Nakano-ku is a west-side ward near Shinjuku, with plenty of room to adjust. The Nakano and Chuo Line side keeps Shinjuku access and daily shopping simple; the Higashi-nakano and Sakaue side is a calmer bridge toward Shinjuku, the Marunouchi Line, and central work routes; and the Seibu Shinjuku Line side gives more room on budget, local streets, and room size. Nakano, Higashi-nakano, and Nakano-sakaue all keep Shinjuku close while widening the choices.
Nakano Station is the easiest first image, with Shinjuku access, shopping, food, and daily errands all close together, while Higashi-nakano and Nakano-sakaue suit people who want Shinjuku close without the station-front energy, and Nogata and Numabukuro help when the popular Chuo Line stations get too tight on rent or size. Keep Shinjuku access while widening into practical choices, rather than treating Nakano as only a cheaper Shinjuku — the station line you choose changes the daily life, so compare Shinjuku, Suginami, and Toshima-side options too.