r/movingtoNYC

Hello! My partner and I (both 20yrs) are looking to move out for the first time to Queens mid-summer/early fall. Our budget is 2k monthly for the two of us, maybe 2.4k if we can get a friend to move in with us.
I am familiar specific areas in Astoria, Steinway, sunnyside, woodside, elmhurst, flushing, Whitestone, bayside, and Saint Albans as my family moved a lot. However, I am not as familiar with these neighborhoods now nor the transit. We both have cars but are willing to forgo them if it’s cheaper and works for our commutes; this will be decided closer to the move-in itself. I am more familiar with driving, LIRR, and the occasional bus over the subways/MTA.
We don’t have interest in night/social life and prioritize functionality over aesthetics. Easy access to the city/bronx/rest of queens for work is the goal, some greenery/parks would be really nice, and I’d love to get involved in a community but that’s an additional luxury. We’re also looking at the Bronx but my partner feels safer in Queens. I’m not familiar with any Bronx neighborhoods but I commute there for work from LI. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!

Hi everyone, my gf is moving from California to New York next week for work. Her office will be in bronx and she is looking for apartments which are at a commutable distance to her office and also be a safe neighborhood. She is mostly looking to share it with 1 other female. Does anyone have any advice/recommendations on how to search for apartments and roommates and how to figure out if the neighborhood is safe or not.

Thanks.

I just saw that story about the woman falling into an uncovered manhole in Midtown

I was wondering often do freak accidents like this happen? Like random infrastructure chaos, scaffolding falling, getting smoked by an e-bike, open manholes, etc.

I know statistically millions of people walk around NYC every day perfectly fine, but does living here kinda train you to be hyper aware at all times or am I overreacting?

My husband and I are from Long Island and currently live in western Suffolk county but he just started a job at LGA a few months ago and the commute is awful. We’re considering relocating.

Obviously the point would be a close commute to LGA, less than 30mins drive. I grew up in western Nassau and my brother used to live in Crown Heights so I used to go into Queens and Brooklyn fairly often and I know those boroughs best. I’m a nurse and we would only keep one car if we relocate so I’m looking at places with a good amount of public transit into Manhattan where I’m looking at different hospitals. Additionally we’re in our 20s and ideally I want to be in a relatively fun/active neighborhood, shops, cafes, restaurants etc., although ultimately that’s less of a priority if the public transit is good.

So far I’m looking at Astoria, Sunnyside, Woodside or Greenpoint for a 1 bedroom around 3500. But I’m wondering if I should consider Harlem and more upper Manhattan neighborhoods? I’m very unfamiliar with that area of NYC so I’m looking for recommendations and feedback on the areas I’m looking at. Any advice?

Hey everyone! I’m a recent college graduate who is moving to NYC for work (job offer).

Start date is late July and I would be moving with my gf (also just graduated college). My office is in midtown and gf can work remotely or midtown office.

We are undecided on where to live and have heard a lot of mixed opinions. Is it better to live in Manhattan for a better commute or maybe Jersey City or Hoboken to save money + have a more “spacious” place.

Preferably looking for a 1 bed or a spacious studio.

TC is roughly 170k, combined it should be around 230k-240k.

So looking for maybe $4500 max per month? Should it be less to save more money?

Do you have any recommendations/suggestions/advice?

We’re going to look for apartments next week.

Thank you :)

It’s pretty obvious that finding an apartment in NYC during the Summer is really difficult, but I’m wondering how worse is August compared to other summer months? Is it any different?

Unfortunately, that’s the only time I’ll be able to move there, and I’m trying to be prepared for the worst.

Husband and I make ~550k HH income combined. Need to upgrade to a 2bed this year because parents/ guests visit and we are planning a family too.

Renting a 2b2b in midtown west (where we currently are) is 6500-7k from the units we have been seeing.

If we move to exchange place/ grove st we would get a much nicer apartment for 5500. Apart from rent there will also be tax savings ofc.

We usually go out in UWS/ west village/ Central Park. Tbh we go wherever we want because connectivity isn’t an issue once we make the 10-15 min walk to the trains.

We don’t know what we will miss out on if we move to JC. or what we are gaining by being in Manhattan. The answers usually are “the vibe” of Manhattan.

What makes you stay put in the city? Any perspective would be helpful as we make our decision.

Edit - we are in early 30s. Not that much into nightlife anymore. Our friends are all over the city. Our offices are around penn station. So PATH to herald square isn’t that bad

I currently live on 80s and East End and pay 2,500 for a studio in prewar, utilities included.
does it make sense to move to 120s Street in East Harlem to a 1b1b with w&d and pay 3,500 plus utilities? I absolutely hate laundromats and have an OCD to give it to wash&fold.

edit: salary 140k

Hey everyone! I (24M) am moving to NY SEP 1 2026, with my wife (23F) and dog (1F). Job is paying 135K and located near Fort Totten/Bay Terrace area. I’m moving for Army Recruiting, so my place of work can’t really move. I may need to drive for events and things of that nature.

