I’m a 29M, single, person of color and looking to move to the New York City area for a job after completing my PhD. I plan to move around the middle of August, and I’m currently considering the following locations.

First, here are some facts about me:

• I’ll make $200K annually in base salary (plus ~$150k in equity and bonuses). However, I want to keep my housing budget to ~33% of post-tax base salary ($3500-$3700/month).
• I’ll be working at a company in Chelsea and will prefer living close to the A, C, E, L, and New Jersey PATH trains. I also want to keep commutes at <30 minutes.
• I would prefer a 1B1B in a modern apartment complex with some amenities (gym, lounge, coworking rooms). I also prefer nicer neighborhoods with younger (late 20s, early 30s) residents.
• I’m not very social. I would like to experience New York City, but I don’t necessarily need to live in the middle of the action.
• I don’t have any friends in New York City, although I know a few people scattered around New Jersey.
• I spent last summer in NYC and most social activities I attended were hosted by groups I affiliated with and were in manhattan.

Here are the neighborhoods I am considering.

1. Downtown Jersey City

(eg <10 mins to Grove St or Newport PATH)

Pros:

• No NYC taxes
• Urban feel, close to waterfront and parks, has restaurants and activities nearby.
• Apartment complexes are modern with amenities.
• Easy manhattan commute.

Cons:

• PATH reliance and longer/costlier access to most outer boroughs (although I doubt I'll need to visit those areas much).
• Nicer 1B1B apartments would either require stretching my budget a bit or >7 mins from Path.

2. Journal Square

(eg Areas closest to or directly on PATH)

Pros:

• Substantially cheaper, larger luxury apartments, better amenities at lower price.
• PATH access and close to downtown activities
• Still no NYC taxes.
• I can better furnish my apartment and travel more with savings from rent.

Cons:

• Closeby areas are relatively dead
• Most activities will require leaving the neighborhoods (which could reduce how much I want to go out)
• I’m not so social so this could leave me socially isolated.

3. Central Brooklyn

(Southern Bed-Stuy/ Clinton Hill, northern Crown Heights, close to A/C stops and west of Nostrand Av)

Pros:

• Easier access to other parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
• Close access to restaurants, cafés, and Prospect parks.
• I can find modern apartments in my budget in these areas.

Cons:

• NYC taxes (~15-20k at my income range)
• I stayed in southern Bed-Stuy last summer and found the area dead with little activities (beyond restaurants) to do.
• Most social activities would require leaving the neighborhood.
• Apartments here have fewer amenities. Some neighborhoods look rough.

4. Upper Manhattan

(South Harlem, Central Harlem, or West Harlem, around the A/B/C/D lines)

Pros:

• Fastest commute to my office and midtown (especially the A/D express trains).
• Rich cultural history, many local restaurants and cultural activities (not sure if they would be my vibe though).
• Close to several parks (Central Park, Morningside Park, and Riverside Park)

Cons:

• NYC taxes
• Relatively far from downtown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and some other parts of the city.
• There seem to be fewer modern apartment complexes with good amenities in these areas. I feel the neighborhoods also tend to have relatively older residents.
• Some neighborhoods may not have the nicer feels and may look rough.

At the moment, my impression is:

• Downtown Jersey City offers the best balance of commute, modern housing, recreation, and tax savings.
• Journal Square offers the best apartment and amenities for the price, but possibly the weakest immediate neighborhood experience.
• Central Brooklyn may offer better New York City experience but I am not sure if my social life would be better of compared to jersey city.
• Upper Manhattan may offer the best commute and park access, but I dont know if I'll like living here.
• I have considered other areas (Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Long Island City) but I feel good 1B1B in these neighborhoods are mostly above $4000).

Based on these factors, here are some questions:

• Which area would you recommend for me? Are my impressions correct?
• Are there any areas I should consider or leave out?
• Since Journal Square is within a 10 mins bike ride/30 mins walk from downtown, is it safe to believe I will still have good access to downtown?
• In what ways would my life be materially better if I stay in Central Brooklyn (where most activities require leaving the neighborhood) vs Jersey City?