Manhattan, Queens, or Brooklyn! Which borough and which neighborhoods should I live in? (New York: rent, college)

[nychokie]

I just moved to New York two and half weeks ago. I'm currently living in Brooklyn (the Carnaise area) with family until I get my own place with roomies and I save up enough money. The reason I moved up here is before I just got a job at Pepperidge Farm in CT and I plan to commute from NYC to CT. I was originally planning to move into Manhattan, since I go to travel from Grand Central to CT every morning and my commute from Brooklyn to Grand Central is close to an hour and the train ride from NY to CT is another hour. I hoping to just cut my commute to an hour. I was thinking about living in West Harlem or Morningside Heights area of Manhattan since they are a bit more affordable than other place in Manhattan. However, I've been thinking about Queens or Brooklyn since it might open up my options. I was thinking Astoria or Sunnyside in Queens or Williamsburg in Brooklyn just because of their proximity to Manhattan.

So I was wondering Manhattan, Queens or Brooklyn for a 23 year old? I do plan to find three other roommates so rent will be cheaper. I also want to live in a neighborhood with other young professionals and college graduates. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[DoomDan515]

Sunnyside is a good choice. Close to Manhattan, safe, and not too expensive.

[aboriginie]

The nice thing about West Harlem is you can get Metro North at 125th Street and cut your commute to CT.

[Chava61]

I think Astoria would be a good option for you.

[SobroGuy]

I believe you have left out the most obvious choice: the Bronx.

[nychokie]

I'm not living in the Bronx....

[Astorian31]

Originally Posted by nychokie

I'm not living in the Bronx....

Smart thinking

I would say, look at the areas along the 7 train, Sunnyside, Woodside, and Jackson Heights, that way your commute to grand central will be short.

[DoomDan515]

Originally Posted by SobroGuy

I believe you have left out the most obvious choice: the Bronx.

Originally Posted by nychokie

I'm not living in the Bronx....

Ouch....

[nychokie]

What?!

[Forest_Hills_Daddy]

I would say somewhere walkable from the #7 subway station in Court Square or Queensboro Plaza. From there it's a quick one ride to Grand Central, then train to CT.