This list of the pros and cons of living in New York City was written by Antonina Pattiz, a 10-year local and the founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps). So happy to have you here!
Are you thinking about moving to New York City? You thrill seeker, you. There’s no adequate way to describe the way living in New York City feels. The Big Apple casts both shadows and spells and your experience will depend entirely on you.
But there’s also no denying that living in New York City is an extraordinary feat. The city tempts people in hordes, and millions of locals are willing to overlook the inevitable cons of daily life in NYC because the perks are irresistible. Read on to learn about the my personal list of the HONEST pros and cons of living in New York City after 10 years.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Meet the Author | This post was written by Antonina P. who sometimes leaves the house on Sundays and sometimes doesn’t. She moved to NYC 10 years ago from the Pacific Northwest and doesn’t miss the rain as much as she thought she would. You can follow her daily life in NYC here.
Things to Know About Living in New York City
(Table of Contents)
Daily Life in NYC (Table of Contents)
- Things to Know About Living in New York City
- First, Let’s Talk About the Perks of Moving to NYC
- #1. New York City is the Land of Opportunity (Truly)
- #2. New York City is a Safe Place to Live
- #3. Exposure to the Arts (and History)
- #4. New York City is Diverse
- #5. Networking & Social Scene
- #6. There’s (Always) Something to Do
- #7. The food in New York City is incredible
- #8. New York City Has Great Public Parks
- #9. Street Fashion is Exciting
- #10. Top-Notch Public Transportation
- #11. The City (Really) Never Sleeps
- The Disadvantages of Living in NYC
- #1. The Rent is Too Damn High
- #2. The Summer Humidity & Winter Weather
- #3. The Daily Cost of Living in NYC is Sky High
- #4. Crowds Are Par for the Course
- #5. New Yorkers Are Busy & Blunt
- #6. Moving to New York City? Apartment Hunting is a Bear
- #7. If You Live in NYC, Prepare to be Labeled a Workaholic
- #8. New York City is So Dirty
- #9. Homelessness
- What’s It Like Living in NYC? (FAQ)
- Things to Know Before Living in New York City (Post Summary)
First, Let’s Talk About the Perks of Moving to NYC
“New Yorkers are born all over the country, and then they come to New York City and it hits them: Oh, that’s who I am.”
— Delia Ephron
#1. New York City is the Land of Opportunity (Truly)
Cue: “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” New York City is where dreamers go to see if dreams can become reality, and in my experience, this is true in two ways:
- If you’re an entrepreneur (way to go, you!), there’s no better place than New York City to try and make it big. The opportunities and networking connections you can make while living in New York City are hard to beat.
- Career-wise, New York City has the biggest names in tech, marketing, apparel, journalism, sports, you name it. So if you can’t follow your entrepreneurial dreams (yet), there’s definitely a job for you. However, I don’t want to paint a false picture, you should definitely have a gig lined up before moving to NYC otherwise you won’t be setting yourself up for success.
New York City is home to 65 Fortune 500 companies, the second-highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the world (outside of Tokyo). In terms of finding a job in New York City, it helps to be mindful of finding a sector that works well with your lifestyle. Because the first thing you’ll learn after moving to New York City is that you will need to hustle hard (and that means long hours at the office).
With a population of 8.4 million, competition is fierce. Securing a job and growing a career will require more effort than it does in elsewhere. This is a big reason why New Yorkers get labeled as workaholics (I’ll cover this in more detail below). But at the end of the day, one thing is certain: if you’re passionate enough to move to New York City then chances are good you’ll find a way to make it work, one way or another.
This is the city of dreamers and time and again it’s the place where the greatest dream of all, the American dream, has been tested and has triumphed.
Michael Bloomberg
#2. New York City is a Safe Place to Live
It may surprise you to learn that living in New York City is not unsafe, as most folks assume. It’s hard to blame anyone for thinking that daily life in New York City thought! With 8.4 million residents, NYC is the most populous city in America, so sensational headlines are bound to happen.
However, relative to its size, New York City is considered one of the top 5 safest large cities in America. After living in New York City for 10+ years, I can honestly say that I’ve never felt unsafe in the city, and that’s mostly because I’ve never really been alone on the streets.
There’s so many people exploring the city all hours of the day, so you’re seldom alone (there’s power in numbers). Stick to the main streets, know which areas to avoid and trust your gut. For instance, I don’t walk through Central Park after dark.
