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2019 Most Diverse Places to Live in the New York City AreaAbout this List

Explore the most diverse places in the U.S. based on ethnic and economic diversity statistics by city from the U.S. Census. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Queens

    • City in New York
    • 203 reviews
    #1 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Honestly, everything in Queens is average, but that is what makes it the best because you have the most options. Queens is the most diverse, and I think affordable borough in New York. You have many counties and districts within Queens that are known for something. Everything is about the same distance in car and this is New York, you got MTA. Most big corporations and businesses don't reside in Queens, mainly residents but you still have numerous restaurants, parks, small businesses etc. around. I'd definitely give this borough a shot!
    Read 203 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 2,339,280 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  2. South Ozone Park

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 73 reviews
    #2 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Former Resident: This is a great neighborhood! Yes, I am slightly biased in saying this as seeing that I grew up here. It is a very family friendly neighborhood with several schools available within a small distance with playgrounds and track fields for kids to enjoy. Food is available within walking distance with a variety of options from different subcultures. Another great benefit of this neighborhood is the diversity as you see people from all over the world due to the proximity of the airport. One thing that I believe would help enhance this neighborhood is a parking garage due to the amount of people constantly stopping in this neighborhood it has become harder for local residents to be able to park right in front of their own homes.
    Read 73 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 46,751 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  3. Richmond Hill

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 152 reviews
    #3 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Nearby Resident: Been part of this community for decades. It is a very big West Indian and Punjabi community, public transportation is great (bus service would be Q8 or Q41 and train service would be E/J/Z trains connection to the air train. It is one of the closest neighborhoods to JFK airport/ about 15 minutes away and about 40 minutes to 55 minutes to Manhattan. The schools are okay could be better but not the worst. When it comes to crime rate personally I never been a victim of a crime. In summertime you can hear music but hey its NYC part of the city that never sleeps.
    Read 152 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 110,683 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  4. Jersey City

    • City in New Jersey
    • 210 reviews
    #4 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: I grew up in Jersey City; a mosaic composed of tiles either broken, dull or delicately beautiful, each hailing from every corner of the Earth. I was nurtured without witnessing racial tension and had the freedom to experience cultures vastly different from my own. It is a place where everyone lives harmoniously and deeply appreciate one another. In no other place on Earth would I be able to learn traditional dance in a ghagra choli and twirl in Garba, or greedily devour lumpia with my Filipino friends, or be taught Korean and Egyptian customs all within a few square miles.
    Read 210 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 265,932 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  5. New York City

    • City in New York
    • 1,073 reviews
    #5 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: NYC is a diverse and lively community with hundreds of places to visit with friends and family. Each borough has its own unique features that attract a lot of people each year, such as Coney Island in Brooklyn or the Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. When in Manhattan, there are so many places you can go to and there's a little bit of something for everyone! Macy's in Herald Square for the shoppers, Taiyaki NYC (which are known for their fish-shaped waffle cones! Definitely recommend it!) for food-lovers, and the Whitney for museum-goers (to name a few). There's always a lot of traffic wherever you go, so if you want to explore the concrete jungle, walking is the way to do it. And for the perfect instagram post of the city, the viewpoint from the Brooklyn Bridge is a good option.
    Read 1,073 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 8,560,072 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  6. West Side

    • Neighborhood in Jersey City, NJ
    • 46 reviews
    #6 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Niche User: Jersey City is a very convenient city to live in especially being just a train ride away from NYC. Some even say it's the 6th Borough. It has it's ups and downs. Schools are fairly decent, food is great, and it's a very diverse city.
    Read 46 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 34,945 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  9. McGinley Square

    • Neighborhood in Jersey City, NJ
    • 7 reviews
    #7 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Niche User: Over the past decade, Jersey City has improved tremendously.
    Read 7 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 16,576 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  10. Briarwood

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 30 reviews
    #8 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: I’ve been living in Briarwood, Queens for about three years now and I love it! The neighborhood is quiet and safe. There is a lot of diversity and many different shops nearby. One thing that can improve is parking space; my brother would spend 15-20 minutes trying to find parking. Overall, it's a great neighborhood.
    Read 30 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 30,233 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  11. Holliswood

