Best Areas For Columbia University Housing

6 Best Areas For Columbia University Housing

1. Inwood (Northern Manhattan)

Location & Vibe: Inwood offers a residential, multicultural neighborhood (notably Hispanic influences) with abundant green spaces like Inwood Hill Park, providing a quieter escape from downtown bustle while retaining authentic NYC energy.

Transportation: Ultra-convenient for Columbia access: 2-minute walk to the 207th St 1-train station, reaching campus in 23 minutes. The A-line (10-minute walk) connects to broader NYC.

Dining & Lifestyle: Local gems include Compare Foods, CTown, and Super Gigante for affordable groceries. Diverse Latin American eateries dot Dyckman Street, alongside casual cafes and riverside hangouts.

Accommodation Pick:

Inwood Living (3880 9th Ave):

Why ideal: Inwood Living is a brand-new (2025-built), designed for Columbia students. Units feature in-unit LG washers/dryers (most layouts), floor-to-ceiling windows, video intercoms, and private balconies (select units).

Amenities: Double-level gym, rooftop terrace with BBQ, pet spa, co-working pods, and 24/7 security with doorman (8 am–8 pm).

2. Upper West Side (UWS)

Location & Vibe: The quintessential student hub, spanning W 60th–110th Streets. Safe, academic-friendly, and walkable to campus, blending historic brownstones with bookshops and coffee spots.

Transportation: Walk or bike to Columbia in 5–20 minutes. Many apartments are <0.5 miles from campus. Bus lines (M104, M60) supplement subway access.

Dining & Lifestyle: Affordable delis (Morton Williams), iconic bakeries (Levain), and cultural venues like Symphony Space. Riverside Park offers jogging paths and sunset views.

Accommodation Pick:

Enclave at the Cathedral (121st St & Broadway):

Why ideal: 2-min walk to campus, 2016-built with rare in-unit laundry and oversized windows.

3. Midtown West (Hell's Kitchen)

Location & Vibe: Dynamic urban core near Times Square, with high-rises, theaters, and global cuisine. Appeals to students craving nightlife and convenience10.

Transportation: 20–30 mins to Columbia via A/C/E or 1 trains. Walkable to Central Park, Hudson Yards, and subways from most apartments10.

Dining & Lifestyle: Epicurean paradise: Korean BBQ towns, Michelin-starred spots (Le Bernardin), and casual eats (The Halal Guys). Proximity to Broadway, MoMA, and rooftop bars.

Accommodation Pick:

555TEN (555 W 42nd St):

Why ideal: Luxury 56-story tower with indoor/outdoor pools, bowling alley, and panoramic city views.

Perk: 7-min walk to subways and Trader Joe’s.

4. Long Island City (LIC), Queens

Location & Vibe: Rapidly growing riverside area with modern high-rises, art galleries (MoMA PS1), and skyline views. Quieter than Manhattan but well-connected.

Transportation: 30–40 mins to Columbia via E/M/R/7 trains. Ferries to Midtown add scenic commutes.

Dining & Lifestyle: Asian fusion spots (Jiang Nan), breweries (ICONYC), and Gantry State Park for waterfront picnics. Easy access to Flushing’s Chinatown.

Accommodation Pick:

Jackson Park LIC (28-10 Jackson Ave):

Why ideal: "Instagrammable" complex with indoor/outdoor pools, dog park, basketball court, and co-working lounges.

Location: Directly above E/M/R/7/N/W subway lines.

5. Newport, New Jersey

Location & Vibe: Waterfront high-rises with Manhattan skyline vistas. Family-friendly, cleaner, and significantly cheaper than NYC—ideal for budget-conscious students.

Transportation: 50 mins to Columbia via PATH (Grove St or JSQ stations) + transfer to 1 train. Free shuttles to PATH from many buildings.

Dining & Lifestyle: Mall dining (ShopRite, Target), pubs (Light Horse Tavern), and riverside walks. Hoboken’s nightlife is one PATH stop away.

Accommodation Pick:

JSQ (Journal Squared, 565 Summit Ave):

Why ideal: a 53-story tower with sky lounge, outdoor pool, KTV room, and gym. 4-minute walk to PATH.

6. Morningside Heights

Location & Vibe: Columbia’s immediate neighborhood is steeped in academia. Bookstores, campus events, and low-key cafes dominate.

Transportation: Walk to class in <10 mins. Avoid Morningside Park (east)—stick to Broadway/West for safety.

Dining & Lifestyle: Campus staples: Junzi Kitchen, Hungarian Pastry Shop, and community farmers' markets. Low nightlife but a strong scholarly vibe.

Accommodation Pick:

Coso Apartments (309 W 111th St):

Why ideal: Student-focused with private balconies, granite counter kitchens, free WiFi, and 24/7 CCTV. 12-minute walk to campus.

Dangerous Areas in NYC You Should Avoid

1. Brownsville, Brooklyn

Known for persistently high violent crime rates, Brownsville has struggled with gang activity and shootings. It consistently ranks among NYC’s top neighborhoods for gun violence, with robbery and assault rates significantly above the city average. Avoid public housing complexes (like the Howard Houses) and isolated streets after dark. Daytime visits require heightened vigilance, but nighttime walks are strongly discouraged due to limited police presence and poor lighting.

2. South Bronx (Port Morris, Mott Haven)

The broader Bronx has NYC’s highest violent crime rates, and areas like Port Morris and Mott Haven are hotspots for drug-related activity and robberies. Mott Haven’s poverty rate exceeds 30%, contributing to property crimes like car theft. Avoid St. Mary’s Park at night and stick to well-trafficked avenues like 3rd Avenue if necessary. The area’s industrial zones (e.g., around Bruckner Expressway) are particularly desolate and risky after sunset.

3. East Harlem (above 110th Street), Manhattan

While Upper Manhattan below 100th Street is relatively safe, East Harlem sees elevated gang conflicts and open-air drug markets. Crime spikes near public housing projects (e.g., Jefferson Houses) and along Lexington Avenue above 116th Street. Muggings and assaults occur frequently after dark. Avoid Marcus Garvey Park and side streets off major thoroughfares. Though gentrification has improved parts, ungentrified blocks remain hazardous.

4. Jamaica, Queens (South of Jamaica Avenue)

Despite Queens’ overall safety, Jamaica struggles with robberies and gang violence near transit hubs. The area around Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue—home to key subway/LIRR stations—attracts pickpockets and aggressive panhandlers. After 10 PM, shootings and assaults increase, particularly near Baisley Pond Park. Stick to crowded areas directly around transit during the day; avoid residential side streets at night.

5. Crown Heights (Eastern Sections), Brooklyn

Though historic and culturally rich, eastern Crown Heights has rising hate crimes and sporadic violence, especially near Utica Avenue and Empire Boulevard. Recent tensions linked to antisemitic incidents (e.g., following the 2025 Boulder firebombing) have heightened risks. While daytime is generally safe, avoid walking alone at night, particularly during holidays or protests.