I currently live in the Upper West Side (Manhattan) and understand that busy streets are not as common in the other boroughs, so make sure to research the best places to live in New York City.
#3. Exposure to the Arts (and History)
New York City is often described at the cultural capital of the world, not without reason! Having daily access to world-class museums is one of my favorite things about living in NYC.
Home to a whopping 83 museums, including the fifth largest museum in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (colloquially known as the MET). The Big Apple is also home to two of the most gorgeous libraries in the world, the JP Morgan Library & the New York Public Library (3rd largest library in the world).
If history is more your thing, why not visit the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt? Or maybe grab a drink at the bar where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops? Heck, you can even visit Alexander Hamilton’s final resting place.
The point is, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more culturally exciting city than New York. For example, my friend starts every weekend by exploring a museum with her kids and at the rate she’s going, her kids will see more world-renowned art by the age of 7 than most people do in a lifetime!
If you want to become a real New Yorker, there’s only one rule: You have to believe New York is, has been, and always will be the greatest city on earth. The center of the universe.
– Ellen R. Shapiro
#4. New York City is Diverse
It’s probably no surprise that with more than 200+ languages spoken on a daily basis, the habits, food and dress reflect the vibrant diversity of life in New York City. In fact, New York City is the most diverse city in the country.
As a result, no matter what you do, you will always “fit” in. In many ways, it feels like there’s zero judgement in day-to-day life in NYC. I personally feel like I can be whoever I want to be (I mean this sincerely).
This realization, and subsequent freedom, makes me more confident and allows me to take risks I normally wouldn’t. Talk about liberating. For example, within two months of moving to NYC, I found that my wardrobe had completely changed.
I started wearing clothing that just didn’t make sense in my previous city (Portland, Oregon) because there was seldom an occasion to get dressed for. After living in NYC, I’ve realized that the city is occasion enough. All this to say, if you need a fresh start, moving to New York City should fit the bill. I swear, this city makes you self-sufficient in no time.
If you’re seriously considering moving to New York City, I suggest reading: Don’t Move to New York City Without Knowing These 20 Crucial Things First
#5. Networking & Social Scene
One of the best things about living in New York City is that you’re always in the heart of the action. On any given day, there’s hundreds of events going on throughout the city. This is the place where trends are born and million-dollar ideas take root.
In fact, New York City was home to more billionaires than anywhere else in the world, before being surpassed by Beijing not too long ago. And since everyone is hustling hard to get their piece of the pie, you will make some serious connections while living in NYC.
If you’re open to meeting new people and putting yourself out there, you’ll find that there’s never a shortage of new folks to grab dinner or drinks with. I will add, the social atmosphere in NYC is downright euphoric.
Personal experience of living in New York City: I’ve changed so much since moving to NYC. I went from hanging out with close friends once a month to grabbing drinks with friends 2-3 times a week. You’ll want to budget social events if you’re considering living in NYC on a budget.
#6. There’s (Always) Something to Do
When you live in New York City, it’s hard to justify staying home because there’s ALWAYS something going on. Whether it’s a new exhibit at a museum, a famous musician playing at the Blue Note, sunset yoga in Central Park or a five-course meal at a Michelin-star restaurant, you’ll never have a reason to be bored with daily life in New York City.
Even random walks sometimes end on a magical note.
For example, my husband and I took a morning stroll through Central Park and stumbled across a film shoot. We watched Sarah Jessica Parker film a scene for the Sex and the City reboot and I couldn’t believe it (so cool!). Long gone are the days of “there’s nothing to do around here” because when you move to New York City, that excuse is no longer valid.
In the country, there are a few chances of sudden rejuvenation–a shift in weather, perhaps, or something arriving in the mail. But in New York the chances are endless.
E.B. White
#7. The food in New York City is incredible
We can’t talk about the biggest advantages of living in New York City without mentioning the food. Oh my goodness! If there’s one thing I love most about daily life in NYC, it’s the incredible food scene.
With 69 Michelin-Starred restaurants, New York City is has the 5th highest concentration of Michelin-Starred restaurants in the world. And sure, you’ll need a trust fund to try them all, but you know the best part? You don’t need to eat at these fancy places to enjoy a memorable meal because NYC’s culinary scene spans the gamut.
