Moving to New York City: Things to Know Before Moving
Your Guide for Moving to New York
You know what they say, “New York, New York, it’s a helluva town.” New York, NY is the largest metropolitan area in the United States. With a wide range of activities, places to call home, and plentiful restaurants, bars, and clubs, New York City is the beating heart of the nation and is often referred to as the City That Never Sleeps. If you’re thinking about moving to the Big Apple, here’s a helpful guide to get you started on your way!
A Growing City
New York is well known as the most expensive city in the United States, but that doesn’t stop people from all walks of life from flocking to the city. Despite the fact that the city has some of the highest income taxes in the country, ranging from 7% to 12%, the price of everyday products are often twice the national average found in any other city in America.
Nevertheless, if you’re moving to New York, NY you most certainly won’t be alone. The estimated population of the city was 8.537 million people as of July 2016, and that represents a 4.4% increase in population for the city just since the 2010 US Census. Persons under 18 years of age represent 21.6% of the population, while females in general represent 52.5% of the population in America’s biggest metropolis.
Finding the Right Place to Live
The mental battle that plays out in your mind between renting and buying a place to call home is never going to be more intense than it is when moving to New York, NY. The housing marking in New York City and its surrounding suburbs is best described as crazy. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the area is $1,638 per month. Think it’s cheaper to buy a home at that price? You might want to think twice.
The average home, according to the National Association of Realtors, in the New York metro area will set you back $455,500. However, this number is dragged down by including the outlying suburbs, which are decidedly cheaper. Consider the wildly varying values of these major, popular boroughs of New York City:
- Manhattan – $848,600
- Brooklyn – $557,000
- Queens – $439,500
- Staten Island – $432,600
- The Bronx – $369,400
Don’t let the cost of living in New York scare you away from moving to the Big Apple though. With the cost of living, you get access to some of the greatest neighborhoods and a seemingly unending stream of entertainment, dining, and activities at your fingertips.
Where You Live Determines What You Can Do
Now, that’s not entirely 100% accurate. You can, of course, move throughout the city with ease using its system of public bussing and the subway. A tip most locals would tell you, if you’re in a hurry to get anywhere, don’t get in a taxi. New York’s traffic jams are the stuff of nightmares.
Each different neighborhood of New York offers something different, from actual attractions to the local vibe. Here’s just a few examples to think of:
- Upper West Side: This neighborhood is popular among both newcomers and locals. The Upper West Side has a casual, residential feel that provides friendly bars, plentiful green spaces, and classic institutions of New York City culture, much of which you’ve likely seen in TV and movie backdrops.
- East Village: Young newcomers to New York, NY might prefer to find a place to call home in the East Village. Here you’ll find plenty of affordable bars and restaurants, 24/7 nightlife, and a lot of rental options at your fingertips.
- Harlem: Moving to New York City on a budget? Harlem is home to lots of students and young professionals strapped for cash on living expenses. Rentals are more affordable than most boroughs and you can still find plenty to do to keep yourself entertained.
Call You Move Me for Help in Your Move
Once you’re in the city, you can scale the Empire State Building for a view, visit the Statue of Liberty for a history trip, or simply immerse yourself in one of the most culturally diverse cities in America. Need help getting there? You Move Me can help you get packed and moved with ease, so give us a call today!
