Nothing prepares you to move to New York City. Once you move to the city, you quickly realize that the city operates under its own rules and order. It’s part of what makes New York so unique, but when first moving here, it can be really overwhelming.
Moving to NYC is a big adjustment, but even the most seasoned New Yorkers had those early days figuring out train routes, trying to get an apartment, learning how sidewalk traffic works, etc.
Your experience will probably be different than mine, but after moving to NYC myself and having talked to dozens of people who have gone through it as well, I’ve compiled a list of 15 things I wish someone told me before I moved to New York City.
1. Getting an apartment during the fall and winter is so much easier than during spring and summer
The pandemic really changed the real estate market in New York and demand has surged to historic levels, but generally, finding an apartment during the off-season (November to March) is a lot easier than during the spring or summer.
Many people try to move during the summer when city life is in full swing and you’re up against students who are needing to switch apartments or moving into the city for the start of a semester.
Yes, there may be a greater supply in the warmer months, but competition is extremely fierce and landlords are less willing to negotiate prices.
2. Don’t get on an empty subway car
It’s an unstated rule of subway travel, but if you spot a train that’s empty, don’t get on it.
People who are new to the city may think it’s their lucky day, but often it’s a sign of broken heat/AC or something suspicious in the car.
3. Every band you’ve ever wanted to see will come through the city at one point or another
One of the most exciting things about living in New York City is that if a band is going on tour or coming to the United States, you can almost 99.9% guarantee they’ll come to New York. So if you wait long enough, your favorite artist will probably make their way through the city. In two years of living in New York City, I had the chance to see Coldplay, Harry Styles, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and Finneas just to name a few!
And I’ve realized the same applies for stores and brands – if there’s going to be a physical location, it’s highly likely you’ll find it in NYC.
4. There are beaches
Moving to the concrete jungle from a place surrounded by beaches was a little scary until I learned that New York has amazing beaches less than an hour from the city by train or ferry. Rockaway Beach has nearly 15 miles of beaches, a super fun, laid-back beach community, great surfing, and food.
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5. New York City isn’t as dangerous as people make it out to be
Friends and family are quick to recount the latest story they read about crimes or riots in New York, but having lived in the city for a few years, I can say that it rarely feels unsafe.
Of course, when you move to a city you learn to become aware of your surroundings and know when to avoid questionable situations, but it’s not a constant crime scene like headlines make it out to be.
6. You’re going to have to start paying a New York City tax
Yep, that’s right. In addition to state tax, New York City issues a city tax to its residents that ranges from 3.08% to 3.88%, depending on your income. Keep this in mind when you’re negotiating your salary.
7. It always takes longer to get where you’re going
Just accept it, you’ll never get someplace in the time Google Maps says you will. When there are trains and cabs in the mix, you really can’t control the time it takes to get someplace. With traffic and congestion, it always takes longer to get to your destination. If you’re really trying to get somewhere early, make sure to give yourself a large buffer of extra time. Or just show up late, the New York way.
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8. There’s always something to do and it always feels like you’re missing out
After all, it’s the city that never sleeps. From concerts to parties to galleries to classes to new restaurants, there are always endless options of activities to choose from. This is exciting because you’ll never be bored, but it can be overwhelming or tiring if you attempt to do it all.
9. You’ll only go to the “tourist spots” when people are visiting you
Maybe you’ll take a lap when you move to the city, but you won’t be back to Times Square or go to an observation deck unless you have friends or family from out of town visiting you.
10. Everybody leaves New York in the summer
It gets hot in New York City in the summer. Like you’re constantly sweating and you learn to plan your day in air-conditioned-building-increments. After Memorial Day, the city will clear out as everyone goes to their summer homes in The Hamptons or Nantucket, and a stream of ambitious tourists will fill the city.
11. Making friends is really hard
You’d think that in the midst of 8 million people all on the city life grind, it’d be easy to find like-minded people who you connect with, but the fast pace of the city can make it really difficult. Yes, you’ll probably be meeting a lot of people but it takes more time to find close friends and form your friend group as people are constantly coming and going.
12. The city is really expensive, but there are a lot of affordable/free things to do
One thing everyone can agree on, New York City is exorbitantly expensive. But there are also a lot of affordable or free things to do. Museums have free admissions days, Broadway shows have last-minute rush tickets, and lots of restaurants have meals for $10 or less. For a $2.75 train or ferry ride, you can go to Coney Island or Rockaway Beach. There are free concerts in parks. While there are some costs you just can’t avoid, there are a lot of ways to offset them.
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13. The sun sets at 4pm in the winter
There’s no sugarcoating this one. There are a couple of months during the winter when you’ll probably go to work when it’s dark and leave work when it’s dark. These are the months when I realize just how much time I spend outside in New York. Thankfully, there are a lot of cozy indoor activities, and when the 5pm sunset starts to return, it feels like the happiest day of the year.
14. It’s a lot easier to get a dinner reservation at odd times (like 5pm or 9pm)
Restaurants in New York are always busy, regardless of whether it’s a weekday or weekend. But if you want to squeeze in a last-minute reservation, you’ll often be able to find one with ease if you’re willing to eat outside of the standard 6-8 pm dinner time.
15. You’ll get used to the tiny apartment
The saying goes that you don’t pay for your apartment, you pay for the access it gives you. In my experience, I’ve found that to be so true. My apartment is mostly a place to sleep and store my things and I spend most of my time in the city.
But also, you’ll discover that New Yorkers are super inventive in the ways they make small spaces work, and once you get settled, you really get used to the tiny closet.
And that wraps up 15 things I wish I knew and tips for moving to NYC. I hope they were helpful!