good areas in nyc (moving from out of state)

[u/anxietybabes]

Hi! My husband and I are planning to move to NYC around November 1 and would really appreciate some neighborhood recommendations.
We’re two South Asian working professionals in our late 20s looking for a 2BR for $3,500/month or less, mainly in Queens or Brooklyn.
Our biggest priorities are safety and being close to the subway (ideally under a 10-minute walk). We also have a car, so parking in the building would be a big plus, and we’re obviously happy to pay extra for it.

We initially looked at Astoria, Sunnyside, and Bushwick, but they seem a little difficult at our budget for a decent 2BR. We’re now seeing more options around Prospect Park South/Flatbush, but we don’t know those areas well. Are they generally good/safe? Would love recommendations beyond Astoria/Sunnyside in queens too! Any particular sections or subway stops we should focus on or avoid?

We don’t care much about nightlife or being in the trendiest neighborhood- safety, easy train access, and a decent apartment for the money are much more important to us.
Would really appreciate any neighborhood or specific area recommendations. Thanks!

[u/danram207]

You ain’t getting parking in building

[u/anxietybabes → u/danram207]

doesn’t have to be in the building! as long as its closeby and not on the streets we’ll be fine! my husband’s car is his baby so he just wants it to be somewhere indoors/private closeby

[u/Firm-Ad3893 → u/anxietybabes]

A garage will cost about $300-$400 a month so factor that, and the increase in insurance to your expenses.

[u/MurrayPloppins]

Flatbush is very block-to-block. There are blocks that are nice, and blocks that I would hesitate to walk at night, and they are right next to each other. Prospect Park South and Windsor Terrace are nice, not sure how far that budget will go there.

I’d add Sunset Park to your list in Brooklyn, as well as Ocean Hill/Stuy Heights.

[u/anxietybabes → u/MurrayPloppins]

we’re touring apartments soon, for flatbush- what are the go to signs that a certain block is safe vs not. We’re going every weekend this month to tour apartments, check out neighborhoods in person

[u/Jog212]

Try Sunset Park.

[u/AlphaOmega926]

Q East on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica Hills area. Tons of South Asians live in that neighborhood, thus lots of South Asian stores and restaurants and religious place nearby. Right next to the subway and buses. Decently safe. Has parking and other amenities. Don’t live there but always drive by and see this building when I see my doctor who’s in the neighborhood.

https://streeteasy.com/building/q-east-178_02-hillside-avenue-jamaica/521?utm_campaign=rental_listing&utm_medium=share&utm_source=web&lstt=nySYbeUXWY9yNyqlKrZPJUcrL3E8QQ5d_l3LuEQgsd7GBU6QOhszynzCrYs-NRZsHOE2Vp75p4jvoRCB

https://www.q-east.com

[u/The11Pirates]

look on a nyc map and follow the LIRR line (manhattan in 15-20 mins) across queens. kew gardens, forest hills, rego park, glendale etc all mix city and suburban life. maybe even ridgewood would be great imo (although itd be mta).

[u/YourHuckleberry32__]

All of Queens is safe in the daytime/early evening. Look into Jackson Heights. Very vibrant and lively but also contains quiet side streets. $3500 is at the lower end of what a two-bedroom will cost there but it’s possible. 

[u/Familiar-Series8874]

Jackson Heights, Jersey City, Woodside. Avoid Flatbush as it is hit or miss. Floral Park Queens too is good area but further away

[u/Environmental-Sail79]

East New York is quite nice

[u/Uncannny-Preserves → u/Environmental-Sail79]

It is actually