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New York City (NYC), or ‘the Big Apple’ as it's affectionately known is a great place to live - just ask the millions who already inhabit this vibrant, colourful and cosmopolitan city. If you are currently considering moving to the USA and living in New York City then here are a few factors for you to consider...
Living in New York City: finding a home
Finding somewhere to live is most likely to be your first port of call. But with 5 different and unique boroughs to choose from, narrowing it down to one that will suit you can be a daunting prospect.
Most people will already be familiar with Manhattan. This much sought after area has excellent transport links via the subway, metro trains and buses, and comprises some of the most luxurious apartments in the city. Demand for housing is high here, as is the price tag that accompanies it, so this is only one to consider should money be no object.
Otherwise, the boroughs of Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and Staten Island will provide varied forms of accommodation for a more modest budget. Staten Island is a particularly good choice for those trying to keep costs down as housing is considerably cheaper. And in addition to the train and bus services, you also have a ferry running from Battery Park to the island every 20 minutes. On the 30 minutes it takes to cross there is plenty to see and admire.
When it comes to living in New York City, you need to know how to conduct your property search in order to find the right place. Start by scouring the New York Times' real estate section, or that of the Village Voice. These can be accessed online along with other UK sites such as Primelocation.com. If you don’t feel like buying then there are plenty of properties available for sublet owing to the large transient population who often work away. If you are looking to rent then bear in mind you will need to evidence earnings well in advance of rental as landlords are not short of available tenants.
Transport in New York City
Getting around when living in New York City is fairly easy but costs vary significantly. If your vision of New York has been formed through the movies then you will be jumping into yellow cabs at every opportunity, but beware - taxi fares soon add up. A taxi ride of 3-4 miles will cost approximately $12, and then there's 15% tip that's considered basic etiquette, plus the New York state tax of $0.50 on all taxi rides. Alternatively the subway or buses are frequent and at around $2.25 a ride are somewhat cheaper. You can also purchase 7, 14 or 30 day cards at discounted prices.
These are just a few pointers. If you're planning to set up home in New York after your move to the USA then ensure you do your research thoroughly with your budget firmly in mind.
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