Finding a place in New York City isn’t just about scrolling through endless listings—it’s about knowing the right moves and which sites are actually worth your time to search for apartments. With thousands of properties scattered across dozens of platforms, it’s easy to hit a wall of information overload. If you’re trying to figure out where to actually look, this guide to the best websites to look for apartments in NYC cuts through the noise. Whether you’re hunting for a no-fee gem, a furnished apartment for rent, a short-term sublet, or just a roommate who won’t leave dishes in the sink, we’ve got you covered.
General Apartment Rental Websites
Zillow
Most people kick off their NYC apartment hunt on Zillow, and for good reason. It’s a massive database that covers everything from modern high-rises to older walk-ups housing. The best part of the best sites for finding apartments in NYC is the mapping tool—it’s great for comparing price points across different boroughs when you aren’t quite sure where you want to land yet.
Advantages
The real draw of Zillow is the sheer volume of listings. Because the interface is so intuitive, you can pivot between neighborhoods like Bushwick and the Upper West Side in seconds, narrowing down your search with specific filters that actually work.
Pro Tips
Zillow can be a little inconsistent in New York, as listings are sometimes outdated or duplicated. Because it aggregates data from multiple sources, some apartments may appear multiple times or remain visible even after they’ve been rented.
Apartments.com
If you’re looking for a place in the city, you’ve probably spent some time on Apartments.com, as one of the best sites for finding apartments in NYC. It’s a huge site, and they do a great job of rounding up both luxury condos and older townhouses. What people like most is that they don’t skimp on the details; having floor plans and virtual tours right there means you can narrow down your options from your couch instead of running all over town for viewings that end up being a bust.
Trulia
While most sites focus on the four walls and a roof, Trulia understands that you’re buying into a lifestyle, not just a property. It’s one of the best websites to look for apartments in NYC you go to when you want to look past the fresh coat of paint and figure out if the neighborhood actually suits you. Instead of just giving you square footage, it helps you answer the questions that keep you up at night—like whether the commute is actually doable or if the local schools are up to par.
Specialty Apartment Rental Websites
RentHop
- The Vibe: High-quality leads and fewer “zombie” listings.
- Pro Tip: It’s one of the best sites for filtering specifically for no-fee apartments, which can save you thousands upfront.
Zumper
In the high-stakes world of New York real estate, Zumper has carved out a reputation as one of the best websites to look for apartments in NYC. While they operate nationally, their New York presence is massive, specifically tailored to handle the city’s breakneck “rental season.”
- The NYC Edge: They offer a “PowerSearch” specifically for New York’s unique inventory, and their “Instarent” feature is a lifesaver here. It allows you to submit a digital application and credit report the second you walk out of an open house—a massive advantage in a market where the best units are gone in hours.
- The Vibe: Fast, mobile-first, and incredibly streamlined for the urban professional.
StreetEasy
- The Vibe: StreetEasy offers detailed filters, including a “no-fee” option and price history tracking, which helps renters compare apartments accurately.
- Pro Tip: In highly competitive neighborhoods, listings can move quickly, and some apartments may receive multiple applications within a short time.
uhomes.com
- Feature: One of the best things about uhomes.com is that the listings are 100% verified, so you actually know the apartments are real before you commit. It’s a proper solution for international students because you can sort out the whole lease online without ever setting foot in the country. Plus, the team speaks multiple languages, which takes the stress out of the process if you’re worried about communication barriers. Each listing features many photos, videos, and live streams for you to know more about the ideal apartments in New York.
- Pro Tips: Start your search early, especially if you’re renting for the fall semester in NYC, since popular areas near NYU and Columbia fill up quickly. Use the filters carefully—narrow down by neighborhood, budget, and furnishing type to save time. Reach out to an assistant if you’re unsure about lease terms, as they can help clarify details before you sign. Finally, compare a few similar listings before booking to make sure you’re getting the best value for your budget.
Leasebreak
As the name implies, Leasebreak is the ultimate marketplace for “non-traditional” durations. It’s the best website for short-term sublets, rooms for rent, or people looking for someone to take over the final 4–6 months of their lease.
- The Vibe: High flexibility lease term for digital nomads or those in a transitional phase.
- Pro Tip: Since many listings are posted by the outgoing tenants rather than brokers, you can often negotiate directly and avoid heavy fees.
Nooklyn
Nooklyn is basically the industry standard for anyone looking to plant roots in North Brooklyn, Queens, or the trendier corners of Lower Manhattan. It doesn’t feel like a dusty, corporate database; it’s built more like a social network for people who actually live and breathe the city. If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and wished finding an apartment felt that intuitive, this is your spot.
