Are you considering moving to New York City? If so, you should be fully prepared before doing it and by that, we mean both the awesome and well…less than awesome sides about living in a city so iconic that it has all sorts of songs and movies dedicated to it. Without a doubt, New York provides a whirlwind of new experiences and encounters, and living in this city means you’ll always have something to do.
But with so much to see, it can be difficult to understand where and how to start exploring the city, and generally, deep dives into the internet tend to provide even more confusion. But don’t worry! As New York experts we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compile a comprehensive list of notable attractions that can best give you a taste of the city as well as a couple of (hopefully) helpful pieces of advice to consider if you plan to move to the city that never sleeps.
What to keep in mind if you are planning a move to NYC
Let’s start by saying something you probably already know: living in New York City is expensive! The cost of living is around 62 percent higher than the national average, and housing costs are 134 percent higher. That being said, there are only a few cities in the world that can offer as much history, culture, and job opportunities as New York City.
The Big Apple is the largest city in the United States, with a population of nearly 8.5 million people and it’s divided into five major districts: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. And within these, there are a plethora of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct vibe! This brings us to our first point:
The city is extremely diverse
New York City is widely regarded as one of the most racially diverse cities in the United States. The city’s multicultural population has an impact on its art, music, food, and other aspects, and festivals held throughout the year celebrate a diverse range of ethnicities, religions, identities, and cultures. So if you are fascinated with other cultures and want to see the world without leaving the U.S, New York this is the perfect place for that!
Forget about your car – public transport is a must!
More than half of New York City households do not own a car and rely solely on the public transport system. The NYC subway, which is open 24 hours a day, is widely regarded as the quickest and easiest way to get around the city. In Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island, 22 trains serve 472 stations. In addition, there are hundreds of local bus routes that run every 15 minutes. The majority of buses operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On top of that, there are over 70 express bus routes and 16 select service bus routes to choose from.
It’s a relatively safe city
Contrary to popular belief, NYC is actually considered one of the top safest 5 large cities in the USA. A big part of that and why so many New Yorkers feel safe is because you are never actually alone on the streets. You just have to get informed about what areas to avoid and mainly stick to main streets that are well lit and circulated.
This is probably one of the biggest pros of living in NYC. You are basically in the heart of everything and possibilities are endless. If you are open to meeting new people you will surely make some serious connections here. And to be honest, we’d recommend it as networking plays a big role in achieving goals in a big city.
Good rent is hard to find
Finding a good rent is extremely difficult due to the high costs. This is why so many people in the city live with roommates and even if you find an affordable place in a good area, don’t expect much in terms of space.
The competition is fierce and you will most probably need a broker to be able to rent something decent. Most broker fees vary between one month’s rent and 10-15% of the total annual price, so you must come prepared with some serious savings if you plan to live alone or if you are moving your whole family to the city.
The weather can get tricky
In New York, spring and fall will become your favourite seasons as they tend to have the perfect temperatures. However, if you hate hot humid weather you’ll hate it in the summer and, on the opposite pole you’ll have to struggle with very cold and dry winters. So be sure to come prepared with the right wardrobe for all these weather changes.
Brace yourself for big crowds
You can probably imagine this one but if you hate being in big crowds you’ll have a problem. New York is generally a hectic city but at peak hours it can get even more hectic and crowded, especially in public transport.
Get help from a moving company
Moving in general is not easy, but moving to New York with all the crazy traffic and parking restrictions can be even more so. So in order to get through a smooth move it’s best to find yourself a reliable NYC based moving company that already knows all the ropes of the city and can help you navigate the chaos that is this process. Also, considering how tiny the apartments in the city usually are, it might not be a bad idea to check with moving companies about storage space. Most of them offer some pretty great deals on that.
The most notable NYC attractions
Central Park
Step off 59th Street’s crowded sidewalks into Central Park, and you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find: 693 acres of man-made gardens, meadows, forests, and rolling hillsides as well as fountains, monuments, sculptures, bridges, arches, playgrounds, an ice rink in the winter, a zoo, and even a castle. What an absolute wonder, huh?
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
The Brooklyn Heights promenade floats above the Brooklyn-Queen Expressway and offers arguably the best view of the city’s skyline. The promenade runs from Remsen Street in the south to Middagh Street in the north. Around the corner, pedestrians can cross a basketball court invisibly to gain access to a suspended footbridge that zigzags down to the piers.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is more than just one of the world’s busiest train stations; it’s a window into old New York and a time when train travel was a luxury for the wealthy and a necessity for the working man.
Coney Island
The old-fashioned charms of this beachfront American town may surprise you. Locals and tourists alike congregate on the beach, eat ice cream cones on the promenade, and queue for the famed Cyclone roller coaster.
Broadway
Seeing a Broadway show is a unique experience that is unique to New York City for both locals and visitors. The costumes, sets, songs, and stories of a Broadway show are the stuff of dreams. And, after a brief hiatus during the pandemic, Broadway is set to reopen this fall!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met has been the cultural epicenter of New York City for nearly a century and a half, thanks to forward-thinking exhibits and an extensive permanent collection. The building is a sight to behold, with its Gothic-Revival-style structure, iconic tiered steps, and Central Park location.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
MoMA debuted new galleries and performance spaces in 2019, giving the always-crowded museum a bit more breathing room. The entire permanent collection has been re-curated for a more modern and diverse display.
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center is located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, both physically and in terms of its significance in the city’s folklore and culture. You’re in for an iconic, family-friendly experience whether you want to see a performance on the plaza outside the TODAY show, visit the Christmas tree, or practice your moves on the ice skating rink.
About the Author
Michaela Smith is the marketing director at EMPIRE MOVERS, a New York based family owned and operated moving company with over 15 years experience in helping people move and acclimate into the city.
