I live in Jersey City (right across the Hudson from downtown) and there is good running along the river and in Liberty State Park with nice views of the city. It's a bit cheaper that Manhattan if you're cost conscious. Hoboken is also a good option with lots of young professionals.
Costs aside I'd eccho other comments that if you plan to run twice a day living near Central Park is definitely what you need. I'd make that a priority over being close to your office.
105 mpw wrote:
I am taking a one-year gig in New York right by Times Square.
I want to run twice most days. I'm 30ish. Want to enjoy NYC a little but not too much. Could afford to live in Manhattan but saving some dough and being near good running would not be bad either.
Advice on where to live? Should I live downtown by the Hudson and Central park? New Jersey somewhere? or what?
There are lots of good running options in Brooklyn. And the neighborhoods are more interesting, imho. Don't live in the suburbs...that's really stupid advice. Metro North is expensive, you'll still likely need to take the subway to/from GC, you'll likely need a car out there, everything out there is more expensive, and more boring, and....
If you go for Manhattan, consider how close you are to either the Hudson or CP....running through blocks and blocks to get to either is no fun.
Any of the downtown BK neighborhoods, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, you have easy access to Prospect Park, the East River waterfront down to Red Hook, three bridges to run over....there's good city running from Dumbo around the Navy Yards, through W'burg and Greenpoint, to LIC and Astoria....or in the other direction, to Red Hook and around. I can do a 20-miler from my apt. in Clinton Hill up to Queens and stop for cars maybe twice. Also, the hot BK hoods are plenty interesting and perhaps a slightly better deal than, say, the Village. Keep in mind the looming transpo clusterfunk coming to W'burg, though. One bedroom in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene in the 2000-3000 range. A bit more expensive in the other hoods more west.
Greenwich Village isn't exactly "down the road" from Times Square. It's between a 30-60 minute walk away, depending on the pedestrian traffic at the time of the day. You need to factor that in with your daily commute.
So your commute might be best to run to work, especially if your work has showers. But midtown isn't exactly runnable. So I would go with the Astoria or Jersey City suggestions from others in this thread. I haven't run from Jersey, but running from Queens is quite good, and you could easily loop in Central Park on your way to work.
Another plug for the UWS. It's easy to get to Times Square on the 1/2/3 line and you can probably find some cheap(er) apartments in the low 100s, still within the latitude of the park. As others have said, the UWS is not the most hip neighborhood but you can't beat being near Central Park. If you're looking for people to workout with, consider joining CPTC while you're here!
I live in Jersey City. It sucks. Don't come here. I used to live in Manhattan. It's awesome. Live there.
Also, I'm one of the fastest guys in JC, and would like to keep it that way! (not many runners here)
Don't rule out the downtown/financial district area. It doesn't have nearly as good a neighborhood vibe as UWS, but it's cheaper, and accessible to just about every subway line. For running, you'd have access to the west side highway path, the east river path, the bridges (the only hills outside central park), and you'd be a quick 2 mile warm up away from the East River track. Also super cheap produce from China town is only a 10 minute walk away.
Jersey City Resident wrote:
I live in Jersey City (right across the Hudson from downtown) and there is good running along the river and in Liberty State Park with nice views of the city. It's a bit cheaper that Manhattan if you're cost conscious. Hoboken is also a good option with lots of young professionals.
Costs aside I'd eccho other comments that if you plan to run twice a day living near Central Park is definitely what you need. I'd make that a priority over being close to your office.
Hello fellow resident I wonder who you are.
The problem with JC running, is that it's pancake flat except for a singular hill in Hoboken at Stevens Institute and the tracks are far away. There's one in Lincoln Park but you've gotta go through some seriously sketchy neighborhoods to get there, and the one is Weehawken is like 4-5 miles away. Too far.
another UWS runner wrote:
Another plug for the UWS. It's easy to get to Times Square on the 1/2/3 line and you can probably find some cheap(er) apartments in the low 100s, still within the latitude of the park. As others have said, the UWS is not the most hip neighborhood but you can't beat being near Central Park. If you're looking for people to workout with, consider joining CPTC while you're here!
I'd echo that (and completely agree with UWS runner) with another plug for the Upper East Side. It's very similar and there are LOTS of good apartment deals (especially east of Lexington Avenue).
You have the 4-5-6 subway line, which runs constantly, around the clock. Or, better yet, put yourself in the East 80s or East 90s (really good deals!) and avail yourself of the super new, super clean Q subway line stops.
But honestly, running in Central Park is unbeatable. You forget you're even in a big city. And there are PLENTY of fun bars, restaurants, etc., in the Upper East Side (and UWS).
Update us on your search!
coach wrote:
Live in Queens, save your money. Live near Flushing meadow park or forest park. You'll only be 35 minutes from Times Square
Yea 35 minutes if the trains are running good, and that's not often.
105 mpw wrote:
yeah sorry I don't know New York terminology. Looked up my work location and it's between Greenwhich village and Times Square.
For budget I mean I could technically afford over 3k/month but obviously rather spend less unless commuting is too painful. Looking for one-bedroom only no roommates no studio.
