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What You Should Know Before Moving to New York: 21 Things To Consider

Moving to New York City

Are you planning in moving to New York City?

Contrary to what Hollywood films portray, this stunning metropolis is much more than speeding yellow taxis, irate commuters, and busy Manhattanites. You may visit five distinct boroughs here, each with distinctive architecture, delectable eateries, unique bars, and lush green spaces.

Expats are sure to discover a niche community where they can fit in with so much on offer. There are a few things you should know about New York, though, before you start packing your bags.

1. New York City is Bigger than just Manhattan

People frequently picture Manhattan’s tourist hotspots like Times Square, the Empire State Building, and Central Park when they think of New York City.

But in New York, there are five distinct boroughs to explore:

Manhattan

Manhattan is genuinely at the center of everything, serving as New York’s cultural hub. Visit this location to locate Central Park, Broadway, and other well-known sites.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a place with something for everyone, including great music, fascinating restaurants, major sporting events, and a wealth of history.

Queens

The region’s unrivaled cuisine culture is a reflection of its variety. Pass by wonderful Chinese dumplings, scrumptious Greek souvlaki, and a lot more. In addition, Queens is a popular location for those who enjoy modern art, sports, and the outdoors.

Bronx

Hip-hop, sports, and nature are popular interests in The Bronx. Arrive in the Bronx. The largest park in the city and the New York Yankees are both located in this borough.

Staten Island

Residents can easily commute by taking a beautiful ride on the Staten Island Ferry, which is ideal for those who prefer a combination of suburban and city life.

2. You Just Need to Know Where to Seek to Find Tranquil Spots

New York may be the ideal location for you even if the commotion annoys you. Many of the city’s peaceful districts are easily accessible from central New York for those times when you miss the neighborhood’s vibrant energy.

Window Terrace offers the perfect location for anyone seeking a mix of city life and nature as it is sandwiched between two of Brooklyn’s biggest open parks. Additionally, the prominent business districts are approximately 30 to 50 minutes away from this lovely residential neighborhood.

Similarly, Forest Hills has a small-town feel. You can relocate here and live in a beautiful neighborhood with streets lined with trees while still being only 15 minutes from Manhattan.

3. It Boasts Some of the US’s Highest Taxes

Moving to New York City

The federal income tax, the state income tax, and the city income tax are the three types of income taxes that New Yorkers are required to pay.

4. Healthcare Costs Money

It is wise to research your healthcare options if you are relocating to New York.

In contrast to many other nations, the American healthcare system is entirely privatized, which means that the nation’s network of hospitals and physician offices are all managed by separate businesses.

After receiving treatment, a patient is frequently left with a big bill; this is where insurance companies step in. 91.2% of Americans have some kind of medical insurance to offset these costs. They won’t have to pay the bill after a disaster if they pay their supplier on a regular basis.

We suggest Cigna’s services if you’ve already determined that you require private medical coverage in the US. With four distinct pricing tiers and 95 million consumers globally, they can provide you with the ideal cover.

5. Most People Do Not Possess Cars

Most people probably won’t be surprised to learn that there are alternatives to driving that are far more effective for moving around the city. Less than half of New Yorkers (48%) really own a car, however it’s thought that number may have increased slightly during the epidemic.

In fact, in New York, having a car tends to make people feel more stressed out than not having one. In addition to dealing with typical traffic, drivers frequently have to pay for parking, assuming they can even find a spot.

6. And Those Who Do Might Be Quite Irate

Though we don’t frequently succumb to stereotypes, this one is very accurate. When traffic is not at a standstill, New York drivers frequently go beyond the posted speed limit.

So be sure to pay attention to the roadways whether you’re meandering along Madison Avenue or strolling down a small neighborhood street in Brooklyn. If you don’t want to spend life on the edge, it is also safer to believe they have the right of way.

7. Extreme Weather Occurs

In New York, you may anticipate hot summers and snowy, rainy winters.

Winter temperatures typically hover around 0°C or 32°F, but they can also go as low as -10/-15°C (5/14°F), which means there will likely be a lot of snowfall. While summer temperatures can reach 35/38°C (95/100°F), the highest recorded temperature was 39.5°C (103°F) in August 2001.

The location of New York on the eastern edge of the US, where two air masses – the cold from Canada and the warmth from the Gulf of Mexico – meet, causes an unstable climate, which is the source of the temperature and weather variations.

8. It’s Pretty Pricey

The majority of New Yorkers will tell you that money disappears quickly here between paychecks.

  • The overall cost of living in New York is 129% greater than the national average in the US, and the cost of housing there is 369% higher.
  • A rental property in Manhattan will typically cost you $4,265 per month, compared to $3,124 for an average Brooklyn apartment and $2,769 for a Queens unit.
  • In terms of other living expenses, utility rates are 25% higher and grocery expenditures are 28% more in NYC than the national average.
  • You’ll undoubtedly need to convert part of your funds into dollars if you’re preparing to relocate to New York.
  • To get the greatest conversion rate, you should avoid utilizing large banks for this operation because you’ll typically have to pay excessive costs.

To help you select the best money transfer service, we researched and evaluated all the major providers on the market. Find the top money transfer company right now by looking at our professional ratings.

9. To Rent an Apartment, You Might Have to Pay a Broker’s Charge.

To rent an apartment in New York, residents often have to pay estate brokers a substantial commission, which can range from one month’s rent to 15% of the annual cost.