-Originally from San Diego, CA, but currently living in TN.

-transitioning from 2 cars to 1

-I’m looking into a place with a budget from $3000 to no more than $4,200-$4,500 a month

-Biggest priorities are being able to commute to my work for up to a 40 minute drive, and a reasonable commute to the city via public transportation for my wife.

-In unit washer/dryer

-preferably an indoor garage unit or indoor garage lot.

-pet friendly

Are some of these asking for too much? What should I expect?

I have been looking into these areas:

Flushing:
- average 15-20 minute drive if I leave early enough
- Wife has access to LIRR or the 7
- relatively cheaper

Astoria:
- Farther drive for me, but access to the highway
- Wife can use NW line or the ferry
- Closer to the city
- Most places in our budget would be 1 Bedroom

Rego Park/ Forest Hills:
-Middle ground for both of us

I am aware of the 40x income rule, saving up atleast for first month rent, and security deposit. Our hope is my wife can find a job before we move so we won't need a guarantor but it won't be a deal breaker. We have been mainly using StreetEasy to look for apartments.

I am coming to visit AUG14-17 to tour apartments and sign a lease, and then will start the 14 hour drive SEP1.

Is there any other places you would reccommend? Is there anything that I haven't mentioned we should consider?

Hi! Has anyone lived on the top floor of an older/pre-war apartment building? I toured a top-floor unit in the East Village and I’m a little worried it might get super hot in the summer. Would love to hear people’s experiences

How does one escape this loophole?? I’m trying so hard and I feel like I’m missing something here. I’m from an immigrant family (moved to the USA as a teen) so maybe I’m still learning American systems.

I cannot get a job ANYWHERE because no one in my field/level of work is willing to hire for a relocation. I just got rejected for a literal position in retail, and I even had an interview and everything. Coffee shops will not hire you if you’re moving, because there’s 20+ applicants already living there. Lying about already living there doesn’t work, because…

Every single short-term sublet I see, wants x40 the rent and proof of income. They won’t even accept guarantors?? I’m so confused?? I completely understand that for signing a literal lease, but a short-term sublet for going on vacation, are you kidding me? Usually it’s the actual landlord requiring that and not the poor subletter, but still, it sucks.

This is driving me insane. I’m not in a rush to move, but I’d like to at least be able to get the ball rolling. Am I missing something? Am I doing something wrong?

title says it all but i am a full time graduate student who is in the application process for two apartments.

one is a beautiful studio with a full kitchen, a bar counter, walk in closet, laundry in building + doorman. the only downside is that the owner is insistent on keeping some (multiple) VERY VERY large mirrors (one takes up an entire wall), paintings, and all furniture in the apartment as is. in terms of aesthetics, ours do not match, but the space is nice. the broker described it as a “byob - bring your own bed” situation, as that is the only furniture that would need to be purchased. (25 min commute to school).

the second apartment is much smaller. the kitchen has a mini fridge, a four top stove, and an oven with room on the counter for a microwave or a toaster, if desired. it looks like it’s a dorm room, bathroom is a bit interesting in terms of layout, but has gorgeous sunlight and roof access with laundry in building and a doorman. (35 min commute to school).

Both have full grocery stores across the street with the second having better access to the subway/trains, I will be commuting by bus most of the time.

i would only be in either for a year, as my program is a year long. based on what is normal for nyc, is there any advice on what i should do or pick if approved for both? if anyone has lived in an apartment with a mini fridge, is this something you found to be difficult? thanks in advance.

Hi everyone! I’m moving to NYC for the first time for work in Westchester, wanna live in the city for obvious reasons and wanted some advice about commute safety + the area around W 125th St.

I’m considering a Columbia sublet around the 125th St subway area because it’s a ~5 min walk to the station, but I’ve heard mixed opinions and wanted honest input, especially from people who regularly commute.

My office commute would roughly be:

• Morning: leave around 7–8 AM, reach office around 8–9 AM
• Evening: leave office around 5:30–6:30 PM, reach back around 6:30–7:30 PM

Current commute options I’m considering:

1. B/D line subway from 125 St → 161 St-Yankee Stadium, then ~10 min walk crossing near Elston Gene Howard field to Yankees–E 153 St Metro North ($72/week)
2. C line from 125 St → 168 St, then 1 train to Marble Hill–225 St, then ~8 min walk to Marble Hill Metro North ($72/week)
3. M60 / crosstown bus to Harlem–125 St Metro North directly (seems safest/easiest maybe, but expensive at ~$147/week)

Would really appreciate advice on:

