Need info on moving to NYC (New York, Buffalo: tax, groceries, transportation)

[Viralmd]

To find what you're seeking you'd be better off outside of the five NYC boroughs. You won't find a house for rent in Manhattan unless you want a townhouse, so how much of a commute is tolerable? Finding a home with good schools is really going to be the issue and you're going to have to make compromises.

[p1x3l]

How's Jersey City area bordering Manhattan? Are those waterfront apartments a good alternative to $3000+ Manhattan's? According to Google, commute time to Downtown via Holland is only 5 mins or so. Some of these waterfront apts even have Manhattan skyline view.

[latikeriii]

Originally Posted by p1x3l

How's Jersey City area bordering Manhattan? Are those waterfront apartments a good alternative to $3000+ Manhattan's? According to Google, commute time to Downtown via Holland is only 5 mins or so. Some of these waterfront apts even have Manhattan skyline view.

The Waterfront of JC is pretty nice and fairly new. There aren't a whole lot of bars and restaurants(its dead after rush hour) and it's kind of sterile but you can get something new and be within a 5-10 PATH train ride to either lower Manhattan around the WTC to the Village, Midtown, etc. Its pretty expensive though, a 1 BD unit will run you around $2K. You'll save on the NYC city tax but won't have much of a NYC neighborhood feel. What i'm trying to say that there are pros and cons you just have to weigh what's more important to you.

[villagebugger]

I have a different scenario, I have been in NYC for 4 years and renting a one bedroom apt from a good friend but he is moving out from US to Holland for 6 years work and the owner needs his apt back, which means I have to move.

I am here legally but on a Tourist Visa and paying rent was never a problem and always punctual even tho I do not have a Job in US. I collect Royalties from my past music publishing deal every 4 months and I get by quite ok and face no problem living in NYC and can afford, and I do perform some nights at Bars around Manhattan and sometimes fill in as Guitarist for some quite famous bands etc, well thats my "work"

I dont work because I can afford via my royalties plus I dont wish to break US laws, Tourist CANT work, period.

My question is eventho I can afford to pay rent , puntually at that and have no credit or criminal records, Can I start renting like other New Yorkers?

I heard its hard for Tourist Visa people to rent an Apt unless you know people ( like how I did with this Guy ). I have tons of music friends here but all sharing an apt and no spaces until March next year.

IN case your wondering why I can be here for 4 years, its because every 90 days I wil go Toronto for 4 days re enter US or sometimes I went home 18 hours flight back for a week and return back to NY. MY passport allows me to be in US or EU or UK or Australia without Visa applications.

That said, anyone renting a small studio or one bedroom apt anywhere in Manhattan or upper Manhattan or west bronx or astoria Queens? Let me know

Cheers mate!

[latikeriii]

Originally Posted by villagebugger

I have a different scenario, I have been in NYC for 4 years and renting a one bedroom apt from a good friend but he is moving out from US to Holland for 6 years work and the owner needs his apt back, which means I have to move.

I am here legally but on a Tourist Visa and paying rent was never a problem and always punctual even tho I do not have a Job in US. I collect Royalties from my past music publishing deal every 4 months and I get by quite ok and face no problem living in NYC and can afford, and I do perform some nights at Bars around Manhattan and sometimes fill in as Guitarist for some quite famous bands etc, well thats my "work"

I dont work because I can afford via my royalties plus I dont wish to break US laws, Tourist CANT work, period.

My question is eventho I can afford to pay rent , puntually at that and have no credit or criminal records, Can I start renting like other New Yorkers?

I heard its hard for Tourist Visa people to rent an Apt unless you know people ( like how I did with this Guy ). I have tons of music friends here but all sharing an apt and no spaces until March next year.

IN case your wondering why I can be here for 4 years, its because every 90 days I wil go Toronto for 4 days re enter US or sometimes I went home 18 hours flight back for a week and return back to NY. MY passport allows me to be in US or EU or UK or Australia without Visa applications.

That said, anyone renting a small studio or one bedroom apt anywhere in Manhattan or upper Manhattan or west bronx or astoria Queens? Let me know

Cheers mate!

Your best bet may be to sublet(roommate) or to find an owner of a small building who may understand your situation. You may want to offer 6 months of rent upfront to mimimize their risk. Its going to be tough but doable. Like I said, your best bet is subletting but if you want your own place, that's going to be more difficult. Manhattan will we be tough but Astoria is full of small building owners. Astoria also has single family homes that has basement apartments with the owner residing upstairs.
Good Luck

[villagebugger]

Thanks Lati, I know its going to be tough. But will keep looking and to hear more advice.

One more year till I can rent a good place in Manhattan Upper West Side, patience patience!

[rjcasey]

Hi, I know these posts keep on popping up. I'm going to be moving to new york in May/June with my girlfriend. I'm going to be a post doc at NYU med (33rd and 1st). I went to NYU as an undergrad so housing wasn't really a problem (university housing). I have some friends in new york but I wanted to get your opinions. We're looking at around 80,000/y salary and want around a commute of less then 1hr door to door (probably 40 min on transport). Probably looking for a 2 bedroom for less then 2,000/m when all is said and done. We would like a diverse neighborhood if possible. The places I've see that are attractive are Pelham bay (like the golf courses/tennis courts) and surrounding areas and Kingsbridge. We would prefer to have a car. Do you have any other suggestions? The 6 train is the best stop I've seen (lex/33rd local) but I really don't know the bus lines. Thanks.

[mwen7]

Hey,
I am a 21 year old from Australia looking to move to manhattan next year, obviously if you keep your common sense then all areas are safe but which areas are better? How small is a studio aslo, in Australia studios are larger then apartments but i think its different here because there cheaper. I was looking to spend 1200 on rent a month, any chance i can get an apartment in manhattan?? What you guys think would be the average monthly costs of a student to rent and live in manhattan? Thanks heaps

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by mwen7

Hey,
I am a 21 year old from Australia looking to move to manhattan next year, obviously if you keep your common sense then all areas are safe but which areas are better? How small is a studio aslo, in Australia studios are larger then apartments but i think its different here because there cheaper. I was looking to spend 1200 on rent a month, any chance i can get an apartment in manhattan?? What you guys think would be the average monthly costs of a student to rent and live in manhattan? Thanks heaps

That's not going to happen in Manhattan unless you share. And you need to show proof of income at least 40 times the monthly rent...

[daaaaave]

A native NYCer today told me, "everything is cheaper in NYC except rent" comparing it to DC. She says its because of all the competition in NYC, you can get meals for cheap, etc. What do you think?