NYC guide for newcomers

It’s common knowledge that New York City is the world-renowned center of culture, finances, academic excellence, international diplomacy, and media. On top of all that, Big Apple is one of the most stimulative multicultural environments in the entire world. If you’re cosmopolitan or aspire to become one, NYC will surely help you to gain an understanding and appreciation of other people and cultures. It will help you to develop an open-minded, culturally-aware approach to life. Now, if you need help moving here, the best thing to do is to get in touch with Best Movers NYC, which shouldn’t be too hard. NYC is famous for its highly developed moving industry and reliable moving services. Whether you’re about to relocate here or have just arrived, you will hopefully find this short NYC guide for newcomers to be interesting and helpful.

Do you really need to read the NYC guide for newcomers?

Absolutely! I mean, let’s face it. You are a newcomer in the modern urban jungle of 20 million people that speak 800 different languages, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world. On top of all that, people from all over the US and the entire world come to NYC to succeed in life. Naturally, such a highly competitive social environment will push you to become the best version of yourself. That said, you’ll need all the help and advantage you can get. Reading and learning about it on a regular basis is the key to making the most out of all the possibilities the city offers. As the center of the world’s politics, tourism, entertainment, technology, and culture, NYC has so much to offer to its inhabitants. For instance, the beauty of NYC’s parks will motivate you to fit in and find your way through.

Central Park
Central Park is widely known as one of the most beloved NYC attractions.

NYC guide for newcomers starts with a short tour through its world-famous five boroughs

There are so many things you already know about NYC. This beautiful city is situated in the northeastern United States, halfway between Boston and Washington D.C. Its surface area is divided into five boroughs, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Interestingly enough, they are all separated from each other by water. Still, there is a great infrastructure of tunnels and bridges that make everyone’s life easier, something that NYC is widely famous for all over the world.

1. Manhattan is… well, Manhattan

Grassy lawns, long car rides, and enjoying the comfort and peace of a big house are just some of the stereotypes of idyllic family life. For better or worse, Manhattan doesn’t fit into many of them. It’s that kind of peaceful serenity you’ll hardly find in any corner of this famous borough. You’ll find almost 2 million people living in it instead, within barely 23 square miles. There is a population density of almost 71.000 people per square mile! Obviously, the body of work movers Manhattan produced over the last few decades should take all the credit for that situation. Fortunately, the hectic NYC everyday life will help you ignore and forget about the fact that so many people are living on top of each other.

Lady Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is probably the most iconic NYC attraction.

Attractions in Manhattan

Manhattan is the part of NYC that most tourists feel is synonymous with the city itself. That’s why 99% of them don’t even bother crossing any of the bridges and looking further. It would be absurd to begin your trip to New York City without exploring Manhattan and its attractions. Therefore, this is where you should begin with your NYC guide for newcomers. Despite not being the largest or the most populous borough, Manhattan is definitely the city’s center. This area is home to some of the most recognizable buildings in the whole world, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Truth be told, Manhattan does have so much to offer. Some of its main attractions are:

  • Empire State Building, that’s a symbol of American innovation and ambition. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Central Park, that’s one of the most beloved NYC attractions and the essential part of every NYC guide for newcomers.
  • The Statue of Liberty, that’s probably the most iconic New York attraction. Which is the reason why tourist-averse New Yorkers avoid it at all costs. Lady Liberty is a must-see.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which opened in 1880, is impressive in terms both of quality and scale.

Read the NYC guide for newcomers to find out more about the cost of living in Manhattan

Among all nations, the United States of America is one of the most popular places to relocate. It is an obvious fact that living expenses can be pretty high in Manhattan. Even while some New York boroughs outside of Manhattan are a little less expensive, overall, living in New York is still more expensive than moving to some other neighboring states. If the price is not a problem, you might want to consider hiring residential movers Manhattan to transfer all your family members and belongings to your new apartment. These professionals will provide a safe and smooth transfer.

a man thinking about the tips from NYC guide for newcomers
When thinking about moving to Manhattan, bear in mind that the cost of living is pretty high.

Manhattan has a 153% higher cost of living than the rest of the country and a 65% higher cost of living than the state average. While utilities are just around 1.2% more expensive, housing costs in Manhattan are 433% more than the national average. In Manhattan, the cost of groceries is around 35% higher than it is nationwide, and the cost of apparel is approximately 34% higher. Although the prices are high, there is a chance to save some money by hiring local movers Manhattan. Apart from offering affordable services, these moves provide reliability, safety, and punctuality.

Property prices in Manhattan

When it comes to renting an apartment, newcomers should be aware that the prices do not differ much from the ones mentioned above. For instance, the average monthly rent in Manhattan is around $4,000. On the other hand, the rent in other areas of the city is around $2,850. Additionally, the average price per square foot for a residence is $1,400, while it is around $700 in the rest of the city. If you’re considering purchasing a home in New York, make sure you have some savings set aside in the bank. The median price of all apartments in Manhattan is now $917,000, while the median price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan is around $715,000. Once you have chosen the perfect destination, long distance movers Manhattan will safely relocate you to this expensive but attractive neighborhood.

a woman thinking about saving tips from the NYC guide for newcomers
According to the NYC guide for newcomers, in case you want to move to Manhattan, you must have at least one million dollars in your bank account.

