Moving to New York City

[KarmaPolice]

So I am about done with college and I amm sick and tired of living in the middle of no where. I should have lived in the city a long time ago and its about time. I visted NYC this weekend and had a blast and I think i would really enjoy living there...not for my entire life but for a good while.

Now I realize it isn't easy to move there and it ain't cheap.

Anyone do it recently? I would be looking for a place to rent that is as cheap as possible but somewhat safe. I am very open to roomates so I wouldn't mind finding a four person appartment or whatever. I guess the best way is try to stay with someone while looking for a place? Also I would need to find a job. I'll have a business degree by the end of december but until then how long would it take to find a temporary or part time job like a waiter, or something. I love riding bikes and always wanted to be a bike messenger(think its a cool lifestyle) but I don't want to get paid nothing and then die via bus.

 

[K1052]

Chicago is better and cheaper

 

[bigrash]

If you're looking for a safe place to live that is not too expensive, I'd recommend Queens. Brooklyn and Bronx will be a lot cheaper, but won't be nice/safe as queens imo.

There are tons of delivery/restaurant type of places in manhattan were you can look for job. Just walk around and ask any restaurants and you'll be able to find something. Waiters and delivery guys are always needed at busy restaurants.

Good luck with the move. PM me if you have any questions.

 

[blackdogdeek]

another possibility is to live in hoboken or jersey city. they are starting to get more and more expensive all the time but it's still cheaper than manhattan. there are always people looking for roommates and it is only a path ride or bus ride or ferry ride to get into midtown or downtown manhattan.

i lived in hoboken for about 5 years and loved it.

 

[BChico]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
another possibility is to live in hoboken or jersey city. they are starting to get more and more expensive all the time but it's still cheaper than manhattan. there are always people looking for roommates and it is only a path ride or bus ride or ferry ride to get into midtown or downtown manhattan.

i lived in hoboken for about 5 years and loved it.

Hoboken is overpriced, Jersey City is a dump. There are some decent spots in Queens and you can find some reasonably priced apartments in the NYU area.

Or you can live anywhere in NE NJ.

I lived in Bayonne, south of Jersey City for a year, don't go there. I had to take the light rail to the PATH in pavonia newport, was 45 minutes in trains everyday, and the area sucked. Jersey City and Hoboken will give you 20 min train rides. I moved out to the Summit, NJ area, train is 30 min, rent is much less, people are more normal, and the air doesn't smell like shit. Don't forget to figure in the walk from train station to office too, mines a solid 20 min.

 

[blackdogdeek]

Originally posted by: BChico

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
another possibility is to live in hoboken or jersey city. they are starting to get more and more expensive all the time but it's still cheaper than manhattan. there are always people looking for roommates and it is only a path ride or bus ride or ferry ride to get into midtown or downtown manhattan.

i lived in hoboken for about 5 years and loved it.

Hoboken is overpriced, Jersey City is a dump. There are some decent spots in Queens and you can find some reasonably priced apartments in the NYU area.

Or you can live anywhere in NE NJ.

I lived in Bayonne, south of Jersey City for a year, don't go there. I had to take the light rail to the PATH in pavonia newport, was 45 minutes in trains everyday, and the area sucked. Jersey City and Hoboken will give you 20 min train rides. I moved out to the Summit, NJ area, train is 30 min, rent is much less, people are more normal, and the air doesn't smell like shit. Don't forget to figure in the walk from train station to office too, mines a solid 20 min.

ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

 

[BChico]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek

Originally posted by: BChico

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
another possibility is to live in hoboken or jersey city. they are starting to get more and more expensive all the time but it's still cheaper than manhattan. there are always people looking for roommates and it is only a path ride or bus ride or ferry ride to get into midtown or downtown manhattan.

i lived in hoboken for about 5 years and loved it.

Hoboken is overpriced, Jersey City is a dump. There are some decent spots in Queens and you can find some reasonably priced apartments in the NYU area.