New York City is a melting pot of different cultures so locals are privy to the best-of-the-best in all international cuisines. After living in New York City, it’s hard to find other cities that satisfy my cravings for good food.
I mean, let’s get real real, you haven’t lived until you find yourself with a hot bowl of award-winning ramen at 1am. P.S. I’m currently working on a post about the best cheap eats in NYC, so sign up for the email list to be notified when it comes out. I share gems and photos, not spam.
Read: The 10 BEST Pizzas in New York City & 15 Mouthwatering Bagels in Manhattan
#8. New York City Has Great Public Parks
The amount of public parks sprinkled throughout the city is a huge perk of living in the Concrete Jungle. Obviously Central Park takes the cake, spanning nearly 850 acres, this gem is bigger than the country of Monaco and is the most filmed location in the world.
And it’s true, Central Park is picture-perfect, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking the other 1,700+ parks in NYC. It’s clear that New York City understands the importance public green spaces and acts on that knowledge.
In fact, 22% of the city is dedicated specially for public parks and 99% of New York City residents are a mere 10-minute walk from a park. I can attest that having access to green spaces makes living in NYC easy because when the city feels overwhelming it’s not hard to find a little slice of greenery to escape to.
Further Reading: 15 Enchanting & Iconic Parks in New York City (Locals Love)
#9. Street Fashion is Exciting
For the most part, New Yorkers dress very well, especially when compared to other US cities. Now, I’m not saying we hold ourselves to European standards, but close enough.
There’s something exciting about living in a city where people take pride in the way they dress that makes you want to put your best foot forward, too. Having daily exposure to the newest trends definitely changes a person’s relationship with clothes.
Personally, I noticed this change in myself. As mentioned earlier, my wardrobe has substantially changed since moving to New York City (for the better, I think!). There’s no pressure to dress any particular way, which means everything is fair game. I’m taking more risks with my attire and it’s been really fun to have occasions worth dressing up for.
#10. Top-Notch Public Transportation
I know that most everyone likes to hate on their city’s public transportation, but New York City’s subway system super efficient, in my opinion. We chose to move to NYC without a car, which turned out to be the right move because street parking is a nightmare.
Honestly, I can’t imagine the headache of owning a car while living in NYC. Plus, the savings are starting to add up. We don’t pay for gas and regular vehicle maintenance, not to mention the savings on car insurance.
Besides, using the subway is a no-brainer and we don’t dread it, which says a lot. Trains run on time 80-90% of the time and I can get wherever needed in a reasonable time. But don’t just take my word for it, more than 3 million people ride the subway daily. The only time the subway really sucks is during the holiday season when the trains are packed to the brim.
All this to say, if you’re planning on moving to New York City with a car, think twice. It won’t be necessary.
#11. The City (Really) Never Sleeps
You may not realize how big of a perk this is until you move out of New York City, but just wait until that 2am craving strikes. There’s always something lively going on in the city all hours of the day (and night). It’s not hard to find something fun to do after work (even if you get off closer to 9pm).
Great bars, awesome jazz clubs, romantic restaurants, you name it and it’s at your fingertips well into the evening. Seriously, this perk of living in NYC can’t be overstated because it makes daily life so enjoyable. We recently met up with some friends from Portland and found ourselves out until 2am.
We capped the night with a slice of pizza before heading home. We didn’t even have to search hard to find a restaurant open near us, we had 10+ options within three blocks.
And New York is the most beautiful city in the world? It is not far from it. No urban night is like the night there…. Squares after squares of flame, set up, and cut into the aether. Here is our poetry, for we have pulled down the stars to our will.
Ezra Pound
The Disadvantages of Living in NYC
#1. The Rent is Too Damn High
Let’s be honest, the astronomical cost of living in New York City is not realistic for most people. Rental prices are off the charts! As of this writing, the average cost of a one bedroom apartment in Manhattan is $5,550 (I wish I had some water to spit out for dramatic effect).
All this to say, New York City isn’t even in the same time zone as affordable.
I fell in love with the city after visiting for the first time after college. After that trip, I spent 6+ years daydreaming about living in NYC but it felt so out of reach because of the cost. I saved as much as I could to finally make the big move to New York City, but I don’t want to fool you, it was not easy.
The high cost of housing is why so many people live with roommates or find themselves far from the center (and then have to commute 45+ minute each way).
