The Complete Guide to New York City ZIP Codes: All 5 Boroughs Compared
Navigate NYC\'s 200+ ZIP codes with neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdowns, housing costs, demographics, and insider insights
New York City is not one place—it\'s hundreds of distinct neighborhoods across five boroughs, each with unique character, demographics, and housing markets. With over 8 million residents spread across 200+ ZIP codes, navigating NYC\'s geographic complexity can overwhelm even longtime residents.
This comprehensive guide breaks down NYC ZIP code by ZIP code, helping you understand the personality, costs, demographics, and livability of neighborhoods from Manhattan\'s gilded Upper East Side to Staten Island\'s suburban enclaves. Whether you\'re relocating, investing in real estate, or simply curious, this is your roadmap to New York City.
NYC by the Numbers
Data Methodology Note: Rankings and statistics in this article combine official U.S. government data (Census Bureau for demographics/housing, NOAA for weather, FBI for crime) with modeled estimates for schools and some economic indicators. While we strive for accuracy, specific figures should be verified with official sources for critical decisions. Learn more about our data sources and methodology.
Manhattan ZIP Codes: The Beating Heart
Manhattan is what most people picture when they think "New York City." Home to Wall Street, Times Square, Central Park, and world-class culture, Manhattan\'s 1.6 million residents pack into just 23 square miles. ZIP codes here range from ultra-wealthy enclaves (10021, 10028) to more affordable pockets (10034, 10040 in Upper Manhattan).
Key Characteristics: Sky-high rents, walkability, public transit excellence, cultural institutions, minimal parking, diverse dining, and status symbol addresses.
Top 10 Manhattan ZIP Codes Profiled
Corporate hub, luxury hotels, upscale shopping
Historic charm, tree-lined streets, artistic legacy
Old money elegance, Museum Mile, Central Park views
Art galleries, High Line, trendy restaurants
Ultra-chic, designer boutiques, celebrity hotspot
Immigrant history meets hipster culture
Family-friendly, cultural institutions, great schools
Cast-iron architecture, high-end shopping, art scene
Bohemian roots, nightlife, diverse dining
Lincoln Center, riverside parks, intellectual vibe
Manhattan Neighborhood Clusters
Financial District (10004, 10005, 10006)
Business hub transitioning to residential, lower population density
Tribeca (10007, 10013)
Celebrity enclave, converted lofts, family-friendly despite high costs
Midtown (10018, 10019, 10022)
Office towers, commuter hub, hotels, fewer residential options
Upper Manhattan (10034, 10040)
Most affordable Manhattan, diverse communities, limited subway access
Brooklyn ZIP Codes: The Cool Kid
Brooklyn has evolved from Manhattan\'s "cheaper alternative" to a cultural powerhouse in its own right. With 2.6 million residents, it\'s NYC\'s most populous borough. Brooklyn\'s diversity is staggering—from ultra-wealthy Brooklyn Heights brownstones to working-class neighborhoods in East New York.
Key Characteristics: Hipster culture (Williamsburg), family havens (Park Slope), immigrant communities (Sunset Park), waterfront revitalization, artisanal everything, and steadily rising prices.
Hottest Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Hipster capital, indie music, artisanal everything
Historic brownstones, Manhattan views, upscale living
Family haven, Prospect Park access, great schools
Polish heritage meets creative class, waterfront revival
Brownstone beauty, restaurant scene, urban sophistication
Affordable Brooklyn Options
Not all of Brooklyn costs seven figures. These ZIP codes offer relative affordability:
- 11207 (East New York): Median home ~$475K, working-class, transit expansion planned
- 11212 (Brownsville): Median home ~$425K, historic community, affordability appeal
- 11235 (Brighton Beach): Median home ~$550K, Russian enclave, beach access
- 11220 (Sunset Park): Median home ~$685K, Chinatown satellite, family-oriented
Queens ZIP Codes: Diversity Capital
Queens is the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world. Its 2.4 million residents speak over 160 languages. From the airports (JFK and LaGuardia) to the Mets\' Citi Field, Queens blends working-class roots with pockets of affluence (Forest Hills, Bayside).
Key Characteristics: Immigrant gateway, authentic ethnic cuisine, more space than Manhattan/Brooklyn, car-friendly (relatively), affordable family housing, and commuter-focused neighborhoods.
Key Queens ZIP Codes
Waterfront towers, art scene, Manhattan skyline views
Garden apartments, diverse community, middle-class stronghold
Tudor-style homes, tennis stadium, suburban feel in Queens
Greek heritage, diverse dining, young professionals
Queens: NYC\'s Most Affordable Borough
Queens offers the best value in NYC for families and first-time buyers. Median home prices range from $500K-$750K in desirable areas—expensive by national standards but far below Manhattan and brownstone Brooklyn.
