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Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning towards renting a 1 bdrm in one of the new towers on 6th avenue. I'll circle back on my experience with the three options after the weekend.
As a sidenote, I've encountered bizarre difficulties in trying to transfer funds from my Canadian HSBC account to a US branch so I can pay my first/last/security for an apartment rental.
In short, HSBC told me:
-I can't open a US account in person without a residential address
-It takes 6 weeks to process an online account application
-There is no way whatsoever to access my Canadian assets (US currency) while in the US except via daily ATM withdrawals (!)
-The only way for me to have $10k+ available this weekend to close on a NYC rental is to withdraw cash from my Canadian branch and bring it with me on the airplane. (!?)
Surreal.
Anyway, I've escalated the matter with my Canadian branch. I'll update when I've had a resolution.
Thanks for the suggestions on the banking side.
I think the HSBC Premier CSR phone rep gave me some incorrect info.
First, my home branch set up an appointment with me to meet with a NYC branch and open an account during my weekend visit to NYC.
Second, one of the best benefits of HSBC Premier (ie for those with $100k invested assets) is "emergency encashment" where you can get an advance up to $10k while out of country.
So it all worked out.
Regarding my rental, I've decided to go with a $4k yuppie tower. My focus is on simplicity and lack of distractions as I'm in a new city, new country and with a new employer.
I've got a 1 month "concession" on my lease, and now I'm questioning whether I should go with a 1 or 2 year lease. I'm familiar with the stories of the rental rate being jacked up for the 2nd year.
While I had considered buying a place next year, I think that as a Canadian on a TN visa I need to first move to an H1B visa, and the quoatas tend to fill up early in the year and so better to not be in a rush to request that from my company. (ie be able to wait till send year)
Anyways, if taking a 2 year lease is considered very foolish or very wise, I welcome input. Otherwise, I thank those who took the time to reply, and I hope this thread might be of use to someone in the future via the search function.
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