Living in NYC: 15 Things to Know Before Moving to New York

New York City is filled with endless exploration opportunities, including arts, culture, food, and music. It's easy to see why it lives up to its nickname as the City that Never Sleeps with 24/7 amenities and fun around every corner.

Moving to New York City

Moving to the Big Apple isn't like packing up for a small town. It requires a strategy to find the best neighborhood with reasonable rents. Before you start packing, here are the things to know before moving to New York City.

1. What's It Like Living in New York City?

Everything is bigger and bolder in New York, from Broadway shows to concerts, pubs, and dining that keeps its 8.419 million locals busy day and night. New York City's prime location on the Eastern seaboard makes it easy to take the train, bus, or car to nearby cities, including Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington D.C. In addition, the area's three international airports take locals anywhere in the world, while the subway keeps the city connected all day and night.

There’s plenty of history to soak up in New York City, too. The Dutch first founded the city along the Hudson River in 1624 as a prime trading point. Then, two years later, it was established as the colony of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island before the English took control and renamed it New York.

There's a story everywhere you look in New York City, with scores of historical stops to get to know the earliest days. In 1883, circus legend Barnum marched elephants across the Brooklyn Bridge to prove it was safe to use. In 1885, the city received the Statue of Liberty from France and met with fanfare. The city was also the home to the first presidential inauguration when George Washington took the oath of office on April 30, 1789.

2. Cost of Living in New York City is Skyhigh

While the cost of living in New York City depends on where you live, it is known for its sky-high price tags. According to Payscale, the cost of living in New York City is 129% higher, and housing is 369% higher than the national average.

Here's how Payscale broke down how much things cost when moving to New York City:

• Energy bill: $210.08
• Loaf of bread: $4.27
• Doctor's visit: $127.32
• A gallon of gas: $3.47

New York City rents rose sharply by 33.5% compared to the same time last year. You should expect to pay a median of $2,014 for a one-bedroom apartment or $2,120 for a two-bedroom.

Living comfortably in a one-bedroom apartment in New York City means planning for an income of at least $80,555 a year or $41.31 an hour. For a two-bedroom apartment, you'll need to earn at least $84,800 a year or $42.40 an hour.

Learn more about the average rent in New York City.

The median income in New York City is $63,998, as reported by the Census Bureau in 2019. By comparison, the median income is $68,486 in the rest of New York City.

The cost of living in New York City is one of the highest in the nation. Still, you have more options to build a thriving career while enjoying entertainment, food, and world-class attractions than most metropolitan areas. Practically everything is at your feet when you live in the Big Apple, and the amenities may be worth the compromises on cost.

Choosing apartments with a farther walk to the subway, the outer boroughs, and New Jersey may save some costs. However, if you're within commuting distance to New York City, you should expect to pay a premium for an apartment.

3. New York City Has Its Own Taxes

New York City imposes a separate city income and state income tax. The rate varies and depends on income and filing status. If you decide to live across the river in New Jersey and commute to Manhattan for work, you'll still need to pay New York City taxes.

4. People Are Moving to New York City from the East and West

Apartment List's most recent migration report shows that most people are moving to New York City from Philadelphia, followed by Miami and Washington. New York City renters are considering moving to warmer weather in Miami and Atlanta. However, they're also looking to relocate to nearby Philadelphia.

For more information, read our Renter Migration Report.

5. New York City’s Job Market and Economy Is Diverse

New York state's GDP is continuously rising and will hit 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020, making it one of the largest economies in the world. The Big Apple's economy also encompasses the largest municipal and regional economy in the United States: Newcomers build their careers in financial services, healthcare, professional and business services, retail, education, and entertainment.

So, whether you want to spend your day trading on Wall Street or performing on the Great White Way, opportunity awaits in New York City.

6. Public Transportation in New York City Goes Everywhere

It's not uncommon to meet lifelong locals of New York City who never learned to drive or have a license. Instead, they rely on the city's intricate subway and bus system, ferries, rideshares, and cabs. People commute from within the five boroughs, along the Hudson Valley, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The subway is the most popular mode of transportation, but train lines also connect to Grand Central Station and Penn Station help connect commuters living in the Tri-State area.

