Need info on moving to NYC (Jay, Washington Heights: live in, restaurants, safe)

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by fanfares

1) What is your budget?
-- No minimum - $1400 (Is that a proper estimate based on our income below?)
-- Assuming we make $10.00/Hr. working 40 hours a week, and if we go to Hunter, we'll have about $10,000 left over from what we take out in loans here in Missouri for school, approximately $51,000.
-- Just the boyfriend and I. Possibly his brother.


2) Where is your job located?
-- No job yet, but preferably near school.

3) Living circumstances
-- Couple, No kids except for our two Boxers

4) Space requirements
-- One bedroom if possible. We would be okay with a large studio
-- Rental (Co-Op would be desirable as well, although I know you have to jump through hoops to get one, and while my credit is fantastic, my boyfriends is not)
-- >700

5) Neighborhood amenities
-- Not too particular on bars and restaurants. Would like to have some in the general area, maybe just a hang out spot or a dive. Boyfriend is a bartender, but he's willing to commute if the immediate area does not have a bar worth working at.
-- An art scene of some sort nearby. Decent grocery store. Coffee shop (the only real must-have for us). Music venues.

6) Other interests/ General
-- Would like to be near other artists and musicians, but once again, not a must. Most importantly it must be safe for me (a 20-year-old moderately attractive girl). Diversity! I know this is apartment-specific, but pet friendly. Green space preferred.

Edited to add:

We've been looking at the following areas. Any input would be great.

UES: From what I understand it's moderately affordable for Manhattan?
Bed-Stuy: safe? unsafe? What's the commute like to Hunter College?
Astoria: I understand prices are rising, is it still affordable for our budget?
Williamsburg/Greenpoint: Once again, still affordable?
Long Island City: Need annnny general information.
Hell's Kitchen: I know it's in Manhattan, so I'm assuming it's expensive, but what is the rent like?

Of course, feel free to recommend any other places that you feel might fit for us.

And also, I hear horror stories of upper Manhattan (Harlem, Inwood, Washington Heights), are there decent areas too? I live in a city, although much smaller than NYC of course, so I'm not really afraid of city life. I just don't want to be stuck in an area for a year that's shady when I'm new to the city.

Remember, landlords require PROOF that you earn (annually)at least 40X the monthly rent. I don't think you can afford Manhattan. And especially not with dogs. The buildings that allow dogs charge more. There's also just about NO chance that you're going to be able to sublect a co-op. The rules don't permit that. You might be able to sublet a condominium, but, again, not for the price you're seeking.

Why are you coming to NYC? With your requests for an 'art scene' and your budget, and your dogs, it's highly unlikely you'll find what you're seeking. There are some very nice areas in Inwood (Washington Heights is do-able, but not nearly as nice and you need to stay WEST of Broadway), but no art scene, not many restaurants, etc.

I think you should reconsider this whole thing at this time.

[fanfares]

I don't really care whether it's Manhattan or not. I didn't expect to live in Manhattan, the neighborhoods I listed were just a few I came across that I was interested in. I'm not opposed to a commute or student housing, although I don't see much of that online, and from what I understand, they charge per student, which would end up being much more than an apartment according to the one website I did see. The thing is, I'm not moving to New York to live a glamourous lifestyle, and again, I don't expect to. I'm moving there for opportunities that aren't available to me in Kansas City.

I forgot to add, by the time we move, we will have saved about $10,000 once the cars are sold.

[Rusty_Shackleford]

I keep reading that one needs to make at least 50k or so to survive in NYC. I'm really confused. Or "3k a month", and "5k to enjoy life". Could somebody please break down the living costs per month for me?

Discounting housing and health insurance, where I currently live, here are my main expenses:
$100 internet and phone
$50 transportation
$200 food and various household items
$50-200 various unnecessary things - entertainment oriented

In NYC, by the stats I'm reading, cost of living for a single person I was estimating:
$1200 apartment
$200 health insurance
$300 food, household items
$50 transportation (monthly pass)
$120 internet/cable/phone

Obviously I'm missing something What do I need to spend 5k a month on in order to be happy? What makes NYC so amazingly expensive compared to other expensive cities like DC, Chicago, SF, LA?

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by Rusty_Shackleford

I keep reading that one needs to make at least 50k or so to survive in NYC. I'm really confused. Or "3k a month", and "5k to enjoy life". Could somebody please break down the living costs per month for me?

