Has moving to NYC ever been your dream? Do you still think it’s the right city for you? Well, we are here to tell you all the things to know about NYC before you move there. You’ll realize the reality is significantly different from what you see on TV, in films and series. Even though New York is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, living there can be tough at times. So, read on and make sure this is what you really want. Only then can you start making the ultimate moving checklist and organize your move.

Settling in New York

The beginnings are always hard, but in this case – God, give us patience! From choosing where to live to finding a place that suits you, you’ll have to deal with lots of thinking, calculating, making financial plans and changing your decisions occasionally. Once you get used to the pulse and codes of this city, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy.

Finding a place to live in New York is maddening

Unless you are loaded, of course. Otherwise, it will take you lots of time to choose the best neighborhood in NYC. There are five boroughs to choose from – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each of these is a city for itself with numerous neighborhoods to choose from. One thing is for sure, if you aren’t made of money, don’t consider Manhattan as an option. It’s the most expensive borough in NYC. Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx can be the right choice.

To rent or to buy – what do you say?

Give yourself time to find a perfect and yet affordable NYC home. Renting a place to live is beneficial since it gives you time to explore the city and its neighborhoods before you make the final choice. You will probably need the help of a broker. Although it means paying the broker’s fee, it’s worth it. Dealing with numerous competitors who are also looking for an apartment can be overwhelming.

Find affordable storage unit or simply declutter

A spacious apartment in NYC is just a dream. Accordingly, before you move, you will have to get rid of all the unnecessary items unless you don’t want to spend some more money on a storage unit. You can organize a sale or come up with some ideas about where to donate your belongings. It’s all up to you.

The cost of living is high – one of the most important things to know about NYC

Money simply disappears. There are so many things to spend your money on that you have to be particularly cautious with your money. Although it is very hard, try to save some emergency cash if you can.

Doing the washing at home – a rarity

You will have to pay for this too. Washing machines in NYC apartments are rarities. There is a machine for the whole building, so you need to wait for your own turn to wash your clothes. The more probable scenario is to take your clothes to the nearest laundry service. You will have to pay at least $7 to wash and dry one load. A cheaper alternative is to pay $20 per month.

Tipping in NYC – super high

If you decide to move there, one of the things to know about NYC is that tips are very high when required. Believe it or not, a tip should be 18% of the sum you need to pay for some service.

The highest taxes in the US are in NYC

Prepare yourself properly for this. You will have to pay the federal income tax, the state income tax, and the city income tax. Furthermore, there is the sales tax which is about 9%. Also, if you are an owner, you have to pay the property tax, too. The best way to know the precise amount of money you need for all these taxes is to use tax calculators.

Things to know about NYC transportation system

Although you would probably never say that, NYC is the most walkable city in the country. During the rush hour downtown, it might seem the fastest way to get from place A to place B. On the other hand, the subway is widely used, but it takes some time to get used to it.

Having a car seriously complicates your life

Most New Yorkers don’t have a car and this is for a good reason. Having a car just complicates your life. Firstly, you can get easily stuck in traffic jams. Secondly, it’s very difficult to find a parking spot. Sometimes, it will take you more than half an hour to find a spot. What’s even worse, very soon, you will have to change the spot due to street cleaners. So, here we go. The problems start all over again.

Subway is the best solution

When you finally get used to it, you will enjoy using the subway. It helps a lot if you use the New York subway map. Also, New Yorkers respect the common courtesy of letting people off the train first before getting on. Make sure you remember that.

New Yorkers are polite but busy people

Generally, New Yorkers are nice people. However, they always seem to be in some kind of a hurry. They walk fast down the street and get easily annoyed when someone stands in their way. So, step aside when you are phoning or sending an SMS if you want to avoid awkward situations.

Things to know about NYC leisure activities

There are plenty of things to do in NYC. Exploring the city can be tiring, but it’s worth the effort you make. There are numerous museums and galleries, walking and sightseeing tours, parks that you can visit or simply go to the beach. In addition, you can dine at one of many city restaurants and try whatever cuisine you like. Also, NYC has the best donuts in the world. The mere thought of them makes your mouth water.

New York City – the city that never sleeps

Yes, this is true. When you are moving to a big city from a small town, noise is one of the things you need to get used to. Here it lasts all day long every day during the year. The sounds of traffic and horns, noisy neighbors, construction works get all mixed up. However, there’s no need to worry. You’ll stop noticing the noise eventually.

Being lazy is possible sometimes

One of the things to know about NYC is that you can get whatever you want delivered to your door. Start using applications like Postmates, Seamless or Amazon, and you’ll soon feel the benefits.