If helpful, our current rent for a 420-square foot apartment on the Upper West Side is $3,000. It’s charming but TINY! The bathroom door doesn’t open all the way because of a small trash can, it’s hilarious and sad at the same time.
But as most New Yorkers will tell you, you pay for the access, not space. Anyways, I’ll post photos of our apartment soon and will send an update through the newsletter, if you’re interested.
#2. The Summer Humidity & Winter Weather
There’s a few New York City living essentials that you’ll need to get sorted out before moving to NYC. Mainly, you’re going to need a good AC (here’s the one we use) because the summer humidity and heat is no joke.
From June through September, the city is muggy and oftentimes stinky (because of the garbage being left out on the streets). The average summer temperature hovers around 85 – 90° and the humidity is intense. You know the drill: smells get amplified but the summer heat, brace yourself for the smells of trash on the streets and body odor in the subway.
The winter weather sits on the other end of the spectrum. A brutal bone-chilling cold awaits you from December to March, so you better be sure that your tiny closet is full of quality coats and wool socks.
Need help getting through New York City winters? Don’t move to NYC without getting this super handy device first, it helps drastically with the dark gray winter skies. My therapist recommended it and I use it daily, I can’t recommend it enough.
#3. The Daily Cost of Living in NYC is Sky High
I know, understatement of the century, right? But bear with me. New York City is the 7th most expensive city in the world. Let that sink in.
I guess this goes hand-in-hand with the atrocious rent prices but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Expect everyday amenities, like haircuts, groceries and experiences, to be way more expensive while living in New York. For example, an average cocktail in NYC will set you back $18-22, pre-tip (ouch). And since daily life in NYC is a social affair, living in New York City on a budget won’t be easy.
In fact, the high cost of living in New York City was the hardest adjustment for my husband and I. We had some serious talks about reigning in our finances shortly after moving to New York City because it became evident that our previous budget wouldn’t work here.
We mentioned this to a friend who’s been living in NYC for 15+ years, he said that when people first move to New York City they feel like they’re on vacation. I couldn’t agree more. So many cool restaurants to try, world-class museums museums, new attractions — it’s all so exciting! So it takes a while to adjust to a more disciplined way of daily life in New York.
Additionally, I can’t speak for everyone (and I’m slightly embarrassed to admit this) but living in New York City has made me more materialistic. There’s something in the atmosphere that makes me more interested in buying things (in a way I never did before). It sucks to say this out loud, but I’m trying to keep this list honest.
#4. Crowds Are Par for the Course
Do you like standing in line? Great! You’re going to LOVE living in New York City. Jokes aside, expect crowds, long lines and impossible wait-lists for the hottest restaurants and exhibits in town.
You anticipate this as a tourist, but as a local, it feels a bit different. Not only will you wait in line for most popular spots, but the streets are crowded all the (dang) time. Comes with the territory, I guess.
I feel like all first dates in NYC should go something like this: Name, occupation, longest wait time. Because nothing proves commitment like a 2 hour line for donuts. That’s marriage material.
#5. New Yorkers Are Busy & Blunt
New Yorkers don’t sugarcoat. They are direct because they don’t like to waste time. You can tell this by how fast they walk … everywhere. New Yorkers weren’t raised by southern mothers – forget manners, enter brevity. They have places to be and people to see.
It’s just the way things are around here. I can try to explain it away, but why bother? It is what it is, just don’t take it personally because it’s not. Everyone’s eager to make a dream come true.
#6. Moving to New York City? Apartment Hunting is a Bear
One of the biggest disadvantages of living in New York City is trying to find an apartment. The competition is intense and you’ll need a broker to get an apartment, which greatly increases the overall expense. Most broker fees are equivalent to one month’s rent or 10-15% of your total annual rent.
Here’s my firsthand account of our experience finding an apartment in New York City. I talk about dead cockroaches, mouse traps and a few lessons we learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
#7. If You Live in NYC, Prepare to be Labeled a Workaholic
There’s no way around this. New York City is a hard working city. 40 hour work week? Sounds like a distant dream. Living in NYC is not for the faint of heart, most come here to make a name for themselves, and it shows. Expect to put in long hours.
For example, both of our long-term NYC friends work until 8-9pm in the evening. They joke that they can hang out during the “other” 9-9. It’s not uncommon to find them answering emails on the weekends or checking their phones during happy hour.
