What can you say about New York City? It’s a fast-paced city that is like no other. From the food and the people, to renting an apartment, you’ll never live anywhere else like the Big Apple. So, when it comes time to make your move, you first need to know how to find the perfect apartment that meets your basic needs. Here’s everything you need to know about living and renting in NYC.

Research the Boroughs

New York is made of five different boroughs; Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. Before deciding on a specific borough, you need to know more about each one. Manhattan is the central hub of the city, and also one of the most expensive. It’s made up of several neighborhoods including the Upper East, Upper West, Midtown and Lower East Side. Each neighborhood is different from the other, so do some research first to determine where you’d feel most comfortable.

Have Your Finances in Order

Renting in the city is a lot different than renting in the suburbs. In addition to having good credit, you need to demonstrate that you can afford to pay the rent. Typically, you need to show multiple times the monthly rent to qualify. For instance, if you want to rent a studio for $2,000, you may need to show an annual income of $80,000 before taxes. Some landlords might accept less, however, they may ask for a larger security deposit.

You Need Walking Shoes

New York City is probably the most walkable city in the world. It’s basically a grid that divides the East from the West, and you walk everywhere on foot if you have the right gear. You should invest in high-quality sneakers that are comfortable and a backpack to toss of your necessities in. In addition to the obvious, like your laptop or phone charger, make sure anything you pack is portable. For example, if you vape or smoke cannabis, a Storz & Bickel vaporizer is good on the go. It’s a Mighty vaporizer that has a long battery life and easily fits into a backpack or purse.

Size is Important

The city might seem larger than life but the apartments definitely aren’t. Traditional New York apartments are small and can be a real culture shock, especially for someone coming from the suburbs. In addition to downsizing prior to your move, you also need to think about furniture that will fit into your new space. You can find a large selection of apartment-sized furniture online that also serves as storage. This can come in handy when trying to decorate. Look for items that add flair but don’t take up a lot of space.

You’ll Never Go Hungry

Even if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll never go hungry in NYC. The city is a melting pot of cuisines that you can sample, oftentimes for less than $5.00. You can also enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables from local vendors, which you can find on almost every corner, especially on the Upper East and West Side.