Thinking of Moving to New York? With so many great options for every aspect of your life in NYC, you have a lot to consider, so here are the answers to the most common questions about living in NYC.
Best Neighborhoods to Live In
There’s no shortage of green open spaces in NYC
New York City consists of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each has its own unique lifestyle and community vibe.
1. Upper West Side, Manhattan
Great for: Families, professionals
The Upper West Side is known for its classic brownstones, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Central Park. It’s one of the most desirable areas in the city, particularly for families, due to its excellent schools and quiet residential atmosphere.
2. Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Great for: Young professionals, creatives
Williamsburg is a hip hub full of trendy cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. It’s particularly popular among creatives and remote workers who want an urban vibe without the chaos of Midtown Manhattan.
3. Astoria, Queens
Great for: Affordability, diversity
Astoria is known for its cultural diversity and international cuisine. It offers more affordable rent compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn, and has quick subway access to Midtown.
4. Park Slope, Brooklyn
Great for: Families, community vibe
Park Slope is a family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community, great public schools, and beautiful brownstones. Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum, and numerous indie bookstores and co-ops make it a very desirable place to live.
5. Long Island City (LIC), Queens
Great for: Professionals, waterfront views
LIC is teeming with new developments and luxury high-rises. It particularly attracts professionals working in Manhattan due to its short subway commute and stunning skyline views.
To discover more about the best neighborhoods in NYC, as voted by residents, visit www.newyorkdearest.com
You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good Neighborhood to Live In. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing which neighborhood to move to.
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Whether you’re moving with kids or planning for the future, New York offers some excellent education options. The city’s Department of Education is the largest in the country, with over 1,800 schools.
Public Schools:
Stuyvesant High School (Manhattan): One of the top specialized public schools in the nation, focused on math and science.
Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn): Known for its engineering and technology curriculum.
Beacon High School (Manhattan): Highly regarded for its liberal arts focus and college prep program.
Private & Charter Schools:
Horace Mann School (Bronx): Elite private school with rigorous academics and high college acceptance rates.
Trinity School (Manhattan): One of the oldest schools in the country, consistently ranked among the top.
Success Academy Charter Schools: High-performing charter schools with locations across several boroughs.
Universities:
Columbia University (Manhattan): Ivy League school with world-class programs.
New York University (Manhattan): Known for its arts, law, and business programs.
The City University of New York (CUNY): Offers affordable tuition and multiple campuses across the city.
You may also like to read: How to Choose a Good School. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new school for your kids.
Job Opportunities
New York is a global economic powerhouse with diverse industries and countless job opportunities. The city is home to 50+ Fortune 500 companies and over 200,000 small businesses.
Top Industries:
Finance: Wall Street remains the world’s financial epicenter. Companies like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Citigroup are headquartered here.
Technology: NYC’s tech sector is rapidly growing, with companies like Google, Meta, and Amazon expanding their presence.
Healthcare: Home to leading hospitals like NYU Langone and Mount Sinai, NYC offers a wealth of jobs in healthcare and biotech.
Media and Entertainment: Major networks (NBC, CBS, HBO) and publishing houses (Penguin Random House, Condé Nast) are based here.
Fashion and Retail: NYC is one of the fashion capitals of the world, hosting global brands, designers, and flagship stores.
Remote Work:
Post-COVID, remote and hybrid work options are widely available, particularly in tech, marketing, and design sectors.
To find out which are the best places to work in NYC, visit www.glassdoor.com
You may also like to read: Relocation for a Job. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving home for work.
Average Rent and Housing Costs
Living in the heart of the action costs a lot, but the benefits are worth it
Housing in NYC is notoriously expensive, but shop around as prices vary significantly by borough and neighborhood.
Average Monthly Rent (as of early 2025):
Manhattan: $5,200
Brooklyn: $4,000
Queens: $3,400
The Bronx: $2,800
Staten Island: $2,500
Typical Rental Prices by Unit Type:
Studio: $3,200
1-Bedroom: $3,800
2-Bedroom: $5,000
3-Bedroom: $6,500+
Average Home Purchase Prices:
Manhattan: $1.8M
Brooklyn: $1.2M
Queens: $900K
The Bronx: $650K
Staten Island: $600K
Up-and-Coming Areas for First-Time Buyers:
These neighborhoods are still relatively affordable and undergoing rapid development.
Bushwick (Brooklyn)
Ridgewood (Queens)
Mott Haven (Bronx)
Get an overview of sale and rent prices for every NY neighborhood at www.realtor.com
You may also like to read: How Much Do Movers Cost in NY? In this guide, we discover how much it costs on average to move home within New York.
Tips for Moving to NYC
Bushwick Inlet, NYC
1. Budget Wisely
The cost of living is high. Make sure you budget for not just rent, but also utilities, transportation, groceries, and taxes.
2. Consider Using a Real Estate Broker
Brokers can help you find apartments faster, but often charge a fee (usually 10–15% of annual rent). No-fee listings are available through sites like StreetEasy, Zillow, or directly through landlords.
3. Get Familiar with the Subway
Owning a car isn’t practical for most New Yorkers. The subway system is the most efficient way to get around, although it can get very crowded.
4. Prepare for a Smaller Space
Space is at a premium, so be ready to downsize or get creative with storage solutions.
5. Explore Before You Commit
If you can, visit different neighborhoods before moving. A short-term rental gives you time to explore and find your ideal area.
Find some great tips about life in New York at www.newyork.com
You may also like to read: Moving to a New State. From moving costs to checklists, to getting to know your new area. If you are moving to a new state, then this guide is invaluable.
Should I Move to NY?
Staten Island
New York City isn’t for everyone.
It’s frenetic and crowded, but that’s what makes it so dynamic and exciting, and it’s expensive, but being in the heart of the action always is.
If you want culture, diversity, a city bursting with energy, a huge selection of things to see and do, with plenty of career opportunities, NYC might be the perfect place to call home.
Start by deciding what is most important to you: budget, commute, or lifestyle, and then explore each borough. With some careful research, you will soon be on your way to becoming a New Yorker.
And finally, be sure to visit our home moving blog, which is packed with advice on making every aspect of your home move easier, cheaper, and safer.
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