Some days it feels like anxiety is a second language and we are all proficient in it.You can to hustle to make it here and everyone works hard. Some people work 150 hours a week, others have 2-3 jobs to scrape by. Whatever you do, secure a job before moving to New York City.
#8. New York City is So Dirty
I know some people like to call New York City “grungy” because it sounds cute, but let’s get real: the city is dirty. I mean, in 2018, New York City was rated the dirtiest city in America. My biggest peeve is the fact that we toss trash bags on the street, hard to believe that such an innovative city hasn’t thought of a better solution.
“When you leave New York, you are astonished at how clean the rest of the world is. Clean is not enough.”
Fran Lebowitz
#9. Homelessness
When people ask me what’s it’s really like to live in New York City day to day, I can’t help but mention the dire homeless situation. In recent years homelessness in New York City has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression.
Homelessness is a real problem in this city and it will become a part of your daily life if you move to New York City. As mentioned earlier, I’ve never felt unsafe here, but homelessness is noticeable.
What’s It Like Living in NYC? (FAQ)
Is NYC a good city to live in?
Living in New York City, one of the world’s most iconic cities, will definitely change you one way or another. The city offers a unique living experience that can be both exhilarating and challenging. With a population of over 8 million people, it’s a melting pot of cultures with a plethora of perks. But, the high cost of living and overall stress of daily life in a large city (like career pressures, etc) can take their toll. The answer depends entirely on you, but I hope this list was helpful in guiding you in the right direction.
How Many People Live in New York City?
As of 2024, the population of New York City is 8.468 million, making it the most populous city in the country and the 11th most populated city in the world. So yeah, let your hair down. You’ll always fit in here.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in NYC?
It depends on your lifestyle and the sacrifices you’re willing to make. But I won’t lie to you, living in NYC on a budget isn’t easy. OK with roommates? Living in NYC just became a lot more affordable. Value your independence? A 1 bedroom unit won’t come cheap.
Theoretically you can live in NYC with a salary of 60K a year. You’ll have roommates (probably more than one) and won’t be eating out at sit-down restaurants too often. What’s more, Broadway shows and rooftop bars will be reserved for (very) special occasions.
A salary of 70K+ a year in New York City will afford you a more comfortable social life in the city that never sleeps. You may still have a roommate and eat out 2-3 times a week or you might find an apartment without a roommate – bagels all the way!
If you’re making a salary of 120K+ a year in NYC you will be able to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer. Getting drinks with friends after work, celebrating special occasions with a fancy dinner, attending the latest shows, and strolling down SOHO more than once a week (if you know, you know) 😉
Things to Know Before Living in New York City (Post Summary)
In sum these are the pros and cons of living in New York City
- New York City is a safe city
- Land of opportunity
- Rich history and culture
- The food scene in New York City
- Social scene/networking
- You can be anyone here
- Central Park
- Fashion scene
- Everything is open well into the night
- Efficient transportation
- There’s always something to do
- High rent prices
- NYC is expensive
- Work culture
- Rude locals
- Apartment hunting
- NYC is dirty
- Summer and winter weather
- Homelessness
- Crowds
Looking for the Best Things to Do in New York City?
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15 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Financial District (Local’s Guide)
15 Helpful Tips For Visiting NYC on a Budget (From a Local)
20 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Moving to New York City (Firsthand Account)
15 Best Places to Live in New York State (Helpful Guide)
And there you have it, my friends. These are the honest pros and cons of living in New York City. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Always happy to help!
Cheers!
Cher says
NYC ❤️
Antonina says
The best!
Noneya Business says
I just left NYC was living in West Chelsea since 2014. It was convenient with my Whole Foods a 4 minute walk from my apartment and Walgreens downstairs plus I was right next door to the Hudson Yards and the Highline. I had the best life and my rent was only 30% of my income so I was able to save up enough to buy a house in the Suburbs. I had fun while I was there. It will be missed. But I was happy to leave when I did because the pandemic nearly destroyed the City from what it used to be. There’s too much unprovoked crime, mentally Ill homeless on the streets and subways. I was lucky enough to ride the City Bike to work it was a 4 mile ride one way to Wall Street. I started doing it at the beginning of the Pandemic because I refused to go into the subways then I started working from home and I decided to leave. There’s nothing but empty offices and store fronts in the City. It’s struggling for tax revenue I’m sure. But each year the kids keep coming. Oh and I also didn’t like the fact that everywhere you walk now it smells like skunky marijuana. It’s just trashy…
Kit says
New York City is the fastest and most energetic city and life there is a marathon.