Or you can live anywhere in NE NJ.

I lived in Bayonne, south of Jersey City for a year, don't go there. I had to take the light rail to the PATH in pavonia newport, was 45 minutes in trains everyday, and the area sucked. Jersey City and Hoboken will give you 20 min train rides. I moved out to the Summit, NJ area, train is 30 min, rent is much less, people are more normal, and the air doesn't smell like shit. Don't forget to figure in the walk from train station to office too, mines a solid 20 min.

ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

You can get an apartment in Manhattan for the same price as you are paying in Hoboken. When you were there 5 years ago, it was much more reasonable.

On the otherhand Hoboken is a great place to eat and drink. Tons of BYOB family owned places with great food. St. Patty's day parade is something to look forward to.

 

[Safeway]

Process: Bend over and prepare for anal-real-estate-rapage.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad with a trust fund. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

fixed.

I wouldn't wish hoboken on my worst enemy... it's like willaimsburg with twice as many guidos.

brooklyn is super over.

honestly, OP, I wouldn't recommend NYC unless you've already got a well paying job here. if you want to live in the city or in one of the directly neighboring cities, your choices are basically either super expensive gentrified areas or the ghetto.

check out lower tier cities like chicago or philly.

 

[ultimatebob]

The biggest pain I had when I moved to NY was getting my car registered at the DMV. Man... they make that as hard as possible!

Moving back out of NY two years later was almost as bad.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad with a trust fund. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

fixed.

I wouldn't wish hoboken on my worst enemy... it's like willaimsburg with twice as many guidos.

brooklyn is super over.

honestly, OP, I wouldn't recommend NYC unless you've already got a well paying job here. if you want to live in the city or in one of the directly neighboring cities, your choices are basically either super expensive gentrified areas or the ghetto.

check out lower tier cities like chicago or philly.

I am not a big fan of Philly and I hear chicago is cool...but while NY is cold i hear Chicago's winters are brutal.

So how much would I need for a kinda safe place....what should my budget be?

 

[Nerva]

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad with a trust fund. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

fixed.

I wouldn't wish hoboken on my worst enemy... it's like willaimsburg with twice as many guidos.

brooklyn is super over.

honestly, OP, I wouldn't recommend NYC unless you've already got a well paying job here. if you want to live in the city or in one of the directly neighboring cities, your choices are basically either super expensive gentrified areas or the ghetto.

check out lower tier cities like chicago or philly.

I am not a big fan of Philly and I hear chicago is cool...but while NY is cold i hear Chicago's winters are brutal.

So how much would I need for a kinda safe place....what should my budget be?

philly blows chunks. i lived there for a year and now i am moving back to new york. be ready to pay a lot. i saw an apartment 2 days ago, 1300/month for a 7x9 room (upper east side)

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: 3cho

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad with a trust fund. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

fixed.

I wouldn't wish hoboken on my worst enemy... it's like willaimsburg with twice as many guidos.

brooklyn is super over.

honestly, OP, I wouldn't recommend NYC unless you've already got a well paying job here. if you want to live in the city or in one of the directly neighboring cities, your choices are basically either super expensive gentrified areas or the ghetto.

check out lower tier cities like chicago or philly.

I am not a big fan of Philly and I hear chicago is cool...but while NY is cold i hear Chicago's winters are brutal.

So how much would I need for a kinda safe place....what should my budget be?

philly blows chunks. i lived there for a year and now i am moving back to new york. be ready to pay a lot. i saw an apartment 2 days ago, 1300/month for a 7x9 room (upper east side)

But I imagine its cheaper if you find roomates and stuff

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice

Originally posted by: 3cho

Originally posted by: KarmaPolice

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad with a trust fund. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

fixed.

I wouldn't wish hoboken on my worst enemy... it's like willaimsburg with twice as many guidos.

brooklyn is super over.

honestly, OP, I wouldn't recommend NYC unless you've already got a well paying job here. if you want to live in the city or in one of the directly neighboring cities, your choices are basically either super expensive gentrified areas or the ghetto.

check out lower tier cities like chicago or philly.

