Forget Brooklyn! These 4 Cities Feel Like Authentic New York Boroughs With Less Crowds

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No matter how you arrive, there’s nothing like walking up the steps from the bowels of a subway tunnel straight into the buzz of New York City streets.

It’s certainly not for everyone, though. For me, New York is one of my favorite places on the planet, but on the same token, Times Square might be my least favorite place on Earth.

The nonstop chaos of Manhattan drives many tourists to the other four boroughs, mainly Brooklyn, for more inviting neighborhoods and breathing room.

When you visit New York this summer, try to challenge yourself to go beyond a scenic stroll through Central Park, waiting for hours on end at trendy Harlem restaurants, or simply following the same curated itineraries repeated millions of times.

Easily accessible by train are 4 other cities with authentic New York borough vibes without the constant honking taxis, elbow to elbow sidewalks, and who-knows-what stench on the subway.

Okay…that last part might still be there…

The point is there’s more than meets the eye on the outskirts of the “Big Apple” and this summer you should take a bite!

Greenwich, Connecticut

It’s time to flip the script on a common commuter town. Greenwich, Connecticut feels like an extension of New York City’s finest neighborhoods with far fewer crowds and no overpriced chain restaurants.

Greenwich is a lovely city roughly an hour by train from Manhattan, boasting elegant features like its upscale boutiques and high-end restaurants on Greenwich Avenue, which is essentially a Mom & Pop version of New York’s famous 5th Avenue.

You’ll find distinct neighborhood character as you would in Brooklyn with rows of picturesque brick homes and lush parks, but absolutely no touristy vibes.

Of course, there’s no denying that pizza is one of New York’s many claims to fame, but Connecticut might be even more well-known for this global delight. Anything beats the $1 slice shops claiming to be pizza when it’s more like a combination of processed cheese and cardboard crust.

While world-renowned Sally’s is located in New Haven, you can still find true Connecticut pizza in Greenwich at Grigg Street Pizza, featured on Diners, Drive-ins &and Dives.

Yonkers, New York

The Bronx is New York’s grittiest borough and oftentimes tourists are too sketched out to venture beyond 149th Street, even as the entire district is practically a world tour of arts and culinary masterpieces.

Yonkers is a great alternative an hour train ride away with similar edgy vibes, but feels safer with a welcoming, revitalized waterfront, eye-catching artistry, and downtown’s historic Getty Square.

If you want to feel the real pulse of New York and not what’s portrayed on Wall Street and Times Square, Yonkers is the place for you.

See firsthand the typical no-nonsense attitude, the resilience of diverse communities, and historic neighborhoods, all of which exist here — a far cry from Times Square’s neon glow. This is real New York.

But, you can still find fine dining, craft breweries, and scenic park strolls along the Hudson just as you would among many hidden spots in Manhattan.

Hoboken, New Jersey

The “Mile Square City” is a small town hugging the Hudson River with sweeping NYC skyline views.

Easy to reach and well worth the quick trip, Hoboken offers visitors lively streets, historic landmarks, and a palpable small-city vibe with big-city amenities.

It truly feels like another side of New York, on the other side of the river, with beautiful brownstones and an array of classic eateries.

Plus, is there anything more New York than Frank Sinatra? Ol’ Blue Eyes, as he was known, is considered the unofficial son of Hoboken, and you can snap a pic with the Frank Sinatra Statue in rightfully named Sinatra Park, where there’s also free summer concerts.

Hoboken offers visitors immense history, diverse culture, and often cheaper prices than you’ll find in the “City That Never Sleeps”.

Jersey City, New Jersey

Out of all 4 cities we’re unveiling here, Jersey City is the only one dubbed New York’s “sixth borough”.

“JC”, as many locals call it, is a thriving suburb that feels just like New York with stunning waterfront views, epic eats, captivating history, and a thriving arts scene that mirror’s New York’s creative pulse.

The city is gleaming with vibrant murals and random art installations that might have you going full head tilt like cute puppies we all see on TikTok.

And if you thought New York’s official boroughs were a melting pot of cultures and traditions, you haven’t been to Journal Square (a.k.a. India Square), one of the biggest surprising delights I’ve had in all my travels; a district boasting an impressive concentration of authentic Indian restaurants and festive events.

You can also do like I have in the past and use JC as a loophole for NYC’s insane hotel rates. For sample size, book 4-star Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson this summer for just $166.

Good luck with that in Manhattan or Brooklyn.