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Moving to New York City in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to New York City.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to New York City.
Planning to move to New York City?
New York City is one of the most popular cities which is a vibrant place to live. The city has something for everyone but the cost of living is high. The city is one of the most expensive cities in the world including high-cost housing, transportation, food and more. Life in New York City is very fast and it is difficult to match with the faster pace of the city. The city has diverse cultures and neighborhoods. The public transportation system in New York City is one of the best and you can commute easily without a car. The city has better options for walking and has the best food in the world. If you are moving to New York City then you need more information about the city like the cost of living, housing, job market and more. We have prepared this guide that will help you learn everything about the city.
- Quick Facts of New York City
- Top reasons to move to New York City
- Pros & Cons of Living in New York City
- Best Neighborhoods in the New York City
- Cost of living in New York City
- New York City job market
- Major industries in New York City
- Top Career Options in New York City
- Best things to do in New York City
- Education System in New York City
- Type of insurance required in New York City
- Taxes in New York City
Quick Facts of New York City
Let’s check out some interesting facts about New York City-- New York City was originally called New Amsterdam
- Central Park of New York City is the most filmed location in the world with more than 500 films and television shows shot here.
- The first pizzeria in America was opened in New York City in 1895.
- The population in New York City is more diverse than that of any other major city in the world.
- The Statue of Liberty in New York City is a gift from France to the United States.
- The city is home to the world’s largest gold depository in Federal Reserve Bank.
- The city is home to the third largest library in the world- The New York Public Library
- Times Square in New York City is one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world.
- Hip-hop music was born here
- New Yorkers are known for their resilience and they emerged even stronger after the 9/11 attacks.
Top reasons to move to New York City
When you decide to move to a new city, then you need some reasons that will encourage you to plan the move. Here, we have listed all the reasons to move to New York City-- Job Market- The job market in New York City is growing with the presence of many Fortune 500 companies, startups and small businesses. The city is a hub for technology, finance, and media. This is the right place to start a career.
- Education- The city is home to several world-class universities in the world like Columbia University and Juilliard School. The city is known to have a strong public school system.
- Culture & Diversity- New York City is the most diverse city in the United States. The city population is highly diverse and this is reflected through the food, music, art and more. There are several cultural events and festivals in the city throughout the year.
- Entertainment- The city is a global center for arts and entertainment with the presence of world-class museums, concert halls, art galleries and more.
- Food- New York City is a foodie paradise and has many restaurants serving all types of cuisines possible. You can explore a wide variety of bars, cafes and nightclubs.
- Transportation- The city has an extensive public transportation system which includes subway, taxis and buses. It is easy to get around the city without a car.
- Green Space- The city has a surprising amount of open green spaces that cover more than 7,500 parks including Central Park, and Prospect Park.
- Walkable- The city is very walkable and most neighborhoods are designed with pedestrians and it is easy to explore the city walking around.
Pros & Cons of Living in New York City
Each city offers something to everyone, but there are a few features of the city that make living difficult. So, it is better if you are prepared for all types of situations. Here, we have listed the pros and cons of living in New York City-Pros of living in New York City | Cons of Living in New York City |
---|---|
The city has diverse population and cultural diversity | The cost of living is high and everything is expensive |
There are abundance of career opportunities | The city has fast pace of life which can be problematic for some people |
The city is home to world famous universities | The crime rate is higher in New York City |
Public transportation system is very extensive | Winters can be extremely cold with snow, ice and snowstorms |
Michelin-starred restaurants serving world class food | There are crowds and noises everywhere |
Best Neighborhoods in the New York City
Finding a new home can be challenging but if you know which neighborhood in the new city is then you can make the transition easy for you and your family. Here, we have compiled details of different neighborhoods in the city-- Greenwich Village- This is a historic neighborhood which is famous for its bohemian vibes. The neighborhood has beautiful tree-lined streets and an abundance of bookstores, cafes and music stations. This neighborhood is a popular hangout spot for NYU students.
- Tribeca- This is a trendy neighborhood which was once a manufacturing district and now converted into a popular spot for celebrities and artists. This neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, cast-iron architecture, and more.
- SoHo- This is a fashionable neighborhood where you can explore high-end boutiques and art galleries. This destination is popular for nightlife and dining.
