Do you plan on moving to New York? Any New Yorker will tell you it is one of the most incredible places to live.
It offers plenty of employment opportunities, great entertainment, and shopping opportunities. However, it requires some getting used to, especially if you are visiting for the first time or from a small city. Here are a few tips for making your move to New York easy.
1. Prepare for the Expensive Lifestyle
Many New Yorkers have roommates because the cost of living is unusually high. It’s not just housing either-almost all bills are higher in NYC. This includes food, entertainment, and alcohol. You can expect your budget to increase significantly as you move, so you’ll need to plan for it ahead.
2. Declutter or Rent a Storage Unit
The apartments in New York can be very small. If you’re used to big homes, they might feel even smaller. Unless you’re good at being minimalist, you probably won’t have room for everything.
It would be best to add storage units to your monthly budget. If you don’t need something at home, you can probably do without it.
3. Learn the subway Map
Fortunately, New York is one of the few American cities where you don’t need a car. Walkscore.com ranks it as one of the most walkable cities in the country, with a score of 88.
Also, if you don’t mind spending the money, you will spot a taxi everywhere you look. The city’s mass transit system is huge and efficient. However, the subway system is the star of the show.
It can be a little confusing at first, so you would be smart to download the system map to your phone. You could also get a paper version and keep it in your pocket. Note that public transport will also add a little more to the budget.
4. You May Need to Pay a Brokerage Fee for an Apartment
The New York rental market can be hectic. To rent an apartment, you have to pay a “broker’s fee” of 10 to 15 percent of the annual rent. There are free apartments, but the competition can get fierce.
One way to avoid brokerage fees is by using a service or website that links you up with others looking for roommates. You might find this concept strange if you are new to the city.
Living with a stranger is not always appealing for people in other parts of the country. In New York, however, it can be necessary.
5. Mortgage Financing
If you choose to get mortgage financing, there are plenty of great lenders. Usually, you can get a loan by sending out an online application. The rates are fair and not different from financing your mortgage anywhere else.
6. The Avenues are Longer Than City Blocks
New York city blocks (especially in Manhattan) are rectangular rather than square. The streets are 250 feet apart, and they run east to west.
Avenues run north-south and are usually spaced 750 feet apart, or about three times the length of a standard block. Therefore, when someone says they’re four avenues away, they’re actually much farther than you may think.
7. New York Has Five Boroughs
The five boroughs of New York are:
- Manhattan,
- Brooklyn,
- Queens,
- Bronx,
- Staten Island.
Each one feels like a separate town and has unique neighborhoods. Queens is the largest one, and Brooklyn has the highest population. Manhattan is the most costly. Every borough has its own culture, and there is a lot to discover.
8. People Walk Fast
If you want to stroll, you must look for a park. The sidewalks in New York are fast-paced and no one apologizes for pushing you along. Some people walk so fast that they disregard traffic lights. You must get into the habit if you hope to fit in.
9. There are Beaches In New York
New York has a few beautiful beaches. You don’t have to hike to the Jersey Shore to build sandcastles. The alternative is to take the subway to places like Rockaway Beach and Coney Island.
10. There Are Quiet Residential Areas
New York is synonymous with taxis, unbearable traffic jams, annoying crowds, and noise. However, not much of the city is like that at all. Far from the city center, you will find beautiful residential areas, open fields, calm driveways, and even grassy areas
If you like some time away from the stresses of the busy city life, you should have no trouble finding it.
11. It Isn’t as Intimidating as It Seems
One of the first things you’ll hear about New York is that it can be very intimidating. However, it can be pretty friendly. The people aren’t as mean as they are portrayed, and the pace of life is not too fast. There are plenty of opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them.
12. Pick Your Ideal Neighborhood
Choose the neighborhood that’s most suitable for your needs. Your choice affects the quality of your life. The neighborhoods are dynamic and each one has a distinct character.
Manhattan has a high turnover of residents, and Queens has a high quality of life. Every borough has its unique benefits and challenges. Rochester, on the other hand, is a great neighborhood option if you’d prefer a more tranquil lifestyle than that of New York City. Parks and other outdoor attractions complement the city’s thriving arts community to provide a more calm environment for tourists and locals alike. Everything you need is in close proximity, from public transportation to groceries to local repair service centers and beyond.
If you plan on moving to New York, the above tips should guide you. Even though the city can be tricky, it has plenty of benefits. Take advantage of the above suggestions to improve your stay.
We hope you found this blog post on Moving to New York Made Easy useful. Be sure to check out our post on 10 Things to Remember Before Moving House for more great tips!
Have Experience in the Moving Industry? Want an Additional Income Stream? Work With Us!
We have created a program that will allow moving relocation consultants to take your professional career to the next level from the comfort of your remote location. We’ll help every step of the process. Click here to learn more!
