Nyc
 

I did a search and didn't find any informational NYC threads. I'm looking to move to NY on or around the beginning of September, and I need all the advice/tips I can get!

I haven't totally scoped out the area yet and need some tips on locations and pricing. What are the worst areas to stay away from? Any leads on good places to check out that aren't astronomical (price-wise) would be appreciated!!!

Anything that you'd like to share would surely be helpful... Tips on jobs that aren't hard to come across ('just until you're settled' kind of thing..) would be great too.

I live in the NY metro area.. not in NYC. I kind of avoid NYC at all costs, so I may be the wrong one to chime in here! Maybe someone who likes NYC can give another perspective.. but I'm being upfront in telling you that there is no amount of money you could pay me to live in NYC.

Having said that, there are some people who love it and wouldn't dream of living anywhere else. So take what I say and balance it with opinions from others.

If you're moving to NYC, remember that it's not "Sex in the City." That was a TV show, and not how it really is. Don't move because you have some fantasy of the city. TV is not real life. Move for the right reasons-- like a huge job offer.

THE GOOD tons to do, the city literally never sleeps. Great restaurants, amazing shows, fabulous museums, lots of culture, etc. etc. Salaries tend to be a lot higher for professionals, however, so is the cost of living. You will find a hypnotic energy in the city, and a lot of very interesting and unique people.

THE BAD be prepared to pay through the nose for everything. Good luck finding an apartment, and get ready to pay top dollar to live in a six story walk up apartment the size of a closet. Groceries are more expensive... and forget about owning a car in the city. You will pay a couple hundred dollars per month just to garage it, and tons at the pump. If you don't want to garage it, learn about alternate side of the street parking. Buy a clunker, because everyone will bash into you when you park on the street to "create" their own space.

You'll find people are very rushed and generally not nearly as friendly as in the south. (My personal opinion after having lived in the north and the south) There is also still quite the homeless problem, and lots of crime.

Taxes are very high. But you can always take a day trip to NJ where there is no sales tax on clothes.

The weather is awful. You have about 10 months of cold, rainy, snowy, or bone chilling weather, and two months of hot and humid weather. You will get a few nice days here and there. The spring is gorgeous (when it's not raining) as is the fall.

I would STRONGLY advise against moving to NYC without a job or a place to live. This city can chew you up and spit you out.

Instead, how about taking an extended vacation here (you can get a cheap room at the Yonkers YMCA) and see if this place is really for you. Go job hunting and apartment shopping BEFORE you make your move. Ride around in the subways and take buses. Talk to people.

Why am I still up here? My career. Nothing more. I would move in a second if I could, but I have "golden handcuffs."

I'm curious as to why you have decided to make such a move?

What She Just Said!!!:)

If dont have to, do not go!

If You go, have $$$$$!

NYC is a different Animal completely!

If You do, Good Luck!:)

Very well thought out response, I must say. I grew up in NY originally - upstate. I've been to the city numerous times for days here and there, as well as a week or two at a time, on occasion. That's always been to visit others, or school related, so I never really looked into prices for things, nor did I bother to learn the layout and all the bouroughs. I personally love the city and wholeheartedly believe that once I do get back out that way, I will be one that 'Wouldn't dream of leaving', as you said.

Living where I live now is something I don't plan on doing for much longer. It's a very small community, very tightly woven with generations of the families around every corner. I didn't grow up here, I don't have family here (except my dad), and there is not a lot of growth potential. Also, I don't like the midwest, and I don't like that I have to drive an hour to the closest ANYTHING (concert venue, mall, good restaurant, etc). Three hours to Indy, three hours to Chicago.

To be honest with it, if the city was like how it is on Sex in the City, I'd probably run the other way and possibly move somewhere comparable to Idaho. :)

Not having a car would be MORE than alright with me. As it is now, I live "downtown" and walk absolutely everywhere but to work (about a ten minute drive, just a hair too far to walk, especially in inclimate weather). I don't enjoy the upkeep, the crappy gas mileage, or the payment/insurance I have to spend. So, to hell with the car!

As far as people being rushed and not as friendly as other places (especially the South)... Perhaps this is the east coast coming out of me, but... That doesn't bother me. Birds of a feather, or so they say.... (I'm not from the South)...

What else... Ah yes.. Hot weather?? Don't mind it for short periods, but would never want to live somewhere 'warm' or 'tropical'. Rain - eh, doesn't bother me too much, they make umbrellas for a reason. LOVE snow. Like cold weather.

I fully intend on trying my hardest to line up a worthwhile job and living arrangements beforehand, but if not... What happens, happens. That being a big reason why I'm trying to research a few things and find out about different neighborhoods, prices, etc - - before I go out there in person (to look) and commit to anything. I like to try to be informed and look before I leap, and I find most of the best information comes from locals. That's why I came here to ask.

Hope this clears a few things up. It's something I've wanted to do for so long and I'm now going to make it happen. I just hope it all goes as smooth as possible. Thanks so much for your help!