Best family ZIP codes: 11375 (Forest Hills), 11361 (Bayside), 11101 (LIC for renters)
Bronx ZIP Codes: The Underrated Borough
The Bronx, NYC\'s northernmost borough, houses 1.4 million residents. Often dismissed due to economic challenges and crime history, the Bronx contains surprising gems like wealthy Riverdale, vibrant Belmont (Arthur Avenue\'s Little Italy), and revitalizing South Bronx neighborhoods.
Key Characteristics: Most affordable borough, Yankee Stadium, Bronx Zoo, diverse communities, improving safety, and significant development potential.
Wealthy enclave, suburban feel, Manhattan escape
University area, affordable, diverse community
Sports landmark, working-class neighborhood, revitalizing
The Bronx: Value Play for Investors
The Bronx offers NYC\'s lowest entry prices. Neighborhoods like Mott Haven and Port Morris are gentrifying rapidly with new development. For buyers priced out of Brooklyn and Queens, the Bronx presents opportunities—though thorough neighborhood research is essential.
Staten Island ZIP Codes: NYC\'s Suburban Borough
Staten Island is the forgotten borough—and its 480,000 residents like it that way. Accessible primarily via the Staten Island Ferry or Verrazzano Bridge, this borough offers suburban living with single-family homes, yards, and parking (gasp!) within NYC limits.
Key Characteristics: Most car-dependent, single-family homes dominate, lower density, waterfront communities, longest commutes to Manhattan, and most affordable NYC homeownership.
Ferry terminal, waterfront, Staten Island's urban center
Beach access, suburban neighborhoods, family-friendly
Middle-class enclave, malls, car-dependent living
Staten Island: For Families Seeking Space
If you want a yard, driveway, and single-family home within NYC limits, Staten Island is your borough. Commutes to Manhattan are long (ferry + subway, or drive + traffic), but families prioritizing space over walkability find value here.
NYC ZIP Code Comparison: Top 10 Side-by-Side
| ZIP | Borough | Neighborhood | Med. Income | Med. Home | Avg Rent | Crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10011 | Manhattan | West Village | $145,900 | $1850K | $4,250 | Very Low |
| 11201 | Brooklyn | Brooklyn Heights | $142,300 | $1850K | $3,950 | Very Low |
| 11211 | Brooklyn | Williamsburg | $98,400 | $1250K | $3,400 | Low |
| 11101 | Queens | Long Island City | $95,700 | $875K | $3,200 | Low |
| 11375 | Queens | Forest Hills | $87,900 | $725K | $2,450 | Very Low |
| 10471 | Bronx | Riverdale | $108,700 | $645K | $2,350 | Very Low |
| 10458 | Bronx | Fordham | $42,300 | $385K | $1,650 | Moderate |
| 10301 | Staten Island | St. George | $67,400 | $485K | $1,850 | Low |
| 10305 | Staten Island | Ocean Breeze | $78,900 | $545K | $1,950 | Low |
| 10002 | Manhattan | Lower East Side | $87,600 | $985K | $3,100 | Moderate |
Most Expensive NYC ZIP Codes
- 1. 10013 (Tribeca): $2.3M median home
- 2. 10012 (SoHo): $2.15M median home
- 3. 10014 (Meatpacking): $1.95M median home
- 4. 10011 (West Village): $1.85M median home
- 5. 11201 (Brooklyn Heights): $1.85M median home
Most Affordable NYC ZIP Codes
- 1. 10451 (Bronx): $325K median home
- 2. 11207 (East NY): $475K median home
- 3. 10301 (Staten Island): $485K median home
- 4. 11212 (Brownsville): $425K median home
- 5. 10458 (Fordham): $385K median home
Practical Advice for Choosing Your NYC ZIP Code
Subway Access Is Everything
In NYC, proximity to reliable subway lines matters more than anything. Express trains (A/C/E, 2/3, 4/5) vastly improve commutes. Neighborhoods served only by local trains or buses face longer travel times. Check your potential commute during rush hour before committing.
School Districts Vary Wildly
NYC school quality varies dramatically by ZIP code. Upper West Side, Brooklyn Heights, and Forest Hills boast excellent public schools. Others require private school tuition ($30K-$60K annually). Research zoned schools thoroughly—they directly impact property values and quality of life for families.
Hidden Costs Add Up
Beyond rent/mortgage, factor in: building maintenance fees ($500-$2,000/month for condos), parking ($300-$600/month), higher grocery costs, and dining out expenses. NYC\'s cost of living extends far beyond housing. Budget accordingly.
Visit Neighborhoods in Person
Vibes differ block-by-block in NYC. Visit at different times (rush hour, weekend, late evening) to gauge noise, foot traffic, and safety. Walk from potential apartments to subway stations. Neighborhoods change character dramatically every few blocks.
Compare NYC ZIP Codes Side-by-Side
Our comparison tool lets you evaluate any NYC neighborhoods side-by-side with detailed demographics, housing costs, crime stats, schools, and more. Make informed decisions with data.