Discounting housing and health insurance, where I currently live, here are my main expenses:
$100 internet and phone
$50 transportation
$200 food and various household items
$50-200 various unnecessary things - entertainment oriented

In NYC, by the stats I'm reading, cost of living for a single person I was estimating:
$1200 apartment
$200 health insurance
$300 food, household items
$50 transportation (monthly pass)
$120 internet/cable/phone

For a start, about 30% of your salary will go to taxes.

Then, a 1200/month apartment won't be in Manhattan, that's for certain. If you want a studio apartment in Manhattan that'll be around $2500/month. Health insurance is more than $200/month and your deductible needs to be included. Also don't forget dentists: a cleaning will run about $90 or so. Food and household items will easily cost you about $500/month. Transportation? If you go to and from work every day on public transport, that's $81 for an unlimited Metrocard. Taxis would be more, obviously. And don't think you can cycle to work, because there's no place to put the bicycle once you get there.

You also don't mention: electricity and gas which can run, for a small apartment about $60/month; cable TV (reception is non-existent without it), and don't forget, if you want to eat at a restaurant that's not free, and movies in NYC are $10.50. Popcorn is more, too.

Then there's the laundry: at least $1.50/wash and the same for drying at the laundromat. And I hope you want to keep your clothes in good shape: dry cleaning is expensive. And if you live in a building with a superintendant and other workers, there are the wonderful Christmas tips (they're supposed to be optional, but if you don't give one you'll never get anything fixed in your apartment.

[Rusty_Shackleford]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

For a start, about 30% of your salary will go to taxes.

I was assuming people meant after taxes. After all, if your 50k salary has 15k in taxes deducted, then you're not really making 50k are you? You're making 35k.

Then, a 1200/month apartment won't be in Manhattan, that's for certain. If you want a studio apartment in Manhattan that'll be around $2500/month.

No, I wasn't talking about Manhattan. I really don't see the point of doubling housing costs just to live in Manhattan. I was including utility bills in the rent estimate as well. Or is $1200 too low to rent a studio in a half-decent Queens / Brooklyn neighborhood?

Food and household items will easily cost you about $500/month. Transportation? If you go to and from work every day on public transport, that's $81 for an unlimited Metrocard. Taxis would be more, obviously. And don't think you can cycle to work, because there's no place to put the bicycle once you get there.

Is food really that expensive? For me personally, half of my grocery bill is from food ordered online. I never go to bars/restaurants, and I just eat cheap healthy food. 500 per month would be $15 a day. Never in my life have I ate $15 of food in a day (not food that I paid for, at least ). COL estimates I get online suggest food is 50% more expensive in NYC than average in the USA.

Things like a $10 movie, or dry cleaning, don't seem like "surviving" type expenses, but rather more like luxury expenses. You make a good point about health insurance though... apparently NY is an expensive state for that. It does seem like NYC is extremely expensive for more luxury/unnecessary things, but I'm not seeing how basic expenses are so much different than other big cities.

[Viralmd]

Electricity and gas are generally NOT included in rent.

And it's customary to quote PRE-tax salaries, not post-tax.

[flanyc09]

Hi All,

I'm hoping to get some insight and tips from others who have more knowledge experience living in New York City.

To start, I interned this summer at one of the biggest financial firms (also lived in the financial district) and loved it... accepted the offer to start working in July 09 after graduating in May. I've been saving up as much as possible for the move.

When I move, I'll have about $10-15K saved to use for expenses. My salary is $65K. My boyfriend is moving with me and expects to make around $35-45K (he still has to find a job though).

Will I be able to live in Manhattan on those amounts?? Many people are telling me it's going to be very hard and I might not make it, but I've heard of so many other people who get by on nowhere near as much in New York.

Any suggestions on areas to live (I really like financial district, murray hill, midtown, UES, etc...)?? I will be working in the financial district so I'm looking to live somewhere with not too bad of a commute (maybe 40 mins. max) Any other tips on moving to the city?

Also, I'll be a 21 year old female commuting to and from work sometimes early mornings & evenings so I need to live somewhere I'll feel comfortable walking around alone.

Thanks for any help or suggestions! I'm so excited about moving to NYC but still need to straighten a few things out....

A

[Joe Bama!]

Originally Posted by flanyc09

Hi All,

I'm hoping to get some insight and tips from others who have more knowledge experience living in New York City.

To start, I interned this summer at one of the biggest financial firms (also lived in the financial district) and loved it... accepted the offer to start working in July 09 after graduating in May. I've been saving up as much as possible for the move.

When I move, I'll have about $10-15K saved to use for expenses. My salary is $65K. My boyfriend is moving with me and expects to make around $35-45K (he still has to find a job though).

