It is the dream of many individuals to make the move to what is said to be the greatest city in the world, New York, NY. The truth is: moving to New York City is not quite that simple. However, there are resources that you can utilize to make the transition a lot easier. This entire website was created to help you make the transition to New York and find a great apartment as well as a new career in NYC.
I'll walk you through the various resources that are at your disposal. Keep in mind that this guide and blog are constantly being updated. Continue to check back as resources and neighborhood guides are added all the time.
I'll walk you through the various resources that are at your disposal. Keep in mind that this guide and blog are constantly being updated. Continue to check back as resources and neighborhood guides are added all the time.
If you're just starting your New York City move...
There are a few things that you need to understand. First, you need to know how to find an apartment in New York. You will need to understand the ins and outs of finding and using the services of a broker. Are you moving to New York City for a job, for college, or for some other reason? If you have not found a job yet, understanding the recruiting process in New York will allow you to more efficiently plan your job search. [If you have less than stellar credit or don't have a co-signer, you may find this article to be helpful.]
There are a few things that you need to understand. First, you need to know how to find an apartment in New York. You will need to understand the ins and outs of finding and using the services of a broker. Are you moving to New York City for a job, for college, or for some other reason? If you have not found a job yet, understanding the recruiting process in New York will allow you to more efficiently plan your job search. [If you have less than stellar credit or don't have a co-signer, you may find this article to be helpful.]
First Time Searching for Housing in New York?
If this is your first time searching for an apartment, whether in or outside of New York, I highly recommend reading the guide on finding an apartment and the guide of particular neighborhoods and boroughs in New York City.
Having the right frame of mind when moving to New York is probably the most important thing. Next in importance is how you go about searching for housing and/or a career. I have created a [list of resources to help you out with finding an apartment in New York City]. I also recommend that you shop around for brokers. [Here is a list of apartment brokers who I have worked with in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens]. I also recommend that you shop around for these such brokers, taking time to choose which one will fit your needs and wants.
If you do not yet know where you want to live, I suggest you take into account the factors of each neighborhood that I have compiled throughout this blog.
You Are Now Ready to Begin Your Search
It is time to attack the New York housing search. As finding an apartment in New York City is more challenging than finding an apartment in most places of the world, you will need to create a strategy for finding a place to live. This may include [finding short term housing in New York City].
If you are moving to New York, but don't have a job lined up, you can start by contacting and working with headhunters and recruitment agencies throughout the New York metropolitan area. I have a written a guide to help you understand the recruiting agencies of New York City.
Getting Hired in New York
One of the most feared, yet most effective, job hunting methods is cold-contacting employers. This is very difficult, and I have been there. That being said, it is vital that you do it. And by contacting companies, I do not mean doing the task of digging up any e-mail address you can find on their website and e-mailing them your resume. Such a strategy is generally a massive waste of time. What I mean is that you should prepare a polished sales pitch and present it to your target market. Approach companies by building relationships with professionals who already work in your targeted companies. You can find such professionals on online networks such as LinkedIn or Xing.
Many people come to New York because they want to work on Wall Street. As such, you may be focusing on [finding employment in the financial sector].
Your Own Network
Another very powerful job and housing search medium is using your own network. These are the people that you know who may connect you with hiring managers and companies in New York City. That being said, don't underestimate the power of people who you know. Contact your friends and family and ask them for help and to forward your information to anyone else who might be interested in hiring you or helping you in your job and housing search. If you have friends and/or relatives in New York, they may know of a housing unit in their building that is about to open up, or some other vacancy nearby, or the name of a good and reputable broker. However, if you do not have friends and family in New York (and many do not), this blog has been created to be a resource for you. Consider expanding your New York network by joining clubs, going to events, joining an exercise group, or joining a church. People in New York, like in many other places, value friendships and connections. If you find such friendships and connections, your transition to life in New York will be much better.
In regards to employment, the reason I did not mention using your own network first, before using recruitment agencies and companies is because you will want to first familiarize yourself with the job market, polish your presentation and pitch, and further enhance your job hunting skills. However, asking your own network for job leads is a good idea to further maximize your job hunting strategy, but seldom can be depended on in isolation.
