7 Tips for NYC Newcomers
Both newcomers and long-time New Yorkers can attest that making new friends can be nearly as challenging as locating a suitable place to live. Of course, more than eight million people are scattered throughout the five boroughs of New York City, but chances are they’re all too busy trying to make ends meet to enjoy life in the city. So, if you’re in the Big Apple and looking to make it your home
we give 7 tips for NYC newcomers.
1. Adjust Your Budget
If you plan on making New York City your permanent home, you need to prepare your finances accordingly. New York is the most costly city in the United States. Therefore cautious financial planning is essential. To those who have recently relocated to New York City from the suburbs or a smaller town, the high cost of living may come as a rude awakening. Your entire financial plan will likely need to be reevaluated. You will need to consider the following:
- Rent prices: Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit is $4,120 and for a two-bedroom unit, it is $4,800. These prices make New York City the most expensive major city in the United States to live in as of August 2022.
- Utilities: Utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment cost an average of $164.72 per month. Additionally, internet service can cost anywhere from $65.90 to $100 per month.
- Transportation: Many New Yorkers rely on the city’s enormous public transit network for moving around the city. The cost of an adult monthly “MetroCard,” or monthly transportation card, will be $127. Metro cards for a week cost $33.
- Food costs: Similar to the national average, New Yorkers spend around 12.9% of their household budget on food. Sixty-one percent of this amount is allocated to meals consumed in the comfort of one’s own home, while the remaining thirty-eight percent is spent on eating away from the house.
2. Download the Subway Map
The state of New York City’s subway system may be shocking to NYC newcomers. It is convoluted, antiquated, and chaotic. In addition to being prone to flooding, it has the worst delays of any primary public transportation system. However, according to Best Movers NYC, it is still a better alternative for getting around the city than driving. That being said, to alleviate some of the pressure of using the subway, you should download the subway map to your phone in advance. Understanding the subway system will serve you well since it is the quickest and easiest way to go about the city.
To navigate unknown subway lines, having a map can be a lifesaver. Rather than needing to figure out your route ahead of time or look at the ones placed on the station’s walls, you can use a map. Specific applications offer additional information, such as upcoming subway timetables and route-specific service statuses.
3. Participate in a New York City Business Networking Event
Find a networking club that suits your interests and professional needs, and attend their regular business events. There are several professional networking groups in New York City that you can join. Additionally, you can meet others who share your desire for social interaction at these events. As a bonus, networking puts you in touch with new people who may be helpful to you in your work and help you advance your career.
4. Don’t Rush
People in NYC are constantly in motion, trying to get from point A to point B. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. So, take things slowly at first. If you try to do everything all at once, you may feel overwhelmed or like you don’t belong. However, if you take time and immerse yourself in your new surroundings, you will acclimate much more quickly and feel comfortable in your new environment.
5. It Is a Good Time To Downsize
If you reach out to experts for help when moving to NYC, you will quickly learn that some downsizing is going to be necessary. The price per square foot is quite high in Manhattan. In 2016, homebuying costs in the city reached an all-time high of $1,759 per square foot. If you’re looking to save money on Manhattan rent, getting rid of as many possessions as possible is the best option. Prepare to purge your belongings of everything you don’t regularly use or really cherish.
Furthermore, the people of Manhattan are experts at making the most of small apartments. It’s time to empty your closets. Keeping things neat and tidy will allow you to use the area you have effectively. Felice Cohen, who lives comfortably in a 90-square-foot micro-studio, is an inspiration if the thought of squeezing into such a tiny area fills you with dread.
6. Avoid Times Square
While Time Square is a must-see for tourists and people passing through New York City, it is not where locals spend a lot of time. Therefore, even NYC newcomers should be in Times Square only if they have to. That is if they are there for work or a Broadway play. This is because it is painfully congested, and the restaurants are pricey. According to the Times Square District Management Association, almost 380,000 people, and as many as 450,000, visit Times Square every day. If you’re not a lover of noise, lights, and high prices, you may want to stay away from that region.
7. Get To Know Your Local Bodega
And the last of the 7 tips for NYC newcomers is to support your local bodegas. Bodegas in New York City generally provide everything a local would need, from food and drink to snacks and home goods. No matter what it is, a bodega will have its own set of distinguishing characteristics that contribute to its uniqueness and usefulness. In addition to the ease of use and variety of products they provide, most also have their unique selling point. Each bodega has its distinct personality, from the shop cat that keeps rats at bay to the store owner who quizzes clients on arithmetic in return for free prizes
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