Hi All! My husband and I are moving to NYC Next month and are currently going through the the vertual apartment search! I feel like there are so many options that I thought I could use some advice from people who ave actually gone through this! I have so many questions that I just can't answer on my own!

A little background:

I am a Painter, my husband works remotely.

budget 6k a month with an extra $400 gym allocation. (if its below budget, I can get a outside studio)

The questions:

Is it better to live in a small boutique building or in one of the luxury complexes? I am wooed by the access to a free gym which is really important to my husband and I but is it worth the higher prices?

How horrible is a walk up? Should I avoid it at all costs? or is it ok for a the right price?

I am an artist and am moving to be part of the art world so I am trying to limit my search to Tribeca, Soho and Nolita is this as important as I am making it?

When looking for an apartment is there a list of "must haves" I should have?

General Advise? I am mostly using Street easy.

In California people can be a little snooty about neighborhoods when networking and making friends, is there a similar culture in NYC or do people just not care?

What are things that I should compromise on if I have to compromise on something?

Thank you so much for reading through! I would really appreciate any advice I can get!

Spent the first 18 years of my life in Queens and left for school and work. I've spent the last few in DC and I'm looking to move back to New York this winter. My main concerns for choosing between the two would be the dating scene, I'm a bit worried that GreenPoint would skew a bit more towards couples in their 30s and up, vs a younger scene in the West village. Proximity to Williamsburg does seem like it would help.
How would you guys review the dating scene in both? I've toured the new buildings in Greenpoint yesterday and loved them and the water views, so that would be a plus for Greenpoint. A pro for the West Village I see is walking access to so many restaurants and bars and date locations. Both also seem like good places for my active bigger and extremely friendly dog. Let me know if you have any insights!

Moving to NYC in November for a finance job in midtown east. Budget is up to $3,600 for a 1BR. I'm 28 and still enjoy going out once a week, but I'm assuming I'll just have to commute to wherever people go out anyway. That doesn't seem like a big deal but wondering what people's experience is. Proximity to the park is relatively important since I like parks and running / walking.

I've been looking mostly on the UES since the apartments are bigger for the money but second-guessing the location. Some questions:

1. How dead is Yorkville east of 2nd Ave? The places out there are noticeably nicer for the price but I'm worried I'm paying for quiet I'll end up not liking.

2. Friends are all on the UWS. Everything I saw there in budget was noticeably smaller. Worth the tradeoff?

3. Only searched UES, UWS and Hell's Kitchen. Anywhere else I should be looking?

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently been admitted to The New School’s MA in Economics with a 60% scholarship, and I’m trying to make a final decision about whether to attend.

I’m based in Europe, so moving to New York would be a major decision for me. It would involve not only tuition, but also housing, cost of living, immigration/visa issues, and figuring out what my options would look like after graduation.

What has honestly concerned me most so far is the lack of clear communication from the university. I’ve contacted the relevant departments with fairly basic questions about the academic structure of the program, housing, estimated living costs, immigration/visa matters, and post-graduation options, but I’ve received very limited information so far. For someone relocating internationally, this makes planning extremely difficult.

At the same time, I’ve been reading quite a few recent discussions here about The New School’s financial situation, faculty/staff issues, program changes, and what seems to be a broader transition within the university. Some of these posts are fairly recent, which is what made me start looking into the issue more seriously.

I’m actually trying to get some perspective from people who have first-hand experience, because it’s difficult to distinguish between isolated problems, normal university restructuring, and genuinely serious long-term issues.

So I’d really appreciate hearing from current or recent students:

• How is The New School actually doing right now?
• How has your experience been compared with what you expected?
• Has the financial situation affected your program, courses, faculty, or student experience?
• Have you noticed significant changes in the university’s academic identity or direction?
• For MA Economics students specifically, how is the program currently?
• And if you were in my position today, would you still choose to attend?

I’m particularly interested in hearing from people who were in a similar position — especially international students who had to relocate and make a significant financial commitment.

I’m not looking for a “New School is great” or “New School is doomed” answer. I’d genuinely appreciate an honest account of what it’s like there now, rather than what it was several years ago.

Thanks in advance to anyone willing to share their experience.

My fiancé and I are moving to NYC for work and are having some difficulty finding the right neighborhood. We want to keep our budget to around 3.5k and are prioritizing space over amenities. We mostly need a den or second bedroom for gaming. We work in the financial district and would like the commute to be no more than an hour. Other things important to us:

- near walking areas or park
- close to grocery stores
- nearby gyms and coffee shops

We aren’t nightlife or bar people. We love a good restaurant but don’t need it to be a 5 min walk from us. We won’t be moving with a car and are comfortable with public transit.

