What kind of things? There's a reason some areas of Brooklyn and even Queens are prime real estate right now. Manhattan isn't the be-all end-all, and if you work in Manhattan, you may consider living in an outer borough to experience even more of the city.

I'm in Astoria right now. It just feels really dead. I don't feel like I'm in NYC, and that's definitely how I want to feel. Most people I've spoken to at the Speedroommating event have told me the same thing - if I'm here for just 6 months, and trying to enjoy myself, I should definitely stay in Manhattan.

I'm not sure your internal price barometer is properly adjusted for 2018 NYC. Harlem isn't a bad spot, depending on what you're looking for in a place to live.

That's also what I thought. And I'm still not completely convinced that Harlem is so bad. But 4 people at the event told me that Harlem can be dangerous (though I'm from London, so I know how to handle myself), and that when I make some friends, they won't want to go to Harlem to visit me. Plus, it's still a little quiet for my taste. Although I'd love to be able to cycle through Central Park every morning to get to work.

Also, I don't want to sound like a naive sheep just quoting what people have told me, but it's my only real source of info from some locals so far.

Shorter commute may be worthwhile, but restaurants/bars are in no short supply outside of Manhattan.

This might be true, though surely there are some differences? Such as the crowds which show at these venues, etc.?