Are you hearing NYC calling your name? It’s a magical place and one that beckons people from far and wide. New York City has the anything is a possible vibe, creating an undeniable allure. If you’re ready to pack up and make NYC your home, we definitely don’t blame you… and we want to be the first to say: Welcome Home!
Of course, there are things about New York that are different from anywhere else. Many of those make it more challenging to find and move into a new home. We’ve put together a list of some things you should know if you’re eyeing a move to The Big Apple.
It’s Truly The City That Never Sleeps
More than that, this is a city of big, BIG energy. You may have your own rhythm, but you’ll have to keep the pace here to some degree. Whether that means walking down the street or pushing yourself professionally, NYC will challenge you in many ways.
New Yorkers have a reputation for being a bit brusk, and while that holds true in their direct communication, they also most often have a soft heart of gold. Locals are often on the move, businesses are open late (or 24/7), and you’ll rarely find a time when there isn’t any activity happening.
This can get a bit overwhelming or even exhausting for many, particularly at first. Luckily, there are green and open spaces throughout the city to find some respite from the hectic pace of life. Meet friends in a park, go for a jog along the Hudson, and find your favorite corner of the library to curl up with a book.
You’ll Have to Be Quick
The cost of living in NYC is about 20% higher than in the rest of the country, but that doesn’t deter people from moving into the city. The competitive nature of the housing market means affordable areas are dissipating as rents rise to meet demand. With only a third of New Yorkers owning homes, the rental market will keep you on your toes.
You’ll have to be quick if you’re looking for a rental here. Be prepared to pay the deposit as soon as possible, and have all of your documents ready to accompany your rental application. Don’t get disheartened if you’re struggling to find a place. The best thing you can do is start hunting as early as possible and be ready to act fast when the moment arrives.
Understand the Rental Process
When looking for apartments, gather your documents beforehand. Save yourself the time, and you’ll potentially have a leg up on the competition who may need a moment to collect their paperwork.
You’ll need proof of income such as payslips and employment letters, tax returns, bank statements, and glowing referrals from previous landlords or rental agencies. Each landlord is different, but a general rule of thumb is that you’ll need to earn at least 40 times the monthly rent in order to qualify. Not quite there? You may be asked for a guarantor to back you up.
Overall, be prepared for stiff competition and higher price tags than you may be used to.
Check Building Rules Before Moving
Once you find a place to live, make sure you understand the rules for moving into your building. It’s not as easy as it is in the suburbs, where you can pick up and move whenever it’s convenient for you. There are parking laws, high traffic times and days, and restrictions from building managers on when you’re able to perform the move.
The best thing you can do is ask for all of the finer details when you sign the rental agreement. Understand how much you need to communicate with your landlord and how much notice you’ll need to give. The last thing you want to do is start on the wrong foot with your landlord or fellow tenants.
Hire a New York Mover
The best thing you can do is hire an experienced New York mover to ease any uncertainty. Professional movers will understand the ins and outs of an NYC move and ensure you think of everything before the day comes.
Not only will they know to make sure you get the go-ahead from your landlord, but they’ll also know how to navigate parking restrictions and challenging spaces at your new home. That includes walk-ups, tight hallways, and more.
Having a Car is a Luxury… And a Frustration
If you’re accustomed to driving everywhere in your current hometown, you’ll need to make some lifestyle adjustments in NYC. Owning a car is a luxury, and you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons before you decide to keep your vehicle.
Insurance, parking, and maintenance (particularly in harsh winter conditions) are an investment. More than that, you’ll have to be prepared for the frustration of finding parking on your street. Most buildings don’t have parking structures, so you can be left fending for yourself.
Chances are, wherever you move will likely be within walking distance of a subway station. Investing in a MetroCard and keeping a carshare membership on hand is likely the best approach to transport.
FOMO is Real
Did we mention a lot is going on in NYC? Honestly, it’s impossible to illustrate just how much is happening in this city at any given moment. It’s exciting, exhilarating, inspiring… and overwhelming.
Unless you’re a housebound introvert, you can’t escape the FOMO here. Whether it’s concerts, DJs, poetry readings, open mics, new restaurants, exhibitions, theatre, or so much more, you simply can’t do it all. Be prepared to both want to do it all and have FOMO when you can’t.