Moving to New York

**RicanPrincipessa** · July 10th, 2006, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by BRT

Living in Soho is going to be pretty difficult on any sort of a budget. It's one of the most expensive areas in town. Does the school you will be going to have any housing? If so, that's probably a good option. If not, consider either New Jersey near a PATH train, in Inwood/Wash heights along the A line, or Brooklyn along the N or R.

The cost of living is high in NYC, but there are deals; housing is really the big unavoidable hit.

How much do you plan to have saved? Depending on how you find housing, you may need to have more saved than you think. I assume on a limited budget you will not be using a broker, but that will probably mean that you need to pay for temporary housing for a few weeks while you look at apartments. And once you find your apartment, you are probably going to need enough to cover two month's rent -- month one plus the security deposit.

I will have about 3000 saved. Between me and my roomate about 6 or 7000 saved. The school I plan to attend has housing but we both will have to come out of pocket to pay for school which would be impossible to do our first few months of getting settled in the city. So thats why we need to find somewhere else to stay. Thanx so much for your advice. I'm def. going to check into other areas!

**amaluu729** · July 14th, 2006, 10:59 AM

Hi everyone - and for the resident NY-ers, thank you so much for sharing your expertise with all of us.

Hubby and I might be moving to NYC from Chicago ... he has an offer in and would be working right in the heart of Times Square. His would-be boss recommended Hell's Kitchen area, but I've heard mixed reviews. I know everyone has their own opinions of the areas around Midtown, but I'd love to hear about them and what your personal experiences have been. Also, any surrounding areas that are 1-2 subway stops from Times Square would be great. I've seen alot of property available on Roosevelt Island, but haven't heard any "insider" opinions on this area. Brooklyn is another option, but I know nothing about Brooklyn and what areas would be good and lively enough (without being wild & crazy) for a young professional couple. I'm not talking necessarily about hot clubs, more so enough dining (including late-night), shops, bookstores, movie theaters, etc.

I don't want to make you guys repeat yourselves though so I'll spend some time reading through this thread fully to see if the areas of Brooklyn have already been described earlier ...

But I am interested about what areas are 1-2 stops from Times Square, and what your thoughts are on Hell's Kitchen/Clinton. Love to hear personal anecdotes from anyone who recently moved out to NYC too ... please keep sharing your stories!!!

Thank you so much!

**Schadenfrau** · July 14th, 2006, 11:05 AM

Are you focusing on the area near Times Square because you want to walk to work? If not, you'd probably be happier with a slightly longer commute.

**amaluu729** · July 14th, 2006, 11:28 AM

He'd prefer to be close enought to walk if at all possible, and I've been looking at the rents nearby and I see that they are around $2400 and up, which we're starting to prepare ourselves mentally for.

A few stops away on the Subway might not be bad. I think a max commute time would be 10-15 mins (knowing this boy's tendency to sleep in, being any farther could be dangerous!) ...

I have no idea where I would be working, once he makes his decision I will start job hunting in my industry (tourism/marketing).

Thanks for the reply!

**ryan** · July 14th, 2006, 11:45 AM

If a walking commute is your highest priority, then Hell's Kitchen is probably a good option for you. It's changing a lot, so each time I go through I see areas I would love to live in and areas I would not. You'll have to look at specific apts to know for sure.

I know Times Square is exciting when you visit, but most people I know avoid it at all costs - especially if you're working in that area, you'll probably want to might want to rethink commuting - I think it's fair to say that most people's favorite areas are more than a 15 minute walk from this area.

I don't use the subway to go one or two stops (it's faster to just walk) but 15 minutes by subway probably opens you up to a much larger area than you're thinking. Chelsea and the UWS would both be quick commutes (as would Long Island City, Queens, but I'm guessing that's off your list) and are more pleasant (in my opinion) than areas around Times Square.

Keep in mind that you might work in a different part of the city than you husband, so to be fair, you might just pick a neighborhood you both like, instead of one that's super convenient for him.

**ryan** · July 14th, 2006, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by amaluu729

I know nothing about Brooklyn and what areas would be good and lively enough (without being wild & crazy) for a young professional couple. I'm not talking necessarily about hot clubs, more so enough dining (including late-night), shops, bookstores, movie theaters, etc.

You would probably really like South Brooklyn (Cobble/Boerum Hill, Park Slope, etc). Next time you're in town go to dinner on Smith St and see if you like it.

**amaluu729** · July 14th, 2006, 11:55 AM

You guys are probably right, even here in Chicago I completely avoid touristy areas, so we'd probably be much happier far away from an area as crazy as Times Square.

What is Long Island City like? And anyone know anything about Roosevelt Island?

Any other recco's of areas for young professional couples (currently childless, could change in a few years!)? Someone said Hoboken to us because we're Indian and they said there's alot of young Indian couples out there. I'm not so sure. I'm not married to the idea of Manhattan, but I do think if we're taking the plunge we should experience living in the heart of things for a little while, right? Thoughts?

**ryan** · July 14th, 2006, 12:18 PM

There are several Indian neighborhoods if that's what you're looking for. The area around Lexington & 28th st has a large professional community (and good restaurants), then there's also Jackson Heights in Queens (and along the 7 train which goes to Times Square) which is a much bigger (more recent-immigrant-oriented?) neighborhood. Fun for brunch buffets. There's some awful Indians restaurants along East 6th street in the East Village (and I don't think much residential community). I've heard that both Hoboken and Jersey City have Indian neighborhoods, but I don't have any details.