Antonina says
Couldn’t agree more!
Cindy E says
Ok not sure when this was written but having watching the news about crime waves that began peaking in 2020-are you still claiming NYC is safe?
New York Simply says
Hey Cindy, unfortunately it seems crime is on the rise nationwide and is not unique to NYC. As someone who currently lives in NYC I believe so long as you follow general common sense and are aware of your surroundings New York City is still an enjoyable and safe place to visit.
Carlie D. says
Great share. Enjoyed reading. Thanks for your time and efforts you took for writing this piece of content.
Antonina says
Of course, it was my pleasure!
Shan says
Overall your article rings true. The clothes thing, never being bored, always people around which is why I also love this city. Great article!
Antonina says
Hey Shan, thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the article and found it true! Cheers!
Jeniffer Smith says
Great share. NYC has been always one of the favorite city. Just Love it.
Antonina says
I couldn’t agree more, Jennifer! It’s a very special place.
David Harrison says
@Antonina, hey my is David and I am 50 and I am thinking of moving to NY. i need a change and I currentlty live in San Francisco.
i am working on my real estate lice and working on getting a gig out there too.
im single live a minimal life any advise for me before i make the jump? Looking for roomates, Co-living etc.
Antonina says
Hey David, congrats on working toward your real estate license! I live with my husband in NYC, so I haven’t gone the roommate route personally. A few of our friends have found roommates through facebook groups, the roomi app and Gypsy Housing NYC.
As for advice, the best way to set yourself up for success (in my opinion) is to save like wild before making the move. NYC has a way of draining bank accounts (even with a minimal life). I’m pretty minimal myself, but dang — I joke that sometimes simply waking up in NYC will run you $200. All this to save, save as much as you can so that you can enjoy the city more.
I wish you the best of luck, congratulations on the big life change — so exciting!
Dan says
I met my wife in NYC 20 years ago next to the Empire State Building and we went back last year for a reunion. We love the city but the poverty, homelessness, and dirt was much higher than just 5 years ago from our previous visit. We’ve thought about moving there but frankly we’re spoiled. We live in Zurich and all the things you said that are great about NYC are somewhat true as well here but on a smaller scale….with the exception of the high cost of living. Clean (they even polish the outdoor trash cans), safe, efficient, but the energy is nothing like NYC. I think we’ll have to stick to visiting. BTW we don’t stay in mid-town, we much prefer the residential feel of the upper west side and stay at the Beacon. Cheers!
Antonina says
I agree about the homelessness and poverty, it’s gut-wrenching. I visited Zurich a few years ago (jaw-dropping beauty), seems like you’re definitly making a decision that feels right for you! And yes, I currently live in the Upper West Side and love the neighborhood (and often recommend the Beacon to visiting family and friends). Cheers to you!
Ramon says
Love this thanks for writing it! My wife and I have been living in different cities all our careers, now that the children are all out in universities, my wife and i decided to try and live in NYC. We currently live in the EU. We purchased an apartment in 2019 ready to give it a go however the pandemic happened and put those plans in the back burner. Luckily somebody leased our place whilst waiting for the US to open up.
The lease of our tenant had ended late last year and we are again playing with the idea of trying to live in NYC!
Wanted to ask you a few questions but perhaps not in this public space.
Keep the articles coming I personally enjoy these very much!
Antonina says
Hi Ramon, your comment made my day, thank you so much for the kind words! Writing about NYC is such a joy, I’m so happy to hear that you are enjoying our articles. Hopefully moving to NYC works out for you and your wife (my fingers are crossed!).
Tel Aviv feral cats says
It should be very easy to find a job in New York, no matter what job you’re looking for. When I was living in Chicago, every time I wanted a temporary job in a fast food restaurant, took me anywhere between 3 days and 3 weeks to find one! and then, after I started working, three or five more places would call and say they’ll hire me, but I already had a job. And that was before the internet, and I walked from one Mcdonald’s to another, or to Burger King, whatever. Should be faster to send a resume online.
New York is also by the ocean, so there must be pretty nice beaches to take your dog for a walk, or jog, or swim.