• How safe the W 125th area is for a, Indian woman in early 20s commuting daily
• Which of these routes feels safest/reliable during those hours
• Whether the walks/transfers are okay after work
• Anything first-time NYC movers should know
• If at least any of these is a good option or should I just shut up and live in westchester

Thank you so much :)

Thinking about moving to nyc but most of the people I know living in nyc have trust funds. I don’t, but I live a comfy lifestyle. I make 90k base right but 110k total comp (im in sales). Im up for promotion in nyc with starting salary of 120k at 140k total comp. I live a very comfortable lifestyle in a midsize city right now and pay 1400 a month in rent. I’m aware that rent would increase. Other than that I don’t have many expenses. I enjoy going out frequently and traveling. I spend most of my money on travel with multiple vacations a year, enjoy going out with friends for dinner & drinks almost every weekend without having to worry about money. I’m also an active tennis player & would join a club. I play multiple times a week. Im not willing to give any of these things up in order to move. Would I be able to live a similar lifestyle in nyc on the new salary?

We're (happily) moving back to the city this summer. We have a rising freshman who wants to keep playing baseball in high school (he's a solid travel ball player).

The school he's enrolled in says they have a team, but I'm wondering how competitive and mature (for lack of a better word) school programs are? Or do we need to be looking outside the school at travel ball clubs?

Growing up in the suburbs, the high school teams were competitive and structured -- the programs were anchors of the high school experience. I'm wondering if public high school programs are the same way (generally speaking) or if they're more like teenaged intramural kind of programs? Fun but relatively informal.

Any insight is welcome.

Thanks!

My younger brother, 23, finished college with two degrees in business and computer science. He currently has a lease ending after July, and would come to NYC starting August. I genuinely want to make this work.

I'm 27, and have been living in NYC for 3 years. I have a $175k base salary and ~$30k bonus. My lease expires in two weeks but have a place lined up for the next 2 months.

My parents agreed to give my brother $6k to help him with rent for 3 months, while he spends this time looking for jobs and other ways to make an income.

So I need to find a 2 bedroom by August 1st (happy to start before then). Here's what I'm thinking:

• Max rent of $4,500 between the two of us
  • Me being the only income earner would make it hard to get approved for anything higher, as this is nearing my 40x income.
    • My parents can't act as guarantors because they aren't in the strongest of financial positions, they do not meet the 80x criteria.
  • Should he need more than 3 months of help with rent, I think $4500 is something I can handle in the worst case.

I have the following questions:

• Firstly, do you think this is an okay idea? Or is this a disaster in the making? Does this budget make sense?
• I want to give him a great NYC experience. With this budget on StreetEasy, it seems like only UWS, Hell's Kitchen, East Village, and LES are on the table in Manhattan. Which would you go for? Should I look further out?
  • I don't like Harlem, and Midtown is boring as hell.
  • I'm unfamiliar with what living in Hell's Kitchen, UWS, and UES is like

I appreciate any help, thank you!

I(35F) just got back from a 8 day long vacation trip to NYC for my birthday. It was my first time experiencing NYC as an adult and honestly I loved it. I traveled to NYC as a kid a lot because my moms side of the family is there.

I have a perfect storm of working remote, my aunt is moving to DR in June and I can split my time between NYC and Colorado. I will be living in her apartment in sheepshead bay.

Now the question is when should I make the leap? I'm thinking mid July but I don't do well in the heat, I like the cold. Are NYC summers as terrible as I think the they are?

My plan is to fly with 2 suitcases of clothes, my cat and my laptop. Buy a 2 monitor set up for the living room when I get there and see how this goes.

Thoughts?? This would be my first time moving out of state and I need a change.

Hello everyone. 27 M here. Moving to nyc next week in a sublease in Bushwick till end of August. Very fuck it decision.

I’m from the dc area and have basically lived with my parents my whole life.

I want to grow into myself, find a community, continue my arts and music, and grow into my LGBTQ side more and have that kind of support system. I think I’m trans and having been from the DMV, I feel like I’m too plugged in and known in the area to comfortably explore my transness… I also just want to start my “adult life.” I want to just be around people and make friends. Not saying I can’t do that in DC but….

I’ve got about 20K saved up, but have no job lined up. I work in the restaurant service industry, and I’ve got a couple leads and connections that MAY land me a job at a restaurant.

But please just give it to me straight… is this stupid? Am I a dumbass?

I am the type of person that has faith in the universe, that things work out the way they’re supposed to, effort given of course, with some push and shove if need be, but I don’t want my overconfidence in myself and my faith in the universe to…fuck me over… but it seems when I let go and just follow my heart things tend to work out. And for many months my heart was whispering for me to move to here.

Anyways. Just give it to me straight.

EDIT: I’ve been thinking about this since October/nov/dec, realistically told myself I’m gonna do it Dec/jan, and signed the sublease early March. Just some info.