5 Boroughs of New York
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Bronx
- Staten Island
Manhattan
Population: 1.629 million
Land Area: 59.1 km²
Average Annual Household Income: $151,208
Manhattan, the most famous of New York City's boroughs, is synonymous with the city itself. Situated on an island bounded by the Hudson River to the west, the East River to the east, and the Harlem River to the north, Manhattan is a bustling hub of finance, culture, and entertainment.
It is home to some of the world's most iconic landmarks, including Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Manhattan is also the borough many people think of when picturing NYC. Many of New York City's nicknames, such as "The city that never sleeps," are associated with Manhattan, the most vibrant and famous of the five boroughs.
Manhattan's neighborhoods are diverse, from the historic streets of Greenwich Village to the bustling financial district in Lower Manhattan. It's a place where you can find everything from high-end fashion on Fifth Avenue to eclectic art galleries in Chelsea.
Brooklyn
Population: 2.577 million
Land Area: 180 km²
Average Annual Household Income: $101,187
Brooklyn, located just across the East River from Manhattan, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once known primarily for its industrial roots, Brooklyn is now a thriving cultural and artistic haven and competes with Manhattan as a popular place to live for young, trendy New Yorkers.
Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), and Bushwick are celebrated for their creative communities, street art, and trendy eateries.
The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic symbol connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, is not just a means of transportation but also a popular spot for pedestrians to enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Check out our comparison of Manhattan vs. Brooklyn to find out which borough is the best for you.
Queens
Population: 2.271 million
Land Area: 280 km²
Average Annual Household Income: $75,886
Queens, the largest of the five boroughs in terms of land area, is a remarkably diverse and dynamic part of New York City. Known for its rich cultural mosaic, Queens is home to people from all corners of the globe.
Neighborhoods like Flushing, Jackson Heights, and Astoria offer a wide range of cuisines and cultural experiences.
One of Queens' most famous landmarks is the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which was built for the 1964 World's Fair. The park also houses the Queens Museum and the Queens Botanical Garden.
Bronx
Population: 1.427 million
Land Area: 110 km²
Average Annual Household Income: $43,726
The Bronx, often associated with its rich history in hip-hop and baseball, is a borough with a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. The Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are two major attractions that draw visitors from all over.
Yankee Stadium, home to the New York Yankees, is an iconic sports venue that has hosted countless historic baseball moments.
The Bronx also boasts the Grand Concourse, a wide boulevard lined with impressive Art Deco buildings and a hub for cultural institutions like the Bronx Museum of the Arts.
Staten Island
Population: 475,596
Land Area: 152 km²
Average Annual Household Income: $113,518
Staten Island, the least populated of the five boroughs, offers a suburban escape from the urban hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.
Accessible by the Staten Island Ferry, which provides stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, Staten Island is known for its green spaces, including the Staten Island Greenbelt and Snug Harbor Cultural Center.
One of the most iconic attractions on Staten Island is the Staten Island September 11th Memorial, a poignant reminder of the tragic events of 9/11.
New York Boroughs FAQs
What Is The Best Borough In New York?
All of New York's boroughs offer plenty of charm and excitement, so deciding on the "best" borough is a matter of weighing your personal preference and needs. For example, if you want world-class shopping, nightlife, and entertainment, no matter the cost, Manhattan would be the best borough for you, while if you want a more affordable place to live with a great community feel you might prefer Queens or Staten Island.
What Is The Most Affordable Borough In NYC?
The most affordable borough in NYC is the Bronx. However, prices can vary dramatically between neighborhoods, and there are also many parts of Queens that are considered more affordable than Manhattan and certain parts of Brooklyn.
What Is The Most Populated Borough In NYC?
The most populated borough in NYC is Brooklyn, which has a population of 2,577,000 million people. Queens is the second most populated borough in New York, with 2,271,000 residents.
What Is Each NYC Borough Known For?
Each NYC borough is known for different things:
- Manhattan: Known for its iconic skyline, cultural attractions, and financial district.
- Brooklyn: Known for its trendy neighborhoods, arts scene, and historic landmarks.
- Queens: Known for its cultural diversity, international cuisine, and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
- The Bronx: Known for its rich history in hip-hop, the Bronx Zoo, and Yankee Stadium.
- Staten Island: Known for its suburban feel, green spaces, and the Staten Island Ferry with views of the Statue of Liberty.
Boroughs of New York Bottom Line
No matter which borough you choose to visit or live in, you're sure to find something to love about New York City. With its diverse cultures, world-class attractions, and endless possibilities, New York City has something to offer everyone.