Best NYC Neighborhoods to Own a Car for Renters

Got wheels? You’re not alone. Nearly 45% of New York City households own a car — and 24% of Manhattanites. But since Covid-19, interest in the best places to live in NYC with a car has skyrocketed. “Parking was always in demand, but lately, I see it come up often during showings,” says Senad Ahmetovic, licensed associate real estate broker for Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales. “People feel the need for more mobility. They don’t want to rely on public transportation.”

Renting a parking spot is extra pricey right now, according to several experts. And access to private parking has an outsized premium. It may ease as the worst of the pandemic passes, or if rental prices fall again. The average monthly reservation cost across New York to reserve parking is $570. 

To find the best places to live in NYC with a car, StreetEasy went under the hood. We reviewed various data (including statistics found on SpotHero, a digital parking marketplace) to find the most parking facilities. Are you looking for convenient street parking? That can be tougher than finding a rent-controlled apartment. But then again, you never know when you will get lucky!

Midtown, Manhattan: 219 Parking Facilities & 19 Charging Stations

It’s probably no surprise that Midtown, Manhattan is one of the best places to live in NYC with a car. After all, it’s full of office buildings, theaters, and restaurants where commuters and tourists need to park their wheels. And it’s home to the center of it all, Times Square.

• Amenities for car-owners. Gas stations can be few and far between in NYC. We counted six in Midtown, plus two car washes, and FYI, Tesla owners, 19 electric vehicle charging stations.
• Median asking rent for Midtown West: $4,000 as of December 2021.
• Median asking rent for Midtown East: $3,995 for the same period

Upper East Side, Manhattan: 159 Parking Facilities & Reasonable Rents

Sure, the Upper East Side is famous for museums and restaurants alike. But did you know it’s also one of the best places to live in NYC with a car? It has a ton of parking garages. Plus handy parking proximity to shopping on Madison Avenue.

• Amenities for car-owners: Three gas stations, no car washes, and 17 electric vehicle charging stations.
• Median asking rent: $3,300 as of December 2021 — below the borough’s median of $3,500, and the lowest on this list.

Chelsea, Manhattan: 44 Parking Facilities & Low Car Ownership

Famous for its airy art galleries and The High Line, Chelsea is also excellent for parking. The Lincoln Tunnel lets out in Chelsea. It’s also one of the best places to live in NYC with a car because it has one of the lowest rates of car ownership in town. Translation? More parking spots for you. 

• Amenities for car-owners: We didn’t spot any gas stations, but you will find two electric vehicle charging stations. Also, there’s one car wash.
• Median asking rent: $4,650 as of December 2021.

Gramercy Park & Stuy Town: 38 Parking Facilities & Underground Lots

The lush, leafy qualities of the Gramercy Park and Stuy Town neighborhoods don’t mean they’re anti-car. Quite the opposite. This is one of the best neighborhoods in NYC to own a car. (Note the numerous underground parking lots to satisfy so many apartment dwellers in one place).

• Amenities for car-owners: One gas station and four electric vehicle charging stations.
• Median asking rent: $4,445 as of December 2021 for Gramercy Park. $4,685 for Stuy Town.

Financial District, Manhattan: 37 Parking Facilities & Beautiful Rentals

Money talks. The Financial District is one of the best places to live in NYC with a car, with 37 parking facilities tucked in its historic streets. Note: there is no street parking in the financial district from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Another good to know, when it comes to rentals, you will find a broad assortment in both new and old buildings. Many prewar units are newly remodeled.

• Amenities for car-owners: We didn’t find any gas stations or car washes, but there are eight electric vehicle charging stations ready to give your ride a buzz.
• Median asking rent: $4,450 as of December 2021.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn: 32 Parking Facilities & Diverse Housing Stock

If you’re watching your wallet these days, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is one of the best places to live in NYC with a car. Ahtemovic says rates at parking garages in Queens and Brooklyn tend to cost less, at $180 to $300 a month plus tax. That leaves you more money for shopping at the local indie boutiques.

• Amenities for car-owners: Nine gas stations, a car wash in nearby Greenpoint, and eight electric vehicle charging stations.
• Median asking rent: $3,895 as of December 2021.

Happy motoring!