Despite all the public transportation, many New Yorkers own cars, which accounts for the non-stop gridlock traffic. Parking comes at a premium, although some residents in the outer boroughs make free street parking work. Just know that you have to move your car back and forth across the street to avoid street cleaning and pricey parking tickets.

7. Weather in New York City Gets Extreme

The snow and slush in New York City don’t keep locals from walking to the subway or their office year-round. Summers are hot, humid, and wet in New York City, and winters are snowy and windy. Partial cloud coverage is common year-round, and the overall temperature varies from 28°F to 85°F. However, locals should expect to experience the occasional sub-zero temperatures or heatwave.

Newer complexes may have central air or mini-split systems; however, most apartments in New York City have AC window units. Newcomers should plan to purchase one for every room in their apartment to stay cool. Steam boilers typically heat the entire apartment building from a central control system during the winter months. Heat rises, so plan accordingly if you prefer the toastiest unit in the complex.

8. New York City Attractions are World-Class

New York City is a playground of entertainment, arts, culture, dining, and outdoor wonders. Here are some of the attractions scattered throughout the city.

Theater

New York City is synonymous with Broadway shows playing year-round to eager crowds. However, off-Broadway productions often develop a cult following and attract theater-goers. Major stops include the Majestic, Nederlander, and the Belasco, among 41 Broadway theaters.

Museums

Museum-lovers feel right at home in New York City. The oldest museum in the city dates back to 1804. The New York Historical Society offers four centuries of artifacts and stories among changing exhibits.

Other museums include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, and Frick Collection, among other notable museums and galleries.

Music

The eclectic venues of the Big Apple attract all genres of music, including opera, symphony, and experimental performance art. The Bowery Ballroom, Mercury Lounge, Barclays Center, and Carnegie Hall also just scratch the surface of places to see a live act in New York City.

Historical Stops

With roots dating back to the 1600s, New York City is rich in history. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are among the most famous historical stops. But, of course, the city is also home to the Empire State Building, the stunning New York Public Library with volumes of books and artwork, and Rockefeller Center.

Outdoors

New York City may have the reputation as being a concrete jungle, but that doesn't mean it's not teeming with green space. The city is home to Central Park, Riverside Park, Prospect Park, and 1,700 total parks to choose from. Hidden gems can also be found in the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine's garden and resident peacocks. A handful of wildlife refuges and hiking trails can also be found throughout the city.

9. New York Nightlife

Nightlife is a significant economic and cultural driver in New York City, with over 25,000 establishments to choose from. Trivia nights are popular around the city at bars and clubs. Locals head to Paul's Cocktail Lounge for hip cocktails in an A-list crowd. Le Bain features a disco and rooftop bar with Hudson River Views. Elsewhere entertains crowds in a warehouse turned multi-concept venue and restaurant.

Blend culture with nightlife with a performance at Carnegie Hall or get tickets to the New York City Opera. New York City is also known for its iconic night at the museum. MoMa, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and the Whitney Museum of Art all offer regular evening performances, lectures, and small concerts.

New York City is a beacon for media and entertainment. Attend a TV show taping, including Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Saturday Night Live is also a popular option, though it is notoriously tough to get tickets.

10. Public Transportation in New York is Top-Tier

New York City offers one of the best public transportation systems in the country. The MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) provides subways and busses that connect the five boroughs in New York City. Cabs, taxis, Uber, and Lyft are also available throughout the city. Fares cost $2.75 per ride on the MTA or $127 for a 30-day pass.

Grand Central and Penn Station offer a wider selection of train transportation to New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island, and areas north of the city. Commuting in and out of the city, as well as to different states, is common.