I am not a big fan of Philly and I hear chicago is cool...but while NY is cold i hear Chicago's winters are brutal.

So how much would I need for a kinda safe place....what should my budget be?

philly blows chunks. i lived there for a year and now i am moving back to new york. be ready to pay a lot. i saw an apartment 2 days ago, 1300/month for a 7x9 room (upper east side)

But I imagine its cheaper if you find roomates and stuff

I'd say the bare minimum for a 1-bedroom is $1K/month.

check out the apartment search on http://www.nypost.com/realestate

 

[DBL]

Why recommend NJ for someone who wants to live in the city? If you are willing to consider roommates and non-prime areas, there are plenty of nice places to live in NYC.

BTW, if Brooklyn is "super over" what does that make NJ? The better neighborhoods in Brooklyn are great for someone just out of college who still wants to be relatively close to the Manhattan. There is plenty of time for Jersey (if that's your thing) after you settle down in a few years.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: loki8481

Originally posted by: blackdogdeek
ah, but the downtown hoboken area is built for the recent college grad with a trust fund. it's like party city down there with all the happy hours and pubs and outdoor dining. and all within (drunken) walking distance of your apartment.

fixed.

I wouldn't wish hoboken on my worst enemy... it's like willaimsburg with twice as many guidos.

brooklyn is super over.

honestly, OP, I wouldn't recommend NYC unless you've already got a well paying job here. if you want to live in the city or in one of the directly neighboring cities, your choices are basically either super expensive gentrified areas or the ghetto.

check out lower tier cities like chicago or philly.

How dare you compare Chicago to the armpit that is Philadelphia.:frown:

 

[mobobuff]

First, make sure you actually want to live in NYC. I would suggest living somewhere on Long Island, in the Hempstead/Garden City area. There, you're not too far from the city and not too far from Long Beach. I would not suggest living in NYC, but that's just me. That place gives me headaches.

 

[KarmaPolice]

Originally posted by: mobobuff
First, make sure you actually want to live in NYC. I would suggest living somewhere on Long Island, in the Hempstead/Garden City area. There, you're not too far from the city and not too far from Long Beach. I would not suggest living in NYC, but that's just me. That place gives me headaches.

I've always wanted to live in a city, and I live in the middle of no where. I love riding my bike and being able to get from point A to B be on a bike, beating the time it would take to ride the train and saving money is a real appeal for me. I lived in Tokyo for a while and while I know they are very different I know I won't mind the constant noise or little space. I am not a fan of Philly and Boston...while I think its an awesome place is too cold for me. I love going to concerts and being in NY will let me do that pretty much any day I want, while other cities less so.


Just need monies. How much do you think I would need to have saved up to have a smooth transition and not have to get stressed out if I don't find a job as early as expected?

 

[bonkers325]

park slope or brooklyn heights are both excellent places to live in and not too expensive. look there!

edit: you will need somewhere around $2000/mo to live comfortably in NYC, depending on your rent of course. you can ride your bike anywhere in NYC, and if u live near downtown brooklyn u can definitely ride ur bike across the bridges for a quick commute

 

[manlymatt83]

If you want to take over my lease in Jersey for a while I'll give it to you for really cheap

 

[Vonkhan]

Ok, here goes ...

1. Finding a place to stay

The only 3 places you should consider are - Manhattan (aka the city), Brooklyn and Queens.

Don't live anywhere if it's not on the subway line - the LIRR, path train and all those might seem ok initially but in the long run, they're a super pain inthe butt. You'll also have to pay extra for some of those trains, really not worth it. So forget anyplace in NJ, Long Island, Staten Island, etc.

The best place to look for an apartment or shared is craigslist. Few things to keep in mind ...

