Networking & Social Scene
One of the biggest pros of living in New York City is that youre in the heart of everything. This is the city where trends are born and million-dollar ideas take root.
In fact, New York City was home to more billionaires than anywhere else in the world, before being surpassed by Beijing not too long ago.
And since everyone is hustling hard to get their piece of the pie, you will make some serious connections while living in NYC.
If youre open to meeting new people and putting yourself out there, youll find that theres never a shortage of new folks to grab dinner or drinks with.
I will add, the social atmosphere in NYC is downright addicting and has changed me. I went from hanging out with close friends once a month to grabbing drinks with friends 2 times a week after moving to New York City.
When in Rome, right?
Public Transportation Is A Must
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Over half of New York City households dont own a car and rely on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to get around. Operating 24/7, the NYC subway is often deemed the quickest and easiest way to travel throughout the city. Twenty-two trains serve 472 stations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island. There are also hundreds of local bus routes that run every 15 minutes. Most buses run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On top of all that, there are more than 70 express bus routes and 16 select service bus routes that you can take advantage of. Looking for a flight? The NYC metro has three major airportsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport , LaGuardia Airport , and Newark Liberty International Airport which served 140.5 million domestic and international travelers in 2019.
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Looking for a job in New York City? The Big Apple has many top employers and industries and a lower unemployment rate than the other top two-largest cities in the U.S., Los Angeles and Chicago. Financial services, healthcare, education, real estate, media and publishing, and information technology are all industries deeply rooted in the city. Residents looking for jobs in NYC can choose between established Fortune 500 companies and up-and-coming startups. When it comes to the best companies to work for in NYC, companies like Haven Life, Etsy, Peloton, Asana, and Noom are at the top of the list.
Housing Is Particularly Expensive
The median home cost is three times the national average and rent is some of the highest in the country. One in four New Yorkers pays more than half their income in rent. Not only will you pay through the roof for housing but be prepared to find far fewer square feet of living space than youre used to. Because much of New York Citys housing was built before WWII, youll find particularly challenging features like narrow doorways, tight stairways, and small rooms. Many apartments, especially those that have more affordable rent prices are in no elevator walk-up buildings. Make sure youre OK with hauling your groceries up four flights of stairs. Be sure to measure your new spaces to make sure your furniture will fit. Because of the limited space in so many apartments, you may want to think twice about moving a huge sectional or your king-size bed frame. Itll be way cheaper to sell it before you move rather than pay for the shipping cost while only having to unload it later.
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Did We Mention Its Walkable And Full Of Things To Do
The City that Never Sleeps never ceases to live up to its reputation. If youre looking for a hometown rife with culture, arts, and entertainment, thats always open, this is the place to be. Even better, its one of the most walkable cities in the world, and with the citys excellent public transportation system, youll probably never need a car! If youre looking for a neighborhood in the heart of all the action, be sure to check out Manhattans most walkable neighborhoods.
Despite the crowded quarters and expensive cost of living, we wouldnt trade living in New York for anything. After all, where else can you ride the Central Park carousel, get the countrys best pizza at any time of the day , or watch up-and-coming productions before they go off Broadway? If youre ready to make the move to New York City, give us a call! With over ten years of local New York and long distance moving experience, we were named Manhattans best movers for a reason. We offer all customers free quotes, transparent pricing, excellent service, and some of the most affordable moving services in NYC.
You May Have To Pay A Brokers Fee To Get An Apartment
New Yorks rental market is crazy. In order to lease an apartment, you often have to pay a brokers fee, which is equal to 10% 15% of annual rent. There are no-fee apartments out there, but competition for these is fierce .
One way to skip brokers fees is to use a service or website that puts you in touch with people searching for a roommate. While moving in with a stranger may sound odd to those from other parts of the country, it is fairly common in New York City.
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The Food In New York City Is Incredible
We cant talk about the pros of moving to New York City without mentioning the food.
Oh my goodness! If theres one thing I love most about living in NYC, its the incredible food scene.
With 69 Michelin-Starred restaurants, New York City is has the fifth-most Michelin-Starred restaurants of any city in the world. And sure, youll need a trust fund to try them all, but you know the best part?