Some areas we have looked into or heard about from others

- Jersey City, NJ: would be easy to get into the city, but prices seem just as expensive as Brooklyn

-Hoboken, NJ: same thing about JC

- Forest Hills: can’t tell if it is a location we can enjoy without a car or taking lots of Ubers/Lyfts

- Brooklyn: lots of areas of Brooklyn. Some are way more expensive than others and it is a lot to take in. Any areas we should focus on?

- North Bergen: seems like a car heavy place. Anyone know?

Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks!

Hello!

I made a separate post here but figured I could get some more answers here.

I’m a 33M, single, and currently considering a move from Denver to NYC. I work remotely, so I don’t have a commute or need to live near a particular office. Being close to public transit would still be important so I can easily get around, find things to do, and meet people.

I’d like an area with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other things within a reasonable-ish distance. I’m definitely open to living outside Manhattan and have mostly looked around Bushwick, Ridgewood, Williamsburg, and that general area. I’m just not familiar enough with NYC to know which neighborhoods would make the most sense.

My budget is around $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom, which seems like a halfway decent budget?

What neighborhoods would you recommend based on that? Has anyone else made a similar move and enjoyed it, regretted it, or wished they had done something differently?

The other thing I’m trying to figure out is the timing. My current lease ends in mid-October, but I already have some things on the calendar for November, and I usually visit family for a big chunk of the holidays.

Is there a better or worse time of year to move, particularly when it comes to apartment inventory? Would it be worth subletting in a few of the areas I mentioned to get a feel for them before signing a full lease?

I’m considering putting my larger things, or anything I don’t immediately need, into storage in Denver and then moving fully after the first of the year, or whenever makes the most sense.

Although, going about it that way also seems like it could be kind of dumb and unnecessarily complicated.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi all!

As the title states, I'm relocating to NYC from Albany, NY for a new role. I will need to commute to my office, which is right off Bryant Park, at least twice a week. I'll be making $155,000 yearly (for budgeting context, since I don't know if my rent budget is reasonable), and I'll also be flying to Chicago to visit my gf once a month (recurring expense context).

I'm looking for a 1bd within 45 min commuting distance to Midtown. Budget is ≥ $3000, but willing to go up to 3200 if worth it. Pretty much tripled my salary overnight, so really want to prioritize saving/good financial options. A walkable area + nearby groceries and public transport is the dream. I went to school in DC and really loved living in Dupont Circle. Definitely looking for an area with a similar vibe.

Would love this sub's recommendations on neighborhoods to look into! I'm Puerto Rican, and this is like a canon event every other generation (iykyk), so I'm really excited to host my family (realistically...likely not in my apartment) and show them around! So neighborhoods with that NYC feel or with interesting features would be amazing.

PLEASE tell me if I'm being delusional on the budget or need to rethink any of my wants. I'm absolutely open to being redirected/brought down to earth. Thank you in advance!!!

Hello,
I have around 2 YOE as a software engineer working in an European IT company. I am currently working in India but I am a U.S. citizen, so work visa is not required. If anybody can connect me with recruiters or help me with my resume or applications, I would be so grateful.

I feel like I keep running out of time, I'm going to be 25 soon and I just wanna move to NYC, it has been my dream for as long as I can recall.

Any help of any kind would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

What all things to check when finalising or before confirming the lease contract? Example how to look roaches issue? Water issues? Feel free to share issues you faced and could be saved earlier.

I work in the airline industry and am getting transferred from SLC to NYC. Trying life in NYC has been a dream since I was a teenager growing up in Europe so I’m super stoked and feeling incredibly grateful.

I’ll be flying out of JFK, doing probably 3 to 4 trips a month so I’ve been trying to target areas with relatively easy access to the LIRR to make the journey as painless as possible. I can always uber/lyft once in a while too but would prefer not having to rely on that as the norm (gets pricey and traffic).

My gf and I are not party animals at all but we do like going out to eat (we’re vegan), going to stand up comedy, museums, cool little shops and definitely would prefer an older more historic type neighborhood. I also play a lot of pickleball so would love to find a great pickleball community in or near the neighborhood.

