When people think of New York City living, the same neighborhoods come up again and again: the Upper East Side, Tribeca, Williamsburg, and Park Slope. But New York is a city of constant reinvention, and its best-kept secrets aren’t always in the spotlight. Tucked between subway lines, under the radar of mainstream press, and brimming with character, these neighborhoods are where the city’s next chapter is quietly unfolding.
If you’re searching for a home, investment, or simply the next cool place to spend your weekends, here are seven underrated New York City neighborhoods.
1. Kensington, Brooklyn: Culture Meets Calm
Located just south of Prospect Park, Kensington blends a quiet, residential feel with vibrant cultural diversity. Here, you’ll find Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and prewar Co-ops, all at prices far lower than nearby Park Slope.
Why move here?
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Affordable compared to brownstone Brooklyn
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Walking distance to Prospect Park
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F and G train access to Manhattan
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Incredible mix of restaurants and cultural hubs
For buyers priced out of Windsor Terrace or Park Slope, Kensington is a smart move that offers value now and growth later.
The median house sale price in Kensington in July was $1.7M, up 27.3% year-over-year. Conversely, median condo prices in Kensington trended down 40.7% year-over-year to $422K. Median coop sale price in Kensington was $406K, a change of -10.6% year-over-year.
2. Hudson Heights, Manhattan: A Village in the Sky
Perched above Washington Heights, Hudson Heights feels like a hidden European village inside Manhattan. Its art deco and prewar co-ops come with Hudson River and George Washington Bridge views all at a fraction of downtown prices.
Why move here?
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Fort Tryon Park & The Cloisters nearby
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Quieter, community-oriented feel
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A-train(Express) gets you to Midtown in 20 minutes
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Larger apartments for less
Hudson Heights is perfect for those craving serenity without sacrificing city access.
3. Ditmars–Steinway: The Quiet Part of Astoria
North of Astoria lies Ditmars–Steinway, a pocket neighborhood buzzing with authentic food, boutique shops, and small businesses. Its roots go back to the Steinway piano factory, but today it’s one of Queens’ most livable areas.
Why move here?
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More affordable than Prime Astoria or Long Island City
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25-minute subway ride to Manhattan
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Tight-knit neighborhood feel
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Excellent dining scene
Median Sale Price: $815,000
First-time buyers and renters find Ditmars appealing because it strikes a balance between affordability and energy efficiency.
4. St. George, Staten Island: Waterfront Views at a Steal
St. George proves Staten Island deserves a second look. Just steps from the free Staten Island Ferry, this neighborhood combines affordability with stunning waterfront views. Commutes to Lower Manhattan are faster than some Brooklyn trips.
Why move here?
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Daily free ferry rides with skyline views
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Prewar buildings + new developments
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Growing cultural scene (St. George Theatre, Staten Island Museum)
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Still affordable compared to waterfront Brooklyn
The median house sale price in St. George in July was $619K, up 21.7% year-over-year. However, median condo prices in St. George remained flat year-over-year at $645K. There was no statistically significant data for median coop price activity for the period of July in St. George.
Source: Propertyshark
5. Jackson Heights, Queens: Community & Character
Although known to locals but often overlooked by newcomers, Jackson Heights is gaining traction and is one of NYC’s most diverse neighborhoods. Its restaurants alone make it worth visiting, but housing is equally unique, think prewar co-ops with shared gardens.
Why move here?
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Express trains (E, F) to Midtown and local subway lines- M and R
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Housing options with private garden courtyards
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Strong sense of community
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International food hub
The median house sale price in Jackson Heights in July was $1.3M, up 5.3% year-over-year. Conversely, median condo prices in Jackson Heights trended down 14% year-over-year to $410K. Median coop sale price in Jackson Heights was $326K, a change of -6.6% year-over-year.
6. Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn: Artsy & Authentic
Nestled between Park Slope and Sunset Park, Greenwood has quietly transformed into a creative hub. Its namesake Green-Wood Cemetery doubles as a lush historic park, and Industry City nearby fuels new business growth. As buyers get priced out of Park Slope, this neighborhood is poised to become the next hotspot.
Why move here?
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Historic row houses and new condo conversions
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Artsy, low-key vibe compared to Gowanus
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Proximity to Industry City jobs and culture
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Less hype = better value
The median house sale price in Greenwood Heights in July was relatively flat year-over-year at $1.9M. However, median condo prices in Greenwood Heights trended up 38.2% year-over-year to $1.3M. There was no statistically significant data for median coop price activity for the period of July in Greenwood Heights.
Source: PropertyShark
7. Inwood, Manhattan: Affordable Space at the Top of the Island
At the very northern tip of Manhattan lies Inwood, a neighborhood where prewar apartments and affordable co-ops meet massive green spaces. Inwood Hill Park offers old-growth forests, hiking trails, and Hudson River views.
Why move here?
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One of Manhattan’s last affordable pockets
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A and 1 train access to Midtown
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Huge parkland and outdoor lifestyle
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Strong community roots
The median condo prices in Inwood remained flat year-over-year at $480K. Median coop sale price in Inwood was $704K, a change of 67.7% year-over-year. There was no statistically significant data for median house sale price activity for the period of July in Inwood.
Why These Neighborhoods Are NYC’s Best Kept Secrets
Each of these neighborhoods offers what most “hot” areas no longer can: value, space, character, and growth potential. Whether it’s Hudson Heights’ park views, Kensington’s cultural blend, or St. George’s waterfront, these areas prove New York still has untapped gems.
New York is always changing. Yesterday’s hidden gem is today’s hottest market. If you want to get ahead of the curve, explore neighborhoods beyond the usual suspects.
From the tree-lined streets of Kensington to the dramatic overlooks of Hudson Heights, these seven neighborhoods are ready to be discovered.
Source: Propertyshark