Will I be able to live in Manhattan on those amounts?? Many people are telling me it's going to be very hard and I might not make it, but I've heard of so many other people who get by on nowhere near as much in New York.

Any suggestions on areas to live (I really like financial district, murray hill, midtown, UES, etc...)?? I will be working in the financial district so I'm looking to live somewhere with not too bad of a commute (maybe 40 mins. max) Any other tips on moving to the city?

Also, I'll be a 21 year old female commuting to and from work sometimes early mornings & evenings so I need to live somewhere I'll feel comfortable walking around alone.

Thanks for any help or suggestions! I'm so excited about moving to NYC but still need to straighten a few things out....

A

Thats not alot of money for living in the financial district, but I guess with a combined income you could make it. You may want to consider other areas like downtown Brooklyn or even St. George, Staten Island- it'd be a quick ferry ride to the financial district.

[flower014]

Ok everybody so here is my story..i guess you have read stories like mine about million times

but here it goes...oh and any help would be great.

ok so..

I am 26 year old female from Alabama. I recently finished college with Art History Major. I been working in Local hospital for about 5 years. I have had enough with small towns and narrow minded people living in this state. I always wanted to move to NYC. The thing is nobody from my town has ever been to a big City. To them Atlanta is as big it gets. Anyway...when i tell people that i am moving to NYC..first they laugh at me..then they call me crazy..and then they laugh more. I get it. NYC is expensive and i am not rich. BUT i dont mind sharing room with a girl, live in queens or brooklyn. I have saved about $5000. and i want to move there by Jan 1st. Now people ask me where would i find a place to live and most important what about job?? Here in Alabama i can get a job that pays about $40k. But thats not so simple in NYC. I am VERY hard working. And Once i set my mind on something..its more likey i will end up getting it. At list thats what i say to my self to keep my confidence high and keep believing in my self.

So somebody here give me their input on two major things..

1) whats the best place to look for roommate in NYC. I prefer female. I wanna pay about $1000 a month.

2) Once i move to New york city..i want to work in Fashion or Art or some non profit organization. Can somebody tell me best places to find entry level jobs in NYC? I dont mind working as temp. As long as i can make about $12 per hour. I would have to work two jobs i know. But i want one job that atleast pays $12 per hour. I dont know if thats too much to ask. Oh i have a question ..does anybody here have worked for Greenpeace?? I heard they hire all the time for entry level jobs. But i dont know what kinda work they make you do. I dont want to stand in freezing cold and ask people to donate money. but i guess if i cant find any other job..or even temp..i may have to call Greenpeace.

any help would be great.

Thanks guys.

[TouchTheSky]

** Moving from LI to Queens or Brooklyn **

My boyfriend and I are considering moving into the Queens, Brooklyn, NYC areas, after we finish our undergraduate degrees (within a year). I'm most likely attending Queens College for graduate school, while he'll be commuting into NYC for his job, gigs, ect (acting, tv production, improv).

We're exploring our options and looking for a place that will satisfy both of our needs. I'm going to school for teaching (elementary and special ed, grades 1-6), so I would prefer a safe neighborhood with a decent school district, that's respectably close to Queens College. He'll be pretty content wherever we are as long as it's a safe neighborhood and an easier commute to NYC.

We currently live on LI, and he absolutely hates the commute to the city. It costs him a fortune to keep his car, for commuting on LI, and then taking the train into the city every other day. Plus, the amount of time to get to his job is about an hour and a half. It's hard to enjoy what the city offers when you're spending your paycheck on just commuting there!

I really like Kew Gardens and Forrest Hills and the both of us like Astoria. Although, I understand that Kew Gardens and Forrest Hills are a bit pricier and we'll be paying off student loans... so... that may not be an option. Unfortunately, I do not know Brooklyn all that well, but as long as it’s a decent commute to the city/Queens College it is on our list!

It's hard to tell now, but maybe within the range of $1,000-$2,000 a month, 1 or 2BR?? The both of us are definitely looking forward to public transportation, since neither of us enjoy driving or paying insurance, gas, fix-ups, ect. Also, the both of us are in our early 20's, so we're young and adventurous! Personally, I do not mind commuting to night life scenes, just as long as our "home" neighborhood is considered safe to be wandering around in the wee hours in the morning.

Any advice from natives, Queens College students, teachers residing in Queens or Brooklyn, ect? To my understanding, there are more teaching jobs available in Brooklyn than Queens? Any input is greatly appreciated, thank you!!!