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The title says it all. What is generally considered to be the cheapest borough that isn't excessively crime-ridden (as in as long as you use your head you won't die) and is close to public transportation?
The title says it all. What is generally considered to be the cheapest borough that isn't excessively crime-ridden (as in as long as you use your head you won't die) and is close to public transportation?
Every single one of the five boroughs contains areas in which "as long as you use your head you won't die." By the same token, you'll find high-crime areas in every borough as well.
There are a lot of neighborhoods in Queens with good subway access, low crime rates, and relatively low poverty rates, that are generally much cheaper and/or convenient compared to low crime neighborhoods in the other boroughs. Astoria, Jackson Heights, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Sunnyside, Woodside, etc...
Every borough contains every type of neighborhood from crime-ridden ghettos to super-wealthy, with everything in between, so this question is too general to answer.
The title says it all. What is generally considered to be the cheapest borough that isn't excessively crime-ridden (as in as long as you use your head you won't die) and is close to public transportation?
I guess you are talking about not walking out into oncoming traffic?
The Bronx! There are some really, good affordable neighborhoods in the North Bronx -- Pelham Parkway, City Island, Kingsbridge-- family oriented with cheap rents.
It is a pretty difficult to pin it down by borough, Every borough has wealthy neighborhoods, poor neighborhoods, safe neighborhoods and high crime neighborhoods. In general the Bronx probably has the most affordable real estate and rents (in general). They is good subway access in the majority of the Bronx and also plenty of bus service. Now as far as safety I would say Staten Island is the safest borough but it is lacking in good public transportation. They are plenty of safe neighborhoods in the Bronx though.
The Bronx, but it won't be that way for long if developers get their way and turn it into North Manhattan (much like parts of Brooklyn have been turned into Manhattan East)
The Bronx (from where I sit) is definitely the cheapest. Not only rent wise, but for everything from food to clothing to toiletries to you name it. I live adjacent to the Fordham Road shopping district, and clothes can be had dirt cheap and it's just bargain city. The 99 cent stores and discount dept stores are terrific too...for a buck you can find all those odds and ends you'd have to search for and spend ten times more for elsewhere. Cheap, cool clothes, shoes, housewares, you name it, they've got it.
Generally, the cheaper the rent, the cheaper the commercial rents= passing the savings on to you. The fruit markets have fresh and absurdly cheap produce. And even the grocery chains have cheaper prices than their counterparts in Manhattan. The Rite aid down the street has unbelievable "steals" as well.
Plus excellent transit system, so you don't need a car in most areas. Orchard Beach is just a bus ride away: a helluva lot cheaper and easier to reach than the Hamptons. Botanical Gardens, Bronx Zoo, beautiful parks...lots of cheap good fun.
My area is considered a bit rough around the edges (some might say that is an understatement) but since it is a poor area the businesses (some of which are mom and pop) sell to poor folks who can't afford to pay more. Basic economic supply and demand/what the market will bear kind of stuff.
And if you're looking to buy a coop or condo, you'll get lots of space for relatively little money.
As an ex-Manhattanite, I have to say I'm lovin' it.
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