Best Places to Raise a Family in New York

Is New York a Good Place to Raise a Family?

Absolutely! While it might seem daunting with its skyscrapers and bustling streets, the city is full of family-friendly neighborhoods, top-notch schools, and an endless array of cultural institutions and activities. From museums that offer engaging programs for kids to beautiful parks where they can play, NYC provides a rich and diverse environment for children to grow up. Plus, many of these activities are often free or low-cost, making it easier on your wallet. But remember, like any city, it comes with its challenges. Raising a family in New York might not be the traditional picket fence dream, but it’s an experience like no other, offering unique opportunities for growth, learning, and fun.

Top Considerations for Raising a Family in New York City

There are several factors to consider when deciding if raising a family in New York is the right move for you. 

• Cost of Living: The cost of living in NYC is one of the highest in the country. Housing, groceries, childcare, and even entertainment are more expensive than in other cities. However, the city is also home to many job opportunities with competitive salaries that can offset these costs.
• Safety: While NYC has its share of crime, like any large city, many neighborhoods are considered safe and family-friendly.
• Education: NYC boasts some of the best public and private schools in the nation. The city’s public school system is the largest in the U.S., offering a variety of educational programs and resources.
• Cultural Exposure: Raising children in NYC offers an unparalleled cultural experience. With world-class museums, theaters, concerts, and diverse cuisines, children will have exposure to a broad spectrum of cultures and experiences.
• Public Transportation: NYC’s public transportation system is extensive, making it easy to get around without a car. However, navigating the subway system with children can be challenging, so it’s something to consider.
• Outdoor Spaces: Despite its urban landscape, NYC offers plenty of green spaces for children to play and explore, including Central Park, Prospect Park, and numerous smaller community parks.
• Healthcare: NYC is home to some of the country’s best hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring your family has access to top-notch medical care.
• Community: There’s a strong sense of community in many NYC neighborhoods. Local events, farmers’ markets, and neighborhood festivals are common, providing ample opportunities to meet other families and build a support network.

10 Best Places to Raise a Family in New York

Safety and good schools are two of the most important considerations when determining where to live with kids in NYC. With that in mind, here are the best places to raise a family in New York in each of the five boroughs.

1. Battery Park City, Manhattan 

Located at the southwestern tip of Lower Manhattan, Battery Park City is often touted as one of the best places to raise a family in New York for several reasons. First, it offers a dense urban feel with many family-friendly amenities. The neighborhood is home to some of the best schools in all five boroughs, including specialized public schools like Independence School and Battery Park City School. It’s also known for its green spaces, including the titular Battery Park, which provides plenty of room for outdoor activities. Additionally, the upkeep and in-house amenities of its luxurious condos and apartments make it a comfortable place for families to reside.

2. Roosevelt Island, Manhattan

Roosevelt Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, is another excellent choice for families. This neighborhood is known for its quiet, community-oriented atmosphere, which is somewhat rare in the bustling city. It’s less crowded than many parts of Manhattan, offering a slower pace of life that can benefit families. The island boasts several good schools, parks, and recreational facilities. With its own tramway, residents can enjoy spectacular views on their commute to the mainland. Safety is another big plus; the island has its own public safety department, which helps maintain a low crime rate.

3. Park Slope, Brooklyn

Park Slope is a charming neighborhood that offers a unique blend of city living and suburban tranquility. It is home to top-rated schools like P.S. 321 and John Jay High School, ensuring your children receive a quality education. Park Slope is also abundant in family-friendly amenities, with parks, playgrounds, libraries, and community centers dotted across the neighborhood. The jewel in the crown is Prospect Park, offering vast green spaces for picnics, sports, and even a zoo. The strong sense of community, regular farmers’ markets, and family-oriented events make it easy for families to integrate and build supportive networks. Lastly, housing options are diverse, ranging from historic brownstones to modern apartments, and the excellent public transportation links make commuting simple. 

4. DUMBO, Brooklyn 

DUMBO, Brooklyn, is a fantastic choice for families looking to settle in New York. An acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” DUMBO is a vibrant neighborhood that mixes old-world charm with modern amenities. Its riverside location provides breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The area is also known for its excellent schools, including grade Stuyvesant High School––one of the best public high schools in New York. Thanks to its safe streets, stunning location, and family-friendly atmosphere, DUMBO stands out as one of the best places to raise a family in New York. 

