Best place for me to live in New York City?

Limiting to just Manhattan, you sound like the kind of person who would appreciate Turtle Bay. It is a neighborhood on the east side south of where the United Nations is located, and you could probably do it within your price cap. Good area, and safe. Slightly less desirable would be its west side equivalent, Chelsea. If a large park is important, look at the western part of Inwood aat the northern tip of Manhattan. Personally I like Morningside Heights.

If you've got 3K/mo then I would recommend the Upper West side or Chelsea. Those are my fav's in Manhattan. I grew up in midtown east and morning side heights. If you want to save some money, Washington Heights is ok by the hospital. Good luck

You aren't getting a pistol permit in NYC anyway. We have a mayor that sends undercover cops out of state and lectures Virgina and Ohio about gun laws. Before you consider moving to Yankeeville come for a visit and meet with a realtor or at least check out the listings in the paper. Manhattan apartments are hard to come by and people tend not to give up a good one. Consider the outer boroughs. Queens,Brooklyn, Bronx ? eh. Good luck and take off that Red Sox hat.

If you're looking to strictly live in Manhattan, my favorite neighborhood is the South Village. It's beautiful there, calm and cozy. All of the West Village and Chelsea is also really nice too, that whole area is a good place to live. Waterside Plaza, Turtle Bay, Rose Hill, and the Upper West Side are all wonderful neighborhoods to live in as well. All of these areas are safe, have a lot of restaurants, etc. and you won't need a car because of the subway. If you would consider living in another borough, Astoria, Queens and Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope are also really good neighborhoods as well. I personally love Astoria, it's really a beautiful place. If you need more info or help with anything else, feel free to e-mail and I will gladly help you with any questions you have.