Living here in NYC is my dream come true! It def. is not SATC but it really is a great place to live.

There are many pros & cons to living here but it's a place I wouldn't trade for anything. As much as people complain about living here, it's probably who really DO NOT live here. Sure there are downsides to the city, like it being expensive, but that's city life.

I have been very lucky when it comes to apts and while I live outside of Manhattan, I know plenty of Manhattanites who have found great deals on their apts. Car expenses are costly but I like many other people don't have a car and pay $76 for a monthly bus/subway card. That's really not that bad of a transportation cost is it?

People complain about the winter here but well isn't that what makes winter winter? It's comfortable weather for fall & spring which are really beautiful seasons here! The leaves changing colors, the flowers blooming. There's a give and take with weather anywhere you go.

As far as friendliness goes, yes people can be rude during certain times of the day such as rush hour or if they can tell you're a tourist but eh that's life. Recently tho I have seen a different side of the city. My boyfriend has been on crutches for the last 3 months & people have really been SO polite & nice to him. In general too, I haven't see all that much rudeness. Homelessness & crime exist but it's better than years ago.

I wouldn't reccommend just moving here with no plan like a job and a place to live, but if you can get that secured, it's a great place to live!

There's gotta be some other pro-NYCers here!!!

Worth repeating. I only lived there while taking training, and I don't know how I would have afforded it without a paid apartment and per diem!

The good part is if you're not in great physical shape, or just not used to walking a lot - you WILL learn, quite quickly! The blocks are usually easily navigated (I walked daily from 60th Street to 5th Street).

Also, with all the "beautiful people", you tend to be fussier about your appearance, which means you spend more money to look good, and haven't you been a good girl, why not buy another pair of Pradas? A fun read about a woman (with a good job) who moved to NYC is Save Karyn : One Shopaholic's Journey to Debt and Back. It's really easy to say, "Oh, I'd never do that!", but you'd be surprised.

I lived in a paid apartment, as I said, at the foot of the World Trade Center. Nasty, nasty neighborhood - if I worked late, and took a cab home, many cab drivers were loath to let me out! The apartment had 2 bedrooms, a livingroom/kitchen, and a deck, and cost $2,750/month normally. The elevator only went to the floor below us, and we had to walk the last long flight (24 steps). It's not bad, unless you happen to be carrying something, like groceries. And yet, this is just a few blocks from Wall Street! The Upper West Side, while not as "classy" as the Upper East Side, is almost affordable, especially if you can find a roommate.

Good luck - but get the job BEFORE moving!!

This was typed while I was typing - I will never regret the time I lived in NYC, because it's a wonderfully amazing growth experience - just as I will never regret my time in DC. I do believe in realism, though. For every beautiful shot of ice skaters at Rockefeller Plaza, or a kiss on top of the Empire State Building, there's the daily slush, street cleaners running amok, and "I cannot take the smell of decaying garbage in the heat one more second!!!" moments.

NYC is a great city. I grew up in a suburb of NYC, I currently live in a different suburb, and I work in Manhattan.

I agree with blueangel. Don't move to NYC without a plan. Find a job and somewhere to live, before you move.

The farther you live from the city, the lower your housing expenses will be (as well as living expenses in general), but the longer your commute will be.

Good luck.

NYC?

I think I'll love that place, I heard it's kinda like Chicago but better. But boo on the weather, and there's no such thing as surfing there.

If you move to socal, I'll be your roommate. :p

Tanya! Long time, no talk! socal, huh? What happened to where you were before?? Or you just WANT to go to socal? I have friends in San Diego - I could be talked into visiting.... :D

I was joking, lol. Nope, I have not moved. But, I would like to go there some day.....whenever I get rid of my fear of flying.

When I first visited NYC, before most of you were born, it was a big, unfriendly, pretty scary place.

It has changed dramatically.

I have visited many times over the years and lived there most of last summer.

It's a great city, and the people are, for the most part, wonderful.

It is expensive...no way around that.

There is so much to do, and a lot of it is inexpensive or even free.

I live in NYC. I have some ideas, but not much time tonight. The chances of you finding an affordable apartment in Manhattan is slim to none, but you might luck out in Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx. My first suggestion is contact the NYC alumnae chapter of your sorority to find out if anyone is looking for a roommate. They might have a yahoogroup or some other type of list. Also check out craigslist for apartments. You might luck out there.

As for the weather, it was so sunny today that I have a little burn. If you have air conditioning and warm winter clothes and boots, you'll be fine.

I'll try to think of some suggestions for you tomorrow.

I hope you aren't a smoker. You'll need a second job just to support the habit.

I definately don't have that kind of money!! I quit... Haven't had one since October!! :D

Xanax.

G-d hates liars.

-Rudey

I moved to NY for graduate school, and have stayed to work. I know I won't live here forever; I WILL NOT raise children here, and I cannot afford to buy the sort of place I would want. But, for the time being, I really like it. It's a good place to be young with disposable income.

