Celebrities have long been intertwined with the hustle and bustle of New York City. From the earliest days of Hollywood to the most modern stars, these big names in entertainment often flock to NYC, giving fans a chance to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars and the chance to experience all that the city has to offer.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the biggest celebrities who call NYC their home. From red-carpet ready performers to world-renowned athletes, here is a list of some of the most recognizable figures who currently reside in the Big Apple.
A-List Celebrities Living in NYC
With so many successful performers, actors, and entertainers living in the same city, it’s no surprise that New York plays host to a number of A-list celebrities. From frequent red carpet appearances at the Met Gala to attending press events and award shows, the following big names of the big screen are among the many celebrities that live in NYC.
- Jennifer Lopez
A staple of the NYC entertainment scene, Jennifer Lopez got her start in the Bronx and hasn’t left since. In addition to her booming career on the silver screen, Lopez is also a fixture in the fashion world and on the NYC nightlife circuit.
- Robert De Niro
A frequent collaborator of Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro is a one of the most revered actors of all time. As a consistent resident of NYC, he has had a hand in a number of Broadway productions, filmed some of the most memorable movies of all time, and opened the legendary Tribeca Film Festival.
- Taylor Swift
She may have started off as a country singer from Nashville, but Taylor Swift decided to make the jump to the big city in 2014 by purchasing an extravagant townhouse on one of the most prestigious streets in NYC. Now firmly grounded in NYC, not only does she attend cultural events, but also writes and records her most recent hits.
- Leonardo DiCaprio
One of the most recognizable stars of the film industry, Leonardo DiCaprio has grown accustomed to NYC since the 1980s. In addition to exquisite film roles, the star is also a major donor to local charities and has visited numerous cultural touchstones in the city, including Coney Island, the Met, and other tourist attractions.
- Sarah Jessica Parker
The popular star of Sex and The City and Divorce is a well-known resident of NYC. From having dinner at some of the city’s fanciest restaurants to having a walk through Central Park, the multi-talented star has become ubiquitous in the city. Despite not having the same level of visibility as her Sex and The City costar, Kim Cattrall, she remains one of the biggest celebrities living in the city.
Famous Athletes Living in NYC
In addition to the many actors and entertainers living in NYC, the Big Apple is also home to a number of big name athletes. From Super Bowl betting winning cornerbacks to former MVPs, these star athletes have embraced the city and its many perks.
- Tom Brady
The only athlete to feature on this list, Tom Brady is arguably the biggest name in sports. After leaving the New England Patriots in March 2020, Brady moved to the city permanently with his wife and kids. In the short time he has been in NYC, he has already developed a huge following of fans.
- Alex Rodriguez
The former MLB player and current sports commentator has been a resident of NYC since 2004. In addition to his regular duties as a sports analyst, Rodriguez is also part owner of two local businesses, a restaurant and a catering company, as well as having regular charity events in the city.
- Mike Piazza
The former Mets player is not just any average baseball player. In addition to being one of the greatest hitting catchers of all time, Piazza is also a local New York resident. Despite retiring in 2008, Piazza is still a major figure in both the city and the game and has been spotted at various Mets games in NYC.
- Eli Manning
Having just retired from the Giants in 2020, Eli Manning is another big name athlete who called NYC home. After being drafted in 2004, Manning moved to the city and quickly became one of the most beloved players in Giants history. He remains an influence in NYC, as he can often be seen attending charity events and enjoying the many sights and sounds of the city.
- Carmelo Anthony
For over a decade, Carmelo Anthony was not just a figure in the NBA, but also a New York staple. After being traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Knicks, Anthony instantly became one of the biggest figures in the city and, until 2019, could be seen at all the major NYC attractions, from the theater to the nightlife scene.
Celebrity Chefs in the Big Apple
While many visitors to the city flock to the restaurants of celebrity chefs, the number of big names coming to NYC each day has risen steadily in recent years. The following list of culinary superstars will ensure that taste buds are forever standing to attention.
- Mario Batali
Batali is one of the biggest chefs in NYC, as evidenced by the two iconic markets he opened in the city. Now a Two-time James Beard Award Winner and New York Times best-selling author, his restaurants continue to be some of the hottest places to eat in the city.
- Gordon Ramsay
Another celebrity chef to make the move to NYC is British star Gordon Ramsay. The star’s numerous hands-on cooking classes and events in the city have made him even more accessible and beloved amongst the city’s culinary scene.
- Bobby Flay
Having opened some of the most successful full-service restaurants in the city, Bobby Flay is also one of the most recognizable chefs in NYC. As both a restaurateur and television star, Flay’s businesses draw the highest levels of praise, continually packing in fans and critics alike not just from the city, but from around the world.
- Tom Colicchio
Colicchio has been a major part of the NYC cooking scene for over 30 years. With popular restaurants and TV shows, the chef has become known for his signature take on modern American cuisine. Not only is Colicchio considered one of the top 50 chefs in the world, but he’s also an advocate for human and food rights.
- Jean-Georges Vongerichten
Vongerichten is one of the most esteemed and celebrated chefs in not just the city, but the world. He has owned a number of popular restaurants around the world and has been the owner of two slightly different restaurants of the same name in NYC since 1989. Vongerichten’s stylish take on classic French cuisine inevitably stands out and as such, many of his restaurants have won critical acclaim.
Famous Residents Who Spend Time in NYC
The celebrity figures who frequent NYC go well beyond the stars who call the city their permanent home. From big names in the music industry to models and influencers, the city has become the ultimate destination for many a star-studded affair.
- Rihanna
Born and raised in Barbados, Rihanna has had her sights set on the big city since her early teens. She has used her star power in the city, from attending fashion shows and sporting events to visiting some of the city’s top museums and attractions.
- Kanye West
Although born in Atlanta, Kanye West has been a frequent visitor to NYC since the early 2000s. Before buying a luxurious apartment in 2019, the superstar rapper was often spotted shopping on Fifth Avenue and visiting the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
- Gigi Hadid
The popular supermodel had her start in NYC, where she attended consistently public appearances, walked the runways, and participated in photo shoots. While she may have moved to Los Angeles full-time, Hadid still visits NYC on occasion to attend major fashion shows, as well as events she has partnered with.
- Kim Kardashian
The reality TV star and entrepreneur is no stranger to the streets of NYC. It was not just filming sessions for Keeping Up With the Kardashians that brought Kim to the city, but also important business meetings, store openings, red carpet appearances, and charity events. recently, Kim and her husband, Kanye, have opened their first philanthropic venture, Yeezy House, in NYC.
- Mark Zuckerberg
The founder and CEO of Facebook is nothing if not busy, and NYC has long been the corporate home for the tech giant. Zuckerberg often visits the city for meetings and conferences, as well as rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest tech figures from around the world.
New York City has long been a draw for some of the biggest celebs in the entertainment and sports worlds. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the biggest stars who call NYC home, as well as those who visit the city on a regular basis.
