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I'm moving to NYC in about 6 months (probably the UES) and I'm looking for some basic tips on living in the city. The first 18 years of my life were spent living rural on a farm, and the last 6 have been spent in suburbia, so this will be a new experience for me.
I was in Paris recently and saw many people carting their groceries in little grocery bag carts. As someone who as always relied on a car to go to and from the grocery store, it made me realize that there are things about living in the city that I don't know yet and will need to learn.
If anyone has any advice, especially if you moved to the city after being a "country bumpkin" or suburbanite, it would be greatly appreciated.
If you're waiting for a subway train and one pulls in packed like sardines except for one empty car that just has a single occupant, do not get in that car.
Squeeze in one of the crowded ones.
If you're waiting for a subway train and one pulls in packed like sardines except for one empty car that just has a single occupant, do not get in that car.
Squeeze in one of the crowded ones.
LOL. A lesson you do NOT want to learn the hard way.
Get out of the habit of buying stuff in bulk. Enjoy the fact that you can stop by on your way home from work and conveniently pick up fresh vegetables etc etc from a shop on the way home. You don't have to pack up your apartment with enough food to last you till your next trip to the store.
I'm moving to NYC in about 6 months (probably the UES) and I'm looking for some basic tips on living in the city. The first 18 years of my life were spent living rural on a farm, and the last 6 have been spent in suburbia, so this will be a new experience for me.
I was in Paris recently and saw many people carting their groceries in little grocery bag carts. As someone who as always relied on a car to go to and from the grocery store, it made me realize that there are things about living in the city that I don't know yet and will need to learn.
If anyone has any advice, especially if you moved to the city after being a "country bumpkin" or suburbanite, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
1. Shop wholesale club or preferably, Chinatown (cheeeeap) for Fruits and Vegetables (Stock up for a week, bring a pull cart). We NY'kers schlep our groceries.
2. Learn your subway/bus, find the easiest way to where you are going. Its the (4,5,6) not the Green Line. And always have your metrocard full and practice swiping and dipping. Don't stare at people on the train. Polite eye contact with a smile is ok.
3. When moving around the city, travel as light as possible. No bulk bags or purses unless you need it for shopping. Wear comfortable shoes, incase you have to run (from someone or for something)
4. Find Neighborhoods that have everything you need and shop there.
5. Smile, walk briskly, so people don't get mad at you. Don't stand in the middle of the street texting or something...
6. Get A Zipcar membership (zipcar.com). Helps when you need a car at the drop of a dime.
7. Walk on the right side of the street. (so others pass as they walk to the right in the opposite direction) Helps in Midtown, and other busy sidewalk corridors
8. Keep keys in your hand when approaching your house
9. Always carry small bills over large. Not every business will make change, or take cards. (especially good mom and pop stores)
10. Network, Network, Network!
11. Find a great happy hour for cheap eats and drinks, to save $$
12. Once you get your daily flow, you'll feel like a NYker in no time.
Have you visited before? I would say visit before putting down money to move here. It's not for everyone, especially if you are used to more rural surroundings.
For day to day living, the unwritten rule of getting around (in and out of the subway) is to stay to the right. However not everyone follows this rule. >
THIS, is a very good point. Even though you know its a one way road, look both ways. I'm guilty of riding my bike down the wrong way and almost hitting a pedestrian. Just so happened to be a brief shortcut that almost ended bad.
I also recommend visiting the area before throwing down money for the move, or trying to sublet, it isn't for everyone, and the space you are going to have is going to likely be a lot smaller than you're used to.
And check groupon or living social if you want to save a few bucks. There are constantly good deals in NYC for good food and good prices.
Make sure you add doing laundry to your budget. I'm guessing you have never used shared facilities. Make sure you are there to take your stuff out of the machines before someone else does. And don't put your dirty clothes on the folding area.
Definitely buy a "granny" cart - I think it's worth it to spend a bit more on one with swivel wheels, but a cheapy from a neighborhood store will do fine.
Figure out which local landmarks (buildings, waterfronts, bridges, elevated tracks, billboards, etc.) denote north/south/east/west for you in the neighborhoods you travel to most often.
As previously posted, always carry some cash. NYC is not as credit card driven as the suburbs.
Know that most mom and pops, small delis/coffee shops, and such have unwritten systems. Try to learn as quickly as possible how the line works.
Be easy on yourself. It takes some time to learn the culture. A smile and an apology for not knowing the ropes will take you far.
You want to be able to get into your residence as soon as possible. Rain, Snow, or Robber.
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