Comments for Tips on Moving to New York City

Comment on The Bronx by admin

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:44:00 +0000

Things will change a lot by the time you’re ready to head there. Save your pennies and look into schools there.

Comment on Guide | Rental Fees & Paperwork by Jake

Jake — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:18:28 +0000

I’m a NYC broker and I encourage everyone who has the time, motivation, and courage, to try to find an apartment without a broker before calling one. You can definitely get lucky and find a great one. Often though, especially in the hot rental season (now) it’s really hard even for us brokers to get the great apartments for our clients. It’s a jungle out there. If you need any help with your search, please feel free to give me a call. At the very least, I can help you with some advice on how to better search on your own. I can give you a little taste on what’s really going on in New York rentals. It’s quite a scene. If you’re moving to New York, I hope to see you soon! – Jake Seligmann 914 525 6511

Comment on Manhattan by Andreea

Andreea — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:08:57 +0000

Great site, super useful information.
I am an immigrant coming from Romania to NY in July. I will have some savings – $10K that I will put in the bank as soon as I arrive. I am a single woman. I will be looking for an affordable and safe studio. I need all the help and suggestions I can find

Comment on The Bronx by Courtney

Courtney — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:18:07 +0000

Hi!! I’m 13 but it’s my dream to live in New York City. And I’m making tips to prepare for my future. any tips to becoming a New Yorker coming from south Texas??

Comment on Manhattan by admin

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:35:21 +0000

Hi Jeannette, I would recommend talking to Columbia first. I have a family member who works for Columbia and the University gave them subsidized housing. The Morningside Heights neighborhood (the area right around Columbia) is very nice. I don’t believe one and two bedrooms in that area with washer/dryer and doorman have gone for close to what you’re looking for many years, though you may be able to find a one bedroom with laundry in the building.

You can look in Harlem or Washington Heights and get more space. Depending on what you’re used to those neighborhoods can be an adjustment. I’ve lived in them and felt safe but they are cheaper because they are farther from mid/downtown and because until the last ten years-or-so they were pretty rough and sometimes it still shows. Typically the area of Washington Heights West of Broadway along riverside park is a little nicer (and pricier than East of Broadway) with easy access to Columbia via the 1 line. That may be a good compromise for your family.

I haven’t been on an apartment hunt personally for several years now but I feel like what you’re asking for is less than the going rate for the area you want and finding a “deal” can take time. If you are willing to pay a broker’s fee (10-20% of the annual rent of the apartment or about 1 month) then getting a broker involved should cut down on your time and stress. A good broker will work with your budget.

I still say talk to Columbia first. If their prices sound high then you may need to adjust expectations. Hope that helps!

Comment on Manhattan by Jeannette

Jeannette — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:32:37 +0000

Hi, my husband and I are moving to New York in the fall, he will be attending Columbia. We’re looking to spend around 1,500-2,000 on a 1 bedroom apartment, preferably near the university or within easy access, but also in a good area for a family (close to a good hospital, park, grocery stores, etc). Can you give us an idea of where would be a good place. And also how much time we should allocate to looking for an apartment. Would 1,500-2,000 be enough for a decent apartment; 1 bedroom (2 if possible), washer and dryer included or at least in the building, doorman. Also any tips, advice on moving to New York? Thanks so much for your help!

Comment on Guide | Renting an Apartment in New York City by SpareRoom

SpareRoom — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:02:40 +0000

You snooze, you lose – sums it up neatly! Apartment hunting is a challenge in New York! Spareroom features listings of apartments available to share, advertised by roommates. No charges, no agency fees, no hassle. Give it a try!

Comment on Guide | Living on a Shoestring (without having to eat the shoe) by admin

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:22:10 +0000

Hi Amanda, do you have a fashion school in particular? If you are planning on moving to the city just for school it might be worth getting their opinion. If you are moving to the city with the intention to later go to school that may be a different story. I personally don’t know that “financially” there is a better time than any other. Brooklyn is a good option although many neighborhoods are not longer as affordable as they used to be but there are some fun spots. I’d recommend finding a roommate situation which will ease moving costs and give you a jumping off point. A dog can make that tricky but not impossible.

Comment on Guide | Living on a Shoestring (without having to eat the shoe) by Amanda Lynn

Amanda Lynn — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:32:32 +0000

I want to move to nyc in about a year. I am a 20 year old single women with a medium sizes dog. I have lived on my own before so that won’t be an issue I would have to worry about. I will be 21 when I want to move and I want to go to fashion design school. I was thinking about moving between march and may so I don’t have to worry about the summer rush and I don’t have to worry about the cold winters while moving. Is that a good time to move? What’s the best time to move to nyc financially? I also want to have that year to be able to save up some money because I know how expensive it is to live in the city. I want to be able to save up $10,000 the least I would want saved up would be $5,000 is that a resonable goal or should I give myself more than a year? I’m thinking about Manhattan but if its too expenive I was thinking about Brooklyn somewhere close to a train and that wouldn’t be a long commute to Madhattan. Is there anything I would need to know? I have no family in nyc and I have never been there I am from washington state so it will be a big change and I’m ready for that change.

Comment on Guide | Actor’s Guide by admin

admin — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:45:51 +0000

Laurin, when I moved to the city I had $8,000 between my checking and savings account. That was a few years ago but it seemed to be enough to get me started. Almost more important is learning to live on a budget (you can burn through ANY amount of money in NYC quickly) and adjusting your expectations. It helps if you have friends or acquaintances who are already in the city and looking for a roommate. Signing a lease without a current good-paying job and work history can be almost impossible no matter how much money you have. I had a relative pay six months rent in advance because he had to find a new apartment while still unemployed!

Subletting from an actor out of town on a show is a good way to get started. Less paperwork and gives you a chance to network and find roommates you can live with.