We may be biased, but we think that New York City is the greatest place in the world. And if you’re a frequent StreetEasy® user, chances are you think so, too. So why not make it official and put down roots? Benefits include: staying near family and friends, keeping your bodega (and bodega cat), becoming a local legend at your favorite haunts, access to every cuisine ever, not needing a car, and there being no other place like it. You don’t have to leave the city to “grow up,” or to get what you’ve always wanted in a home — be it outdoor space, in-unit laundry, or even a koi pond (though there’s no StreetEasy filter for that one — yet).
If you’re eager to take the plunge into permanent NYC residency, but feel daunted by the emotional and logistical considerations that come with making it happen, take a deep breath and keep reading. This is StreetEasy’s official guide to living in New York City forever.
Do forever New Yorkers buy or rent?
First thing’s first when it comes to long-term living in NYC: rent or buy? About two-thirds of the city’s population rents, and plenty of New Yorkers are lifelong renters — so don’t think you have to buy to make NYC your forever home.
That said, buying a home can come with some financial benefits. “Deciding whether to rent or buy is a deeply personal decision, but if you definitely see yourself in the city forever, then buying may make more sense,” says Amanda Shur, StreetEasy’s Home Trends Expert. “Buying a home can give you a feeling of financial stability, since you won’t have the volatility of annual rent increases. Knowing what you’ll owe for your mortgage, maintenance fees, and property taxes upfront may help you budget and plan better long-term.”
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Owning a home can also help you build equity and wealth — for yourself and your family — over time. You’ll have free reign to customize your space and make any desired renovations, from painting the walls to installing built-in shelving. And on an emotional level, making a long-term commitment to a place you love can provide feelings of security, stability, and investment, in both your physical space and the wider community.
For those who choose to rent, it can still make sense to do so, especially if you’re not financially ready to buy. You won’t be on the hook for maintenance and repairs, and there’s a lower barrier to entry. If or when the time comes, the opportunity to buy will always be there when you’re ready.
How to choose your forever neighborhood
Across the five boroughs, there are hundreds of neighborhoods in New York City to choose from. So if you are indeed looking for your forever ‘hood, how do you know which one is the one? Of course, budget is a great place to start. StreetEasy’s Data Dashboard is a handy, comprehensive tool to help you filter and explore neighborhoods based on median asking price, sale-to-list ratio, and other helpful metrics.
But there are other factors to consider that are unique to living in a bustling city like New York. Public transportation options, street noise, access to everyday conveniences like bodegas and laundromats, and proximity to green spaces are all things that may seem small, but make a huge impact when you’re choosing a forever neighborhood.
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And don’t forget to think about your lifestyle and hobbies. Are you an avid cyclist? Then these bike-friendly neighborhoods might be ideal for you. Or perhaps you’re looking for the perfect fur-ever (sorry, we had to) home for your best friend: you’ll want to consider the best NYC neighborhoods for dog owners. We’ve even got a guide to the best neighborhoods for ice cream lovers.
You can explore StreetEasy’s neighborhood guides for more information on popular areas and what they have to offer. And if you’re overwhelmed by all the options, start by browsing our 10 NYC Neighborhoods to Watch in 2026 or 10 Best NYC Neighborhoods for Buyers in 2026, as identified by StreetEasy market data.
Finding your forever home
Now here comes the fun part: finding your forever space. Securing your NYC dream home is a personal journey, guided not only by what’s happening in the market when you’re gearing up to buy, but by aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and building considerations.
Dedicated New Yorkers browse available listings and attend open houses with longevity in mind, thinking not only about what will suit them in the short term, but what will accommodate their needs many years into the future. For example, maybe you’d like to expand your family one day, or open up your space to aging parents or grandparents. If so, that might affect the number of bedrooms you’re looking for while on the house hunt. Consider buying for the life you’ll grow into, not just the one you currently have.
Then there’s the question of what type of home you want. In NYC, depending on your budget and where in the city you’re looking, your choices are: condo, co-op, townhouse, or detached single-family home. While there are many more co-ops on the market at any given time compared to condos or townhouses, they usually come with extensive application processes and more restrictive rules. Comparatively, condos tend to boast more flexible policies, newer buildings, and modern amenities…but with higher purchase prices and closing costs. Purchasing a townhouse allows for more generous floor plans, increased privacy, and perhaps even a backyard, but with a hefty price tag and responsibilities like trash removal, shoveling snow, and other day-to-day home operations.
One more note: your forever home isn’t just comprised of the four walls immediately around you. If you buy a co-op or condo, it also includes the building that houses your unit. So don’t forget to consider amenities like laundry, doorman services, outdoor space, or fitness centers when home shopping. (Did you know you can filter by building amenities when browsing homes on StreetEasy? Now you do!)
Making your forever fabulous
Becoming a forever New Yorker isn’t just about signing paperwork and moving all of your belongings into a space. It’s also about getting and staying active in your community. Whether that’s by championing a commitment to sustainability, volunteering with a local organization, joining the co-op board, or attending community meetings, getting involved is always a good idea.
Another joy of committing to NYC is creating a routine. You’d be surprised by how small-town your neighborhood can feel, especially if you frequent your favorite coffee shop, get to know your bodega clerk, or take regular strolls through the nearest green space. Remember to seek out novel experiences, too, like trying new restaurants or saying hi to a neighbor you haven’t met yet. Stay open and curious!
Above all else, remember that forever is a state of mind. It can be easy to slip into the idea that buying a home means being stuck in one place. Instead, treat forever like a privilege, especially in a city as dynamic and ever-changing as New York.
How a buyer’s agent can help you find your forever
Here at StreetEasy, one of our refrains is Never DIY the Buy. “Navigating the New York City real estate market is complicated, and it’s not something you want to tackle alone,” says Shur. “Having a buyer’s agent means having someone in your corner who represents your best interests — an expert who can give you the personalized support and guidance you’ll need to get into a home you’ll love for the long run.”
Working with a buyer’s agent ensures you have all the help you need and deserve when making such a big financial and emotional decision. A buyer’s agent can provide an accurate understanding of the costs associated with buying a home, and help you navigate the uber-competitive market using their experience and negotiation skills.
This kind of support is especially important in New York City. Buying a home anywhere is a big undertaking, but there are many factors that are wholly unique to buying in NYC. Enter StreetEasy Experts: our network of buyer’s agents and teams with years of experience and deep knowledge of New York real estate.
Want to get started with a StreetEasy Expert today? Contact the StreetEasy Concierge to be paired with an Expert buyer’s agent who can help you secure your forever abode in the greatest city in the world.
StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses. StreetEasy Concierge team members are real estate licensees, however they are not your agents or providing real estate brokerage services on your behalf. StreetEasy does not intend to interfere with any agency agreement you may have with a real estate professional or solicit your business if you are already under contract to purchase or sell property.
