Underrated NYC Neighborhoods with 1-Bedrooms Under $2,500

If you have refreshed StreetEasy lately, you probably feel like the floor for a decent one-bedroom apartment in NYC has risen to $3,500. In hotspots like Williamsburg, the West Village, or Long Island City, that is certainly true.

But New York is a big city. If you are willing to look past the "trendy" Top 10 lists and venture a few extra stops on the subway, you can still find spacious, renovated one-bedroom apartments for under $2,500 a month.

The catch? There is always a tradeoff. Usually, it is distance from the subway, a longer commute to Midtown, or a quieter nightlife scene. But for many renters, trading a 10-minute longer commute for $1,000 in monthly savings is a no-brainer.

Here are five underrated neighborhoods where your budget still goes far.

1. Inwood (Manhattan)

The Vibe: Located at the very northern tip of Manhattan, Inwood feels like a different world. It is green, hilly, and home to the stunning Inwood Hill Park (the last natural forest in Manhattan). The vibe is a mix of longtime Dominican residents and artists seeking space.

• The Commute: 30–45 minutes to Midtown.

• The Tradeoff: It is far. You are geographically closer to Yonkers than SoHo.

• Why It’s a Deal: Despite being in Manhattan, it feels suburban to some. However, because it is served by the A Train (Express), the commute is often faster than living in Brooklyn. You get pre-war Art Deco buildings with massive square footage for a fraction of the price of the Upper West Side.

2. Bay Ridge (Brooklyn)

The Vibe: Bay Ridge feels like a classic American town dropped onto the waterfront. It has incredible dining (Middle Eastern, Italian, Greek), sweeping views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and a strong sense of community.

• The Commute: 45–55 minutes to Midtown via the R train; 30 minutes to Wall Street via the NYC Ferry.

• The Tradeoff: The R train is notoriously slow and local.

• Why It’s a Deal: It is geographically isolated. Because it takes a while to get into the "cool" parts of North Brooklyn or Manhattan by train, demand is lower. But if you work in Lower Manhattan and take the Ferry, this is arguably the best quality-of-life hack in the city.

3. Sunnyside (Queens)

The Vibe: Sunnyside is often called "Mayberry in NYC." It is dominated by low-rise pre-war co-ops and the historic Sunnyside Gardens. It is quiet, leafy, and immensely diverse.

• The Commute: 15–20 minutes to Grand Central via the 7 train.

• The Tradeoff: Limited nightlife. If you want clubs and cocktail lounges, you’ll be heading to nearby Astoria or Manhattan.

• Why It’s a Deal: It sits in the shadow of the glitzy high-rises of Long Island City and the hip bustle of Astoria. Because the housing stock is older and the "cool factor" is lower, rents remain surprisingly affordable despite the incredibly fast commute.

4. Kensington (Brooklyn)

The Vibe: Kensington is the quieter, more affordable cousin of Windsor Terrace and Park Slope. It is diverse, family-oriented, and offers access to the southern end of Prospect Park and the Greenwood Cemetery.

• The Commute: 35–45 minutes to Midtown via the F or G trains.

• The Tradeoff: It is a bit of a subway desert in parts; depending on where you live, you might have a 10–15 minute walk to the train.

• Why It’s a Deal: You are paying for the lack of "curb appeal" compared to Park Slope's brownstones. Kensington has a mix of detached Victorians and brick apartment blocks. However, you get the same access to Prospect Park for $1,500 less per month than your neighbors on the other side of the park.

5. Kingsbridge (The Bronx)

The Vibe: Ideally situated just north of Manhattan, Kingsbridge is a bustling, hilly neighborhood filled with shopping districts and easy access to Van Cortlandt Park. It has a high energy and a working-class spirit.

• The Commute: 35–45 minutes to Times Square via the 1 train.

• The Tradeoff: The hills. This neighborhood involves a lot of walking up and down steep steps (the "step streets").

• Why It’s a Deal: The Bronx remains the most affordable borough, largely due to lingering stigmas that don't match the current reality of neighborhoods like Kingsbridge. The 1 train is one of the most reliable lines in the system, making this a strategic spot for commuters.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to leave New York to find affordable rent; you just have to adjust your map. By looking in these "in-between" neighborhoods, you can find a home that fits your budget without sacrificing your access to the city.

Ready to find your deal? get.apartments connects you directly with landlords in these neighborhoods, helping you save on broker fees so your move-in costs are just as low as your monthly rent.