Biking is a very popular option around New York City but requires some caution in high-traffic areas. Parts of the city offer multi-use paths and areas like the Hudson River Greenway and Bronx River Pathway. The seasonal Governors Island also offers biking, festivals, and Greenpeace. The biggest parks in the city and outer boroughs, like Central Park and Prospect Park, are also the perfect places to soak up some green space in the urban jungle.

Depending on where you live, you can also rely on a ferry service to get around New York City. Areas at the tip of Battery Park, the East River, South Brooklyn, Astoria, Soundview, and Governor's Island, are just some of the places you can grab a ferry or water taxi.

With so many public transportation options around New York City, you don't need a car to get where you need to go. Public parking is limited and notoriously expensive, although it's possible to find free street parking in the outer boroughs like the Bronx and Staten Island. The farther away you live from Manhattan, the more likely you are to find parking options.

11. New York's Food & Drink Scene is Iconic

New York is celebrated for its iconic food scene. Bagels are the cornerstone of every breakfast, and sometimes lunch. You can also grab a slice of pizza for about the cost of a subway ride. Pastrami is also a popular menu item at restaurants and delis. Top everything off with a slice of fresh cheesecake or Italian ice.

Part of what makes New York City's food scene so grand is the ability to wander into neighborhoods that cater to your favorite dishes. Little Italy, Chinatown, Koreatown, and Brighton Beach all offer ethnic eats from Italian to Russian. It's easy to see why the city earned #4 as the best foodie destination in the US.

NYC Restaurant Week offers a little of everything. The event is held twice a year, with participating restaurants offering pre-made lunches and dinners. It's a score if you want to eat at the city's finest restaurants where prices are usually the lowest you'll ever see them.

12. New York Offers Green Space

New York City may have a reputation as an urban jungle, though it offers 28,000 acres of green space. Central Park is the pinnacle of the city's green space. You'll also find Umpire Rock with an outcrop of gigantic boulders protruding from the bedrock. Central Park isn't the city's largest park. Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx is over three times as large.

For some activity, go biking in Wolfe's Pond Park in Staten Island. As the borough's largest park, you can enjoy waterfront biking in a more laid-back setting on the south shore. Stop by your local farmer's market, which might fill an entire city square, like Union Square in Manhattan. Grab a ferry and take a picnic over to Governor Island, where you can also rent a bike.

The city also offers free kayaking on the Hudson River during warmer months. You can find kayaking spots throughout the city and take advantage of 30-minute free rides.

13. There's Plenty of Sports Teams to Root On

New York City is a thriving sports town with zealous NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL fans. The city hosts multiple teams for each franchise and creates fierce loyalty and competition. For example, Madison Square Garden is home to both the New York Nicks and the New York Rangers, and the Brooklyn Nets play at the Barclay Center. Baseball rivalry is alive and well in New York City, and locals have strong feelings about the Mets or the New York Yankees. Football fans have their choice of the New York Giants or Jets. Soccer fans root for the New York City FC or the New York Red Bulls.

14. New York City’s Universities Are Among the Most Prestigious

New York City is home to some of the most prestigious universities and higher learning opportunities in the country. Students arrive from around the world to attend Columbia University, New York University, Baruch College, Barnard College, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and Pratt Institute.

15. What Neighborhoods in New York City Should You Make Your Home?

New York City has scores of neighborhoods ranging from trendy to historic and residential. Here's a look at some of the places to live in the five boroughs in New York City.

Manhattan

For being a small island, Manhattan holds a surprising amount of neighborhoods. There are dozens of areas to choose from, and locals often choose according to their commutes and favorite places to hang out. Trendy options include the West Village, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, the Financial District, Chinatown, Soho, and Chelsea.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn was once a sleepy community that exploded into a trendsetting borough. Locals settle in trendy Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, and Bay Ridge. You'll find a unique vibe in each neighborhood with varying access to the subway and bus. Make sure your commute aligns with your expectations.

Queens

Although the price tag in Queens is less than what you'll find in Manhattan, the cost of living is still high. Like Long Island City, some neighborhoods in Queens is located just minutes from Manhattan. Astoria, Forest Hills, Sunnyside, Ridgewood, and Bayside are also popular options for locals looking for a little more space.

