With so many areas to choose from in New York, it can be difficult finding a suitable place to live. The New York subway system reaches most areas, so transportation convenience is never much of a worry in the Big Apple.

Some of the best, affordable places to live in New York City are located in areas like the East Village and Lower Manhattan.

The East Village has among the most charming New York City real estate, plus a high concentration of unique restaurants and nightlife. The nearby NYU campus brings plenty of young students to the East Village.

Greenwich Village has many good schools, reasonably priced apartments, and great ethnic restaurants.

The Upper East and West Sides have great schools but real estate prices may be too high for most families with budgets in mind.

With some of the most beautiful New York City real estate, the historic Brooklyn Heights area has a lot to offer, including the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park.  Plus, it is a fast commute to shopping, nightlife, and jobs in the heart of Manhattan. Adjacent to Brooklyn Heights is Cobble Hill, with more affordable nineteenth-century homes and good retail shops.

Astoria is an ethnically diverse neighborhood with great shopping for families and an easy commute to Midtown Manhattan.

Wherever you choose to live in New York City, use this as a jump off point and research for yourself further.  There are plenty of great homes to rent or own just waiting to be discovered in this great city. Happy hunting!