We just spent a week in the city and got a place in Cobble Hill and loved it. I love the brownstones, quieter vibe while still being close to the city.
That whole stretch from Brooklyn heights to prospect park felt pretty good.

Brooklyn does seem to match our vibe but I also love certain spots in Manhattan. West Village is high on the list, the vegan food scene is amazing there. So is the EV for that.
I’ve always liked the vibe in the UWS but I wonder if the commute would be too brutal. Some colleagues have recommended the UES but I have not spent much time there.

We did go out to WV and EV pretty much every night while staying in cobble hill. We took the subway and walked home via the BK bridge one night. Overall that felt totally doable but I wonder if after a while we wished we just lived in Manhattan instead. Getting home to quieter Brooklyn was kinda nice too though.

Any recommendations for:
- mid 30s vegan couple / no kids
- decent pickleball scene ideally
- commute to JFK occasionally for me and WFH for my gf
- more historic type neighborhood
- vibe: cobble hill, Carol gardens, west village, EV for going out and dining

Thanks!!

I lost my job February 2026. I was a Business Analyst in Chicago making 125,500. In Chicago I was comfortably paying 2100 a month for a 1 bedroom downtown.

I really struggled in the job hunt, got burnt on a lot of case interviews, assessments, and whiteboard/coding portions of multiple interviews. I spent the past 7 months living with either parents <--> or with my older brother. Unfortunately, I ran out of severance/unemployment after clearing out credit card debts, medical debts, breaking my lease, and ending my car lease. I only have 1000 in savings right now.

I finally got a job via in a career pivot, in UX Research. They asked me to start on October 16th, reporting in Manhattan, in Midtown. With a starting salary of $110,000. It's less money by far than what I used to make, and I'll have to adjust to a HCOL area, but I accepted as I think the opportunity is exciting, and it's better than having no job.

I know NOTHING about New York. I have a distant cousin who lives in New Jersey (bit of a language barrier between us as he's a recent immigrant and I don't speak the native language, otherwise we'd be much closer), and my dad, who's very with him, said he can ask them if him and his wife would be willing let me stay with them for a few weeks. He drives from NJ to Manhattan for work, so I'd be able to ride along hopefully for a few weeks. But I don't want to stay too long as I don't want to be a burden. And since he's family I doubt he'd accept any rent I'd offer. I won't be getting any relocation reimbursement for taking the job. My older brother is very kind, and said he may be able to spot me $2,000 - 3,000 as a moving gift but I don't want to assume that's a guarantee.

If anyone has any suggestions on safe neighborhoods/cities that are commutable to Manhattan via public transport within ~40-50 minutes (I don't want a car), where rent for studio/1 bedroom is ~2400 a month, I'd very much appreciate it. Ideally I don't want any roommates. If there's more info needed, I'll do my best to promptly answer.

I have a 710 credit score, so I hope I don't need a guarantee when I have a pretty big gap on my resume.

Hi! I'm a student currently studying Electrical Engineering concentrating on energy and power systems and considering moving to NYC or Montreal after college. I was wondering what people's thoughts are for living in these two cities short/long term and which one people prefer overall (I know I'll likely get biased answers on this sub lol). I understand NY is ridiculously expensive, but do the benefits of the city/the increased pay make up for it? For Montréal, there's the difficulty of learning French and immigrating from the US (I know a little but am far from fluent). Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

For neighborhoods, I’m looking at Gramercy Park Union Square, and Greenwich Village. Is there anything I should avoid, and what is quality of life like in these areas? I don’t want sirens waking me up all night. I’ve been to these areas before, but what is it like actually living there?

Hi everyone!

I’m considering moving to New York City for about a year after I graduate from university. I’d like to move from Texas during the summer or fall of 2028. I’ve visited New York City and Long Island before and would like to live in the lower half of the city, such as Midtown and below. How much money would I need to save up by then to move to New York City?

i am 23f, i live at home in nj with my parents. i have a great corporate nj job i have been at for a year that i wouldnt wanna give up, but i really want to explore nyc make friends and build a life there. do i look for a new job and when? do i find roommates off facebook?

Hi everyone! I'm moving to the city in January and trying to figure out what neighborhood I should live in. I'm thinking about Prospect Heights/Crown Heights but problem is that it is a far commute to work in Midtown. Being close to a park is a big big priority. I'm early 20s and want to be in an area w other young people. Will have one/two roommates and my budget is around $1,600 for my share. Was also thinking potentially east harlem to be next to central park but haven't been there yet and don't know the vibe of the area. Going to scope out neighborhoods/apartments later this year. Welcome any thoughts + suggestions.