The main advantages of living in Manhattan

What is truly amazing about living in Manhattan is that everything is very close. Literally, everything you need in order to live your daily life normally and without hassle is usually within walking distance. From a practical standpoint, that is one of the greatest advantages living in Manhattan offers both to people who are single and young parents. Another advantage is that salaries in Manhattan are quite high. It is a fact that the average salary in Manhattan is significantly higher than the national average. Namely, the average household income in the United States is around $92,000. On the other hand, the average income in Manhattan is around $108,000.

The main disadvantage of living in Manhattan

Unfortunately, Manhattan has a greater cost of living than the rest of the country. Everything is expensive in Manhattan: rent, transit, food, and entertainment. You must manage your finances wisely if you wish to live in the Big Apple. One of the first things you should worry about in case you want to transfer a business to Manhattan is hiring commercial movers Manhattan. They will provide you with a list of excellent business movers who can handle your relocation. Regardless of where you intend to transfer your company, it is crucial that you hire movers that have sufficient experience and skills to handle commercial relocation.

movers transporting windows in Manhattan
Since the cost of living is pretty high in Manhattan, it is a good idea to opt for reliable and affordable professional movers.

2. If Brooklyn isn’t included in it, there’s something wrong with your NYC guide for newcomers

Once upon a time, Brooklyn was a tough and gritty neighborhood. That wasn’t even that long ago. However, over the last few decades, many Manhattanites decided to cross the bridge and get in touch with movers Brooklyn, due to the increasingly unbearable Manhattan climate. Simply, Manhattan became way too overcrowded and way too expensive. Consequently, Brooklyn was slowly transformed into something more refined and classy. It eventually became a slightly less attractive version of Manhattan. Now, Brooklyn is the preferred destination of hipsters, with their high technology start-ups and postmodern art and design studios. Their cumulation in Brooklyn in recent years led to drastic house prices increase, so bear that in mind.

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn was once tough and gritty but slowly transformed into something more refined and classy.

Cost of living in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is undoubtedly one of the most well-known American cities. It is a fact that many people consider it to be a pleasant location to live. However, before you move there, make sure to follow the NYC guide for newcomers and become familiar with what you will spend money on. Moreover, you should know how much money you would need there. Namely, Brooklyn has a cost of living that is 81% more than the national average and 15% higher than the state average. While utilities are around 6% more expensive, housing costs in Brooklyn are 220% higher than the national average. The cost of groceries is around 22% higher in Brooklyn than it is nationwide. Since moving expenses are high, too, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of the most affordable local movers Brooklyn and try to save some money.

The main advantages of living in Brooklyn

Many people move to Brooklyn every day for various reasons. Namely, Brooklyn is home to a large population, including families, singles, the elderly, young professionals, etc. Brooklyn is diverse because people of all backgrounds and cultures relocate there. Therefore, if you want to start a new life in Brooklyn, make sure to contact residential movers Brooklyn movers to help you have a smooth and easy transfer. Living in Brooklyn undoubtedly has its advantages. One of them is the fact that there is no better neighborhood in NYC to live with kids than Brooklyn. Namely, there are many family-friendly activities, friendly neighbors, and wonderful and safe parks. Also, there are other attractions for a pleasant family life for you and your children.

children playing in a park in Brooklyn
One of the advantages of moving to Brooklyn is the fact that your children will never be bored there.

3. And don’t forget Queens!

Queens has a much more suburban vibe than Brooklyn, which works to its advantage. Of all the NYC boroughs, it’s probably the most family-oriented one. With generally larger houses, there is also more space for backyards and significantly bigger playgrounds. During summers, many families will be barbecuing in their backyards or doing some other kind of family outing. Winter, on the other hand, is perfect for snowball fights and other winter joys. That down-tuned, normal vibe is the very essence of Queens. If your kids grow up there, it will make for some of their greatest memories. On top of all that, there are much more trees and greenery in Queens than in any other NYC borough. Don’t sit on the fence, get in touch with some of the professional movers Queens and move to this family-friendly borough.

Brief monetary NYC guide for newcomers

As expected, Manhattan is the most expensive NYC borough. Between Brooklyn and Queens, Brooklyn is overall more costly. With that being said, as years go by, the gap between Brooklyn and Queens is gradually decreasing. The cost of living in Queens is around $3,800. Namely, it is 51% more than the national average and around 3.5% lower than the state average. While utilities are just around 2% more expensive, housing costs in Queens are also 125% higher than the national average. Moreover, Queens is around 20% more expensive than the rest of the nation when it comes to groceries and clothing. When it comes to the average monthly earnings, they are around $5,500. When compared to the cost of living, it does not seem to be enough.