You dont even need to eat at these fancy places to enjoy a memorable meal because NYCs culinary abilities range a diverse spectrum and you can find great cheap eats.
New York City is a melting pot of different cultures so you are privy to the best-of-the-best regarding all types of cuisine.
After living in New York City, its hard to find other cities that satisfy my cravings for good food.
I mean, lets get real real, you havent lived until you find yourself with a hot bowl of award-winning ramen at 1am. But fair warning, youll never be the same.
P.S. Im currently working on a post about the best cheap eats in NYC, so sign up for the email list to be notified when it comes out. I share gems and photos, not spam.
Read: The BEST Pizza in New York City& 12 Mouthwatering Bagels in Manhattan
Attend Events At Madison Square Garden
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Residing in the heart of Manhattan, Madison Square Garden is known as The Worlds Most Famous Arena. The venue is home to the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, St Johns Red Storm mens basketball team , and the BIG EAST Mens Basketball Tournament. But thats not all you can find at MSG! This event center has hosted all kinds of bands and musicians, as well as events like boxing matches, circuses, and graduation ceremonies for years. But the longest tenant of Madison Square Garden is Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which has held the Best in Show competitions at the Garden since 1877.
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What To Do In New York City
If you have a free day in New York City, explore some of those famous tourist attractions that locals avoid. Head to the MET, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, and more. If you want a more unique experience, check out local dives to find a great place to eat and maybe sing some karaoke?
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It Rains A Lot Even In The Summer
Despite what movies and shows depict, New York City experiences a lot of rainy days. The Big Apple gets an average of 47 inches of rain per year, which is nine inches more than the U.S. average of 38 inches.
Additionally, the average annual amount of rainy days the city gets is 121 days with May being the most rainy on average and September being the least. If you dont love the rain, then youll have to be prepared to face them once you move to the city.
Finding A Healthy Routine After Moving To New York
There is so much to do in such a vast and busy city. You have a vast array of places to eat and find entertainment, and you will never, ever know the feeling of boredom.
- Not only you are not going to get bored after moving to New York, but theres a great chance youll actually feel overwhelmed. After living fast for a while, eventually, you may feel the need to spend your weekend in front of a favorite show and your phone turned off.
- Burning out in NYC is easy to do.So when youve had enough of neon lights and nights out, turn to long walks or bike rides through Central Park or enjoy the beautiful architecture.
- Youll love the more quiet side of the city. At the end of the day, our advice is that you should admire your surroundings because chances are that the ten block radius around your home or work will be the Big Apple you experience most of the time.
- However, wherever you live in the city, youll be living in a neighborhood with diverse and rich cultural traditions.You are bound to live next door to some amazing ethnic restaurant and colorful demographic.
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Transportation: How To Get Around New York
Theres a reason NYC has the largest public transportation fleet in the world residents here rely on the MTAa bus and subway system that spans much of the cityto get around. You should consider getting a monthly pass unless you want to buy a ticket every time you ride.
Unlimited monthly MetroCards cost $127 a month, and allow you unlimited rides on all subways and buses. The subway is made up of eighteen lines, each with its own letter or number, and they are grouped by color. Numbers and letters with the same color run on similar tracks, or have shared routes, with a few different stops. For example, the B & D lines are both orange. The B train makes local stops in Manhattan, while the D train is the express. Some express trains become local at night or on weekends. It may take some time, but youll get the hang of it pretty quickly. You can get maps and all information you need on the MTAs website.
Driving is not for the faint of heart, so we recommend a cab or use a ride app if youre not feeling the public transit options. Around 45% of New Yorkers owned a car in 2018, and while there might be an increase in car ownership since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, car ownership varies greatly depending on the borough in which you live.
If you do bring a car, youll want to pay close attention to the unique street parking rules . The cost of monthly garage parking is steep, at an average of $570 a month.
Sometimes The Big Picture Is Different
Mindset. NYC is nothing like Ozeven tho cities in Oz think theyre the big smoke. Compared to NYC, theyre not.
Jack F.
