What to Know Before Moving to New York City

New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. It exhibits the best of life, art, grit, food, and culture. You can see something new every day and still not see everything this city has to offer. The city is dynamic and full of cultural artifacts and rich in history.

New York City is often dubbed as the ‘City of Dreamers’ or ‘the city that never sleeps.’ Artists and entrepreneurs flock to the city in a bid to translate their dreams into reality. The glitter and elegance of the skyline are as mesmerizing as it is soothing.

Visiting NYC and Living Here are Two Very Different Things; Here are a Few Things to Know as You Get Settled.

NYC is Expensive

You probably already knew that, but it bears repeating. And it’s not merely the monthly rent that burdens the pocketbook–the overall cost of living in NYC is higher than the national average. That includes things such as groceries, utilities, and entertainment.

Consider Hiring a Broker to Get an Apartment

NYC is also one of the most expensive and sophisticated real estate markets in the world. In that vein, it may be wiser to navigate that realm with a real estate broker. Brokers charge a fee for their services. The good thing is that there is no set limit of the broker’s commission and it is negotiable.

You May Outsource Storage Space

Living space in the city comes at a premium so people are resolving to live in micro-apartments. One way to address storage issues is to sell or donate any extra stuff that you can live without. But more valuable items can be placed in a private storage facility. You’ll be assessed a fee for storing your things, but at least they will be safe.

Taxes are High

NYC is no tax haven. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. NYC generates a significant portion of revenue from taxes, and the real estate sector is one of the most heavily taxed. Besides regular sales tax, residents are subject to additional taxes such as mansion and capital gain tax.

Learn The Subway Map

Most New Yorkers don’t own cars because it’s not practical to own personal transportation. Besides the hassle on the streets and congested thoroughfares, parking can be a nightmare. The concept of “free parking” is a joke.

Pick Up The Pace

New Yorkers walk a lot…and they walk fast! You may have a leisure walk in the park, but if you happen to be on a downtown sidewalk, keep pace with the locals or risk being run over. For them, sidewalks are the fast lane.

It Takes Time to Navigate Through The City

If you have never been to the city, appreciate the time it will take to commute between two places even if it looks nearby on the map. Even using public transportation, places may be further apart than they appear so pack your patience.

A Hub for Tourists

Visitors can often score deals that will save them money while in NYC. For instance, the New York City Pass provides tourists access to many city attractions at a discounted rate. Additionally, you don’t have to stand in line for the ticket. You can also visit many popular NYC landmarks such as the Empire State Building and The Metropolitan Museum for a reasonable price.

NYC is a Haven for Foodies

NYC is a city full of immigrants. People move here from all over the world, bringing with them their culture and native cuisine. As a result, there are hundreds of restaurants throughout the city that have diverse food offerings.

NYC is an Old City

Well, not old enough to trace its roots to some of the earliest civilizations, but it has its own culture. Most of the residential buildings pre-date the Civil War. Older apartments are not just residential units–they offer a different vibe. Older buildings stand shoulder to shoulder with ultra-modern skyscrapers, creating one of the most unique skylines in the world.

Conclusion:

NYC is a city that you cannot sum up in a few words. It’s the perfect mix of culture and cool, mystique and mystery.