There’s a reason Sinatra sang about it all those years ago and songs are still made about it to this day: New York is an amazing place to live! Being a preferred moving company in Manhattan and New York since 1993, at OZ Moving we know a thing or two about the ups and downs of Big Apple living. So whether you are considering moving to New York for a job, to enjoy big city living, or simply for a change in scenery, here is everything you need to know. 

Cost of Housing

If you’re ready to put down some roots in New York, one of the first things you need is a home. You know those movies and TV shows that depict New York apartments as being expensive and small? Unfortunately, they are pretty accurate—a lot of your money will go toward rent.

As of February 2020, here is what a one-bedroom apartment will cost you on average to rent per month (rounded):

Inside the City Centre: $3200 

Outside the City Centre: $2000

Looking to buy? Here is what you should expect to pay on average per square meter (10.7 square feet):

Inside the City Centre: $14,777.80 

Outside the City Centre: 7,731.63

SOURCE: Numbeo

The cost of housing will vary from borough to borough, but generally, it is pretty high everywhere. If you see an apartment with a price tag that is too good to be true, be wary and do your research. Not just on the landlord, but also where it is located. 

Don’t have time to see an apartment in person before your move? Opt for a short-term lease of 3-6 months and then start looking for a more permanent home once you arrive. This is also a good method if you want to feel more comfortable and familiar with a neighborhood before engaging in a longer commitment.  

Finding Roommates

The good news is you can offset the cost of housing by buddying up with a roommate or two. Not sure how to find a roommate? There a several roommate finding sites and other ways to find a good match for you. 

Here are a few to get you started: 

Facebook Marketplace: It’s basically the new Craigslist, except you get the added benefit of profiles. This means you can begin to vet a potential roommate with the click of a button. 

Roomi: An app that shows rooms available. It also has user profiles, so you can see the other room renters’ likes and dislikes to see if you’d be a good match. 

Room Zoom: It’s like a dating website, but for roommates. It uses an algorithm similar to dating sites to find you the perfect roomie. 

Creating Space

If you have price, size, and location in mind, chances are you won’t get all 3 and some concessions will have to be made—with the most common being size. However, there is no need to worry about living with less space!

Just because you live in a small space doesn’t mean it has to feel cramped. There are plenty of ways to make your home look and feel bigger with mirrors, various window treatments, and decluttering. Plus, there is so much to do in the city that you probably won’t be spending much time indoors anyway. This also presents you with the opportunity to truly assess what you need as far as material items, which has the tendency to be rather freeing. 

The Move

Trying to maneuver a moving truck through some of the most crowded and busiest streets in the world is just one of the stressors you can avoid by hiring professional movers. Their expertise, resources, and knowledge are invaluable, especially if you are new to the city. However, be sure to hire a reputable company to avoid fly-by-night scammers.

Here are a few essentials any reputable moving company should have: 

• A profile on www.bbb.com that confirms a good reputation

• Proof of insurance

• A state and national Department of Transportation license number

Storage

Can’t fit everything into your apartment, but aren’t ready to let go? Consider renting storage space. In New York, the cost of storage typically ranges anywhere from $65 to $250. This varies based on location, climate control, and the company. However, If you are using a moving company, they often offer storage options at discounted prices as part of a moving package.  

 Moving to New York may present its own set of limitations, but it also presents a lot of opportunities as well. The beauty of the city lights, the iconic landmarks, the lively city life, and of course, the ability to get a hotdog 24/7 all make it worth it to us! There is truly no other place like New York and the many adventures it holds.