- Brooklyn Heights- This is a historic neighborhood with stunning architecture and beautiful waterfront views. It is a popular spot for families and professionals and is in proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- Williamsburg- This neighborhood is known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops with a thriving art scene and population diversity.
- Upper West Side- This neighborhood is home to Columbia University, the Museum of Natural History and Lincoln center. You can explore beautiful parks and art scenes in this neighborhood.
- Chelsea- An upscale neighborhood with upscale restaurants, art galleries and fashion boutiques.
- Financial District- This is a bustling neighborhood which is home to Wall Street and other financial institutions. This neighborhood is known for its historic landmarks.
Cost of living in New York City
The cost of living is the total cost of your expenses in the new city. If you are moving to New York City you must know the cost of living in the city and how much you have to save as your moving cost.The cost of living in New York City is among the highest in the world. It is 58% higher than the national average. When you move here you will be paying more for housing, groceries and transportation.
Let us check out the expenses and their respective costs in New York City-
Expense | Average Cost |
---|---|
Rent | $3,295 per month |
Utilities | $182 per month |
Food | $523 per month |
Transportation | $196 per month |
Healthcare | $498 per month |
Other expenses (entertainment, clothing, etc.) | $496 per month |
Source: Council for Community and Economic Research
Housing Market in New York City
The housing market in New York City is experiencing a cooling period after strong growth. The median home price in the city is $764,000 which has gone down by 4.5% since last year. Several factors are affecting the housing market in New York City including higher inflation, rising interest rates and economic uncertainty.
Average rental cost in New York City
The average rental cost in New York City ranges from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the size of the property. Some other factors can affect the average rent like the age of the property, duration of lease and location of the property.
New York City job market
Most people move from city to city to find a better job or to start a career. So before moving to New York City, you must know that the job market in the city is vibrant and strong.The city is flourishing with multiple successful industries. The presence of diverse industries allows people with distinct skills to find better employment opportunity.
The unemployment rate in New York City is significantly lower than the national average. This implies that there are more job openings than the applicants.
Top Career Options in New York City
New York City is home to many Fortune 500 companies and other employers, and these companies offer employment in different positions. So, before moving to New York City check out the top career options available for you-Job title | Average salary | Entry-Level Salary | Total number of employees |
---|---|---|---|
Software Developer | $113,390 | $72,340 | 125,900 |
Financial Manager | $103,520 | $67,850 | 149,900 |
Registered Nurse | $87,630 | $62,890 | 199,800 |
Marketing Manager | $92,040 | $59,420 | 132,600 |
Accountant | $80,560 | $56,490 | 157,800 |
Sales Manager | $101,090 | $65,820 | 127,800 |
Lawyer | $126,930 | $83,540 | 141,200 |
Physician | $208,000 | $145,600 | 70,200 |
Architect | $103,310 | $67,800 | 66,800 |
Human Resources Manager | $100,120 | $65,480 | 120,000 |
Source: Indeed
Median Salary in New York City
The median salary in New York City is $77,120 and the reason for such a high median salary is the high cost of living. The median salary is higher than the national median salary which is $45,760.
Major industries in New York City
Some major industries in the city are also the top employers. Here is the list of major industries in New York City-- Finance
- Insurance
- Entertainment
- Media
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Life Sciences
- Professional services
- Business Services
- Education
Best things to do in New York City
To get familiar with the new city, you need to get around and explore the city attractions, shops and more. Let us see what you can do in New York City-- Watch breathtaking views of the city skyline from the top of the Empire State Building.
- Visit the Statue of Liberty which is a symbol of freedom and democracy
- Indulge in the dazzling lights and vibrant energy of Times Square, the “Crossroads of the World”.
- Get some fresh air with a walk in Central Park
- Explore the vast collection of art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Visit the American Museum of Natural History to discover the wonders of the natural world
- Catch a Broadway show in the heart of the theater district
Education System in New York City
Move to New York City and find the best school before moving there. Use our list of best schools and colleges and pick the best one for your childElementary schools in New York City |
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PS 77 Lower Lab School |
The New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math (NEST+m) School |
The Academy for Excellence Through the Arts (AETA) |
The Anderson School |
Tag Young Scholars |
Middle Schools in New York City |
---|
The New Explorations into Science, Technology and Math (NEST+m) Middle School |
Success Academy Charter School - Bed-Stuy 1 and Bed-Stuy Middle School |
Mark Twain Intermediate School 239 |
Columbia Secondary School |
The Anderson School Middle Division |
High Schools in New York City |
---|
Stuyvesant High School |
Brooklyn Latin School |
The Bronx High School of Science |
High School of American Studies at Lehman College |
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College |
Universities and Colleges in New York City |
---|
Columbia University |
New York University (NYU) |
The City College of New York (CCNY) |
The New School |
Fordham University |
Transportation & Navigation in New York City
The transportation system in New York City is extensive. The public transportation system in the city is well-developed.
