There is nothing quite like living in the City of Dreams. However, if you are new here, it can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Ultimately, you will get acclimated to the new surroundings, but the transition can always be easier if you know a few things about life in New York before setting up camp.
So, whether you are considering moving to New York due to work or a pursuit of a great, new adventure, here’s some advice that will prepare you for life in the Big Apple.
1. There is no Such Thing as Living on a Budget in NYC
If you plan on setting aside a substantial portion of your paycheck to pay back school loans or for savings, you may want to toss that idea away today. Unless you intend to starve yourself and spend every night in your apartment, saving while staying in NYC is not usually a feasible option unless, of course, you have a big paycheck.
Every time you leave the grocery store and realize you have spent $100 on six items due to the absurdly high tax, or find yourself stuck with a $20 tab for a single Miller Lite at a bar, expect to shed some tears as your bank account gradually withers away.
However, there are worse things than going broke in NYC. Trust us, the cost of the experience is undoubtedly worth it. Take comfort with the knowledge that you can recoup those savings when you ultimately move to the suburbs and enjoy yourself while you are here.
2. You Might Need to Relocate Again to Get it Right
You will come across a different neighborhood every few blocks in the city’s incredibly densely populated regions. Many individuals who relocate to New York City realize that they might like a diverse neighborhood than they initially moved into. Choose professional movers based in New York City for a stress-free move and ensure the safety of your belongings.Relocating tends to be stressful, but once you get it right, the immediate neighborhood will feel like a small town.
3. New Yorkers are Nice But Impatient
New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude. They are always fighting for taxis, rushing to submit paperwork for an apartment before anyone else, and even angling for reservations at a popping new restaurant. Also, most people in the city work in demanding jobs, which makes everything seem like a competition. However, everyone who lives here is proud of their city and welcomes individuals from all over the globe to visit or become their neighbors. It is gloriously diverse and a real melting pot. New Yorkers might be impatient, but they are also helpful, decent, and honest. They’ll even give you directions, but ensure you listen closely, as many may not be willing to repeat themselves.
4. Personal Space Isn’t a Thing in NYC
When walking down the street, you can expect to crash into a few people. When in NYC, do not take this as an aggressive or hostile act. Instead, trick yourself into believing that it is a friendly gesture and continue with your errands.
Whether you find yourself pressed nose-deep in the armpit of another individual in the subway or swapping sweat with a hoard of people in the club, you will quickly realize that nobody in the city pays attention to the idea of personal space.
5. Living Quarters are Small
Many people who go apartment hunting in NYC for the first time are shocked to learn that a one-bedroom apartment might be equivalent to their previous 5,000 sq. foot home in terms of price. Yes, living in apartments in NYC can be tight, but you will get used to it. An option is to rent storage units for things that do not fit in your home. However, New York residents are known to be creative with storage, for instance, storing out-of-season clothes in an oven that’s never used.
6. No Need to Get a Gym Membership
Blocks measure distance in New York City, and you will quickly realize you’ll be trekking across a good bunch of them every day. As such, consider buying a good pair of shoes with thick soles, and then another one as the first pair will wear in a matter of weeks.
On the bright side, however, you won’t have to feel bad about eating a plate of cheesy nachos in the middle of the night, as you will quickly burn off those calories on your way to work.
7. It is Dirty
It is tough to admit, but NYC is dirty and dirtier than you might think. Residents and businesses in the city are trying to become greener, but dog poop, car exhausts, and other pollutants are part of daily life in the city of dreams. And since New York residents walk everywhere, they track it everywhere they go. The local wildlife, mainly made up of roaches, rats, and squirrels, do not make things any easier.
8. Get used to the Sound of Honking Horns
Perhaps the most elusive commodity in NYC is silence. The place belts out a never-ending chorus of car horns, echo of jackhammers and unruly people shouting at the top of their lungs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
While you will miss the sound of crickets singing and chirping birds, you will ultimately be used to the city’s distinct ambiance. However, if you find yourself experiencing sensory overload, do not hesitate to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.