The term "outer boroughs" refers to a group of suburban areas in New York City that are located outside of Manhattan. These neighborhoods include Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. They are often referred to as the outer boroughs because they are physically separated from Manhattan by one or more bodies of water such as rivers or bays. Despite being part of New York City, these areas have their own distinct character and culture that sets them apart from the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan.