Moving to New York City is a thrilling adventure that promises an unparalleled mix of excitement, opportunity, and challenge. As a global hub of culture, finance, and innovation, the city attracts millions of people each year, all eager to make their mark. New York City offers a dynamic lifestyle that’s inspiring, demanding, and unique above all else. It’s also ever-changing; read on for essential insights into what moving to “the city” in 2024 truly entails.
You know it from: Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Friends, Manhattan, Do the Right Thing, Oceans 8
Average 1 bedroom rent: $5,098 | New York City apartments for rent, New York City houses for rent
Average home price: $815,000 | New York City homes for sale
Average cost of full-service moving services: $154/hr for 2 movers
Average cost to rent a moving truck: $19 – $39/day
Top industries: Financial Services, Healthcare, Professional and Business Services
Move here for: World-class arts and culture scene, Job opportunities, Some of the best restaurants in the world
Be sure to bring: Wireless headphones for the subway and your most stylish outfit
1. You’ll come to love/hate the subway system
New York City boasts one of the most extensive and reliable public transportation systems in the world. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates subways, buses, and trains that run 24/7, connecting all five boroughs. There’s just no other way to get around in New York City. It’s tough to hack when you first move to town but stick with it. There will be times you’ll hate it with a passion, but give it a year or so and you’ll be a total convert. It’s the beating heart of the city and the only way to travel. However, be prepared for occasional delays and packed trains during rush hours. The extensive rail network extends far outside of the five boroughs as well, allowing commuters access to the city from far flung areas of Long Island (LIRR) and New Jersey (NJTransit). Owning a car is more hassle than it’s worth due to traffic and the high cost of parking spots. Street parking is hard to come by and the street sweeping schedule is brutal so stick with the subway unless you have money to burn.
Moving Tip: Obviously you can’t move apartments on the subway. Most New Yorkers hire full-service movers because moving yourself is laborious and stressful in the city. Follow their lead if you can. If you’re on a tight budget, rent a truck and gather as many friends as you can. The streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens have narrow lanes and are consistently full of pedestrians, deliverymen, dog walkers, etc. so drive carefully and pack your patience.
2. Get ready to open that wallet
Living in New York City is expensive, with housing being the most significant expense. Rent for even a modest apartment can be significantly higher than the national average. Neighborhoods like Manhattan’s Upper East Side or Tribeca are known for their sky-high rents, but even outer boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens are much pricier than the rest of the country. Budgeting is crucial, and many New Yorkers share apartments or live in smaller spaces to manage costs. Expect to spend more than you think on just about everything – from food to furniture. But hey, you’re living in the center of it all and that never comes cheap!
3. The culture is second to none
New York City is the cultural mecca of the U.S. From Broadway shows in the Theater District to world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, there’s no shortage of things to do. Neighborhoods like Williamsburg in Brooklyn offer live music and trendy bars, while the East Village is known for its eclectic dining options. Chelsea is full of high brow galleries and Morningside Heights is a bastion of the intellectual set. The West Village is a hub for comedy, jazz, and cinema. The city’s nightlife is legendary, with clubs, bars, and restaurants that stay open late into the night. There’s always a new experience waiting around the corner.
4. The pace of life is fast so get ready to hustle
New York City moves at a breakneck speed. The hustle and bustle are part of the city’s charm, but it can be overwhelming for newcomers. From the crowded sidewalks of Midtown to the whoosh of the subway cars, the city’s energy is palpable. Residents thrive in this fast-paced environment, finding it exhilarating and full of opportunities. However, it’s essential to take time to decompress and find your own rhythm amidst the chaos.
Moving Tip: For some peace and quiet, explore the rambling trails of Central and Prospect Parks or the reading room at the 5th Avenue branch of the New York Public Library.
5. Neighborhoods make the city livable and no two are the same
New York City was built by waves of immigrants and each group settled in their own little neighborhoods. The result is a mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Greenwich Village offers a bohemian vibe with historic brownstones, while Harlem is rich in African-American culture and history. Chinatown, Little Italy, and Koreatown offer a taste of different cultures within just a few blocks. Exploring these neighborhoods can make the city feel smaller and more manageable, and finding the right one for you can greatly enhance your living experience. New Yorkers walk everywhere so you’ll get to know the places and faces of your local shops and cafes quickly.
Moving Tip: Make friends with your local barista or bartender when you arrive – they usually know everyone on the block. Dog runs and nearby parks are another great place to get to know your neighbors.
6. If you can make (your career) here you’ll make it anywhere
New York City is a global hub for various industries, including finance, media, fashion, and technology. Major companies like Goldman Sachs, NBC, and Google have significant presences here, offering ample job opportunities. The competitive job market attracts talent from around the world, which can make job searching both exciting and challenging. Networking is crucial, and many professionals find opportunities through connections made in the city. Salaries here are higher than the national average, in keeping with the general cost of living in the city.
7. Parks are plentiful and serve as the city’s collective backyard
Despite its urban landscape, New York City has plenty of green spaces. Central Park is the most famous, offering 843 acres of nature in the heart of Manhattan. Take a walk back through the Rambles and you’ll feel like you’re miles away from the city. Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens are also popular spots for relaxation and recreation. These parks provide a much-needed escape from the urban environment, offering activities like boating, biking, and concerts. They are perfect for a weekend picnic or a morning jog but be prepared for crowds on sunny weekend days.
