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Moving to New York in 2024? Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to New York.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to New York.

Are you thinking of moving to New York?

Moving to a new state means you will be crossing state borders and finding a home there. But this can be challenging in several ways. If you are planning to move to New York for better living and career opportunities then you must know everything about the state in advance. The cost of living in the state is one of the highest in the USA. New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world and you can enjoy food, culture and arts from different parts of the world. There is something for everyone in the state to spend some time for recreation. As you are moving to New York, you must have some knowledge about everything as it will simplify your transition.

Van Lines Move has prepared a state guide which will provide information about New York in detail. Let us explore New York City bit by bit-

New York Demographics

New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world where people from different cultures come and call it their home. In this section of our guide, you can explore the demographics of New York through various data available-

Male vs Female Population of New York 2022

Gender	Population	Percent of Total Population
Male	9,153,450	48.4%
Female	9,713,550	51.6%
Total	18,867,000	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/newyorkcitynewyork,US/PST045219

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in New York 2022

Age Group	Male Population	Female Population
Under 5 years	354,754	342,467
5 to 9 years	425,625	407,466
10 to 14 years	462,462	445,605
15 to 19 years	515,665	484,354
20 to 24 years	546,546	545,625
25 to 34 years	1,354,254	1,354,365
35 to 44 years	1,254,654	1,256,465
45 to 54 years	1,154,354	1,215,632
55 to 59 years	554,215	625,454
60 to 64 years	454,325	515,254
65 to 74 years	525,625	654,254
75 to 84 years	354,256	454,354
85 years and over	154,254	254,254

Total Population: 18,867,000

Source: U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/newyorkcitynewyork,US/PST045219

Population distribution by Ethnicity in New York 2022

Ethnicity	Population	Percentage of Total Population
White (Non-Hispanic)	2,790,464	33.4%
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)	1,844,111	22.1%
Asian (Non-Hispanic)	1,225,665	14.7%
Other race (Non-Hispanic)	305,665	3.7%
Two or more races (Non-Hispanic)	354,354	4.2%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)	2,354,354	28.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/newyorkcitynewyork,US/PST045219

Quick Facts of New York

Let us check out some quick facts about New York

The nickname of New York is “Empire State”

The capital of New York is Albany.

The major cities of New York are Buffalo, Yonkers, Syracuse, and Rochester

In New York more than 800 languages are spoken, thus it is the most linguistically diverse city in the world.

New York is home to world-class museums, concert venues and theatres.

New York is the perfect destination for foodies as there are restaurants that serve different cuisines from all over the world

The state is home to some of the iconic landmarks in the world like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.

New York is a major center for Finance, Media, Technology, and Culture.

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. know the top-rated moving companies in New York.

Top reasons to move to New York

Moving to New York but why? The most common questions people may ask. So, here is the answer to it-

Diversity- New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world. People from all over the world move here and their diversity can be reflected in culture and food scenes.

Job Market- New York offers employment opportunities for everyone either fresher or experienced. The state is a global hub for finance, technology, and more.

Education system- The state is home to some of the top universities in the world- Columbia University, Fordham University and New York University.

Healthcare- the state is home to world-class hospitals and medical centers.

Public Transportation- It is easy to get around New York even without a car as the state has an extensive public transportation system. Subway is the most convenient and efficient way to travel.

Food- The food scene in New York is amazing as you can find a different range of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. There are Michelin-starred restaurants as well as roadside eateries.

Culture- New York has a diverse culture and you can find different options to find something of your interest. There are world-class museums, concert venues and theatres.

However, there are certain challenges to living in New York like the high cost of living and fast-paced life. But the benefits of living here outweigh the challenges.

Source: Timeout New York

Pros & Cons of Living in New York

When you move to a new state you find few things are easy to find while having to encounter challenges for some. So, there are pros and cons of moving to a high-paced city like New York.

