Start spreading the news…you’re leaving today…!
Well, maybe not today, but you’re already planning on moving to New York! Although Florida recently took over from New York state as the third most populated state in the country, New York City is still the most populous city in the country (and home to two-thirds of New York state’s residents) and has seen more people moving into the city than out of it for the past three years.
If you’re planning on joining the 80 million residents of NYC, read on to get a glimpse of what you’re in for.
Areas
Bronx – Though it’s farther from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, the Bronx is plenty popular for new residents. Rent is typically cheaper here than in the rest of the city, and the area is very diverse.
Brooklyn – While rent prices may be similar to those you’ll find in Manhattan, Brooklyn will give you a bigger bang for your buck, as well as the knowledge that you’re living in one of the trendiest areas the Big Apple has to offer. Brooklyn is exploding with hip music scenes, up-and-coming restaurants, museums, and more, in a less-crowded (compared to Manhattan) atmosphere.
Manhattan – Although it’s just one out of five boroughs that make up New York City, Manhattan is what most people think of when they think of the Big Apple. Manhattan will likely have some of the most expensive rents in the city, but it can be the most convenient for a quick(er) commute and easy access to a variety of restaurants, sights, clubs, stores…basically, whatever you need.
Queens – Queens may be the perfect spot for you if you’re accepting a job in the city, but don’t want to give up the physical comfort of owning a home with a yard. While the commute time may be a downer, the family (pets especially) might think it’s worth it to have some breathing room.
Staten Island – Similar to Queens, Staten Island is the suburban area of NYC. If you want (or need) to be “right in the heart of it” at all times, Staten Island may not be the right choice for you, but if you don’t need to get into Manhattan every day, you just might cherish the feel of a smaller, more community-driven New York.
Apartment Hunting
New York City apartments are small, expensive, and in short supply, which is why it’s important to do your homework before packing up. Make sure you start your search early, do plenty of research, and/or use a website or broker to help you track down a place. While you’re searching, here are some questions that you may want to keep in mind:
What’s the parking situation?
If you’re dead set on keeping your car, it may be important that your apartment come with a place to store it. In Manhattan, this will be rare and you’ll have to rent a parking space from a public lot or garage (often at the cost you’re used to paying for rent here in Central FL). You’ll have much better luck getting a home with a garage and/or driveway if you look outside the city.
How close is public transit?
If you decide not to keep your car, make sure public transit is close enough to be convenient for a daily commute. Check subway and bus stops first; taxis are convenient, but they’re not a cost-efficient way to get around.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Like any salesman, a landlord or realtor may often fudge the “neighborhood” when selling a place in order to make it seem more desirable. But apartments on the fringes of “less desirable” neighborhoods can often be cheaper and just as safe as those in high-demand locales. Use the NYPD’s website to check crime statistics on the neighborhood before signing a lease.
Who else is living with you?
You may think there’s no problem with your kids or Labradoodle living in a 6th floor walk-up, but the city might have other ideas. First of all, many apartments have breed or weight restrictions on pets, so Fido may not be welcome. Second, you’ll need to consider your kids’ (furry and otherwise) quality of life. Is there an outdoor place nearby where your kids or pets can let loose when the walls start closing in? Are there good schools nearby? A move is only a good idea when it works for the whole family.
How will I get my stuff in here?
Besides the obvious concern of whether everything you own will fit in your new living room, it’s definitely worth thinking about how your moving company will get everything into the space. A good moving company will have experience working with stairs, tight corners, and small spaces. When gathering quotes, make sure you ask the moving company whether they have experience moving to Manhattan and what their procedures are for getting everything set up without damage.
Jobs
As the biggest city in the U.S., New York City has plenty of job opportunities for whatever you may be looking for, but there are some industries that are more popular than others. Finance is big on Wall Street and the surrounding sector (known as the Finance District). Hospitality and food service positions are big everywhere, as more than 50 million people visit the city each year. Plenty of big businesses have their headquarters in New York, especially those in the retail, media, and fashion industries. With so much going on, it may come as no surprise that construction is one of the biggest job industries in the city.
Transportation
You’ll have no problem owning a car in upstate New York or certain boroughs (Queens and Staten Island, especially), but in the heart of the Big Apple (the Apple Core?) you’ll likely need a more convenient way to get around. It’s not only expensive to own a car (parking spots run an average of $430/month), it’s downright annoying to navigate traffic (and find parking once you arrive).
Taxis, buses, the subway, and simply walking are usually better ways to get around. The Metropolitan Transit Authority has bus, train, and subway lines crisscrossing the city (even extending into Long Island and Upstate). If you can get where you need to go on foot, great! But it’s still nice to be prepared with a bus pass or Metro card for emergencies.
Cost of Living
It’s the first thing anybody learns about New York: it’s expensive! Pretty much everything—from rent to food costs—will be higher in New York City than they are anywhere else. (New York also has a state income tax, so you’ll want to factor that into your budget when accepting a salary or signing a lease.) How much you’ll need to make to survive in the city depends on a lot of factors (which neighborhood or borough you’re moving to, whether you plan on cooking or eating out, whether you have a car), but on average, you’ll need to make more than double what you make in Orlando to remain at your current lifestyle. Check out a trustworthy cost of living calculator to see how much you’ll need to make to make it in the Big Apple.
Lifestyle
So, what will your life in New York really be like? Whatever you want! But try to remember that this will probably mean carving out your own niche rather than fitting into someone else’s or trying to create the life you expected after watching Friends reruns.
The city is very diverse, both in terms of people and activities. If you want a more laidback lifestyle with backyard cookouts and shopping malls, you’ll find it. If you want to commune with artists and check out a hip underground music scene, it’s here. If you want a fast-paced existence full of the nightlife and glamour an urban environment has to offer, look no further than New York.
Whether you’re moving to New York or anywhere else in the country, Cento Family Moving has moved there before and we’re capable of relocating you! Check out our free online quote calculator or give us a call to see how we can help you. We look forward to meeting your family.