Actually one really big thing.I didnt realize how much taxes would be. Federal, State, NYC, Social Security, Sales Tax plus HUGE health fund costs on a smaller salary I pay more tax than I paid on double the salary in Australia. But New York was always an adventure destination for me- I didnt come here to build wealththat would be nigh impossible unless you are in investment banking earning big bonuses or scaling your own business.
Annalie K.
Expect to have no life, no weekends and no peace, even on holidays. US work culture can be intense . Also wish Id known how soothing it can be to escape the madness of manhattan. I think it is amazing to look back at the skyline and appreciate how epic the city is. From Brooklyn for example. You dont get that as often if you live in the city.
Cal F.
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Things Every Person Should Know Before Moving To New York City
There is nothing quite like living in the Big Apple, but if youâre a new transplant to the city, it can be a little overwhelming.
Itâs been four months since I uprooted myself from Washington, DC, on a quest to see if I had what it takes to make it in Gotham. Though it took some time, I have grown acclimated to my new surroundings. However, the transition would have been markedly easier had I known a few things about life in Manhattan prior to setting up camp.
Whether you are considering moving to NYC for work or a pursuit of an incredible, new adventure, here are 15 pieces of advice that will prepare you for life in âThe City That Never Sleepsâ:
Connect With Your Community
New York has all nationalities living in it but it will feel like the loneliest place in the world if you dont find connections in your community. Connect with your community. Plant roots. For example, you can help out at a local community garden. Offer your professional assistance to a charity. Meet people, go to a bar, make it your favourite and learn your bartenders name. New Yorkers find it easy to forget a face because they live in such a jammed city with people coming and going. So make your face one to remember.
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Living In A Constant Motion
If your decision is moving to NYC, prepare yourself for the frantic lifestyle. As well as in any other metropolis, in New Yor City life is a constant rush. Running around in search of transportation and chasing deadlines will become usual. Whats more, dont be surprised if, in all that rush you meet a rude New Yorker in the street. Just learn not to take it to heart. On the other hand, if you are accustomed to the relaxed and peaceful surroundings, be prepared to change your habits. The streets of New York are noisy and teeming with life. So, when choosing a neighborhood in Manhattan or somewhere else in New York, think about all the important aspects, and choose well.
See The Authentic New York
If you want to quickly and relatively easily feel the authentic energy of New York, sneak into Central Park, especially on the weekends. Here, you can watch how New Yorkers eat on the grass, jog, enjoy in nature Our extra tip is to feel the grass on Sheeps Meadow. This famous lawn has been filled with grass to the last millimeter from the beginning of May to mid-October. And if you feel that Central Park is your thing, and you want to spend it all day there, book a table in the restaurant Boathouse. This is a great place to grab lunch or have a glass of wine by the lake. You will enjoy the beautiful view, although there are no swans and ducks .
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You Might Have To Move Several Times To Complete It
In highly populated areas of Manhattan, you can discover a new neighborhood at each block. Most people who relocate to NYC discovered that they might like a different neighborhood than the one they first moved to.
A young woman says shes lived in 3 different areas in 5 years, and now just feels at home in the East Village. Moving can cause you much stress, but after you get it done the right way, your new location will feel more like home.
Theres No Such Thing As Personal Space
When walking down the street, expect at least seven people to crash into you. This should not be viewed as a hostile or aggressive act. Rather, trick yourself into believing that itâs a friendly gesture and go about the rest of your day.
Whether youâre pressed nose-deep in the armpit of a fellow subway rider whoâs never heard of deodorant or swapping sweat with a hoard of portly individuals surrounding you in a packed club, youâll discover that no one in Manhattan pays any mind to the idea of personal space.
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Youll Need To Know The Grid System
If youre looking to move into the epicenter of the city that never sleeps, then Manhattan is where you want to go. Living in Manhattan means youll have to know the grid system so you can easily get around.
The way the grid works is that east-west routes are called streets numbered in order from south to north and routes that run north-south are called avenues. Fifth Avenue separates the east and west sides of the borough with the street numbers increasing as your move away from Fifth.
For example, 1 East 53rd Street would be east of Fifth Avenue while 1 West 53rd Street would be just west of it. Broadway is a must older road and cuts diagonally across the grid. Wherever it crosses through an avenue, the spaces are called squares such as Times Square.