Thinking about moving to New York City? If the answer is yes, you are in the right place! Welcome to the real, concrete jungle. Living in a big city is never easy, but NYC takes it to a whole new level. Known as the city that never sleeps, New York offers exciting opportunities, a diverse cultural scene, and an expanding job market. Before relocating, however, we recommend considering all the advantages and disadvantages of living in this big, bustling city.
Table of Content
The Pros:
New York City is diverse
The food scene is iconic
There is always something to do
Many job opportunities
The economy is strong
Good public transportation
Reduced crime
The list of landmark sights is endless
Great entertainment
The Cons:
New York City is crowded
Traffic jams are sometimes inevitable
The rents are high
Harsh weather conditions
Living in New York is expensive
It can be difficult to find the right accommodation
The dirt
How much money will you need to live in NYC?
Tips for moving to New York City
Is it a good idea to move to New York City?
The pros:
New York City is diverse
Diversity is strong and vibrant in New York City. With over 200 different languages and many nationalities, NYC is a melting pot of diverse cultures. People from all types of backgrounds have decided to settle in New York, and that is just one of its many perks.
The food scene is iconic
New York City is famous for its fantastic gastro scene. Many claim that NYC is one of the best dining destinations in the world! There is something for everyone’s pocket and taste. Did you know that it has the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants? Well, that is certainly something to explore!
There is always something to do
This is a city that never sleeps! Museums, parks, restaurants, clubs, you name it, New York has it! It doesn’t matter what time of day it is, New York will always offer something different for you to explore and see!
Many job opportunities
A city as big as NYC has a terrific economy and expanding job market. We have all heard this iconic line: If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere! NYC is the city of amazing opportunities. Some of the world’s biggest names in marketing, art, tech, journalism, and sports are living and working in New York City. Maybe you can be the next!
The economy is strong
New York state’s economy is the third-largest in the U.S. Impressive, right? Good news for all young professionals and business people in the city!
Good public transportation
The subway system works amazingly well in NYC. Also, there are many taxis, Ubers, and buses. The public transport system is well connected, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting around the city.
Reduced crime
New York City is a safe place to live. Though the Big Apple once had a reputation for corruption, a lot has changed. Many neighborhoods are safe for families, and the crime rates have never been lower.
The list of landmark sights is endless
The Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, Central Park, Coney Island, and the Empire State Building are just some iconic landmarks. The city is full of stunningly beautiful tall buildings, historical museums, and important landmarks.
Great entertainment
New York has it all, including amazing nightclubs, theaters, shopping, and fantastic Broadway shows! Moving to New York will open many new opportunities for you, and enjoying its great nightlife is one of them.
The cons:
New York City is crowded
The crowds will likely become a part of your everyday routine, and you probably won’t even notice it after a certain time, but get used to waiting in long lines and expect crowds anywhere you go.
Traffic jams are sometimes inevitable
Rush hour in New York tends to be quite overwhelming. Traffic in the Big Apple is occasionally chaotic, especially if you are in a hurry. Many young professionals are commuting every day, so traffic jams are inevitable.
The rents are high
The cost of living in NYC is notoriously high. Living in the Big Apple is many things, but affordable is not one of them! Many people live with roommates because of the high cost of housing.
Harsh weather conditions
New York weather can be unpredictable and difficult to handle. New Yorkers are used to hot and sticky summer weather with a humid climate. In contrast, winters can be incredibly cold and snowy. Also, it rains a lot, so don’t forget to bring your favorite umbrella!
Living in New York is expensive
This is no secret. NYC is one pricey city, and many living costs can easily spiral out of control if you are not careful! New York City is home to most billionaires in America, and many people come here to make a name for themselves.
It can be difficult to find the right accommodation
Finding a great apartment in New York City is a challenging and often frustrating experience. You need to be persistent and do your research in advance. Our advice is to find a good broker and ask a lot of questions. Sometimes it can be a good idea to try to negotiate.
The dirt
Around eight and a half million people live in New York, so it’s no wonder that the city easily gets dirty. This one is the harshest out of many cons, but that is a reality many New Yorkers have to face every day.
How much money will you need to live in NYC?
This is a million-dollar question! If you are thinking of moving to New York, knowing how much money you will need to live comfortably is essential. New York is notoriously famous for its high cost of living.
Statistics claim that housing is the largest expense for many New Yorkers. Rent prices vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, with Manhattan being the most expensive and exclusive one. Rents in NYC are more expensive than the U.S. median. Whether you are renting or have purchased your own home, you will still have to cover the cost of utilities, including electricity, heating, water, and maintenance.
Average monthly rent in New York City
Studio apartment | $3,295 |
1 Bedroom | $4,335 |
2 Bedroom | $6,190 |
Transportation and food in New York City are also pricey. After housing, transportation is the number one expense for many New York residents. The good news is that New York’s public transit system is one of the best, but still, it’s one of the most costly ones. A transit pass will cost you $127 per month.
According to recent data, groceries in NYC typically cost around $489 monthly per person. Many grocery items cost 15% more in New York than in other U.S. cities. The price of grocery items can vary depending on many factors, but be prepared to save some money because the inflation rate is growing.
Tips for moving to New York City
- Secure a steady job – We talked about how expensive life in New York is. Before moving there, it can be a good idea to save some extra money, just in case. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is usually around $3000.
- Search for an apartment as soon as possible – Moving to New York can be daunting emotionally and financially. If you don’t have the right accommodation, things can get even more difficult. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find an apartment before packing your belongings and relocating there.
- Hire professional movers with experience – Sometimes, it’s best to leave everything to the professionals. Moving is a stressful process that will require some help, and expertly trained movers will take care of the laborious work for you.
- Try to avoid a winter move to New York – Winter conditions in New York can be harsh, so bring your warmest coats. January is the coldest month, with snow being very probable. Though New York City can look truly magical in winter, be prepared to experience real cold.
- Save some money in advance – The Big Apple is one of the most expensive cities to live in, and no matter how hard you try to prepare yourself, the costs of living there can easily spiral out of control.
- Be prepared for NYC energy – Dreaming about the big city is one thing; living there is another. This is a city of opportunity, but let’s not forget that the majority of the time, it’s romanticized. Reality is something completely different, and it can take some time to adjust to it.
- Get rid of some of your belongings – Learning to live in a smaller space can be another big adjustment, but that is an everyday reality for many New York residents. Selling or getting rid of your old furniture is a great way to declutter your home and have more space in your next apartment.
- Learn how to get around – Most new residents feel stressed out about getting around. The city is so big and crowded, and you can easily get disoriented. Navigating can be difficult, but over time and with some practice, you will learn how to get around this bustling city.
Is it a good idea to move to New York City?
Living in New York City comes with a unique set of challenges. However, relocating to the Big Apple can be a true adventure with many interesting career opportunities. Exciting nightlife, popular restaurants, historical museums, and an abundance of cultural hotspots are just some of the perks of this bustling city. It can be chaotic and wild, but you will always be active and occupied. There is never a dull moment in New York City!
