Anyone living in NYC who used to live in Chicago? Looking for neighborhood comparisons (New York: house)

[tvt]

Hello - there is a good chance that I will be moving to NYC very soon for work. I have been reading these threads up and down but am having trouble wrapping my brain around the different neighborhoods in NYC. I think I "get" what the different Boroughs are like overall, but having never lived in New York, I am hoping someone out there who has lived in Chicago before (I lived in the city proper and in a number of Chicago suburbs for some 14+ years) and who is currently living in New York can give me a comparison perspective of neighborhoods. I understand nothing is exact, but anything would help. I will be working in Manhattan near the Fordham Univ. Lincoln Center Campus. My income will be in the low $60's and I am looking for, ideally, no more than a half hour commute (public transit would be my choice, but I do have a car if need be), but would be willing to go up to an hour, max. I am in my mid 40's and like a quiet life-style at home but enjoy indulging in cultural activities of all kinds and also like being out doors (when not at work) i.e. being able to walk or bike safely in my own neighborhood. So, former Chicagoans, I lived in East and Central Lakeview in my 20's (pre-gentrification), and ended up in Oak Park/Forest Park in my 30's. I would like to find an area, in any Borough, that would compare with a "Forest Park" like area (burb that feels like the city and is on a train line to work or drivable. Any suggestions out there based on my income and interests? Thanks in advance everyone!

[Libertine]

I lived in Chicago for a few years, but have been to nearly every corner of the city and most inner ring suburbs including Oak Park/Forest Hills. I have never lived in New York, but have been there a dozen times and have extensively studied every neighborhood in the city.

So my recommendations, if you're looking for an urban setting with a suburban feel close with roughly a half an hour commute in your price range. I'd start with Queens, particularly neighborhoods in Central Queens like Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Middle Village, and Glendale. If those aren't up your alley, I'd look to the Bronx. Particularly neighborhoods like Riverdale (including Spuyten Duyvil, Fieldston, Kingsbridge, North Riverdale), Woodlawn (nothing like Chicago's Woodlawn), and Morris Park/Pelham Gardens.

The Bronx is a bit cheaper than Queens. Both areas are quite urban, but offer neighborhoods that have a more suburban feel with nature. I think the Bronx (the areas I mentioned are very safe) will be your easiest commute as well. I think you'd find these areas quite acceptable.

[tvt]

Thank you for your input Libertine. I am assuming when you said Oak Park/Forest "Hills" in the first sentence you meant Forest "Park", right? I will definitely keep your comments in mind and check out the places you mentioned.

[citylove101]

I'ts not the city but the one place that jumps out to me as place with that feeling you want -- suburban, racially diverse, full of city-like amenities and an hour commute, give or take via train or bus to the city -- would be Montclair NJ. Its a pretty sophsiticated suburb with its own art musem, good schools, fine dining, strong retail, art house movie theaters, nightclubs, a good downtown, politically active citizens etc etc. Many, many writers and journalists live there I know, so it gives the place a certain worldly feel lacking in many other parts of metro NY. You can defintely enjoy as quiet or as lively a life there as you want.

[tvt]

Thanks for the input citylove101. I am always open to other ideas and New Jersey would certainly be an option given the right environment and a commute that wouldn't extend my day (front and back) a whole lot more than living in New York itself. My biggest concern would be taxes - i.e. living in one state, working in another. As someone who twice lived in one state and worked in another, it got a little messy come tax time.

[5Lakes]

I agree with Libertine. Check out the Forest Hills area in Queens and the surrounding neighborhoods. Riverdale in the Bronx is another good option.

Woodlawn in the Bronx (and the adjacent area in Yonkers) might also be good, but it's more urban feeling than I think you want. Woodlawn is hardcore Irish - as in Irish that are actually from Ireland, not just Irish-Americans.