Right now, compared to Queens, you’ll need to pay approximately 500 dollars more for the same apartment in Brooklyn. It’s important to know that the renting costs are getting lower in Brooklyn and slightly higher in Queens, though. If that trend continues, the difference in average living costs between these two popular NYC boroughs will significantly decrease at some point down the road. The median home price in Queens is almost $700,000, which is pretty high. If these figures do not make you panic, it is the right time to get in touch with one of the best residential movers Queens to handle your move and take you to Brooklyn safely.

a man thinking about the NYC guide for newcomers
If you are worried about which borough in NYC to choose based on affordability, rest assured that Queens might be a perfect choice.

4. The Bronx is one of the most affordable NYC neighborhoods

The Bronx is often referred to as the cheapest NYC borough. It is due to the fact that typical property prices in the Bronx are nearly $210,000 less than those in the rest of New York City. Namely, the average cost of an apartment in Manhattan can be as high as $4,300 a month. On the other hand, it is up to $1,800 in the Bronx. Apart from being more affordable, there are other advantages of moving to the Bronx in your NYC guide for newcomers. Namely, the Bronx is home to many secure communities, such as Riverdale and Morris Park. Additionally, the Bronx’s overall cost of living is 16% lower than the average in NYC. Therefore, do not hesitate but plan your relocation with one of the best movers Bronx. If you hire these movers, your possessions will be well-protected and safe.

Weather in the Bronx is quite extreme

The Bronx has a wide range of weather, from scorching summer heat to very cold winters. When it comes to summer, the average high temperatures are around 86 degrees. On the other hand, it has very harsh winters. The average temperature here is around 30 degrees. Additionally, there are many dangerous blizzards, which might force you to stay at home. Therefore, consider this NYC guide for newcomers in order to make the best decision. You will be able to find out whether moving to the Bronx is the best idea. If you eventually decide to move to this NYC neighborhood, make sure to be ready for anything, both cold and hot weather. However, bear in mind that executing relocations is almost impossible in winter. If you still need to relocate during this season, make sure to hire the most reliable long distance moving services NYC to ease the whole process.

According to your NYC guide for newcomers, you will never feel bored in the Bronx

Entertainment options are one of the most essential factors to consider when moving to a new place. When it comes to the Bronx, there are a ton of entertaining things to do there. If you want to spend a lovely day outside, you might visit places like New York Botanical Gardens, numerous parks, playgrounds, and golf and tennis courts. Additionally, if you are a fan of art, you might want to visit the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Of course, if you like baseball, watching a game might be a lot of fun! Before you get to enjoy this attractive and interesting neighborhood, residential movers Bronx will take you to the Bronx and relocate all your possessions and valuables safely.

a man playing golf on Staten Island after reading the NYC guide for newcomers
Playing golf in one of many attractions on Staten Island.

4. Last but not least – Staten Island

Staten Island is definitely not one of the most popular boroughs in New York City. It might be that transportation issues are the main reason why people sometimes tend to forget about this NYC neighborhood. Namely, the absence of a subway connection to Staten Island is a huge issue. Instead, you must drive across the Verrazano Bridge or use the Staten Island Ferry. Therefore, residents and tourists who want to explore this area need to take a boat. Even though not many people like it, it can be fun. One of the reasons is that you can see the Statue of Liberty from there very well. Relocating to Staten Island will require professional Staten Island movers. These experts guarantee that your move will go smoothly, both for you and your loved ones.

Affordability

Just as is the case with the Bronx, Staten Island is one of the most affordable boroughs in New York City. The cheaper rents in this borough are the primary reason why people decide to move to Staten Island. Lower prices apply both to purchasing and renting apartments. What is interesting is that, for the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan or Brooklyn, you could buy a whole house in Staten Island.

One of the tips from the NYC guide for newcomers – Get a car when you move to Staten Island

When it comes to transportation expenses, you might have to spend a bit more on it than in Manhattan. Getting around without a car isn’t simple. Therefore, in case you decide to hire residential movers Staten Island, make sure to buy a car. Due to the ease of transportation, the majority of individuals on Staten Island own a car. However, in case you do decide to get a car, you’ll have to consider things like parking fines, gas, and insurance. Therefore, although Staten Island might be more affordable than other NYC boroughs, bear in mind that you will have more expenses when it comes to transportation on Staten Island.

traffic on Staten Island
If you follow the NYC guide for newcomers, make sure to get a car when you move to Staten Island.

Great for families

If you wish to start a family, Staten Island is the perfect place. One of the main reasons is that it has everything a parent might desire. Such things include safety, good education options, a wide variety of parks, etc. Staten Island’s public schools are among the best in New York City. Additionally, there are as many as 160 parks there. They all offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for children to enjoy. Moreover, Staten Island is a wonderful place to get some rest. You can also relax and enjoy peace after a hard day at work. When it comes to the nightlife, it isn’t as vibrant as the one in Manhattan. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about loud music playing all night long.

Final thoughts

Don’t be intimidated by its spatial grandness, crowdedness, or the fact that NYC is the most densely populated major city in the US. Reading this NYC guide for newcomers will help you orientate and make a well-informed first couple of steps. The rest, of course, is up to you. Welcome to Big Apple, and good luck!

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