I’ve lived in New York City for 15 years (gulp!), and I feel like I can finally speak on how to move here with some level of authority. The following are seventeen points that will hopefully make your relocation not only possible but pleasant – and help you get the most out of life here.
Guidelines
If you’re reading this, I assume that you already have a job or something lined up to cover your stay here. If not, STOP RIGHT NOW! NYC or any other borough is NOT a city where you should be arriving with no resources and looking for a job (unless you’re planning to work as a model/actor and move in those circles, but that’s another story).
Don’t Get Ripped Off – Use These Rules When Renting an Apartment
Many people land here with the typical “I’m renting the cheapest apartment I can find, and if it’s a shithole, then so be it” approach. That’s the worst strategy possible – New York City is NOT where you go to save money on rent!
The average 1 BR apartment in Brooklyn will set you back $2,200 to $2,500/mo, while Manhattan goes for $3,050/mo. I’m sure you have all your arguments to justify paying that much (it’s Manhattan, it’s New York, etc.), but trust me, most people who try this approach end up regretting it (I certainly did).
Instead of trying to save money by renting close to the Subway or some other amenity, consider moving into a more expensive location but getting a better deal on the rent. The reason for this is simple – apartments in Manhattan are small enough that they will feel cramped even if you’re saving $200/mo, while the difference won’t be noticeable when you’re saving $300/mo by moving further away.
The other argument against saving money by renting the cheapest place you can find is that it will severely impact your quality of life. You’ll just end up spending all your free time in the apartment, not able to explore the city and take advantage of everything it has to offer (and believe me when I say NYC does have a LOT to offer).
Find an Apartment With No Fee
If you’re renting a new apartment, there’s no reason to pay a fee. While some management companies claim that the fee will be used to “cover” things like cleaning and repairs, tenants who have been living there for a while will tell you that those things never get done. It’s extremely rare for them to do anything to benefit the tenant.
Be Prepared to Pay First, Last, and Security Up Front
Renting an apartment or house in NYC is not easy. Chances are you will have to pay first, last and security upfront. These payments can be burdensome for people who don’t have a job lined up since they’ll need the money for the deposit, but there’s no way around it.
Don’t Waste Time Searching for an Apartment
It used to be the case that you had to go down to City Hall and spend an entire day searching through listings of unfurnished apartments, calling on each one, only to find out that someone else just rented it 15 minutes before you got there.
These days, finding an apartment is a lot easier and quicker, thanks to Craigslist and other online services. That doesn’t mean you should take those listings as gospel; make sure you schedule appointments to view the place before sending in your application (it’s good practice anyway).
Be Aware of Where You’re Moving
This seems, to me at least, like something that should go without saying – don’t just pick Brooklyn or Queens because of the low rent and assume you can find a job there. There are different neighborhoods within each borough, with very different economic statuses, crime rates, etc.
Don’t Forget About Additional Fees
Be sure to ask about all the additional fees before taking an apartment. Things like parking, storage, etc., can add up, so be sure they’re included in the quote you’re getting.
Don’t Get Tempted into Paying Extra for “High-Speed Internet.”
Most people assume that your high-speed internet will be blazing fast if you live within 15 blocks of 5th Ave. Not true – just because you’re living in a good location doesn’t mean that the building has high-speed internet infrastructure.
Some buildings still have dial-up modems, and even if they do have fiber optics, there’s no guarantee how it will be implemented within each unit, so don’t assume the high-speed internet is included in your rent.
Check Out the Neighborhood on Google Maps/Street View
You can learn a lot about an area by checking out Street View (the amount of litter, graffiti, etc.). Similarly, you should google the neighborhood and read some of the reviews to get a feel of how it is.
This will help you avoid an area with bad subway connections or homeless people who might get aggressive when you walk by them.
Beware of “Pricing Errors” on Craigslist
Craigslist is notorious for posting listings at the wrong price (as well as other misprints). When viewing apartments, be sure to check the listed rent against what it says on Craigslist or that it even appears there at all.
Craigslist is also infamous for showing listings that are no longer available or already rented, so double-check with the management company.
Be Aware of Your Rights as a New York Tenant
No matter what you’re told when viewing an apartment, there’s no guarantee that it will be yours once you fill out the application and sign the lease. Be aware of your rights as a tenant because you can’t simply break your lease once it’s signed.
Be Aware of Your Rights When Searching for an Apartment
Although it seems like the internet has made things easier when finding available apartments, there are still plenty of tricks landlords will play to get your attention. The most common one is putting extremely outdated listings online, knowing that you’ll call anyway.
Another tactic is to keep renting an apartment long after it’s available exclusively for particular tenants (e.g., young adults who work in the financial sector, etc.).