Pros of living in New York	Cons of living in New York
Global hub for industries like finance, technology, media and more	Cost of living is high with high housing and transportation cost
One of the most diverse states with people from all around the world	Densely populated city and there is crowd everywhere
World-renowned food scene with food from different parts of the world	Crime rate is higher than in some other major cities in the USA
Cultural hub, with world-class museums, theaters, and concert venues	Fast-paced city and people can be direct and assertive
Shoppers paradise with high-end boutiques, department stores and flea markets	Life can be stressful if you are working long hours and commuting long distances
Home to world-class hospitals and medical centers	Four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Source

US News & World Report

Time Out New York

New York Daily News

National Weather Service

Best Places to Live in New York

When you move to a new state or city, the most challenging task is to find the right place to live. Finding a home which is safe, secure and closer to all the amenities is easy if you have Van Lines Move by your side. Let us check out some of the best places in New York to live-

Place	Population	Unemployment Rate	Median Home Value
Jericho	15,543	2.2%	$1,543,546
Rye	16,425	2.4%	$1,454,354
East Hills	7,543	2.1%	$1,354,254
Scarsdale	18,454	3.1%	$1,254,454
Bronxville	6,455	1.9%	$1,454,454
Flower Hill	1,454	1.8%	$1,456,455
Great Neck Plaza	6,545	2.5%	$1,454,455
Kings Point	5,454	1.7%	$1,454,445
Kensington	1,254	1.6%	$1,542,455
Thomaston	2,542	2.3%	$1,454,255

Source: Niche.com

Tip: When you've got a home to move in New York, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Best Neighborhoods in the New York

Park Slope, Brooklyn- This neighborhood is vibrant and has diversity with a mix of brownstones, apartments, and shops. It is a family-friendly neighborhood with good schools, restaurants, bars and open green spaces.

Greenwich Village, Manhattan- This is a historic neighborhood with a bohemian vibe and is home to Washington Square Park. This is a popular outing place for students, musicians, artists and more.

Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn- These are charming neighborhoods with a mix of apartments, shops and brownstones. These neighborhoods are known for their family-friendly culture and top schools.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn- This neighborhood is a mix of old and new trends. The locality is known for its nightlife, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.

Tribeca, Manhattan- This is a trendy neighborhood with a variety of bars, restaurants and art galleries. This neighborhood is famous as several celebrities reside here.

Upper West Side, Manhattan- This is an affluent neighborhood with a mix of brownstone, high-rise buildings and apartments. The locality is known for cultural institutions like Central Park, The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and more.

Long Island City, Queens- This neighborhood is rapidly developing with a mix of old and new buildings in the area. You can enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, a variety of restaurants and art galleries.

Cost of living in New York

The cost of living is the sum of the different costs of amenities and services required for living a stable life. It includes the cost of housing, education, food, groceries and more. When you plan a move to New York, you must know that the cost of living in New York is higher than the national average. The higher cost of living can affect your moving budget. So, learn all about the costs included in the cost of living in New York before moving.

Cost of Living by Categories in New York vs USA 2022

Category	New York Index	USA Index
Housing	154.05	100
Groceries	119.3	100
Transportation	135.6	100
Utilities	105.6	100
Healthcare	104.4	100
Miscellaneous	112.1	100

Note: An index value greater than 100 signifies the cost of living is higher than the national average. While an index less than 100 indicates that the cost of living is lower than the national average.

Source: Numbeo

Median House Price in New York vs USA 2022

Location	Median House Price
New York State	$405,000
United States	$450,600

Source: New York State Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors

Median Rent Price in New York vs USA 2022

Location	Median Rent Price
New York State	$1,463
United States	$1,354

Source: RentCafe

Housing Market in New York

The housing market in New York is in a state of flux where the prices for houses are increasing. As per reports, the median sale price for a home in New York in August 2023 was around $1.1 million. There has been a recent slowdown in the housing market in New York, but it is still considered strong. Prices for houses in New York are higher than the national average and the demand for housing in the city is still rising.

Source: StreetEasy

Average Rental Cost in New York

According to Zumper, the average rental cost in New York ranges between $4,295 and $4,900. The average rental cost depends on the size of the house and the location of the property. The average rental cost in New York is higher than the national average.

Source: Zumper

Median Home Value in New York

The median home value in New York is higher than the national average. The median home value is $1,100,000 which has gone down from $1,200,000 in August 2022. The reason for the higher cost of homes is the limited supply of land in the city, high demand for housing, and high cost of living.

Source: Zillow

New York job market

The job market in New York is strong because of the presence of different industries that offer a wide range of job opportunities. The unemployment rate in New York was 4.3% in August 2023 which is below the national unemployment rate. So, if you are moving here, then you must know about the job market, employment opportunities, top industries and major sectors offering employment at different pay scales.

