Some people always dream of moving to a big city, and New York is the biggest and arguably one of the most exciting places to live in the US. With over $8 million residents, space in New York is in high demand, which means plenty of competition for apartments and jobs, high rents and high living expenses in general. However, if one can move to New York and establish a life, it is one that is filled with culture, good food, beautiful scenery and interesting people. And never a boring moment.
Visiting New York City
If one is contemplating a move to New York, he or she should visit at least once and preferably experience the city with a friend or family member who lives there. This isn't an option for everyone, but spending a long weekend and walking the city will give one a good feel for the different neighborhoods and the day-to-day pace of life.
Finding an Apartment in New York City
It can be difficult to find an apartment in New York without already living there. A good option is to sublet an apartment for a month or more and research neighborhoods, allowing plenty of time to find an apartment in the desired budget range. One big surprise for out-of-towners is the breed known as the broker. It can be difficult in some areas to rent an apartment without paying a broker, and fees can be up to 20 percent of the annual rent. It is possible to find apartments through building owners, supers or current tenants on Craigslist.
Rents downtown, or below 14th Street, are typically high because this is a trendy and desirable part of Manhattan in which to live. The West Village, SoHo and Tribeca are all very expensive, while the East Village and Lower East Side tend to be more affordable downtown neighborhoods. The Upper East Side, a quieter part of Manhattan, offers lower rents but often involve a long walk to the subway.
Since rent is high in any part of Manhattan, one might consider finding a roommate. Newcomers might consider looking for apartments in less expensive Brooklyn or Queens rather than limiting the search to Manhattan.
Once the apartment is secure, one must decide what possessions to bring from home. Most New York apartments are glorified closets, so it may be easiest to start over with inexpensive furniture from IKEA or purchased used from Craigslist. Also, parking is difficult while public transportation is convenient, so a car isn't a necessity.
Finding a Job in New York City
Most people will find that, in order to secure an interview with an office or firm in New York, it is necessary to have a New York address. Simply saying "I'm moving there soon" isn't convincing enough. When moving to New York, one should come prepared with several months worth of living expenses. Many jobs are posted on Craigslist as well as the New York Times website.
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