New York, NY

First explored by Henry Hudson in 1604, New York was eventually settled in 1624 by Dutch settlers, who named the area New Amsterdam. In 1664, the British took control of the area and named it for the Duke of York. The city quickly became a major port and center of commerce. By 1790, it was the largest city in the country.

No matter what cuisine you're craving, what atmosphere you're looking for, or the price point you want to pay, you'll find it in NYC. The city's restaurants are plentiful and legendary, from five-star French cuisine to the best in New York style pizza. If you want to combine a little bit of history with your meal, New York City has some fantastic historic destinations. Fraunces Tavern is a National Historic Landmark, established in 1762. You can dine in the same restaurant that George Washington once used as his headquarters. Other historic restaurants include Kenns Steakhouse (1885), Katz's Delicatessen (1888), Peter Luger Steakhouse (1887), and Rao's, established in 1896 (yes, the restaurant that created that wonderful pasta sauce).

With so many fantastic restaurants in the city, do yourself a favor -- just start dining out. You'll find your favorites. (Oh, and don't forget the food trucks, corner cafes, and food carts.)

New York City is pedestrian-friendly and bicycle-friendly. The subway system provides fast, easy access throughout the entire city and is the most popular way to get around. Those living in Staten Island have access to the Staten Island Ferry, which is free. For trips to Long Island, the Long Island Railroad is available at Penn Station. The city also offers buses, and the yellow taxis are easy to hail, not to mention iconic. Other notable buildings include the Alice Austen House in Staten Island, built in 1690; the Fraunces Tavern in Lower Manhattan, built in 1719; and St. Paul's Chapel in Manhattan, built in 1764 and one of the oldest surviving churches in the state.

The best-known park in NYC is (of course) Central Park. The park was built in 1857 and covers 843 acres. It is a National Historic Landmark and was designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The park is filled with walking paths, pedestrian bridges, and benches. It features horseback-riding trails, ice-skating rinks, a conservatory, and the Central Park Zoo. Its outdoor amphitheater, the Delacorte Theater, hosts the summertime "Shakespeare in the Park" festival. The park also provides playgrounds, ball fields, the famous Belvedere Castle, and the legendary Tavern on the Green.

Renters living in New York City pay an average of $4,156/month to rent an apartment, 80% higher than the New York state average. City dwellers exploring houses for rent in New York City can expect to pay around $4,000/month. For those looking to buy, the average house is valued at $664,000, compared to the state average of $415,000. Read more on average rent in NYC.

So, where is rent cheapest in New York City?

If you're looking to save money on rent, try looking in the Bronx or Queens. Rent in the Bronx averages $2,157 for a one-bedroom apartment, while Queens has one-bedrooms for about $2,228.

As the center for the fashion industry, the shopping in NYC is legendary. From Macy's in Herald Square to Niketown to Downtown's Century 21 and Chelsea Market Baskets, there's something for everyone In the city. Of course, there's Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York to explore, as well. From corner bakeries to sidewalk cafes to some of the hottest fashion boutiques in the world, you'll find what you're shopping for in New York. Be sure to stop by the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and the 165th Street Pedestrian Mall in Queens when you feel like bargain-hunting. There are even whole neighborhoods designated as shopping enclaves. SoHo, for example, offers everything from odd to trendy to fashionable, all housed in historic buildings along cobblestone streets.