One of the best things about NYC is that is diverse enough that you don't need to live in a neighborhood tailored just for you. It's an option, but you could be happy (and see people like you) in lots of areas.

I've never heard anything good or bad about Roosevelt island, but your commute would be limited to the F train. Take a look at a subway map and you can track out from Times Square to see what areas would be an easy ride.

**amaluu729** · July 14th, 2006, 12:36 PM

Thanks Ryan, for the info on where I can probably get some good food. I've been to Jackson Heights and the Curry Hill area, and while its great for the food, I'm not necessarily interested in being only around "my people" per say, which is why i actually thought it was weird that someone suggested Hoboken to me for that reason. Also Jackson Heights I know has more of the folks that are directly from India, while we were raised here but of Indian origin. Actually all of that has nothing to do with anything, so I'll just drop it.

Interested on hearing more about where you resident NY-ers live and what you like/dislike about your neighborhood.

THANKS!

**ryan** · July 14th, 2006, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by amaluu729

I'm not necessarily interested in being only around "my people" per say, which is why i actually thought it was weird that someone suggested Hoboken to me for that reason.

I didn't want to say it so bluntly, but I suspected as much. People are quick to categorize - even if the implications are...unintended. You'd be happy living almost anywhere.

I have a good apt situation so I don't want to move, but if I were to I like Ft. Greene lately. It's beautiful brownstone Brooklyn with a developing (or gentrifying, depending on your point of view) restaurant/bar scene. It's a really mixed neighborhood, and relatively affordable (That $2400 will go so, so much further in Brooklyn). Another cheapo neighborhood that can be fun is Astoria, which has the beer garden (more fun than it sounds).

**Demile** · July 14th, 2006, 09:37 PM

After I start my second job (here in Northern California) my monthly income will be about $1,400/month... I am going to be saving for several months and plan on moving to ny after saving a decent amount.

I will have anywhere from $6000 to $10,000 saved up by the time I move (probably $8,000).

I am looking into Queens (Sunnyside or Woodside) or somewhere Brooklyn, since I heard they are the most affordable for housing (a studio or 1 bedroom that will allow a cat)

What do some of the cheapest apartments go for (that aren't in shambles)? I have searched all over the internet and some websites tell me there are places in Queens as "low" as $600/month while other sites say that the lowest cost places are around $900/month.

What would be the ideal salary to even manage to SURVIVE? I don't do much along the lines of going clubbing or to the movies and such... though a few drinks every once in a while at a pub is probably the most I would do.

I have read this question asked many times through the thread but haven't seen it answered yet (it's taking me a while to get through it) but do jobs tend to pay higher wages in NY than in other states? (Resturaunt jobs and retail around where I live tend to pay an average of $7/hr.)

Any help on this would be great... I'm still reading through this damn thread but it's taking me a while since I don't have all the time in the world right now

**head2** · July 15th, 2006, 04:12 PM

Hi all...I have read through every page on this post..whew! Thanks for the great insight..I do have a few questions..

I am moving to NYC, October 7, 2006 for a job in lower manhattan, to which I will commute by vehicle but want to be accessible to midtown as well for my spouse to find work. I am looking for a 1BR in either Brooklyn or Queens in the $1200 range. I have visited and am familiar with Manhattan...not so much with Brooklyn or Queens but have done extensive research on some key areas to focus in on. My main question regards locating an apartment in a short period of time.

I would, of course, like to secure a place before I start work and have chosen the Labor Day weekend to visit. This gives me a Saturday-Monday shot at finding a place. My plan was to gather info on listings of my liking through avenues such as craigslist, contact and set up appointments up to 2-3 weeks before I visit. Then, spend those first few days of the visit going through appointments, looking for the right spot. I understand about having all my references/money orders/paystubs etc. ready, but my worry is being able to find a place in those 3 days.

Should I have some realtor's information in case I am running into a problem and its crunch-time, so I can use them as a quick backup? Or should I contact a realtor ahead of time? Will this require me to pay them or only pay their fees when I rent one of their apartments? I am hoping that the no-fee brokers and sell by owners listings will come through for me, but I don't want to get caught with nothing once my final day comes around.

Is it reasonable to expect to find a place in the Brooklyn/Queens area with only 3 days to look (i understand its a holiday weekend) and when I am looking a month in advance to my move?

Thanks in advance...I can't wait to get up there! Your opinion is greatly appreciated!

**BrooklynRider** · July 16th, 2006, 10:32 PM

You can find a place, but the application process can be long and competition on rentals is stiff. Be prepared for credit checks and processing fees. If you see something you "like," go for it. The rental rental inventory in the city is very tight right now.

**amaluu729** · July 18th, 2006, 12:46 PM

Can anyone give me any insight on the various Brooklyn neighborhoods, which areas are "hotter" and have a fair amount of shopping, nightlife, restaurants, etc. and also the commute times to Midtown/Times Square???

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

My hubby and I are getting very excited, we think this is really happening!!! The offer should be official today, and we'll know by the end of the week! Now if I can just get my head wrapped around all of these neighborhoods and learn the subway system quickly, we'll be all set!

**ablarc** · July 18th, 2006, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by amaluu729

Can anyone give me any insight on the various Brooklyn neighborhoods, which areas are "hotter" and have a fair amount of shopping, nightlife, restaurants, etc. ...Now if I can just get my head wrapped around all of these neighborhoods...

A little reading:

http://www.wirednewyork.com/forum/se...earchid=236061