NYC Boroughs: Key Takeaways
- New York City has five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island, each with its own character and lifestyle options
- A borough is a part of NYC that functions as a county and has a local board, although all are governed by the city mayor
- The confusion that the NYC boroughs are seven and not five comes from people who count nearby cities or have heard phrases like “the sixth borough”
- To choose the right borough for you and your family, think about your priorities: commute, budget, space, transit, and neighborhood atmosphere
Did you know that New York City has five boroughs, not seven? Have you wondered where the misconception comes from?
In this guide, we’ll share:
- The five NYC boroughs with their key characteristics
- What a borough actually is
- Why some people mistakenly think there are seven boroughs
- How to choose the right borough based on your needs and lifestyle
The 5 NYC Boroughs At a Glance
New York City’s five boroughs were created when the city came together in 1898. How do they differ from one another?
Manhattan
Although it spans just 23 square miles, Manhattan is the heartbeat of NYC (and arguably of the USA) when it comes to culture, finance, and media.
Its 1.6 million residents and many more curious tourists enjoy the bustle of world-class restaurants and museums as well as the unique character of neighborhoods like Harlem, SoHo, and the Upper East Side.
It offers access to every subway line but also comes with dense crowds and high costs.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is NYC’s most populous borough, with about 2.6 million residents spread over 70 square miles.
Known for its historic brownstones and waterfront parks, Brooklyn attracts artists, young professionals, and families alike.
Prices are on the rise, but you can still find more space and community than in Manhattan.
Queens
Queens has the largest area, covering about 108 square miles. It is home to over 2.4 million people.
Referred to as the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, it’s a quieter alternative to Manhattan or Brooklyn.
Two major airports, JFK and LaGuardia, variety in culture and unmatched cuisine — Queens definitely has a lot to offer.
The Bronx
The Bronx houses approximately 1.4 million residents on 42 square miles.
Known as the birthplace of hip-hop and the home of Yankee Stadium, it offers a mix of dense urban neighborhoods and expansive green spaces like the Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Is the Bronx safe? Sure, parts of it have their challenges with crime, but neighborhoods like Riverdale and Pelham Bay offer surprisingly quiet, family-friendly vibes.
Staten Island
With about half a million people calling it home, Staten Island stretches across 57 square miles and feels very different from Manhattan’s pace.
It has more open space than any other borough, plus the quiet charm of beaches and parks.
If you’re planning on moving to Staten Island, note that it lacks subway access to the rest of NYC, so you need a car to move around. This drawback is offset by its affordability and a slower pace of life.
The Meaning of a Borough in New York City
A borough is an administrative part of the city that also functions as its own county.
Each borough has a borough president and community boards, but all fall under a single citywide mayor and city council.
Why Five Boroughs, Not Seven?
You may be confused to hear that some people believe there are seven boroughs in NYC.
Where does this confusion come from?
Some people may mistakenly include nearby cities or areas like Yonkers and Jersey City.
Others talk about “the sixth borough,” a nickname used for places closely tied to the city culturally or economically; think Hoboken or Roosevelt Island.
The five boroughs were officially created in 1898 when the city was consolidated from independent towns and counties. That structure has remained unchanged ever since.
NYC Borough Fun Facts
Think you know New York City? Here are some fun facts to give you a better sense of how unique each borough really is.
- Staten Island has the highest percentage of car owners in NYC, with close to 85% of households owning a vehicle.
- Queens has more land than any other borough, with an area of 109 square miles.
- Manhattan’s grid was laid out in 1811 and hasn’t changed much since.
- The Bronx is the only borough that is part of the mainland U.S.
- Queens is the most linguistically diverse place on Earth, with over 150 languages spoken daily.
- If Brooklyn were a separate city, its 2.6 million+ residents would make it the third-largest city in the U.S. by population after Los Angeles and Chicago.
- Queens is the home to NYC’s two major airports: JFK and LaGuardia.
How To Choose a Borough if You Are Moving or Visiting
Every borough has its own rhythm: What feels like home to one person might feel totally off to another. If you’re moving to NYC, you may want to consider the following:
- Want to be near work or nightlife? Choose Manhattan or Brooklyn.
- Need more space on a budget? Try Queens or Staten Island.
- Prioritizing good public transit? Manhattan, Brooklyn, and parts of Queens are ideal.
- Are you a fan of culture and community? Check out the Bronx or Queens.
- Prefer quiet, suburban vibes? Staten Island or eastern Queens may be your best choice.
Remember: boroughs are big. Explore individual neighborhoods and choose the one that feels like it’s yours.
Picked Your Borough? Let Imperial Make Your Move Easy
You’ve finally decided on your future NYC home or office. Now you’re looking forward to moving to that peaceful corner of Queens or the cozy brownstone in Brooklyn.
Your next step is getting your belongings there, ideally fast and without stress.
Thinking that’s not possible? Think again. Imperial Movers will prove otherwise.
We’ve moved everything from studio apartments in Harlem to three-story walkups in the Bronx, so yes, we’ve seen it all.
Our experienced team handles moves of every size with care, speed, and zero surprises, offering flexible scheduling and transparent pricing.
For those who are too busy or just need extra help, we offer full-service options including storage, packing, and unpacking.
NYC Boroughs: FAQs
What are the five boroughs of New York City?
New York City has five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each one is both a borough and a county within the state of New York.
Why do some people say there are seven boroughs in NYC?
Some people confuse nearby areas like Yonkers, Jersey City, or Nassau County with official boroughs, or they refer to the “sixth borough” as a cultural term. Officially, there are only five boroughs in NYC.
What’s the difference between a borough and a neighborhood?
A borough is a large administrative division of New York City. In turn, each borough contains many neighborhoods. For example, Harlem and Tribeca are neighborhoods in the borough of Manhattan.
Does each borough have its own government?
No. The five boroughs share the same mayor and city council. However, each of them has an individual borough president and local community boards that are responsible for neighborhood-specific questions.
Can I move between boroughs easily?
Yes. Moving between boroughs is common and convenient. Subways and ferries are your best friends here. If you’re driving, bridges link everything together, even though the traffic may test your patience.
Is it expensive to live in NYC boroughs?
Some boroughs, like Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, are expensive. Others, like Queens, Staten Island, and sections of the Bronx are more affordable.
Which borough is best for families?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Queens and Staten Island have lots of space, quieter neighborhoods, and good schools. Brooklyn and parts of the Bronx are popular for their strong family communities.
Which is the borough with the best public transportation?
Manhattan has the most subway lines and frequent service. Brooklyn and parts of Queens offer good public transportation. Staten Island relies mostly on buses and the ferry.
Are NYC boroughs good for remote workers?
Yes. Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island have quiet neighborhoods, more space, and often lower rent. All this allows you to set up a comfortable home office.
Can I live in one borough and work in another?
Absolutely! Many New Yorkers live in Queens or Brooklyn and commute to Manhattan daily. Keep commute times and transit options in mind when choosing where to live.