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 2 reviews
    #9 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Niche User: The area and its surroundings are kept safe by the community, the community watch, and the safety officers that parol the neighborhoods. They do an amazing job keeping the area safe for families and children.
    Read 2 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 8,421 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  12. Stapleton

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 10 reviews
    #10 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Niche User: I want to see more people and transportation
    Read 10 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 9,388 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  13. Jamaica Estates

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 29 reviews
    #11 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Former Resident: I was born in 1958 in Jamaica Estates and moved out of there in 1972. When I lived there the entire neighborhood was mostly Jewish and Italian. It is now from what I hear, mostly Asian. Back then it had a real community type feel to it and I remember all of the small stores that I used to go to, especially Joe's Candy Store on the corner of Union Turnpike and Kent St. I lived on Kent St and my grandfather owned a 4 bedroom house. I used to watch NY Mets baseball games and football games with Joe Namath and the NY Jets at Shea Stadium. I used to ride my mini bike through Cunningham Park while the cops would chase after me in their green and black squad cars. The buses were dark green and had the old "fishbowl" style front windows. Movies were at the Utopia Theater. I went to P.S. 178 Elementary School. I was Bar Mitzvah'd at the Hillcrest Jewish Center. There's an old saying that goes something like this..."you can't go back home anymore".
    Read 29 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 20,133 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  14. Brooklyn

    • City in New York
    • 1,148 reviews
    #12 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Brooklyn is the greatest city on Earth! In my opinion no other such city in the world is as culturally diverse, gritty, beautiful, different, and a thousand other adjectives which still cant describe my city of Brooklyn. We are the only borough with a world famous Amusement Park, Coney Island, the origination of the Hot Dog Eating Contest. What about the beauty of the city, the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO, Fort Greene Park, the magnificent waterfronts...the list goes on. I love the people, the way we are so different from any other people, our toughness, politeness, humility, empathy, Biggie smalls. Brooklyn is just the wonder of it all!
    Read 1,148 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 2,635,121 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  15. Englewood

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 58 reviews
    #13 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Englewood is a diverse town with much good and a few bad. The town is small enough for you to know your neighbors and large enough for you to get away from the noise of the downtown area. Englewood has all of the necessities of a thriving town. We have a reasonably priced ShopRite, plenty of restaurants offer varying flavors, a theatre, an awesome library and public transportation into New York City. Most residents are social and personable. The school system is a work in progress. There isn't a bridge between the schools and the community. Board meetings are EMPTY. Certain sections in Englewood need aesthetic work. Overall, Englewood is a nice town for families especially if you want to be an active member of your town.
    Read 58 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 28,509 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  16. Hillburn

    • Suburb of New York City, NY
    • 3 reviews
    #14 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Hillburn has been a great community to call home for decades. The people within this town are extremely friendly and welcoming.
    Read 3 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 1,019 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  17. Fort Greene

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 18 reviews
    #15 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Clean and festive. Cultural events are abundant throughout the year. Prime location-close to downtown Brooklyn, near Barclay's Center, near a major train hub. Dog neighborhood.
    Read 18 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 38,231 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  18. North Brunswick Township

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 80 reviews
    #16 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: North Brunswick is a very safe, clean area. I’ve lived in North Brunswick for 17 years, the schools are great and are at close distance. This area has a lot of restaurants, and many family friendly event throughout the year. North Brunswick has many different malls to choose from,big stores like Costco and sams club, night life is pretty simple, public transportation available at convienent locations through the town, and the best part is that it is a quite area!
    Read 80 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 42,591 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  19. Avenel

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 15 reviews
    #17 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Avenel is a small town in Woodbridge Township, New Jersey. I have lived here for the past five years and enjoy the peaceful neighborhood. Although I am not fond of the high population density of New Jersey, I feel solitude once I reach my home every evening. Funds need to be directed towards renewing roads and infrastructure. Surrounding neighborhoods are also quiet and serene. Schools are close by and have good reputations. Overall, it is a quiet, family town.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 18,846 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  22. Hackensack