Don’t forget about things like seniority clauses – if you are applying to multiple units where there are already existing tenants, you should ask what their seniority status is and if they plan on renewing.
Don’t Believe the Hype About “First-Come, First-Serve.”
This is more of a proverb than anything else – just because you’re the first person to view an apartment doesn’t automatically mean that it will be yours once you apply.
As mentioned before, landlords try to keep apartments exclusively for certain types of people – perhaps you’re the perfect tenant except that your primary source of income is veterans’ benefits. You might find yourself competing with someone who has a more conventional type of employment.
If You Like It, Act Fast
You’ve found an apartment that fits within your budget and matches your needs – don’t let it slip away. If you can, try to view the apartment when no one else is around so that the landlord feels more inclined to negotiate with you.
Also, be aware that if other people like the apartment too, the landlord will probably select someone who acts fast (e.g., by offering $50 more per month, etc.)
Be Flexible About the Rental Terms
Depending on your situation (e.g., you’re unemployed and need a short-term lease), be open to negotiating tenancy terms like rental length or security deposit levels. Sometimes it’s better to take something that works for now instead of waiting around for longer-term options.
Don’t Assume Pets Are Allowed
Many landlords say they’re open to pets, but some will add a hefty pet deposit (i.e., one or two months’ rent) and require you to pay for an annual “pet cleaning fee.” Again, be flexible with your terms if you need to find a pet-friendly apartment.
Apartment Hunting Can Take a While
It may take several weeks – and viewings of dozens of apartments – before you finally settle on something. Don’t let this discourage you; it’s all part of the process and is usually well worth the trouble in the end (e.g., owning the furniture, having a bedroom that’s yours, etc.).
Indeed, apartment-hunting can be an arduous process at times, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Consider using a reputable real estate agent who will specialize in helping you find the right place – perhaps your future home!
Moving to NYC using Long-distance Moving Companies
After college, every graduate is eager to start their professional life. One of the most famous dreams is moving to New York City and working as a big-city dweller.
But how does one move an entire household from another state? Not many people make this decision rashly, so they want to be sure about their choice.
In addition, the distance from other states to New York is rather significant. So can you use a long-distance moving company if you decide to move from another state to New York?
Well, there are many reasons for this decision. Some people decide to change their state because of better job opportunities in NYC, while others might want to live in the Big Apple because of the city’s artistic atmosphere. In any case, both business and personal reasons may be mentioned.
But what does this change mean for your long-distance moving company? There is one critical issue – you need to transfer all your belongings safely and timely. And that also means finding a reliable moving service provider and selecting the correct type of moving service.
There are several types of long-distance moving services:
- Full-service moving companies
- Self-service moving service
- DIY moving service
Full-Service Moving Companies in Denver, CO
A full-service move means that you are hiring a moving company to do everything for you. You are purchasing the service of loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking your entire household.
A full-service moving company will cover packing material, box sizes, and labeling while using whatever type of boxes you want. Most full-service moving companies also provide insurance, valuation, and door-to-door service.
Moving with a full-service long-distance moving company may be more the more expensive option, not in every case, because you are paying for the entire extensive process from beginning to end.
The cost depends on many factors, such as weight or volume, the distance of your move, and if you require a full packing service. Long-distance moving companies offer flat rates (binding quotes) once they complete the walkthrough.
Therefore, it is essential to select a moving and storage company that offers you various services. That way, you are not getting double charged for the same service.
Top 10 states where home prices increased most in just one year.
Self-Service Moving Companies
A self-service long-distance moving company means you are taking care of the entire process yourself. This option enables you to select your preferred boxes, pack everything yourself, and transport your belongings without getting an outside source involved.
On the other hand, there is one disadvantage – it requires more time and effort than utilizing a full-service long-distance moving company.
DIY Moving Service
This is the least expensive and most time-consuming solution. If you decide to go for this option, you will need to rent a truck or trailer and pack everything yourself.
You may also need extra labor, especially if the move is not local, which means you have to pay for their services.
To save some money, you have to be extra careful with the entire moving process and spend a lot of time rigging your belongings. Even though this option may seem like a great deal, there are many risks involved.
But how do you decide which moving service is perfect for you?
Of course, it all depends on your needs, budget, and circumstances. You can contact several long-distance moving companies in Denver, CO, to compare the moving estimates and services.
What’s the best way to obtain a long-distance moving estimate?
The next step is to book a date with one or more of these companies so they can do a thorough on-site review and provide you with the most suitable moving estimate.
In any case, there is one thing you should know – not all companies providing long-distance moving services are qualified for this type of service.
Many full-service providers may only offer local moving services and intrastate moves, while some self-service companies may only provide a partial relocation or a single item shipping service.