Bronx

The best neighborhoods in the Bronx include Riverdale, Morris Park, Kingsbridge, Throgs Neck, and Spuyten Duyvil. Many of its communities are more residential and offer stunning waterside views. However, there are also unique enclaves, like City Island, with some of the best seafood in the city and a cozy, communal feel.

Staten Island

A free ferry ride from Manhattan takes you to Staten Island's shores. The borough is more laid-back and attractive to families looking for more space among the mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment buildings. Desirable neighborhoods include Todt Hill, Huguenot, Great Kills, and New Dorp.

Final Thoughts

Ready to move to New York City? Register for Apartment List and explore the best neighborhoods, apartment buildings, and brownstones today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the weather like in New York City?

New York City’s weather patterns allow residents to experience the full four seasons. Winters are cold and wet, while summers are warm and humid. The fall and spring seasons are as expected. In fact, the New York City cityscape makes each season look picturesque, even as you’re slogging through slush.

What’s the time zone in New York City?

New York City’s time zone is Eastern Standard/Daylight Time (EST and/or EDT) depending on the time of year. It is also Greenwich Mean Time - 5 (GMT-5), which is three hours ahead of San Francisco.

What to do in New York City?

If you have a free day in New York City, explore some of those famous tourist attractions that locals avoid. Head to the MET, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty, stroll through Central Park, and more. If you want a more unique experience, check out local dives to find a great place to eat and maybe sing some karaoke?

What county is New York City in?

New York City covers a span of five counties coinciding with the city’s five boroughs, including Queens County (Queens), New York County (Manhattan), Bronx County (The Bronx), Richmond County (Staten Island), and Kings County (Brooklyn). Nearby Yonkers is located within Westchester County.

What are the benefits of moving to New York City?

New York City is the land of opportunity, though, beyond that, the city offers residents the chance to experience life in all its forms. The city’s diversity, art scene, food industry, and recreation options make it one of the most impressive cities in the world. There’s just always something for New York City residents to do.

What are the pros and cons of living in New York City?

The pros of living in New York City include proximity to one of the US’s premier cultural hubs, diversity, job opportunities, and a chance to find your place in the world. The cons of living in New York City include the crime rate, the high cost of living, the taxes, and the feeling of being a small fish in a big ocean.

What’s the best neighborhood to move to in New York City?

The four best neighborhoods to move to in New York City are the Upper West Side, East Village, Manhattanville, and Washington Heights. That said, there are literally tons of New York City neighborhoods to choose from, do your research before you settle on one.

What’s it like living in New York City?

There’s really nothing like living in New York City, as the densely packed metropolitan area is home to 8.4 million residents. Beyond the feeling of being in a big city, living in New York City is like living in a completely new world. Exceedingly diverse, historic roots opportunities and endless opportunities mark the experience of living in the Big Apple.

What are the taxes in New York City?

New York City levies an effective sales tax at a rate of 8.875% and is unique in that it levies an income tax at the city level, in addition to the state income tax. The city income tax rate ranges from 3.078% to 3.876%.

What jobs are popular in New York City?

As New York City boasts one of the nation's most efficient local economies, there’s never a shortage of jobs. Major companies such as HBO, American Express, Tiffany’s and more have headquarters there. Beyond that, you’ll find finance positions on Wall Street, opportunities with the United Nations, and many more employment options within New York City’s borders.

What universities are in New York City?

There are many universities in New York City, the most popular of which include New York University (NYU), Columbia University, Barnard, and Cornell. There are plenty of college students roaming the streets of New York City, and plenty of jobs within higher education facilities.

What are things to do in New York City?

When it comes to a city like New York, the question is what isn’t there to do in New York? Frankly, you could take one wrong turn on your commute in New York City and find yourself in a dive bar, tattoo parlor, yoga studio, nightclub, or whatever. Most New York City residents enjoy visiting the city’s restaurants, museums, sporting events, and outdoor activities. Minneapolis