Moving to New York, NY

Thinking of Moving to New York?

Crowded streets, expensive rents, a competitive job market. No one ever said moving to New York was easy. After all, this is a dense city with nearly 8 million people packed into five boroughs (with more than 1.5 million living on the sliver of an island that is Manhattan). NYC is made up of immigrants coming from all over the world, with more than 76% of movers coming from another U.S. state–namely New Jersey, California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

New Yorkers will often the say the “highs are higher and the lows even lower,” and there’s much to consider when deciding whether or not to move to the Big Apple. In fact, your experience will likely be nothing like what you expect it to be. New York may not be for everyone but for many, it’s the only city they can imagine living in.

Living

While a recent report in spring 2016 showed rents in Manhattan dropping, the average rent is still $3,300 per month. That’s enough reason to think twice before moving to NYC.  Regardless of the fluctuating price tag, be prepared for the sticker shock. Often times, if a deal is too good to be true, then it really is just that. In your apartment hunt, have all your paperwork and financials together because the application process is competitive.

If you’re wondering just how to find somewhere to live when moving to New York City, we’ve got you covered with all the information you’ll need. Before you make it to NYC, be sure to familiarize yourself with the various types of apartments you will find.

One option is to find temporary housing before you move to the city. That way, you can explore and discover which borough is right for you.

Once you’ve discovered which neighborhood is for you, you want to make sure you get the most out of your money. There is a lot to consider when apartment hunting in New York City, so check out SpareFoot’s 20 Tips for Finding an Apartment in New York City.  

Transportation

New York’s sprawling system, while imperfect, transports more than 5 million around the city every day. Certain trains are more reliable than others and it’s good to be aware of weekend and night schedules, which can change because of track work. Have no fear, SpareFoot has put together a comprehensive guide for navigating the New York City subway system like a true local.

Additionally, there’s a growing bike share program called Citi Bike to take advantage of during the warmer months. The rise of transportation apps like Uber, Via, Gett and others also offer alternatives to the ubiquitous yellow cabs.

Weather

New York gives you taste of all four seasons. While winters can be bitterly cold and summers can be hot and humid, spring and fall are often the best times to be in the city. The weather can often change on a whim with a snowstorm one week and spring like conditions the next  that melts everything off the streets.

Average temperature in August (warmest month): 88°F high, 75°F low
Average temperature in January (coldest month): 39°F high, 26°F low

Economy

Numbers alone can’t tell the story of New York City’s economy. From real estate to tourism and the financial industry to fine arts, the local economy is driven by numerous industries, many of them based in the Big Apple. While certain job sectors are extremely competitive, there are many employers that have contributed to the steady increase in employment and wages. Tourism is high and real estate development keeps growing. On the other hand, New York regularly ranks as one of the country’s most expensive cities to live in.

Unemployment rate: 5.4% (as of February 2016)

Average weekly wages for all industries: $2,847 (first quarter 2015)

If you’re looking for a job in New York City, check out SpareFoot’s tips on How to Find Your First Job in New York City.

 

Getting to Know The Boroughs

The five boroughs of New York City are all unique and come with something different to offer. There are countless neighborhoods to explore throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and The Bronx.

Though real estate is especially expensive, Brooklyn has become NYC’s hippest and fastest growing borough. Queens, on the other hand, is the largest and most diverse borough in NYC with nearly 100 unique neighborhoods. If you’re looking to be in the epicenter of the arts, business or culinary scene, you may want to consider living in Manhattan. Meanwhile Staten Island, “The Borough of Parks,” is known for being the most laid back borough, fit for those who don’t want to give up their car or yard.

Not sure you found the right NYC borough for your lifestyle? You’re not alone. SpareFoot crunched the data and found that thousands of New Yorkers move from one borough to another.  Check out our New York City neighborhood guides.

Lifestyle

If you’re looking to move to New York City with your dog, you’re in luck! NYC has been rated the tenth most dog-friendly city in America. Not only are there plenty of parks to explore, but there are countless dog-friendly restaurants and events around the city to bring your dog to.  

While you’re exploring all that NYC has to offer, make sure you’re doing it like the locals! There’s a certain way New Yorkers do things, including how they speak, so be sure to learn the language. New York has its own set of common sense values and tricks for survival, so be sure to get familiar with the ways of the locals.

If you’re still feeling lost, check out SpareFoot’s ultimate guide, 30 Life Hacks For Surviving Your First Year in NYC.

Finally, your new life in the Big Apple will likely need some downsizing, so check out the Best Professional Organizers in New York City.

Time for your move? Moving to New York Checklist