That is why you need to do your research and ask several questions before deciding on the best long-distance moving company in Denver, CO, for your upcoming move from another state.
What’s so special about New York City?
On the one hand, the city that never sleeps has many special features that attract millions worldwide.
From art and culture to business opportunities and a bustling nightlife, there’s always something going on in New York. It’s often called the capital of the world, and from its vibrant streets, you get a glimpse of what it means to be alive.
On the other hand, more than a few things make this city unlike any other in the world. In today’s post, I will try to enumerate 20 of them:
The subway
New York City’s subway is probably the most famous in the world. The system itself has more than 450 stations and is more significant than any other rapid transit system on the planet, with four of its lines running 24/7!
Broadway
Broadway is an unparalleled symbol of entertainment. It’s where some of the best musicals ever produced are playing round-the-clock. The list of shows that you can see here is simply enormous.
Public transportation
Speaking of the subway, it’s not only open 24/7 but also pretty affordable when compared to other cities in the world. A ride costs $2.75 and grants access to anywhere in New York City. The bus fare varies depending on which part of the city you’re in.
Museums
New York City is not only Broadway and the subway, of course. There are many museums in New York that attract millions of visitors every year. The best-known ones are probably the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which boasts more than 2 million pieces on display, and the Guggenheim Museum, known for its iconic architecture and unique works of art.
The skyline
It’s not that often we see a city with such an outstanding skyline! New York City is probably the only one in the world that can go toe to toe with skylines of entire countries.
Central Park
Another popular destination within New York is Central Park. It’s not just a gathering place for people of all ages, but also an essential landmark in the city with lots of activities taking place there daily.
Diversity
There are so many different nationalities living in New York City that pretty soon it will be impossible to tell who’s from where. The most common foreign groups are Irish, German, Italian, and Puerto Rican.
Time Square
One of the top destinations, by far, for tourists visiting New York is definitely Times Square, with its bright billboards, towering buildings, and hordes of people. Even locals try to avoid this place during rush hours if they can.
The Statue of Liberty
This world-famous statue is a must for any tourist visiting New York. The view from the island it’s on is fantastic, and you definitely need to go there when in New York.
Little Italy
A small piece of Italy right in New York City! Italian restaurants, stores, bakeries. If you’ve been to Europe and missed some Italian delicacies, this is the place to go.
The variety of ethnic foods
Ethnic food in New York City is pretty much what you’d expect from such a metropolis: extensive and diverse. You can find Mexican, Italian, Indian, Chinese, and many more kitchens worldwide. Just pick your country, and you’ll be able to taste something like home.
The number of languages
This city is also known for its incredible multiculturalism. There are more than 800 languages spoken here, and since immigrants usually bring their culinary traditions along with them, you’re bound to find something new every time you dine out.
Central Park’s Zoo
Little kids love the Central Park Zoo! It’s worth mentioning that this is the only New York City Zoo located inside a park.
The United Nations
A unique structure in its own right, the United Nations building stands out from the rest of the city. Located on Manhattan island, it’s a symbol of peace and security.
Times Square ball drop
On New Year’s Eve, this place gets packed with locals and tourists alike. The event is broadcast on several big screens for all to enjoy and celebrate the coming of a new year together.
Times Square shopping
We already talked about Times Square, but we can’t say enough how much shoppers love it! There are hundreds of shops all in one place, making it an ideal destination if you want to buy something for yourself or your loved ones.
Ground Zero
Another World Trade Center? Well, not quite. Ground Zero refers to a historical landmark where terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center. A museum and a memorial have been erected in place of the old towers, attracting many tourists worldwide.
Central Park’s Belvedere Castle
In the middle of Central Park, there is a beautiful Belvedere Castle. It was built in 1869 and hosted different exhibits from time to time, but it mainly serves as an observation point where you can get great pictures of all the beauty surrounding it.
The Empire State Building
Another of New York’s famous landmarks is the Empire State Building. It was built in 1931, and it’s hard to miss with its art deco style that makes it stand out from all other skyscrapers within the city.
The Brooklyn Bridge
A great way to get away from the busy city is by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge has been standing since 1883. It’s one of the oldest suspension bridges in America, and it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
So how can I summarize NYC for you?
NYC is like a giant version of different worlds smashed together. It’s like an amusement park, but then with some more down-to-earth places, where you can get real food and be surrounded by crazy people -because NYC has got the craziest street artists in the world!
Now, if you’re looking for someplace to visit or if you are planning your next vacation, then definitely consider adding New York City since it’s one of the best places in the world to see.
And having a car doesn’t mean getting lost here! NYC has its own traffic rules and regulations, so be sure to look them up before heading for this massive metropolis.
If you’ve been to NYC or have any stories or tips, leave us a comment. We’d love to hear from you!