Public Transportation- There is a subway that is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and it is the backbone of the city. There are more than 472 stations with 6 lines in all five boroughs of the city. Apart from Subway, there is a bus system in the city which is also operated by MTA Bus Company.
Private Transportation- Private transportation is the other option to get around the city. The major options are taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. There are car-sharing services like Car2Go and Zipcar.
Walking- The city is highly walkable and several neighborhoods are designed with pedestrians to make walking easier.
Navigation- There are several online applications available that can help in navigating New York City like Google Maps, Apple Maps, NYC Bus Map and NYC Subway Map.
Type of insurance required in New York City
When you move to a new city you buy moving insurance to protect your belongings while they are in transition.So, when you settle in a new city you need to protect your house, household belongings, yourself and your family from different mis happenings. Here, we have provided the details of different insurance you will need while living in New York City-
Health Insurance- This type of insurance is required by all the residents of New York. There are several ways to get health insurance like you can get it through the employer, through a private insurance plan or the New York State of Health (NYSOH). Several low-budget programs are also available including Medicare and Medicaid.
Life Insurance- This type of insurance is not mandatory in New York City but is highly recommended. This insurance will financially support your loved ones in the event of your death. They can use this money to pay for essential services like funerals, mortgages, tuition and more.
Auto Insurance- This is mandatory insurance required by all vehicle owners and operators in New York City. This insurance will cover the bodily injuries and property damage liability caused while driving. The minimum liability limits in New York for bodily injury liability is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and property damage liability: $10,000 per accident.
Homeowners Insurance- This type of insurance is required by law in New York City. If you are a homeowner then you must have this type of insurance. This will cover the damage caused to your house and household items due to several events including fire, theft, and vandalism.
Renters Insurance- This is recommended for the renters as it covers your personal belongings and provides coverage in case someone gets injured on the rental property.
Business Insurance- If you are a business owner in New York City, then you might need several insurances like workers’ compensation insurance, general liability insurance, property insurance and more.
Taxes in New York City
When you move to a new city, you have to pay the taxes applicable there. We have listed all the details about the different taxes that you have to pay in New York City.Income Tax- The residents of New York City have to pay both state and city income taxes. The state income tax rates range between 4% and 10.9% and this depends on the taxable income. The city income tax rates range from 3.078% to 3.876%.
Sales Tax- There is a combined sales tax in New York City with a rate of 8.875%. The combined value is distributed as a state sales tax of 4%, a city sales tax of 4.5% and a Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (MCTD) surcharge of 0.375%.
Property Tax- The assessed value of your property decides the Property Tax. In New York City, the property tax rate is 1.93%.
Hotel tax- This tax is applied to the cost of the hotel room stay and its rate in New York City is 15.375%.
Motor Vehicle Fees- This is a combined value of registration fees, parking fees and traffic tickets.
FAQs
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1. What is the best rule of thumb for living in New York City?
Ans: The best rule of thumb to live in New York is to be prepared for challenges. The following tips help you prepare yourself for living in New York-
- Prepare for the unexpected weather so always carry an umbrella for sudden downpours.
- A portable charger can be a savior as your phone's battery might not last through a day of calls and more.
- Keep a Band-Aid in your bag as minor injuries can happen anytime.
- Look sharp throughout the day and carry a stain removal with you.
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2. What information is required to get a moving quote from Vanlines Move?
Ans: Benefits of Using Moving Containers for Urban Moves in San Francisco
- Estimated Move Date: When do you plan to move?
- Type of Move: Residential apartment/ home/ office/ commercial/ other.
- Size of Move: Choose the size of your current residence or office.
- Origin and Destination: Provide both your current and new addresses.
- Contact Information: Provide your first and last name, email address, and phone number.
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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