.

There are countless restaurants and shops to check out in the area. Eat and shop at Brookfield Place, which also hosts regular free events. Visit Sea Glass Carousel or sign the kids up for soccer at Battery Park City Ball Fields. 

Schools

Being in such an affluent area, you’ll have your choice of high-ranking private and public k-12 schools to choose from. There are also some of the top-rated childcare centers for younger children.

Crime Rate

On average, Battery Park City has a crime rate 45% lower than the national average, which should give parents peace of mind.

Jobs and Travel

This area is a job hub for all things finance and media, but there’s really no limit to career opportunities in Lower Manhattan. People largely work in the neighborhood, so they usually walk to work. If you need to travel, you’re close to several trains or even the ferry.

Riverdale

Riverdale is a neighborhood located at the northernmost point of the Bronx. For families who want a more suburban feel while still living in NYC, this might be the place for you. You’ll find the median price for a house in Riverdale is $1,102,451. The average rent runs $1613, which is lower than the New York average. This might be a great choice for families who want to live in a nicer area but save a few bucks on living expenses.

Things to Do

This is a tight community. There are family-friendly events throughout the year, like the Riverdale Riverfest, as well as a few art-based programs for kids, including the Riverdale Children’s Theater.

Take your pick of museums, historical landmarks, and farmer’s markets. Walk the nature trails at Riverdale Park or take the kids to run around the ball fields at Seton Park. Check out Wave Hill Public Garden, where they host special events for families with children.

Schools

The Riverdale school district is highly rated for the quality of their teachers. Choose from a selection of private or public k-12 programs, as well as dozens of privately owned and home-based childcare centers for younger children.

Crime Rate

Riverdale’s crime is a whopping 46% lower than the national average. You will feel safe in this family-friendly Bronx neighborhood.

Jobs and Travel

Here you are sacrificing a quick commute for quality of life. While you will probably have to travel to work in other parts of NYC, you have close access to the subway and the LIRR. People who live in Riverdale also tend to have cars and drive.

2 Best New York City Neighborhoods for Young Black Professionals & Singles

Greenpoint

For young black professionals and singles looking for a quiet place to come home to, check out Greenpoint. This is a laidback, up-and-coming neighborhood. It has the nickname Little Poland, but a younger, more diverse crowd is moving in these days.

You’re more like to rent in this area, but you can definitely own a housing unit in a building for the median price of $842,727. Rent averages $2171, which is not uncommon for New York City, but the highest on our list.

Things to Do

If you move to Greenpoint, you’ll have your choice bookstores and libraries to check out. There are coffee shops and tattoo parlors. Check out the old polish delis or the trendier ethnic restaurants in the neighborhood.

Whether you like thrifting or shopping at boutiques for OOAK pieces, you’ll find all kinds of opportunities to shop in Greenpoint. Take a walk and read a book at Barge Park or go for a run at the track and field at McCarren Park.

Crime Rate

The crime rate in the neighborhood isn’t much to talk about, being 1% lower than the national average.

Jobs and Travel

Greenpoint is ideal for those working in Lower Manhattan, especially the medical center on 1st Avenue. Just take the ferry a few minutes across the river. The subway is quick from this area as well, or take a short cab ride across the Williamsburg Bridge.

Harlem

We had to mention Harlem. For the young black professional looking for a vibrant social scene, this is the place to be. Home to the historic Apollo Theater and Little Senegal, you will live among some of the wealthiest parts of black New York City history.

Affordability depends on where you look and what you want. The median cost of owning an apartment is $498,520. I want to note here that the cost of a 3–4-unit structure averages $1,403,125, in comparison. The average rent is $1105, so you can see the wide range of prices.

Things to Do

If you like shopping, you’ll have your pick. There are boutiques, thrift stores, mainstream shops, and more. Visit Little Senegal for excellent West African everything, from food to fashion. In Harlem, you can enjoy a stroll on the northern side of Central Park. Morningside Park has great stairs to climb for a workout.

If you’re looking to meet other singles, there’s a vast art and history scene. Or check out the many jazz clubs in the area. Every night of the week, you’ll find a crowd at local lounges and low-key bars with live music and weekly talent nights.

Crime Rate

The crime rate in Harlem is 26% higher than the national average, so consider that. Common sense goes a long way in this case, and you will be safe if you take care to be aware of your surroundings.

Jobs and Travel

Singles and young professionals can find all kinds of creative work in and around the Bronx. You also have a quick commute to Manhattan by bus, train, or bike. There are also several colleges and universities in the area, including Columbia University, Barnard College, and City College.

Is New York City Safe?

For families and singles who want to make New York City neighborhoods their home, they may wonder about how safe it is. Statistics show that year over year, crime rates in NYC decrease by 1% steadily.

Concerning overall crime in the state, New York rates 358.6 on a scale of 1200. This is lower than the national average. In the ranking of most peaceful place to live, New York is a respectable 2.72 on a scale of 4.5.

Leaders actively work to make New York City a safer place to live, involving communities in initiatives and putting safety measures in place, including the Safe Act. This legislation focuses on local efforts, such as the creation of School Safety Teams, making schools safer for all New York City children.

What Is New York City’s Demographic?

The state of New York is home to a population that is 17.6% black. New York City itself is 24.3% black/African American and 42.7% white, and 29.1% Hispanic/Latino population.

Residents of NYC are listed as 52.3% female and 47.7% male. For age groups, those ages 18 to 65 make up 64.7%. Those 18 years and younger represent 20.8% of the population, with the remaining 14.5% being 65 years and older.

Top New York City Neighborhoods For Black People

It’s a common saying that NYC is not for everyone, but there’s no other place like it in the world. I suggest planning a visit for black families, young black professionals, and singles interested in moving to a New York City neighborhood! You’ll know if it’s the right place for you.