- The “Roommate” Factor: Since most people in NYC can’t afford a 3-bedroom on their own, Nooklyn lets you post a profile to find a “squad” to jump on a lease with. It takes a lot of the sketchiness out of finding a stranger to share a Bushwick warehouse or a Ridgewood walk-up.
- The Vibe: Nooklyn is actually sleek and easy to navigate. The photos are clear and realistic. It’s a massive time-saver because you get a genuine sense of the space before you commit to a cross-town trek just to realize the place looks nothing like the ad.
June Homes
- The Vibe: The biggest draw is the flexibility. By offering furnished rooms and shorter lease terms, they eliminate the typical hurdles of a traditional NYC move.
More Sites Worth Checking Out
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is essentially a digital bulletin board—a bit chaotic, but the best place to find “under-market” deals. It’s less about professional brokers and more about real people, allowing you to see exactly who you’re dealing with before you message them.
The Vibe Check: Since listings are tied to personal profiles, you can actually vet the person. Seeing mutual friends or an account that’s been active for years adds a level of accountability and trust that’s impossible to find on anonymous sites.
The Power of Groups: The real gold is usually in hyper-local groups rather than the main feed. Niche communities (like neighborhood-specific sublet pages) move fast and are usually better moderated, making them ideal for last-minute openings.
Safety First: It’s easy to post, so it’s easy to scam. If a landlord refuses an in-person tour or the price seems way too low, it’s a scam that you need to avoid.
Craglist
Craigslist is the ultimate “old-school” choice. It’s text-heavy and hasn’t changed in twenty years—but that’s exactly why it’s still useful. It remains the go-to spot for small-time “mom-and-pop” landlords who don’t want to deal with flashy apps or high listing fees.
The Direct Connection: You’re often dealing directly with the property owner rather than a corporate broker. This makes it the best place to find “under-the-radar” deals, like a rent-stabilized studio or a basement apartment that isn’t listed anywhere else.
The Reality Check: On the website, you’ll find everything from luxury brownstones to a literal couch in a hallway. You have to be willing to dig through the clutter to find the “hidden gems.”
Safety Warning: Since there’s zero vetting, the “scam-dar” needs to be on high alert. If a listing has professional stock photos and a price that’s too good to be true, it’s probably a fake. Never hand over a deposit until you’ve physically walked inside the unit.
Tips for Finding Your Ideal Apartment
- Set a realistic budget and make sure you understand all the extra costs like utilities, deposits, and possible broker fees.
- Pick a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and daily commute, not just your price range.
- Prepare your documents in advance because good apartments in NYC can be rented within a day or two.
- Try to visit the apartment in person to check the light, noise level, and overall condition.
- Read the lease carefully so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to before signing.
- Stay flexible and be ready to compromise, since finding the perfect place in NYC often takes patience.
FAQ
You can start your search on platforms like StreetEasy, Zillow, and RentHop, and also check social media or local groups where some listings aren’t widely advertised. If you find a place you like, act fast since good apartments don’t stay on the market for long. For students, uhomes.com is also a helpful option, offering verified listings and dedicated support tailored to international renters.
To find an apartment in NYC, start with rental sites like StreetEasy, check Facebook groups, ask around, and consider using a broker if needed. Keep your documents ready so you can apply quickly, and watch out for scams, especially on Craigslist. If you’re a student, uhomes.com is also a great option with verified listings and support tailored to international renters.
If you’re earning $2,000 a month, renting an apartment is possible, but it really comes down to your overall budget. A common guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your income on rent—around $600 in this case—though keeping it closer to $400–$500 would leave more room for savings and other expenses. You may need to consider having a roommate or choosing a more affordable neighborhood to make it work comfortably.
If you’re aiming for the lowest rent in NYC, February is usually a good time to look. It’s the middle of winter, demand slows down, and landlords are often more willing to negotiate. If you’d prefer a wider selection while still keeping prices reasonable, October can also be a smart time to search.
Zillow gives you a broader look at the market, covering both homes for sale and rentals through its large network, while Apartments.com focuses mainly on rentals and offers tools like virtual tours and easy online applications. Many renters like Apartments.com for its detailed listings, though some feel the site can be a bit clunky. If you’re renting, Apartments.com may feel more tailored, but for a wider real estate search, Zillow is useful—either way, it’s smart to browse both to see the most options.