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 79 reviews
    #18 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Hackensack's best qualities are its diversity, commute, and job opportunities. I previously lived in a town where only five families (including mine) were of a different cultural background. It was certainly lonely to be surrounded by people who didn't understand or relate to my struggles because of my ethnicity. But when I moved to Hackensack, I met people from various descendants. The town is primarily mixed of Hispanic, African, Caucasian, and Asian citizens but it's always found a way to be welcoming to the majorities and the minorities. Geographically, Hackensack is also in between many towns, and nearly an hour drive to the city, which makes it easier to reach jobs located in the big apple. Since Hackensack is near various towns, this widens the job market for convenient travel. Hackensack's job market is particularly known for construction, medical fields, and food businesses; meaning there is almost always an opportunity to make a living for yourself and your family.
    Read 79 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 44,673 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  23. Franklin Park

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 17 reviews
    #19 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: I have grown up in Franklin Township and have lived here for more than 15 years. I would say it is a very diverse and beautiful town. They are many local activities that take place, and everyone in Franklin is very friendly. A new elementary school just opened in town not too long ago, and it shows how Franklin Township is growing and developing. I am truly grateful for living in a town like Franklin Park!
    Read 17 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 15,090 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  24. Rockaway Beach

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 22 reviews
    #20 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Former Resident: As a result of Hurricane Sandy, it has brought a new life to the peninsula, it has persevered. Various buildings have been constructed ever since, and well Rockaway Beach is looking better than ever before. I am seeing new amenities and people, I deeply enjoy it.
    Read 22 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 16,057 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  25. Bellerose

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 52 reviews
    #21 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: I like Bellerose's diversity, serving people of many different backgrounds. What I especially like about Bellerose is its close proximity to the JFK airport, LIRR service to get to Manhattan within 35 mins, and the accessible major highways including Northern State Parkway and Long Island Expressway. It has a suburban feel with a city twist. There are many Halal carts a couple hundred feet from one another in one concentrated area. They are within walking distance where the sight of many people lining up to give their orders has become so common that people are willing to wait for quite some time to get their delicious hot meal worth on average $6, with a can of soda included! The low property taxes is what appeals to people the most. People work hard to live in this jewel of a neighborhood in eastern Queens, and it's easy to see that. The public schools continue to improve as the years go by. Needless to say, I have been living here most of my life and I love it.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 32,050 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  26. Valley Stream

    • Suburb of New York City, NY
    • 106 reviews
    #22 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Valley Stream is surprisingly quiet and friendly, I like the neighborhoods and what surrounds it. There are a few places to eat without having to drive very far from home when one just wants to stay at home and there is a numerous amount of things to do in the neighborhood whether its going to the dog park, library, or the pool for some summer fun! What I would like to see change in is making the neighborhood more eco-friendly and child-safe for kids who like to play on the streets.
    Read 106 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 37,843 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  27. Hollis

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 27 reviews
    #23 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: Living in Hollis, NY is similar to experience a dream to raise a family to start a new-fresh life. The people in the neighborhood get along pretty well. There is a short walking distance to access public transportation to get across the borough of Queens. The local bus routes in Hollis connects to one of the New York City Subways's "F Line" & a train station in Queens Village. A plaza mall is located near Francis Lewis Blvd & Hillside Avenue. The crime rate is quite low as well.
    Read 27 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 29,733 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  28. Ozone Park

    • Neighborhood in New York City, NY
    • 89 reviews
    #24 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: I have lived here for almost 10 years. What I would like to see improved are the buildings in the area, because some of them look like they are not being maintained. Along with this, there are barely any street lights. A lack of streetlights makes walking around at night scarier than it already is! Despite this, Ozone Park is home to a diverse population of warm and friendly people. Local businesses are commonly family businesses, so everywhere you go feels like home.
    Read 89 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 63,114 Population
    View Nearby Homes

  29. Rahway

    • Suburb in New Jersey
    • 61 reviews
    #25 Most Diverse Places to Live in New York City Area

    Current Resident: I did a lot of research before purchasing in Rahway and truly feel it is one of the best bargains in the NYC suburbs right now. You can purchase a nice home for about $300k and even find flips/new construction at bargain prices, especially compared to neighboring towns. There are two direct train lines to the city, which make it very convenient to commute. New businesses are opening up every few weeks - restaurants, coffee shops, etc. We feel safe and have had nice experiences among neighbors; the police are also really responsive with any concerns. There are a few beautiful local parks to explore. My understanding is that the schools are average (I do not have direct experience); I'm hoping they show improvement as the town continues to develop.
    Read 61 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Public Schools
    • A+
      Diversity
    • 29,443 Population
    View Nearby Homes
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