Pretty happy to run to work if there are decent routes.
Thanks everyone so far
Upper East Side
The only problem with the UES is that the commute kinda sucks. In the 4/5/6 you'll be packed like sardines which gets old really fast and then you'll have to transfer to get to the west side, which just makes it take longer. Also the vibe is more family oriented (lotta Jews raising kids there (this isn't a ding on the Jewish people, they are fantastic imo)). But yeah, it is cheaper.
Basically, op, there's no perfect place, anywhere in the city. If you find the perfect place, then the problem becomes the price. But overall, NYC is by far the best place in the country to be a young, unattached, male professional.
The commute on the UES is much better now with the Q - I live near the 72nd station and its 2 stops from Times Square. Correct on the family vibe but 2nd ave is turning into a fun spot, its also more affordable than UWS. Whatever you do, don't move to Jersey.
Check out West 14th Street. 3k a month will get you a 1 bedroom on it btw 6th and 8th Aves. You are within two blocks of three Subway lines (Orange/Red/Blue) and on the edge of Greenwich Village. This will give you easy access to your job (btw TS and GV)/Meatpacking/Greenwich Village. From a running perspective you are v close to the Hudson River Greenway which is fantastic for running and you can run up it and over to loop into Central Park. If you are there for only one year I really recommend living in Manhattan and making the most of it. Commuting is tough and not worth it if you have the budget to not have too.
Ive lived on the west side of Manhattan for about 11 years (where your job sound a like it will be.)
If your budget is close to 3k, don’t listen to others talking about Queens. No no no.
Option 1: Move to the Upper West Side
You’ll be in between Central Park and the West Side, two prime running spots. Two major subway lines to take you south easily. This is your best option if you care more about running.
Option 2: Chelsea
Pricier, more prime location in relation to things to do in the city. A train ride/run from Central Park, also near west side highway so you can run south easily. This is your best option if you care more about nightlife/social life/things to do.
West Village and Greenwich Village are going to be slightly too much for you; I just lived there and decent one bedrooms are around 3,500; anything lower can be a real sh*thole.
Hope this helps
zipcode10075 wrote:
The commute on the UES is much better now with the Q - I live near the 72nd station and its 2 stops from Times Square. Correct on the family vibe but 2nd ave is turning into a fun spot, its also more affordable than UWS. Whatever you do, don't move to Jersey.
Ahh, yeah, when I lived there, it was just the 4/5/6 and nothing else.
central.park.harrier wrote:
I've lived in the Upper East Side for the past six years. It's half a mile from Central Park. If you want to run twice a day, then you HAVE to live near Central Park. It's a Godsend. And you can find a place in the Upper East Side that's just as nice -- and just as affordable -- as moving out to Queens, Jersey, Westchester, etc.
I live in a one-bedroom for $2,400. It's a very nice spot. Look at the listings here:
http://www.eberhartbros.com/search.php
I grew up and worked in this area. I have friends that have and are living in Eberhart buildings--nothing but good things to say about the family.
In the1950s I might have broken their office window playing stick ball on 81 street ;)
No drama ensued.
Live near the north end of Central Park in Harlem. Easy subway or run to work southbound. Easy access to central park. Cooler neighborhoods in a renaissance up there. Rents are less than lower Manhattan.
Williamsburg is a nice place to live, and commuting to Manhattan is really easy. (Just take the L across the river then transfer to whatever you need. You might not even need a transfer, based on your specific location.)
Multiple public tracks. But then I was low mileage there so didn't worry about getting bored with my routes.
UWS is hands down the best neighborhood in Manhattan for running.
Unlike UES, you can live right off Central Park at an "relatively" affordable price (especially north of 90th street). You'll also have quick access to the WSH path which spans for miles. Depending on how far north you live, you'll also have the option of crossing the George Washington bridge and running some amazing trails in the Palisades.
Upper West is a vibrant and cozy neighborhood with a ton of charm. One caveat is that it's more family oriented. So if you're a single guy interested in the club scene- stick to the Village.
As another poster mentioned, if you're only going to be here for 1 year, you should live it up- you're in for an amazing experience!
I pay $3250 for a 1BR, but I'm steps from Central Park with a spacious corner unit. You can get a studio or 1BR in a similar location for $2000-$2500.
I agree that you should live on UWS or UES near Central Park. If you work in midtown, your commute won’t be more than 30 mins which is pretty good for NY. My only suggestion is get a studio instead of 1br. i know it isnt your ideal, but if you’re only here a year, you dont need to invest in the extra space and will likely spend most of your time at work, running, and socializing, so you wont get to enjoy it. save the extra money so you can rent in a more desirable area
Williamsburger wrote:
Williamsburg is a nice place to live, and commuting to Manhattan is really easy. (Just take the L across the river then transfer to whatever you need. You might not even need a transfer, based on your specific location.)
Multiple public tracks. But then I was low mileage there so didn't worry about getting bored with my routes.
The tracks are being refurbished and the L train into Manhattan will be shutting down.