But I heard there’s a problem with cockroaches. I drove through New York once on a Grayhound bus. The sidewalks were covered with sandwiches wrappers, paper cups, newspapers, plastic bags, you name it…
Maybe it was just a bad part of the city. I don’t know because I didn’t stay.
Antonina says
Totally agree about trash on the street, so strange (there has to be a better way). However, finding a job isn’t very easy because competition is so steep. Cheers!
Kelley says
For anyone considering a move to New York City, this can be a valuable resource that can help inform their decision and prepare them for what to expect. While the city may not be for everyone, it’s clear that for many people, the energy, excitement, and endless possibilities of New York make it a truly special and unique place to call home.
Antonina says
Hey Kelley, thanks for the kind words!
Alexander Moore says
Thanks so much!
Antonina says
My pleasure, Alexander! Love sharing NYC with everyone!
Linda Kav says
Hi,
I’m thinking of coming to New York and staying about two weeks.
Also thinking to come after I retire within one year so I can stay longer.
I have experience as an ESL teacher.
I was there around Christmas and stayed at a hotel in Korea town,
How are air B & Bs there?
I also love Philly but am concerned about the increase in crime there
Antonina says
Hey Linda, longterm Airbnbs (30+ days) are fair game, but I think there’s some new rule where the landlord must also be staying in the same building (so you’ll have a private room, I think). Definitely read up on this if you plan to go that route!
As for Philly, such a fun place to visit but completely different vibe from NYC.:)
Angelina Hunter says
Hi!
I lived in Manhattan from 1966 to 2016 and I’m writing a book on my experience during that half a century. But I’m writing to say that this posting is excellent and a good guideline for folks considering moving to NYC.
Bravo!
A. E. Hunter
Antonina says
Hi Angelina, thank you for the kind words! Always nice to hear that another local agrees! 🙂
Chrystal Levin says
Very enlightening and heartening. I also liked that you were so close to where I live right now ❤️ Thank you
Antonina says
I’m glad you found it helpful, Chrystal! The Pacific Northwest is incredible!
Lucy Grech says
Thank you so much.
It was very interesting and helpful.
I hope to visit NY one day.
Born Melbourne Australia, living on the Red Sea Egypt.
Antonina says
Hi Lucy, I’m so happy you found this helpful! I hope you make it out to visit too, it’s a magical place.
Clark says
New York is busting at the seems with it’s growing population. Endless gentrification and displacement issues. Affordability is no joke! People pay up to half their income or more for a roof over their heads. The cost of bridges and tunnels, including mass transit continue to rise. Insurance of any kind, utilities, food, will cost you dearly. And finally Crime is rising all over the city, endless gun violence, subway assaults, intense racial problems. there is no respect for anyone. And yes I’m a native New Yorker born and raised here.
Antonina says
Hey Clark, thanks for adding your insight, I bet other readers will find it helpful. I agree with you on a lot of these points, but there really is a lot to love about NYC too. 🙂
Clark says
@Antonina, I forgot to mention……New York has gotten itself in a big hurry! I for one am forced to leave soon because the cost of everything here is ridiculous My pension and SS aren’t enough to survive on. And to be clear…….I will always Love New York !!!……
John says
Oh man, I moved out of NYC 2 years ago (because of the pandemic) and I miss it every single day. Your website brought back so many good memories, thanks for sharing these awesome photos, I’m excited to follow along a bit more — hopefully you have daily updates on this website, I’d love to see daily life in NYC through your eyes.
Antonina says
Hey John, I’m so happy to hear that the website was a pleasant stroll down memory lane! NYC is such a special place! I’m trying to branch out more in terms of sharing daily life stuff, not sure on the best way to do it, but definitely something I’m open to trying. Thank you again for the kind words!
Dan says
Super expensive, filthy, overrun with homeless zombies…NYC is just a gross, abusive experience.
I also find your idea of “safe” a bit of fantasy. And of course, there’s the noxious politics common in all big American cities.
NYC is like Los Angeles. The only reason to live in LA is if you have a career in the entertainment industry and must be there. The only reasons to live in NYC is if you work in the financial sector, or if you are Jewish.
Otherwise…why would anyone want to live there? You can fly in and visit the museums if you must. Living outside NYC, I wager I can go see them MORE often than people who live there because I’m not paying $5,550 for a 1bdrm apartment and my drinks don’t cost $22 each.
NYC is a nightmare. And it is only going to get worse.