8. Bring your walking shoes…
New York City is highly walkable, and many residents rely on walking and public transit to get around. Most neighborhoods have everything you need within walking distance, from grocery stores to gyms. The city’s grid system makes way-finding straightforward and getting from one borough to another is relatively easy on the subway or bus. Walking also allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the city up close.
9. And your umbrella, puffy coat, and the most comfortable dress shoes you can afford
New Yorkers are masters of the art of looking like a million bucks in spite of the weather. The city experiences a full range of seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Summers can be humid and sweltering, while winters often bring snow and freezing temperatures. Spring and fall are generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. Since you’ll be walking everywhere, you’ll be experiencing the weather. A lot. It’s essential to be prepared for these weather extremes and everything in between. You might think all that time spent outside means comfort trumps style. You’d be wrong. You will see women wearing stilettos on the subway and in the snow. Weather essentials that will help you fit in with New Yorkers include: a black umbrella, stylish rain boots, a black puffy coat, and dress shoes you can walk in.
10. The city is high energy and high decibel
The city that never sleeps is known for its constant activity and noise. Sirens, construction, and the general hum of the city are a part of daily life. Some find this energy invigorating, while others may need time to adjust. Investing in good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help create a quiet space when needed. Finding peaceful spots like libraries or smaller parks can also provide a respite from the noise. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters, and the Museum of Natural History are great spots to escape into a cool and quiet place. If you need a break from the busy streets, walking over the Williamsburg Bridge provides a nice view of the East River away from the crowds of the Brooklyn Bridge.
11. It’s also a global melting pot
New York City is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Residents come from every corner of the globe, bringing their languages, traditions, and cuisines. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food scene, festivals, and neighborhoods. Exploring areas like Jackson Heights in Queens, Greenpoint in Brooklyn, or the Bronx’s Little Italy can offer a taste of different cultures. You’ll hear many many different languages spoken on the subway and in the streets. This melting pot of cultures is one of the city’s greatest strengths, fostering a sense of global community.
12. Networking is a necessity, not a luxury
In a city as large and competitive as New York, networking is essential. Many job opportunities, social events, and even housing options come through personal connections. Attending industry events, joining social clubs, and engaging in community activities can help build a network. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people while supporting the causes you care about. Try taking a professional development class or learning a new hobby at one of the many schools, professional organizations, or art studios in the city. New York City’s diverse population means there are networking opportunities for everyone, regardless of your interests or career field.
Moving Tip: Greet your neighbors. Introduce yourself to them and be considerate to them. Like it or not, they are now a large part of your life and are a great source of local knowledge. If you get along, you may even have a new friend who can show you around. New Yorkers are direct and they don’t expect to like (or be liked by) everyone. You should be prepared for that most classic of New York experiences: the sound of your downstairs neighbor banging on their ceiling with a broom handle.
13. Instagram-friendly icons abound
Living in New York means having access to some of the world’s most famous landmarks. The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, and Brooklyn Bridge are just a few of the iconic sites. These landmarks are not only tourist attractions but also symbols of the city’s rich history and culture. Check them out when friends and family come to visit. They’ll give you a deeper appreciation of the city and its role in global history.
14. The housing market is cut-throat, costly, and competitive
The housing market in New York City is highly competitive. Apartments, especially in desirable neighborhoods like SoHo or the Upper West Side, can be snatched up quickly. It’s common to attend multiple showings and even enter bidding wars for rental properties. Working with a real estate agent can help navigate this challenging market, and being prepared with necessary documents can speed up the process. Flexibility and quick decision-making are crucial when apartment hunting.
If you’re looking to buy in New York City, make sure to do your research. Most units fall into one of three categories: condo, browntone or co-op. When you buy a condo in the city, you are buying your apartment as well as access to communal areas of the building and rooftop. Co-ops are a uniquely New York style of housing. When you buy a co-op you are buying shares in a corporation that owns the building. Prospective co-op owners must submit to an extensive and rigorous application process and can be rejected at the whim of the board members. Yet another reason why networking is crucial to life in NYC (Even Madonna was famously rejected by a co-op board in Manhattan). Brownstones are the third major housing type. These properties consist of connected multi-story housing units and entail different responsibilities than a stand-alone house. The process of purchasing a brownstone is extensive and requires attorneys and an insurance broker with experience working in brownstones. Expect to purchase a specific type of insurance policy and spend more time and money on upkeep.
Moving Tip: Before scheduling a moving service or renting a truck, it’s critical to check with the super of the building. Most larger buildings have rules about when you can move furniture or use the freight elevators so schedule your move with the super before you schedule anything else!
15. Where Michelin-starred, James Beard award winning chefs come to eat
New York City’s food scene is unparalleled, offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. This is where the most famous chefs on the planet come to eat at historic establishments and learn new tricks at cutting-edge restaurants. Neighborhoods like the Lower East Side and Williamsburg are known for their innovative and trendy restaurants. Food trucks, farmers’ markets, and pop-up events add to the culinary diversity. The city’s global reach means you can find authentic dishes from around the world. Exploring the food scene is in NYC is a life-long endeavor and one of the best things about living in the city.
Methodology: Average rent prices sourced from Rent.com July 2024. Home prices sourced from Redfin July 2024. Average moving costs sourced from MoveBuddha. Employment data sourced from Investopedia.