Life in the Big Apple
Whether you are moving from another major city or a small town, prepare yourself for all the energy you will feel in New York City. Life here just moves at a much faster pace…literally. People tend to walk quickly down the street, race to catch the subway, or run to hail down a cab. You will notice that everyone seems to be in a rush as they move about the city. There may be times when you find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, especially if you are coming from a smaller city.
New York lives up to its nickname as the “city that never sleeps.” Locals are constantly on the move, no matter what time of day. It’s not uncommon for New Yorkers to go out to dinner at 10 pm or hit the gym around 11 pm. There are plenty of businesses that stay open around the clock, and you can expect noise and traffic 24 hours a day.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in New York City is among the highest in the country, at about 20% above the national average. Therefore, be realistic when it comes to choosing a neighborhood and rental property. Make sure you have also put together a detailed budget to make sure you can afford the basics like food, housing, and utilities.
New York Boroughs and Neighborhoods
Perhaps the most important and also the most challenging decision when moving to NYC is figuring out where to live. Here we will break down some of the different neighborhoods to consider.
New York City is made up of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough has its own distinct character, cultural diversity, dining options, and amenities. Choosing the borough that is right for you will depend on your job, lifestyle, and budget.
Manhattan
Manhattan is the most famous borough in New York City and is surrounded by towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. This is where you will find many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and so much more. This is also the home to Wall Street and the city’s main financial district. Manhattan is crowded and bustling with energy, so it is ideal for someone looking for a fast-paced lifestyle and access to big city amenities. It is also the most expensive of the five boroughs. The most notable neighborhoods in Manhattan are:
- Greenwich Village
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
Brooklyn
Located west of Manhattan across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn has the reputation of being home to affluent families and hipsters. Here you will find beautiful parks, excellent restaurants, and plenty of culture. Brooklyn neighborhoods are a bit less crowded and more relaxed than Manhattan. The most notable neighborhoods in Brooklyn are:
- Williamsburg
- Park Slope
- Prospect Heights
The Bronx
Home to the New York Yankees and the birthplace of hip-hop, the Bronx features plenty of attractions and amenities that make it a unique and exciting place to live. The downside to living in the Bronx is that although the subway can take people back and forth to Manhattan, getting around the borough itself can be a bit more of a challenge. That said, you can find more affordable rent here than in other parts of the city. Some of the most notable neighborhoods in the Bronx are:
- Fordham
- Riverdale
- South Bronx
Queens
Queens is the easternmost borough of NYC and the largest in size of all five. Queens neighborhoods offer a relaxed, suburban feel with the perks of a big city. As one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country, you can immerse yourself in culture and enjoy delicious ethnic food options from all over the world. You can also expect a much lower cost of living in Queens than in the other New York boroughs. Some of the most notable neighborhoods in Queens are:
Staten Island
The southernmost borough of NYC is Staten Island, and it is connected to Manhattan via ferry. Staten Island offers a more suburban, family-friendly lifestyle with features like a great zoo, botanical gardens, and backyard pools. This area is ideal for those who prefer to spend money on their home rather than convenience. Some of the most notable neighborhoods in Staten Island include:
Transportation: How to Get Around New York City
NYC has the largest public transportation fleet in the world, and its residents rely on the MTA- a bus subway system that covers the entire city. Most residents purchase a monthly pass for $127, which allows them unlimited access to all subways and buses. The subway consists of 18 lines, each with its own letter or number, and they are grouped by color. Numbers and letters with the same color run on similar tracks or have shared routes. Less than 50% of New Yorkers own a car, but if you do choose to bring a car, pay close attention to parking rules and fees.
Helpful guides
We have put together several guides on moving to New York City from some popular cities. Read these for more information:
Ready to Move to New York City? Allied Van Lines Can Help
From world-class museums and theaters to exceptional dining and entertainment, the possibilities in New York are endless. NYC is bursting with excitement and energy and is truly one-of-a-kind. Now that you are ready to pack your bags, let the experts at Allied Van Lines help make your move to New York smooth and hassle-free. As leaders in the moving industry for more than 95 years, we know exactly what it takes to get you packed and on your way to the Big Apple. Our team of professionals is here and ready to take the stress out of your move so you can enjoy all of the excitement of moving to New York City. Call Allied today for more information about our customizable moving packages.