Discovering the Best Farmers Market in Your NYC Neighborhood

By: ROS Team

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The best farmers market in NYC is different for everyone. Some individuals choose to shop at the Union Square Greenmarket because it is more convenient, while others prefer to go out of their way and visit one of the city’s boroughs.

Regardless, there are numerous options throughout NYC where you can get fresh, local produce at a fraction of the cost—while also supporting small farms.

Why Shop at Farmers Markets?

There are many reasons you should shop at farmer’s markets. First, they’re a great way to get fresh, healthy food.

Second, they support local farmers and businesses by providing an outlet for their goods and services.

Thirdly (and perhaps most importantly), shopping at farmer’s markets helps keep money in your community by supporting the local economy rather than sending it out of state or overseas where it may never be seen again!

Criteria for Choosing the Best Farmers Market

To help you find the best farmers market in your neighborhood, we’ve developed a list of criteria. We considered the location and variety of food, as well as quality and price.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Farmers Market
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  • Location: Where is the farmer’s market located? Is it near public transportation, or does it require driving or taking Uber/Lyft? Are there parking options nearby for those who need them (and are willing to pay for them)? Can people easily walk to the market from their apartment building or office building without feeling unsafe along the way?
  • Variety: What kinds of food do they have at this farmers market compared with others nearby? Are they selling produce only–or also meat, eggs, dairy products, and other items like wine or coffee beans that might not be available elsewhere in town yet but would be interesting if available locally at one place only instead of having multiple vendors selling similar things under different names throughout NYC which makes shopping confusing when trying new recipes!

Top Farmers Markets in NYC Neighborhoods

Top Farmers Markets in NYC Neighborhoods
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1. Union Square Farmers Market, Union Square Park

The Union Square Farmers Market has been in operation since 1976 when it was created by a group of local residents who wanted to promote fresh food to their community.

It has grown exponentially over the years and now attracts up to 140 farmers, bakers, and fishers each week.

The market features all kinds of produce (veggies, cheese, meat/eggs), bread, plants, and flowers, as well as honey made on-site by beekeepers who sell their products there too!

If you’re searching for something unique, such as homemade jam or jellies, Union Square Market is the place to go!

2. The 79th Street Greenmarket, Upper West Side

The 79th Street Greenmarket is located on the Upper West Side behind The Museum of Natural History, and it’s open on Sundays from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM.

This year-round market features a wide variety of produce, including hand-picked, organic apples from Upstate New York, raw honey from Pennsylvania, and handmade goat’s milk soap.

It also offers over 50 different vendors selling everything from organic vegetables to artisan bread to fresh fish caught off Long Island Sound.

3. The 82nd Street Greenmarket, Upper East Side

The weekly market is open every Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm and has over 100 vendors. It’s located in Central Park at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, so it’s free to enter!

This location is convenient for both locals and tourists, as you can walk there from any place on this side of town (through numerous neighborhoods). And even better? The market is open, rain or shine!

4. Tompkins Square Greenmarket, East Village

Tompkins Square Greenmarket is one of the oldest farmers markets in New York City, and it’s located at Ave A & Tompkins Square, E 7th St, New York

There are 10 stores in this market that sell produce, cheese, apple cider doughnuts, and other food items made by local farmers and small-batch producers.

You’ll also find bread from Balthazar Bakery as well as fish from Murray’s Sturgeon Shop & Seafood Market.

The market also hosts free cooking demonstrations throughout the season, seasonal celebrations like Oktoberfest or Halloween Trick-or-Treat Night; family-friendly activities like story time with authors at Readings Bookstore & Cafe — all within walking distance!

5. Fort Greene Park Greenmarket, Fort Greene

For those who prefer to shop for their produce in a more relaxed environment, Washington Park & Dekalb Ave, 11201, is the perfect place. The market is open Saturdays from 8 am – 3 pm year-round and offers fresh produce, seafood, mushrooms, and other goods from local vendors.

The quality of fruits, vegetables, meats (including duck breast), jams/jellies/preserves/potted plants is better than anything else in Brooklyn. Plus the prices are often cheaper, especially for fruits and vegetables

6. The Sunnyside Greenmarket, Long Island City

Sunnyside Greenmarket is a great place to shop for fresh produce and fish. The market is open Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm, year-round. Skillman Ave btwn 42nd & 43rd Ave, Sunnyside, NY (map).

The vendors here are friendly, and if you are early enough, it isn’t too crowded. They have Mexican produce and herbs, cider (from Honeycrisp apples), seasonal fruit, fresh-caught fish (on Fridays), eggs from chickens raised on Long Island City rooftops…the list goes on!

Farmers’ Markets Are a Great Way to Get Fresh, Healthy Food!

Farmer’s markets are an excellent source of fresh, healthful food. Farmers’ markets bring you face-to-face with local farmers who can tell you where your food comes from and how it is farmed.

Farmer’s markets are a wonderful place to start if you want to help your local town and economy!

Final Words

We hope you found this list of top farmers’ markets useful, and we wish you the best of luck in your hunt for the greatest farmers market in your area. Please share any more recommendations or questions about our list in the comments area below!