Some tenants may be able to avoid this expense by looking at “no-fee apartments,” but you’ll need to act quickly because they tend to fill up quickly. By using a service or website that connects you with other people looking for a flatmate, you can also avoid broker’s costs.

10. The Dining and Drinking Options are Fantastic.

The food and beverage scene in New York is always changing and offers cuisine from all over the world.

Today, you may travel the city and eat your way through Little Italy pizza, Chinatown noodles, Koreatown spiciness, Brighton Beach Russian food, and Little Italy pizza.

And if you want to experience the true diversity of New York City, go to Harlem and sample cuisine from everywhere you like—Ethiopia, Mexico, Japan, Jamaica, Somalia, you name it.

11. Pizza Nirvana is Here

Having pizza withdrawals? You’ll fit in quite fine in New York.

Since New Yorkers take great pride in their NYC-style pizza, it is not surprising that there is a pizzeria nearly on every corner. Some authentic pizzerias still cook their pies in coal-fired ovens and only provide full pies. However, there are also lots of locations that offer pizza by the slice, allowing you to satisfy your craving while on the go.

12. The Tap Water is Excellent

Be ready for everyone to gush about how great the tap water is if you move to New York. Even New York City’s “some of the best tap water in the world” is mentioned on the official website.

What gives this water its reputation? It partly has to do with the source of the water, which is a spring in the Catskill Mountains, 125 miles distant. The Department of Environmental Protection reportedly conducts over 900 tests daily from up to 1,200 places across New York, according to GreenNYC.

13. There are Numerous Green Areas

Moving to New York City

Despite its reputation as a “concrete jungle,” New York has over 28,000 acres of green space.

Pelham Bay Park

Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is over three times larger than Central Park, despite the fact that Central Park is by far the most well-known green space in the city.

Prospect Park

Prospect Park in Brooklyn also has lush meadows, winding paths, and a magnificent boathouse. As an alternative, you can visit Pier 1 at Brooklyn Bridge Park to take pictures of the Manhattan skyline while taking in the scenery.

14. Some of the Greatest Universities in the Country are Located There

In NYC, students have an abundance of options. In addition to having a sizeable international student population, the city is home to some of the most esteemed colleges and higher education options in America.

Columbia University, New York University (NYU), Baruch College, Barnard College, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and Pratt Institute are a few of the top schools and universities.

15. It is a Center for Culture

New York is bursting with cultural opportunities.

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), or the Frick Collection if you enjoy all things artistic.

Do you desire a day of learning? The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the Morgan Library and Museum, and hours of historical treasure hunting may be had at the American Museum of Natural History.

And if you’re looking for amusement, you can always go to Broadway to see the newest production.

16. Remember to Reference

The Empire State Building, Grand Central Terminal, and Rockefeller Center are just a few of the architectural marvels that can be seen in New York.

Who has stopped in the middle of the road to stare up at the skyscrapers is frequently the easiest way to distinguish tourists from natives in New York, and who can blame them?

17. There is a Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Station.

You can whisper at one half of the room and it will be heard from the other side in New York’s famous rail station. The gallery’s extremely beautiful arches are the origin of this amazing auditory phenomena.

All you have to do to test it out is to stand in the domed junction of pathways on the ground floor of Grand Central Terminal with your ear right up against the tiles.

18. The Residences are Modest

How small are these tiny apartments in New York, which are renown for their claustrophobic shared housing?

The typical Manhattan flat is 702 square feet in size. However, there is some good news: over the past five years, New York apartments’ sizes have increased by about 5%, according to the research firm Urban Digs.

19. It’s Very Varied

In New York, you can meet people from all over the world. The city is frequently referred to as America’s melting pot because it is home to almost 3.1 million immigrants.

The city is a great place for expats because it now has roughly 36% foreign-born residents and you can hear up to 800 languages being spoken there.

20. Actually, New York City isn’t that Big

New York City is only 301 square miles in size, thus it isn’t a massive city geographically. London is twice as large, covering 607 square miles, as a comparison.

This is even the more shocking given that New York City is home to nearly one in every 38 Americans.

When we say this city has a heavy population, we really mean it.

21. A 24-Hour City

There’s a good reason why people frequently refer to New York as The City That Never Sleeps. You may come here and wander the streets in the early morning and discover anything you need, including bodegas, pharmacies, gyms, restaurants, spas, and more.

You can be sure that the night out won’t end early because pubs legally open at 7 am and close at 4 am.

Is Moving to New York Wise?

You might decide that it’s still worthwhile to live in a city with a higher cost of living depending on your lifestyle preferences and financial constraints (or lack thereof). Better work possibilities, a wider selection of public and private schools, or simpler public transportation systems are a few factors.

Cost of living in New York?

A variety of economic, social, and cultural considerations make New York City typically seen as an expensive city to live, work, and visit. Despite the high expense of living, the city’s numerous attractions and opportunities continue to draw visitors from all over the world.

Is it challenging to find work in New York?

The job market in New York is competitive; give yourself plenty of time to look and consider sending unsolicited applications. In NYC, it’s challenging to find homes, and rents are expensive.

Summary

Here are the 21 things about New York you should be aware of before packing your luggage.

Are you anticipating beginning your life in New York City? Perhaps you should first figure out a few more things. Check out the articles below to learn more about what you need to organize yourself:

5 Things You Need To Do Before Choosing a Moving Company

The Perfect Moving Tools to Move Large Items

 

 

 

What You Should Know Before Moving to New York: 21 Things To Consider