10 Things to Do Before You Move to New York
As of July 2021, New York had over 19.83 million people. With more than 8.4 million housing units, most people are looking to move to New York, where dreams come true.
People often see New York City as a beautiful concrete jungle awake 24/7. The city has endless opportunities with spaces for everyone to fit in.
In addition, New York is a melting pot full of cultures, subcultures, and lifestyles. But, shows do not always portray the city’s whole diversity.
Despite the partial representation of Hollywood’s shows, more and more people want to know how to move to New York.
Keep reading to know the ten things to tick off your New York moving checklist.
1. Know About the High Cost of Living
Though the cost of living will depend on where you live in New York, the city has high price tags. Payscale estimates the housing cost in New York to be 369% higher, while the cost of living is 129% higher than the national average.
Also, expect to pay about $2,014 for a one-bedroom unit or $2,120 for a two-bedroom unit. To live comfortably in a one-bedroom house in the city, plan for an income of at least $80,555 a year.
To live in a two-bedroom apartment, you will need to earn about $84,800 a year ($42.40 an hour). The cost of living is high. But, the amenities might be worth the compromises on cost.
2. Buying vs. Renting a Home
New York is a safe city compared to various urban areas in the country. And finding a nice place to live in the city is easy.
But, if you want to live in a nice and safe neighborhood, you must spend the big bucks. Since the housing cost is 369% of the national average, allot most of your cash to home costs.
Owning a home in the city is often unattainable for most New York residents. Only about 32% of residents are homeowners.
Even so, rent prices are no better. Depending on your neighborhood, you may have to spend $5,100 per month.
3. Think About Shipping Your Car
Thanks to trucks with a capacity of over ten cars, most people do not transport their cars themselves. Not unless you want to travel across different states with your family.
But it’s much cheaper and more convenient to have your car shipped to the new address in New York. You will pay for the transport with a dozen other people when using a shipping company, diminishing the price.
Shipping services also save you time because you only give them the car and all you have to do is wait for their notice when your car arrives.
If you want to ship your vehicle to New York, click for car shipping quotes.
4. Prepare for Snow and Rain
Since the city experiences a humid subtropical climate, expect hot and humid summers and cold and snowy winters.
It also rains a lot in the city.
NYC often receives nearly 25 inches of snow yearly during the winter months. Ensure you always carry around a rain jacket or umbrella since 119 days throughout the year receives a form of precipitation.
Also, don’t forget to pack your snow shovel.
5. A Diverse Economy and Job Market
The State’s GDP is constantly rising and will become one of the largest economies worldwide. The economy encompasses the largest municipal and regional economy in the US.
Newcomers build their careers in professional and business services, financial services, entertainment, etc.
6. Learn to Take the Subway
Only about 45% of households in New York own a car. Though owning a car might come in handy, driving around New York City can be dangerous and hard for new residents.
On top of the expense of owning a car in the city, the lack of parking space and crazy traffic is enough to convince you otherwise. That said, it’s no wonder most people prefer to walk or take the subway; it’s the best way to move.
Though it can be stressful initially, the subway is the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city. It will cost you $2.67 per ride or a monthly fee of $127 for unlimited rides.
7. New York Nightlife
New York City’s nightlife is an important economic and cultural drive. There are popular trivia nights around the city at clubs and bars.
The city is a beacon for media and entertainment. You can attend Late Night with Jimmy Fallon or Late Night with Seth Meyers.
Though notoriously tough to get tickets to, Saturday Night Live is a popular option.
8. Many Sports Teams to Root On
Many sports teams root in New York City, like the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL. The city hosts many teams for each franchise creating fierce loyalty and competition.
For instance, Madison Square Garden is home to New York Rangers and New York Nicks. The Brooklyn Nets play at the Barclay Center.
Soccer fans often root for New York Red Bulls and New York City FC.
9. Prestigious New York City Universities
The city is home to some prestigious universities in the country. We have students arriving from different parts of the world to attend New York University and Colombia University.
We also have Baruch University and Fordham University. All these higher learning institutions are well known worldwide.
10. Offer Green Space
We often refer to New York City as an urban jungle. But it offers 28,000 acres of green space. Central Park is one of the city’s green spaces.
Umpire Rock also has an outcrop of gigantic boulders on the bedrock. Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is about three times larger than Central Park.
Do you enjoy waterfront biking? Wolfe’s Pond Park in Staten Island should be your destination.
You Now Know What to Do Before You Move to New York
The above moving tips will aid you in planning your move to New York City. The city has endless opportunities, so you can be whoever you want.
Since the city is full of diverse cultures, you will surely meet someone who relates to you. Ensure you first check on the apartments and prices before relocating to the city.
Despite the high cost of living, you will love what New York City offers.
Check out the other blog posts if you’ve enjoyed reading this article.
With over 20+ years of experience in a variety of corporate and entrepreneurial environments, Diana has developed a great understanding of Marketing Strategy, Brand Development, Customer Success, Public Relations and Management. Her internal drive for developing others and external brands, has allowed her to work in some of the largest cities in the world including Milan, Paris, NY, Mexico, and the Middle East. This experience has been fundamental to Diana’s success and ability to communicate cross-culturally.