Number of Households by Income Level in New York

Income Level	Number of Households	Percentage of Total Households
Less than $15,000	1,254,654	12.5%
$15,000 to $24,999	1,543,254	15.4%
$25,000 to $34,999	1,454,354	14.5%
$35,000 to $49,999	1,543,546	15.4%
$50,000 to $74,999	1,654,354	16.5%
$75,000 to $99,999	1,254,354	12.5%
$100,000 to $149,999	1,054,354	10.5%
$150,000 or more	854,354	8.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/newyorkcitynewyork,US/PST045219

Median Income in New York vs USA

Location	Median Household Income	Median Per Capita Income
New York State	$77,000	$40,543
United States	$67,521	$35,672

Source: U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/newyorkcitynewyork,US/PST045219

Unemployment Rate in New York vs USA

Location	Unemployment Rate
New York State	4.6%
United States	3.7%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Major industries in New York

If you are moving to New York, you must know about the major industries in the state. Here we have listed major industries offering employment in New York-

Finance

Technology

Media and entertainment

Healthcare

Education

Retail

Tourism

Hospitality

Transportation

Manufacturing

Top Career Options in New York

If you are moving to New York for better career opportunities, then this section of the guide will help you. Here we have listed data for different job titles, with their average and entry-level salaries and the number of people currently employed on that profile-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry level salary	No. of people
Software Engineer	$120,000	$80,000	200,000
Financial Analyst	$90,000	$60,000	150,000
Data Scientist	$110,000	$75,000	100,000
Accountant	$70,000	$50,000	125,000
Project Manager	$100,000	$65,000	110,000

Source: Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com

Biggest companies in New York by city and number of employees

New York is home to some top companies which offer employment at different levels. In this section of the guide, we have listed all the major companies in New York and number of employees employed there-

Company	City	Employees
JPMorgan Chase & Co.	New York City	375,000
IBM	Armonk	350,600
Bank of America	Charlotte	200,000
Citigroup	New York City	190,000
Wells Fargo	San Francisco	173,988

Source: Fortune 500

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Best things to do in New York

Moving to a new state not only means you only have to work and earn money. But what will you do in your free time, so the place you are moving to must have options for recreation. New York is known for its nightlife, vibrant culture and food scenes. We have also listed a few ideas for recreation and fun in New York.

Visit Central Park where you can relax, plan a picnic and go for a run. Several attractions included in Central Park are the Central Park Zoo, the Strawberry Fields Memorial, and Bethesda Terrace.

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and explore the collection of paintings, artifacts and sculptures collected from around the world.

See a Broadway show in the top theaters in the world. You can find something of interest for sure.

Visit the iconic landmarks in New York- the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Visit one of the iconic bridges in the world- The Brooklyn Bridge. You can take a walk here or go for a bike ride.

Visit Grand Central Terminal which is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

Visit one of the busiest places in the world- Times Square where you can take in the bright lights, big screens and more.

Schools in New York

If you are moving to New York with children then you might need some suggestions about the best schools. Here are the top elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges & universities in New York-

Elementary schools in New York
Tag Young Scholars, Harlem
The Anderson School, Upper West Side
PS 267 East Side Elementary School, Upper East Side
The 30th Avenue School, Astoria
Spruce Street School, Financial District

Middle Schools in New York
Tag Young Scholars, Harlem
MS 187 Christa McAuliffe School, Queens
Baccalaureate School for Global Education, Manhattan
East Side Middle School, Manhattan
New Explorations Into Science, Technology, and Math High School, Bronx

High Schools in New York
Stuyvesant High School, Battery Park City
Bronx High School of Science, Bedford Park
Brooklyn Technical High School, Brooklyn
Townsend Harris High School, Queens
High School of American Studies at Lehman College, Bronx

Colleges and Universities in New York
Columbia University, New York City
Cornell University, Ithaca
New York University, New York City
University of Rochester, Rochester
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy

Source: Niche.com

These are some of the best educational institutions in New York for your children.

