These NYC neighborhoods have more people moving in now than before the pandemic

In 2020, New York City became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city that never sleeps was suddenly quiet and empty as more New Yorkers started to work from home, and some decided to leave. In the early months of the pandemic, Manhattan lost more than 8 percent of its population but then gained it back.

In the spring of 2022, Manhattan lost more residents than any other NYC borough, according to the latest report from Placer.ai, a traffic analytics platform. However, since then, Manhattan’s population has increased by nearly 4 percent, making it the only NYC borough with more people moving in than before the COVID outbreak. 

When it comes to Manhattan neighborhoods, the Upper West Side tops the list with a 30.7 percent increase in its population between November 2019 and October 2022. More people are also moving to Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Neighborhoods like East Village, Gramercy Park, Civic Center, Meatpacking District, and Chelsea all saw at least 15 percent growth in their population. 

“After two years of social distancing, many people may be looking for more opportunities to get out of the house and spend time with friends,” said Bracha Arnold, the author of the report. “Manhattan’s active nightlife, ample dining options, and robust cultural institutions may be attracting people looking to jumpstart their social life.”

Although some of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods were relatively unaffected by the pandemic or even saw an increase in the number of residents, this borough’s population is still 4.4 percent lower than it was in November 2019. In the first year of the pandemic, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint welcomed many New Yorkers who moved to Brooklyn from Manhattan, and these neighborhoods are still very much in demand. 

Brooklyn’s Coney Island became a new hot spot for New Yorkers, with a 6 percent population growth from October 2019. According to Placer.ai, this area appeals to people who want to live near the water at a more affordable price. Another Brooklyn neighborhood, Spring Creek, has also attracted new residents looking for a laid-back atmosphere and waterfront views. This neighborhood saw a 4.7 percent increase in the number of residents.

Resources: 

“Post-Pandemic Migration Trends in New York,” by Bracha Arnold (Placer.ai, 2023)

“These NYC neighborhoods are seeing a post-pandemic population boom,” by Shaye Weaver (Time Out, 2023)

“More People Are Moving to Manhattan Than Before the Pandemic,” by Sarah Holder (Bloomberg, 2022)