Choosing a Bourogh

So, you have made the decision to move to NYC, and now you wonder what part of New York you want to live in. Well, to get started there are five boroughs in New York. Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. And believe it or not, they are all very different places. Also, many people choose to live on other parts of Long Island, or right outside of the city in New Jersey or Connecticut (the tri-state area). This blog will focus on the city of New York itself, as that's where I have the most expertise.

Manhattan is where many people think of when they think New York. Manhattan is home to many famous landmarks, tourist attractions, museums, and universities. It is home to Columbia University, NYU, Rockefeller University, and many, many other schools. It is also the most expensive part of New York. If you are on a tight budget there are certain neighborhoods you will probably be looking at if you must live in Manhattan. These are the Upper West Side, Harlem, and the northern points of the island. The rule is, the further south you go, the more expensive the city.

Some areas, such as Harlem, have connotations of being undesirable. However, you should not discount them just because you have read or heard that they are not as nice as say, the Upper West side. Harlem and other areas have a lot going for them, such as cheaper and large apartments, proximity to great restaurants, subways, and bus lines, as well as the entertainment that makes Manhattan famous. Either way, make sure you visit the area before committing to a place. Oh, and check it at night.

Brooklyn is the most populous of the boroughs, with over two and a half million people. It is also an exciting area to be in, and one that is rapidly changing. Brooklyn is probably the second most expensive borough to live in, especially if you want to live downtown. Brooklyn is home to many of its own museums, cultural centers, as well as great parks and beaches. While Manhattan has Central Park, Brooklyn has Prospect Park, which is a gorgeous park, surrounded by very old and nice (and relatively inexpensive) housing. I recommend http://www.padmapper.com if you are looking for apartments, which I imagine many of you are.

Queens is the largest of the boroughs and is very diverse. In fact, I would say it's the most diverse borough, and maybe the most diverse place in the world. It is full of different and interesting neighborhoods, from the beautiful parklike Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, to the Asian inspired Flushing and Roosevelt areas. There are neighborhoods representing almost every ethnicity you can think of, which means excellent culture, museums as well as food and events. One thing I like about Queens is that you can walk a few blocks and feel like you are in another country. Also, Queens is much cheaper than Brooklyn or Manhattan, and has many metro lines leading into both. You can get a great deal on a very large and nice apartment in Queens with much less hastle than you will find in the other boroughs. If you are just moving to NYC and plan on staying a while, Queens is a solid bet.

The Bronx and Staten Island are also places you may consider. Staten Island is more suburban and parts of the Bronx is spread out. However, there are some amazing deals to be had in both boroughs, but you should spend some time exploring before you rent.

A Checklist.

1. Do you want to drive? If you are on a budget, I would recommend against it. For $105 you can get an unlimited monthly Metrocard that will allow you to go everywhere in the city. Buses and subways are plentiful and rather easy to learn. Parking can be expensive, tickets cost a lot, and driving is a hastle. I don't do it, and many people don't. If you plan on driving, you may want to consider parts of Queens or Brooklyn, or even the Bronx. Keep in mind there are also many toll bridges, and they add up.
2. Are you close to a subway? Apartments are generally a bit more expensive if they are close to subway lines, especially in Manhattan. However, it makes things much easier if you do not drive.
3. Are you comfortable in the part of the city at all times of day and night? Visit it during various times. Make a point to check out the nearby grocery stores, restaurants, and places you will be spending time at. Do you want to live near a library? Are you willing to pay a little more to be in a better area, or would you rather save some money?

There are many considerations when moving to New York City. In this blog I will continue to touch on subjects such as neighborhoods, moving as a student, relocating for employment, as well as renting out an extra room for income. Stay tuned!