Thinking of Moving to NYC? Here are a Few Things You Have to Know First

If you ask anyone living in New York City, they’ll tell you that it’s the greatest place on the whole planet with the best of everything. But the stereotype about tough New Yorkers isn’t a myth, New York can take some time to get accustomed to and it can be a tough city. That’s why it’s very important that you are prepared for your move and know what to expect once you get there. Here are a few things you have to know before making your move to New York City.

New York is Not Cheap

You’ll have to be prepared for the sticker shock once you get to New York. Things are expensive there. The rents, the food, the entertainment, everything. That’s why so many people live with roommates here. But that’s the cost of living in a city like New York. It’s all about location and being able to live in NYC along with the opportunity it brings is well worth it.

Beware of Scammy Landlords

The rental market is very rough in New York City and people will prey on you. They’ll often ask for a broker’s fee, which is around 15%, and in some cases, there’s no guarantee that you’ll see that money again if you’re not careful. If you want to take the time to get situated once you get there and really allow enough time to do your research, we strongly advise that you go with a reputable service or agency and look for furnished apartments in New York.

Not only will you be able to get a fully furnished apartment from the moment you get there, but good services like Blueground have access to great furnished apartments in Manhattan and other prime locations. If you want to take a look at some of the furnished apartments they have to offer, you can find a wide selection here.

Most People Rely on Public Transit

People love their cars on the west coast, but you’ll have to readjust your habits when you come to NYC. The majority of people don’t own a car there and using public transit is pretty much the norm. As a matter of fact, 56% of households in the city didn’t own a vehicle according to a recent census. But the upside is that the subway system is huge and will get you wherever you want, much faster than your car would in most cases. And if you absolutely need a car, there’s always Uber.

Get a Map of the Subway Before you Get There

Speaking of public transit, know that the system might seem like a labyrinth once you look at the map. So, it would be wise to check the map beforehand and even have it printed. You can easily find a copy of the subway map and print out the PDF file. This will give you some time to get acquainted with the different lines. Also, it would be wise to start simulating some itineraries depending on where in the city you’re thinking of moving to.

There are Actually Beaches in New York

You should know that there are also actual beaches in New York. While they’re no Ocean or LaJolla, you at least won’t be so homesick once you get there. And the weather is pretty nice in the summer. Coney Island and Rockaway Beach are two decent spots, but they tend to be busy. Fort Tilden Beach is a bit less crowded and more authentic, so it's definitely worth it if you’re ready to make the trek. There are also some nice spots on Long Island. And if that’s not enough for you, know that the Jersey Shore is right around the corner.

Get to Know the Boroughs

New York has five boroughs, and they all have their own personality and charm. Queens is the largest and is known for its multicultural appeal. Manhattan is the business and entertainment center, and most expensive. The Bronx is where the Yankees play. Staten Island is often called the forgotten borough but has a charm of its own as well. You can get there by ferry or by drive there directly from Brooklyn. Get to know each of the boroughs and what they have to offer before you get there.

Conclusion

New York City is really a magical place, but you’ll have to get ready for it if you want to enjoy your time there and become a real New Yorker. Make sure that you learn everything you can about the city and follow our tips if you want to hit the floor running once you get there.