Broker's fee - Avoid it if you can. Before meeting anyone who wants to show you a place, ask if there's any sort of fee. This will save you a lot of grief.

Whats included in the rent - Most places include heat and hot water/water. Some places don't include heat or hot water. Rarely. apartments will have electric-heat water. Avoid these like the plague.

Railroad apartment - google it. A 2 bedroom railroad apartment isn't exactly 2 rooms ...


2. Where to stay on a budget

Manhattan - Upper East Side. The further up the 100s (St) you go, the worse it gets.

Queens - Overall decent place to stay - bit boring tho

Brooklyn - Avoid Bushwick / East Williamsburgh. Williamsburgh, Prospect Park, Sunset Park are nice places.

I'd budget for $700-$1000 a month for a large comfortable room in a nice area. A single bedroom in Manhattan would be atleast $1300+ if it's halfway decent. In Brooklyn, depending upon the area, you could get a single for $1000+ although it'd be hard to find one in a decent location. Same for Queens.

Again, make sure the place is close to a subway stop.

3. Moving

Sales tax is pretty high in NYC, 8.75% so make sure you buy the big ticket items before you plant yourself here. Also, there are no Wal-Marts nearby. If you're driving in, most of the roads are one way ... so be careful. Also, one of the tunnels (forget which one) does not allow commercial vehicles - inc. U-haul trucks and the like. HUUUUUUGE pita. Also, when you're parking make sure it's not a road cleaning day or you're going to get ticketed. AVOID driving through midtown Manhattan.

4. Finding a job

It took me 6 months and cost a relationship before I found a job. I didn't want to wait tables or anything like that so it was really rough - I'd advise you to take the first job that's offered to you. You can always quit and get a new one but make sure you hit the ground running. Expenses pile up very fast in NYC.

There are plenty of temp agencies here and usually are pretty good with placing people. Temps do get treated like crap tho but plenty of temps land full-time positions too.

Networking is key. Get to know as many people as you can. You could push hundreds of e-mails to careers@blahblah.com but a word of mouth can land you a job instantly.

I'd rec. that you have a decent amount of money in the bank:

4 x months rent (1st mo. rent + last month rent + 1 mo. security deposit are generally reqd. upon move in ... and an additional month's rent for your own peace of mind)
$120 for utilities p/m
$500 for groceries p/m
$500 Misc. expenses p/m
$80 Metro card p/m

5. Don't forget to have fun

There's tons to do in NYC - lots of free stuff too while you get a job.

Hope that helped - feel free with any questions.

 

[nanette1985]

If that's the way you feel, then you don't want to be in Jersey or Long Island - that's deep suburbia. And, you won't make enough working as a waiter to afford NYC unless you are a really good waiter. NYC is expensive. Best of luck to you though.

 

[nageov3t]

Brooklyn - Avoid Bushwick / East Williamsburgh. Williamsburgh, Prospect Park, Sunset Park are nice places.

I hear East Williamsburgh is the new West Bushwick

 

[halik]

I moved from Michigan to NYC last year.

First of you're a fool if you want to move here w/o having a job lined up, that's just plain stupid. Rent will run you at least 1200/mo in Manhattan, not to mention that everything else is mad expensive also.

Basides Manhattan, you can do Williamsburg (relatively cheap), Hoboken (more college-towney, not cheap), Jersey City (ghetto), Queens (mini suburbia, ***** public transit) or Roosevelt Island (little cheaper than manhattan). In any case, living in NYC is pointless unless you make over 50K... because you won't be able to afford anything.

edit:

Just more thing, if you end up doing some menial job just for sake of living in the city, expect 0 play from the ladies. I'm dead serious on that one - NYC is by far the most pretentious place I've ever been to; women will not give you the time of the day if you tell em you're a waiter at whatever restaurant.

 

[frankie38]

Quote:

I hear East Williamsburgh is the new West Bushwick

Unquote.

that was funny...

btw: I wouldn't go past 96th on the upper east side.