Are you feeling the allure of moving to NYC pulling you in? You won’t be the only Angeleno in town! At some point, many people in LA choose to give up their west coast life and trade it for the bright lights of the Big Apple.

The distance between LA and NYC is nearly as far as you can get in the US, but that doesn’t stop at the physical journey. Moving to New York is also a lifestyle change in many ways, and there are a few key things to keep in mind if you’re moving from West to East.

Attitude

%name Things to Keep in Mind if You’re Moving to New York from LA

New Yorkers are extremely passionate people, a trait that is palpable when you’re in the city. It’s part of the charm, of course, as people from all around the world are drawn to the vibe and pace of this place.

Of course, sometimes this passion can be misinterpreted by those who have just arrived. New Yorkers are to-the-point types, which means they also leave little unsaid. If you’re not accustomed to directing communication, you’ll learn quickly.

For many, LA feels a bit more welcoming as a city. Sure, it’s also a big city, but that sunny beachside energy works its way through day-to-day life. The culture of New York City does make you work for it a bit, and you may be in for a bit of culture shock when you arrive.

Trust us, that initial feeling of rudeness will melt into a realization of authenticity, and you’ll see that New Yorkers have a heart of gold underneath the go-go-go pace.

Climate

Put simply: New York has seasons. That’s not exactly a best-kept secret, though it is something to keep in mind when you take the leap.

Unless you regularly take wintery vacations, you likely need to stock up on some cold-weather clothes. While you’ll be bundled up a lot more often in NYC, there is a bright side: you’ll appreciate the seasons so much more here. Spring and autumn are vibrant transition periods in the year, and the entire city comes alive in a new way on the long summer days.

Unless you’re moving in wintertime, save your shopping for things like coats, boots, and other gear when you arrive in New York. Not only will you save yourself the hassle of packing and moving those things, but you’ll also have a much better selection.

Transportation

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Goodbye traffic, hello public transportation!

Okay, coming from LA, the idea of ditching your car may bring up a bit of anxiety. Trust us; it’s much more anxiety-inducing to hunt for packing in NYC when all you want to do is get home. Thankfully, the subway system has your back.

No matter which neighborhood you choose, you’ll almost certainly be within walking distance of a subway station. The subway network covers the city, and it’s easy to navigate. Of course, there are buses and taxis available for those places the subway just doesn’t reach. Most neighborhoods also have all of your needs covered, so depending on your lifestyle, you may not often need public transport at all.

Housing

The truth is, the rental market moves as fast as New Yorkers walking down the sidewalk with somewhere to be. It’s a tough market, and you’ll need to arrive ready to submit an application and pay your down payment on the spot if you like the place.

If you’re moving to New York, you’ll need to be patient and persistent if you’re looking for a place to live, but don’t despair. There is plenty of housing in NYC, and you’re sure to find the place for you if you allow yourself the time and energy for the search. You’ll also have to allow the right budget: rents are steep in NYC, and so is the cost of living.

Job Market

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Because of the competitive housing market and the cost of living, starting your job search is best before moving to New York. Sure, you can move without a job secured, but you’ll need to have ample savings to cover your costs.

New York City thrives in virtually every industry, and in this post-pandemic world, there are plenty of job openings. Check job boards and arrange interviews for when you arrive if you can’t schedule them before the move. You’ll give yourself more peace of mind if you get things moving in advance.