Life will be much easier for you with a job, as most employers will help you with finding an apartment, or have temporary housing near the office. Many landlords will not let you sign a lease unless you have documentation of employment. You can get around this if your parents are willing to cosign on a place, or you could get in on an existing lease.

Yes, it's expensive, but you have to set priorities. Getting a roommate, or living in an outer borough (there are great neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens) will cut down on your living expenses considerably. I lived in Manhattan for two years, and now I live in Queens. I have to say that I prefer my neighborhood in Queens, and my commute to work is shorter than it was when I lived in the city.

Yeah, the winter can be bad, but it's a lot better than New England or some of the Plains States! :) Just invest in two good coats (one pretty, the other waterproof) and a good pair of boots. For me, someone who grew up in Florida, the winter was much more bearable than the summer.

The subway and buses are manageable, and after a week, they become second nature. It's not as easy as the Paris Metro, or as clean as the DC Metro, but it is what it is--and it never stops running.

Contacting your alumnae chapter in the city is a great idea. Also, if your college has a NY Club, that is another great option. I'm on the listserv for my college, and I see several roommate requests everyday.

Good luck!

So what's your problem now? What supposed lie did I tell?

All great posts, keep 'em coming!!

I'm not particularly partial to Manhattan...I'm up for whichever bourough (just nothing dangerous, ya know?)...

I've sent an email to the NYC Alumnae chapter of my org and am waiting for a reply. I've been surfing craigslist like crazy.

I don't know what you're problem is.

I just made a religious observation.

-Rudey
--You're cookoo for coco puffs! hahaha :)

everything you said was a lie. Lie lie lie!

I think that movie "Liar Liar" was about you.

Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies!

God DOES hate a liar. That's why I was wondering about these posts.

:rolleyes:

"Repent ye serpent!"

-Rudey

in terms of neighborhoods outside of manhattan you may want to consider Astoria and Long Island City in Queens and Williamsburg, Ft. Greene, Carroll Gardens, Greenpoint in Brooklyn. (I am not too familiar with the Bronx) Those are the areas most of my friends moved to since they didn't want to pay Manhattan rents. Carroll Gardens and real Williamsburg (the real estate agents have made the area more expansive as it has gotten more popular) may be a little bit more expensive then the rest though. Commuting from any of these areas isn't too bad.

Too my fellow NYC people: have i left out any other good areas?

NYC
 

I LOVE NYC! It is crowded, expensive , and dirty in places but nothing else compares to it. I would not suggest moving there without a job. Don't bring a car, it will cost you too much and you won't get enough use out of it. the public transportation system is second to none. You can get wherever you need to go. There's always something to do, no matter what you're into.

I hope this helps!

I think if someone is low on cash they should consider moving to the island and taking the LIRR into midtown for 30 minutes.

-Rudey

what is a feasible rental rate on manhattan?

NYC
 

I live on a modest Social Worker salary in NYC so it can be done here! I live in the Sunnyside/LIC section of Queens which is about 10 minutes from mid-town by subway. Granted, I got my apartment back in 2001 so I am still paying pretty cheap rent, I think the average studio in my neighborhood goes for about $1000 a month now. In fact, we do housing at my job and market rent in Queens right now is about $1200-$1300 a month for studios and 1-bedrooms. I also highly highly recommend having a job secured and ready to go before you move here. On average, it takes new employees at my agency about 2 months to actually start from the time of the interviews to the time all the paperwork, fingerprinting, refs/background checks, physicals, etc. are completed............Also, bring your breakfast and lunch to work everyday! You save a boat-load of cash this way.

From a distance. Something something something....

blah blah blah

skip a few verses then you get to...

God isssss watching Honeychile!

God issss watching Honeychile!

God issss watching Honeychile!

Frrrrom a distance....

He is watching you because you lie HoneyChile!


Liggity liggity LIAR! LIAR !

LIYAH LIYAH PANTS ON FIYAH!

I love Astoria! It's getting a little more expensive, though. Woodside and Sunnyside are close to Manhattan and reasonable. I like LIC too, but parts of it are nice and parts of it are very very dicey.

Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and especially Carroll Gardens are becoming just as expensive as Manhattan. You can still get a reasonable place in (SOME PARTS OF) Park Slope and Prospect Heights. Forget Brooklyn Heights.

It's hard to pinpoint an average, because rent is based on so many things--age of the apartment, size, proximity to a subway (and whether or not it's an express or local stop), and a bunch of other things. A good way to figure out how much you can afford is to divide your annual salary by 40 (ie, if you make 40K, you can probably manage 1K for rent). Keep in mind, though, that you won't necessarily make more in New York, even though the cost of living is high. Some fields here--the arts, non-profits, publishing--are so saturated that they can pay peanuts and still have to turn people away.

Good advice so far! You should also consider New Jersey. Hoboken, NJ is a nice community with a quick commute to Manhattan. Fort Lee is close also.

DigitalAngel you should join a yahoogroup called some of the girls. They post different events that are going on in the city. Once in a while someone posts looking for a roommate.
SomeofTheGirls-subscribe@yahoogroups.com