Relocating from Philly to NYC...just a few questions (New York: apartment, rent)

[FlyerFan34]

I know, I know...I'm gonna catch crap for my username.

Let me be honest by saying that I am pulling for the Blue Shirts...they're the only team that plays physical enough to wear down the Caps D.

Anyway, I do see a lot of threads on here about people moving to New York, but none specific as to what I would like to know before moving

My roommate and I have lived in Philly since college 4 years ago, however we are working the same dead-end job and there is nothing down here as far as the job market goes. We want to get into the media business, and there is absolutely nothing in the Philly area worth pursuing. Not only that, but we've grown tired of Philadelphia. We've seen and done it all, and it has become monotonous.

We decided that since we're only in our mid-20's...we are going to pack up and head to the Big Apple. We have a friend who lives in Brooklyn, but decided to check out Queens. After seeing Sunnyside, it seems like that will be our likely destination

I just have a few questions however:

1. How is the job market in New York? I am attending the job fair on the 18th, but I would like to know how difficult it will be to obtain a job in the $40-50k range. Both of us have a Bachelor's Degree and experience in the financial industry. I am looking for something to start out and get acquainted with the city before I search for a job in the media industry

2. I get the general idea of how a broker fee works, but is that something you pay every year or just the first time? I know rent for me will be a little more expensive ($900 total for a 2BR in Philly)...but besides CraigsList...where can I look to find a decent apartment in Sunnyside for about $1200-$1500 a month? Also, I plan on getting a job in NYC before I move...but with income verification...will it be hard for me to get an apartment if I am just starting a job?

3. I own a car and don't really want to sell it, but I will mainly take the 7 train to get to Manhattan. Is it worth it to keep my car in Sunnyside? Or will I have to constantly move it to make sure it doesn't get towed.

4. I know about the City Ice Pavilion, but if anybody plays hockey...could someone explain if it is a good area for hockey? I found out about it after I had already been interested in Sunnyside, and I find it very convenient. I'm just curious to see if I could easily jump onto a team.

5. Lastly, for anyone who has moved from Philly to NYC...could you explain the differences in taxes/food costs/etc? And is there anything I need to know in particular about NYC before moving?

I really appreciate the help in advance. I've already learned a lot about NYC just by reading the forum, so thank you!

[Wes927]

You seem like such a nice guy, I just wanted to wish you good luck.

3. No need for a car when you live in Sunnyside. Lots of neighborhood stores, and transportation to Manhattan, downtown Flushing and the Queens Center Mall. Car insurance would be very expensive, as well.

5. Philly has a city wage tax, just like NYC does. So that seems like a wash. In NYC the resident income tax is about 3 percent.

[Fred314X]

The job market in New York is tough...but then again, since New York is more than twice the size of Philadelphia, there are more opportunities.

Good luck. And welcome to New York in advance!