Type of insurance required in New York

The requirement of insurance in a state depends on your circumstances and you can purchase policies accordingly. But there are a few types of insurance that are required if you are living in New York-

Auto Insurance- The only type of insurance that is required by law in New York. This insurance includes coverage against any injuries or property damage you cause to others, as well as personal injury protection to cover your medical expenses.

Recommended Insurance in New York-

Health Insurance- It is not mandatory by law to have health insurance in New York but it is important to protect you from the high cost of medical care. There are various options for health insurance in New York including individual plans, employer-sponsored plans and government-sponsored plans like Medicare and Medicaid.

Renters Insurance- This type of insurance is required to protect your belongings from theft or damage if you are living in a rented apartment or house. It will also cover the cost of damage caused to your house

Homeowner Insurance- If you own a home then this type of insurance will cover the cost of damage caused to your property by fire, theft, hazards, and weather conditions.

Life Insurance- This type of insurance will protect your loved ones in case of your death. This type of insurance can help your family in covering up expenses like funeral costs, college fees, and more.

Disability Insurance- In case, if you are unable to work due to some illness or injury, then this type of insurance will work as income replacement. This can help you manage the expenses like paying bills, and more.

Business Insurance- This type of insurance is fit for you if you own a business. This will protect your business from liability and property damage.

Taxes in New York

If you are moving to New York then you must have detailed information about the state taxes. In this section of the guide, we have compiled information about different types of taxes in New York.

Income Tax- New York has a progressive system for income tax and the rates for income tax ranges between 4%-10.9%. The income tax rates in the state depend on your taxable income. The income tax rate in New York City ranges between 3.078% and 3.876%.

You only have to file income tax in New York State if you are a resident here for any part of the year.

Sales Tax- The sales tax rate in New York State is 4& and there are local sales taxes that can add up to 4.875%.

Tax deductions and credits

For New York taxpayers, there are various deductions and credits available. Deductions like mortgage interest, property taxes, childcare expenses, charitable contributions and more. Credits include elderly taxpayers, low-income taxpayers and more.

Best ways to file Income Tax Returns in New York State and New York City

You can use an online tax preparation service or hire a tax professional to file income tax returns.

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FAQs

1. What should I check in my lease regarding rent payment in NYC?

Ans: When reviewing your lease for rent payment details in NYC several key points need your attention. The due date for your monthly rent to prevent any late fees.

Investigate any grace periods. Some leases offer a few extra days to pay the rent without penalty.

Understand the consequences of late payments. Check any fees associated with late payments and how they are calculated.
2. What payment methods are accepted for monthly rent in NYC apartments?

Ans: In NYC apartments, the accepted payment methods for monthly rent can vary by building. Many properties offer modern conveniences like electronic payments, allowing tenants to pay online or through mobile apps. Other buildings still prefer traditional methods such as accepting checks. It's best to check with your specific building management to confirm which payment options are available.
3. What is the rent difference between pre-war apartments and modern condos in NYC?

Ans: Pre-war apartments in NYC, particularly those lacking elevator access, generally have lower rental rates compared to modern condos. This cost difference can be attributed to the age and amenities of the buildings. So, if you're looking to save on rent, opting for a pre-war apartment might be a viable solution.
4. How long does it take to process an application for a Co-op building in NYC?

Ans: When applying for Co-op building in NYC, Be prepared for a lengthy and meticulous process while applying for a Co-op building in NYC, which can take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. There are multiple phases of application- Initial Application Submission, Interviews, and Board Meetings.
5. Are there “no fee” apartments available in NYC?

Ans: Yes, there are "no fee" apartments available in NYC. When you find one of these listings, you won't be responsible for paying the broker's fee; it is typically covered by the landlord.
6. What paperwork should I have ready before viewing apartments in NYC?

Ans: Ans: When viewing apartments in NYC, it’s essential to have the right paperwork ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

Completed Rental Application

Proof of Employment

Proof of Income

Bank Statements

Photo ID
7. How does the cost of living in NYC compare to the national average?

Ans: The cost of living in NYC is significantly higher than most places in the United States. On average, you'll find that expenses in NYC are about 20% above the national average.

While the city is a haven for billionaires, thanks to its unparalleled opportunities and lifestyle, many residents struggle to make ends meet. Right now affordable neighborhoods are seeing increased costs due to gentrification. Affordability in NYC is an ongoing challenge, one that shapes the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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