New York City is five boroughs, 300+ neighborhoods, and endless options. For a business traveler or relocating professional, choosing the right neighborhood for your furnished apartment isn’t just about preference — it’s about how quickly you can get to work, how well you’ll sleep at night, and how much you’ll enjoy your time in the city.
Here’s ABA neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown, based on 25+ years of placing professionals across NYC.
Midtown West: The Classic Business Hub
Who it’s for: Media, entertainment, finance, consulting, anyone with offices between 34th and 59th Streets on the West Side.
Why it works: Midtown West puts you in the center of the action. Times Square, Broadway, Hell’s Kitchen restaurants, Hudson Yards, and Columbus Circle are all walkable. Penn Station and Port Authority are nearby for New Jersey commuters. The 1/2/3, A/C/E, and N/Q/R/W trains give you instant access to the rest of the city.
ABA properties: 1600 Broadway, ARO, The Ellery, Ivy Tower, The Marc, Oskar Tower, The Ritz Plaza, Sky, Symphony House.
Midtown East: Grand Central Territory
Who it’s for: Finance professionals, lawyers, corporate executives, UN staff, anyone whose office is east of Fifth Avenue.
Why it works: Midtown East is quieter and more polished than Midtown West. Grand Central Terminal — one of the world’s great transit hubs — is the centerpiece. The neighborhood is home to dozens of Fortune 500 headquarters, major law firms, and the United Nations complex.
ABA properties: Aalto57, Beekman Tower, The Buchanan.
Greenwich Village: The Charming Alternative
Who it’s for: NYU affiliates, creative professionals, those who want a residential neighborhood feel with excellent transit.
Why it works: Greenwich Village has a different energy than Midtown — quieter streets, historic brownstones, world-class restaurants, and Washington Square Park. The A/C/E, B/D/F/M, 1/2/3, and L trains all run through or near the Village.
ABA properties: Hillary Gardens (300 Mercer Street).
Chelsea: Art, Tech & the High Line
Who it’s for: Tech workers, fashion and design professionals, art world visitors, anyone who values neighborhood character.
Why it works: Chelsea is one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods — the High Line elevated park, the Chelsea Market food hall, world-famous art galleries, and excellent restaurant options define the area. The 1/2/3 and A/C/E trains provide quick Midtown access.
ABA properties: The Capitol Chelsea (776 6th Ave), Hillary Gardens (300 Mercer St).
Upper East Side: Prestige & Calm
Who it’s for: Medical professionals (near NYC’s major hospital corridor), academics, executives who want a quieter, residential neighborhood.
Why it works: The Upper East Side is home to some of the most prestigious addresses in New York — Central Park, Museum Mile, and top private schools are defining features. It’s quieter than Midtown while offering quick 4/5/6 train access downtown.
ABA properties: Bristol Plaza (210 E 65th Street).
Financial District: Best Value in Manhattan
Who it’s for: Wall Street and finance professionals, lawyers at downtown firms, anyone relocating to lower Manhattan.
Why it works: FiDi has transformed in recent years — from a purely office district to a vibrant, 24-hour neighborhood. It offers some of the best square footage per dollar in Manhattan, stunning harbor views, and the Oculus/Fulton Center transit hub connecting you to the entire subway network.
ABA properties: Liberty View (99 Battery Place).
Brooklyn (Fort Greene): Space, Character & Value
Who it’s for: Professionals who want more space, a neighborhood feel, and are comfortable with a 25–30 minute commute to Manhattan.
Why it works: Fort Greene is one of Brooklyn’s most beloved neighborhoods — tree-lined streets, excellent restaurants, proximity to BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), and easy transit connections via the G, C, and A trains. It offers more space for less money than comparable Manhattan apartments.
ABA properties: AVA Fort Greene (343 Gold Street).
Ready to Choose Your Neighborhood?
ABA has been matching professionals with the right NYC neighborhood since 1997. Call us at 212.445.0494 or email info@charlespatrickrealtors.com — we’ll help you find the perfect fit.