Hottest New Neighborhood for Musicians/Artists

[Cheshiregrrrl]

I'm looking to relocate into a studio with 5 other musicians. We're looking for a loft in a building that is economical, and noise-friendly (both a stretch).

What are the hot neighborhoods for young Bohemians these days?

[ASchwarz]

The trendy hipster neighborhoods are all in Brooklyn. Williamsburg is the most hyped area. It's literally all musicians and artists. Start your search on craigslist.com. Williamsburg's Northside is the best area, but is pretty expensive. The Southside is rougher and cheaper.

Many musicians are now moving to Bushwick, which is the next neighborhood after Williamsburg on the L train. There are tons of very cheap, musician-friendly lofts. One caveat: if you are not used to big cities, Bushwick might be intimidating. It is very gritty. I live on the fringes of the neighborhood, and have no problems.

Other cheap, musician-friendly Brooklyn loft neighborhoods are Greenpoint, Clinton Hill, Red Hook and the Gowanus. Manhattan is too expensive, don't waste your time.

[billyblancoNYC]

Brooklyn is smokin' right now.

This is why people are moving to...gasp...the South Bronx, Long Island City (Queens), and even parts of Northern Staten Island. Also, Upper Manhattan (Inwood, Washington Heights) and East Harlem are big now.

There are more spread out artist areas it seems as prices continually go up.

[fioco]

One has to be savvy and have good instincts. It's best to be ahead of the trends before a neighborhood is "discovered" and prices skyrocket. Bushwick is for the daring and they deserve the resultant rewards (and savings).

As Manhattan becomes more and more an exclusive enclave for the rich, the borough loses its richness and cultural diversity. Artists want not only to be close to the action but immersed in it. Indeed, they are the action. I extend this definition to all of the creative professions. It is this cauldron of creativity that makes New York such an exceptional place to live. "Affordable housing" is not a euphemism for giving the poor a free (or cheap) ride, it is the foundation of this city's greatness.