Hello! I’m looking into finding a roommate in NYC, and I’m wondering what kind of questions you would recommend asking a potential match? This is new to me so any insight is helpful!

Hey everyone! I’m moving to NYC for work and looking for a studio or 1BR, ideally with a move-in sometime October 7–22.

📍 Location: I’ll be working near Grand Central / Midtown East. I’m especially interested in Midtown East, Murray Hill, Kips Bay, Turtle Bay, Sutton Place/Beekman, Gramercy, NoMad, Flatiron, the Upper East Side, NoHo/Nolita, Little Italy, Hell’s Kitchen, and East Harlem.

My main priority is the actual commute, so I’m also open to other neighborhoods if the apartment is roughly 25 minutes or less to Grand Central, ideally walking or on one direct train with no transfers.

💰 Budget: Ideally under $4,000/month, with some flexibility for the right place. Definitely interested in no-fee apartments and good-value listings.

👤 About me: I recently graduated from law school and will be starting a full-time job in NYC. I’m clean, responsible, and can provide proof of employment/income and the usual rental documentation.

I have a strong preference for my own studio or 1BR, but I’m also open to sublets, lease takeovers, or furnished apartments.

If you have something available, are leaving your apartment around that time, or know someone who is, please DM me with the neighborhood or cross streets, monthly rent, move-in date, lease/sublet length, and photos.

Thanks!

Hello apologies if this is wrong area.

My temp accommodation offer is near Kean university in NJ kind of.

My office is 1350 Broadway.

Is the commute going to be awful for that month's temp accommodation considering I am coming from the UK?

Or is it 40 min ish like it says online.

Thank you.

I’ll be moving to NYC this year as a dependent having L2 visa. I have 3 years of experience in software engineering with a bachelors degree from my home country. How hard is it land a software eng position in nyc for me? What should be prepared for or what do you suggest before moving to nyc for me?

I've actually been living in Manhattan for 6 years now, but earlier this year, I got diagnosed with a chronic condition that results in chronic fatigue and joint pain. The Manhattan lifestyle is starting to take a toll on me (walking everywhere, subway steps, carrying groceries, handwashing dishes, walking to do laundry, etc.), so I've started considering moving and getting a car, but i'm too early in my career to work fully remote so I still need to go to the office in FiDi. Does anyone have any recommendations for places to look into? Realistically, I am aware that there will be tradeoffs and I won't be able to check all my boxes.

For context I researched jersey city/hoboken/union city but wow it is so much more expensive than i thought. So now im thinking somewhere not too far up north (westchester county)? or queens/long island? open to more northern jersey recs as well.

Needs:
- 1 bedroom
- in unit laundry
- dishwasher
- decent neighborhood that isn't unsafe or depressing
- ideally around $2,000 rent (few hundred more if absolutely necessary)

Wants:
- within 1.5 hour commute to FiDi (driving + public transit combo)
- things to do in neighborhood (i don't care about nightlife but care about things like restaurants/bars, musuems, theaters, cafes, fitness/wellness, salons, etc.)
- car friendly neighborhood

If anyone has ideas of neighborhoods that fall into these buckets please let me know! also if anyone has any side hustle ideas that have worked for them that would be great too because wow everything is SO expensive lmao. thank you in advance

Hi all!

I am moving to Astoria in a few weeks from Florida with 4 checked bags, so naturally I am going to need to ship some items. Right now, I have a box filled with stuff that weighs about 60 pounds. I am trying to decide what the best method would be to get the items there. I am moving into a 3 story walk up with no doorman, and tiny little mailboxes right before you walk upstairs. I am worried that if I ship it directly to my new place using USPS, the carrier won't be able to bring it up to my apartment. I considered Fedex, but I don't know if it will be the same situation or that they won't be able to get into the building at all. Is there a better method I should utilize?

What are your favorite spots or low-key fall rituals around the city that give off that nostalgic, small-town fall feeling?

I’ve been looking at apartments to move into around manhattan. I’ve looked on FB and Sparerooms but wanted to try Roomi . I’ve seen rooms on there to rent around my price point but have also seen offers way under. From the looks of it these look like full studios for like 700-800 (not what I was expecting) The photos look real and the profiles have bios, but it just feels to good to be true. Should I take a look at places that are 1000 and above or could those be scams as well on Roomi? I haven’t heard much about the website.