Apartment Searching - when to start? (New York, York: sublet, apartments, to rent)

[ahchan]

Hi, I'll be moving into New York around Mid June - When can I realistically start looking at apartments, and how early is too early?

Thanks

[JohnnyR]

I don't think trying to get permanent housing in advance of moving is a good idea. Until you know the city it's hard, and it just takes time. Being in a hurry sucks. I moved here a year and a half ago. When I first came I did a one month sublet in one of the few places I was familiar with, which gave me time to get to know the city, and have a chance to get an apartment via word-of-mouth. I really think this is the best way. The only thing that might trump all this is if you have 3 or 4k to pay in rent. That makes things easier.

[ahchan]

I just plan to look for a place just for a year, and then moving somewhere else. But I start a new job around june, so I was just wondering when I should start looking at apartments to rent.