5. Riverdale, The Brox

Riverdale residents enjoy the benefits of a safe neighborhood with a small-town feel and the convenience of city living. Riverdale is known for its excellent schools and beautiful outdoor spaces like Seton Park and Wave Hill, making it an ideal setting for children’s growth and development. The area also boasts fantastic attractions, such as the Wave Hill Public Garden and various hiking trails, offering plenty of opportunities for family outings. Riverdale’s strong sense of community and low crime rate further enhance its appeal to families.

6. Spuyten Duyvil, The Brox

Spuyten Duyvil is a tucked-away neighborhood known for its breathtaking views of the Hudson River and Palisades. The area offers a tranquil, suburban lifestyle while still being within easy reach of Manhattan, thanks to excellent public transportation connections. Spuyten Duyvil is characterized by its top-rated schools, making it a strong choice for families prioritizing education. The neighborhood also features green spaces like Ewen Park and Henry Hudson Park, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family fun. Lastly, the housing options in Spuyten Duyvil range from affordable apartments to luxurious homes, catering to a variety of budgets. 

7. Forest Hills, Queens

Forest Hills, Queens is a charming and family-friendly neighborhood ideal for raising a family in New York City. Known for its tree-lined streets, Tudor-style homes, and an overall suburban feel, Forest Hills strikes the perfect balance between city living and small-town charm. It is home to some of the best schools in the city, contributing to its reputation as a family-oriented neighborhood. The area boasts numerous parks, including the renowned Forest Park, providing families plenty of green recreational space. Forest Hills is also known for its safety, with one of the lowest crime rates in the city. The neighborhood also offers a diverse selection of restaurants and shops and hosts family-friendly events throughout the year.

8. Kew Gardens Hills, Queens

Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, is a hidden gem in New York City that is perfect for raising a family. The neighborhood offers a dense urban feel while providing the quaint charm of tree-lined streets and an array of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and complexes. It’s a smaller, more affordable version of Forest Hills, nestled in the center of Queens. The area is known for its accessibility to nearby parks, playgrounds, daycare centers, and highly-rated preschools, essential for households with kids. Kew Gardens Hills remains a densely populated residential community, but it also maintains a sense of tranquility amid the urban hustle. This neighborhood is one of the best places to live in Queens due to its affordability, making it an appealing choice for families looking for a balance between city life and suburban comfort.

9. Bay Terrace, Staten Island 

Bay Terrace, Staten Island, offers a unique blend of suburban ambiance and urban amenities, making it an ideal neighborhood for raising a family in New York City. The area is known for its peaceful and family-friendly environment, with a wealth of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks for families to enjoy. Many young professionals call Bay Terrace home, contributing to a vibrant and diverse community. The neighborhood boasts excellent schools and is conveniently located close to shopping centers. In addition, Bay Terrace is home to the stunning Great Kills Harbor Inlet and multiple marinas, offering residents access to beautiful waterfront views and acres of pristine parkland.

10. Westerleigh, Staten Island

Westerleigh, Staten Island, is characterized by well-preserved historic homes, tree-lined streets, and an ambiance of small-town hospitality, making it an ideal environment for families. The neighborhood is home to excellent schools, like Staten Island Technical High School, and parks, such as Westerleigh Park and Clove Lakes Park, offering abundant outdoor activity opportunities. Additionally, its good access and connectivity make it one of the best areas to live on Staten Island.

Move to One of the Best Places to Raise a Family in New York 

Are you ready to make the move and elevate your family’s living experience? Raising a family in New York can be an exciting adventure, especially when you choose to settle in one of the city’s top family-friendly neighborhoods. As you embark on this journey, you might be wondering how to make the moving process as smooth as possible. That’s where we come in. At Metropolis Moving, we understand that moving is more than just transporting items from one place to another. It’s about helping you start a new chapter in your life, and we’re here to make it as stress-free as possible.

We take pride in our comprehensive services, from packing your belongings with utmost care to safely transporting them to your new home. Our team of professional movers is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of service, ensuring your move is handled with efficiency and precision. We’ve made countless families’ moves easier, and we’d love the opportunity to do the same for you. Let Metropolis Moving help you transition into your new home in one of the best places to raise a family in New York. Get a free moving quote today!