5 things to know before moving to NYC

Your heart’s made the decision before your mind; you will be the next rising star to take the stage in the world’s biggest theatre: New York City. 

Whether it’s an old friend or a new acquaintance that’s convinced you to join their New York journey, there’s some homework to do before taking your bite out of the Big Apple. 

All moves can be challenging; New York’s astounding depth and experiential diversity makes the smaller details important. From discovering a fantastic neighborhood to renting a shared sublet with roommates, there are many things to know before you’re ready to make the highest-quality decisions. 

In order to help provide a seamless transition, we at Roomrs have assembled five essential tips before moving to NYC. 

1. Your future neighborhood

New York City sprawls across 305 square miles with 59 distinct neighborhoods across five boroughs, each one having its own history, microculture, and personality.

From Bushwick’s famous street art, to Brooklyn’s expansive thousand-and-one attractions and Morningside Heights bustling student community, there’s a perfect niche for everyone that calls NYC their home.

Take your time researching which areas match your lifestyle best; there are hundreds of blogs dedicated to any given locale. Worried about finding an apartment in time? Don’t fret; the city is an ever-revolving door with guaranteed new openings daily. 

It’s not uncommon in “the city” - the way local New Yorkers refer to the Manhattan area -  to enter at a six month lease; many first-timers try out several different neighborhoods before settling down for longer leasings. 

Explore the streets and discover your local grocery stores and bars; anything you’ll need is just around the corner. You might fall in love with the 24-hour pizza store a minute away.

Manhattan offers its own unique excitement but can be incredibly expensive. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable while still being close to all the action, you might want to consider areas in Brooklyn or Queens.

Brooklyn’s Williamsburg is a trendy, art-filled neighborhood known for its vibrant culture, while Queens offers multicultural neighborhoods like Astoria, known for its restaurants and proximity to Manhattan.

For those looking for something quieter, The Bronx and Staten Island also offer residential areas with a more relaxed atmosphere and lower rent prices. Each borough brings a different vibe, so explore as much as possible to find your fit.
 

2. Knowing your financials & expenses

It’s no secret, New York is expensive.

If you’re starting out as a young professional, secure a job before moving in. In the city that never sleeps, even the neighborhood cat is on a budget. Getting a good understanding of your financials and overestimating your monthly expenses will help you cultivate and manage a workable budget.

Worried about furniture and moving fees? Many apartments and housing companies like Roomrs offer furnished, affordable co-living spaces, easing your first months on the grand stage. 

Wondering about the specifics? Expect rent to be your biggest expense. The cost of living in New York varies greatly by borough and neighborhood, but a good rule of thumb is to budget about 30-40% of your income for rent. In some cases, you may need to spend even more, especially in Manhattan. Consider neighborhoods in the outer boroughs for more affordable housing.

Additional Expenses

It’s not just rent that will stretch your wallet—utilities, groceries, and transportation also add up quickly. Expect to pay between $100 and $150 a month on utilities like electricity and internet. Groceries are typically higher than the national average, and if you enjoy eating out, budget for meals, as restaurants can be expensive. While you’ll certainly want to try famous NYC dining spots, balancing home-cooked meals with eating out can help keep costs down.
 

Wondering about transportation? A monthly MetroCard for unlimited subway and bus rides costs about $127. If you're planning to drive, keep in mind that parking can be a nightmare, and monthly parking in Manhattan can cost as much as $500 or more.

NYC is all about give-and-take; the price of drinks in a Manhattan bar may surprise you. Nevertheless, New York’s reputation for erupting with opportunity successfully lives up to the hype. With a uniquely fast-paced lifestyle and being the center of many booming industries,, NYCs’ newcomers tend to find steady employment from the jump.

3. Discovering the transportation system

A city with endless statistics, NYC finds its place amongst the world’s busiest public transportation systems. 

Newcomers quickly discover that the transport system is massive. Unlike Dallas, Miami, or Los Angeles, NYC’s subways connect the entire city and, once learned, is surprisingly easy to navigate. 

If you’re new to using public transport, you’ll likely use the metro more often than you think. Much of the underground subway doesn’t have cell reception; download the metro map and keep it handy in case your phone loses wifi. 

There’s no need to own a car in NYC, and most people rely on public transport. The subway system operates 24/7, and though delays can happen, it’s the fastest and most affordable way to get around the city. If you're commuting within Manhattan or from nearby boroughs like Brooklyn or Queens, the subway is your best bet.

Thinking of bringing your car? Parking, traffic, and weather conditions are guaranteed to consume much of your time if you’re looking to live within Manhattan, and many locals prefer to solely depend on subways and Ubers, as they tend to be very reliable. If you plan to commute to Manhattan for work, it may be a more considerable idea, as many office spaces offer parking.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, but they can be expensive during peak hours or bad weather. Biking is also a popular option, and the city has expanded its bike lanes and offers a bike-share program called Citi Bike.

4. Looking for a roommate in NYC

Whether you’re a young professional or a student seeking housing in NYC, there are hundreds of like-minded individuals looking to start their journey as well. 

Co-living in New York City is an affordable way to enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey, and sharing your space with the right people can determine the quality of your experience.

To avoid falling into unpleasant living situations, here are some tips to keep in mind when meeting with prospective roommates:

• Asking questions about cleanliness standards, guests, and even how they plan to afford paying rent. These questions help attain a fix on their personality and daily habits.
• Meeting at a bar and discovering their lifestyle and personality; if you’re looking into a specific neighborhood chances are you’ll find like-minded folk. 
• Trust in your gut. Even if things seem fitting on paper but still leave you feeling unsure, there will always be someone else to fill the spot.

Use online platforms like Craigslist, Facebook groups, and specialized roommate-finding services to find potential roommates. Roomrs is another great option, offering fully furnished co-living spaces that pair you with compatible roommates. This can simplify the process and give you the peace of mind of knowing you're moving in with someone already vetted by the service.

If you’re interested in reading up more on the topic, check out our blog post on finding a roommate in NYC. 

5. How Roomrs helps you find your NYC home 

Despite any amount of research, newcomers always feel overwhelmed when arriving in The Empire State. 

From searching for affordable rooms to rent in NYC or finding compatible roommates, Roomrs offers an all-in-one package for living spaces all over the Big Apple. Helping our customers find roommates and setting them up in furnished apartments, we act as your personal guide to the world’s most exciting destination.

Dealing with the thousands of tasks of moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming; all of our apartments come with utilities, wi-fi, and house cleaning at one price at the end of the month!

Co-living in NYC can be both affordable and an amazing experience—a journey that compounds with new friendships sharing in the experience. Let us help you begin yours.

In addition to its services, Roomrs takes the hassle out of traditional moving and apartment searching by offering transparent pricing and flexible lease options. Whether you're in town for six months or planning to stay long-term, we provide a range of solutions to make your transition smoother.

Curious about beginning your New York journey? Learn more about co-living apartments in NYC and see how Roomrs can help make your transition to the city effortless.