What about Job Sites?
At this point you may be thinking "but what about job sites, should I upload my resume there?" Job sites often are full of lower quality jobs (not always, but this is often the case), and they are the lease effective job hunting method. Getting an interview through Craigslist.org and Monster.com can oftentimes be a great challenge. This is due to hundreds of other individuals competing over a single position. Your time is often better devoted to the methods mentioned above. But, if you would still like to use job sites, then there is no harm in trying.
When You Get Job Offers and Leads...
Once you start getting job offers and leads, there are a few things you'll want to do. Research salaries in New York City to see if the compensation is sufficient for the position you've been offered. Second, compare your salary with where you live or where you want to live. Consider living in a cheaper part of the city for a year. I recommend areas in Queens such as Kew Gardens or Rego Park, or Washington Heights or Inwood. You will find that your transition into New York is much easier if you are not paying more than you can afford for housing.
Currently, the economy is tight in New York just as it is anywhere else. Professional jobs are available, but may be hard for a new graduate to get. That being said, New York's economy is stronger than most. Jobs in finance, law, and real estate are easier to find in New York than many other parts of the country.
Things to Know About Living and Moving To New York City
If you're from outside of the city and plan to travel to New York or if you have questions about the city, this blog is full of resources for that. The authors of the site constantly are adding new information, so be sure to check back often. Also, feel free to be a guest blogger and add information that you may have about neighborhoods, job search techniques, and tips for moving to New York City. Such help is always appreciated with this blog. Furthermore, if you have any questions, comments will always be answered.
For those who are planning to move to New York, I have a [guide on how much transportation, accommodation, and food generally cost in NYC]. And if you're not from the United States and are moving from overseas, you can find answers to getting a United States visa, residency, and sponsorship. For other generally frequently asked questions about moving and living in New York, please check out the [guide to frequently asked questions].
If you are interested in learning more about your rights as a tenant, check out the [New York City landlord tenant law guide]. Also, here is a [list of tenant organizations in New York City].
Further Questions?
Here are a few more relocating resources that you may find useful, depending on where you are in your relocation plans.
Having the right frame of mind when moving to New York is probably the most important thing. Next in importance is how you go about searching for housing and/or a career. I have created a [list of resources to help you out with finding an apartment in New York City]. I also recommend that you shop around for brokers. [Here is a list of apartment brokers who I have worked with in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens]. I also recommend that you shop around for these such brokers, taking time to choose which one will fit your needs and wants.
If you do not yet know where you want to live, I suggest you take into account the factors of each neighborhood that I have compiled throughout this blog.
You Are Now Ready to Begin Your Search
It is time to attack the New York housing search. As finding an apartment in New York City is more challenging than finding an apartment in most places of the world, you will need to create a strategy for finding a place to live. This may include [finding short term housing in New York City].
- Compile [information that is needed and requested by brokers and landlords].
- Know the locations in which you desire to live.
- Get in contact with brokers and free apartment finding services.
If you are moving to New York, but don't have a job lined up, you can start by contacting and working with headhunters and recruitment agencies throughout the New York metropolitan area. I have a written a guide to help you understand the recruiting agencies of New York City.
Getting Hired in New York
One of the most feared, yet most effective, job hunting methods is cold-contacting employers. This is very difficult, and I have been there. That being said, it is vital that you do it. And by contacting companies, I do not mean doing the task of digging up any e-mail address you can find on their website and e-mailing them your resume. Such a strategy is generally a massive waste of time. What I mean is that you should prepare a polished sales pitch and present it to your target market. Approach companies by building relationships with professionals who already work in your targeted companies. You can find such professionals on online networks such as LinkedIn or Xing.
Many people come to New York because they want to work on Wall Street. As such, you may be focusing on [finding employment in the financial sector].
Your Own Network
Another very powerful job and housing search medium is using your own network. These are the people that you know who may connect you with hiring managers and companies in New York City. That being said, don't underestimate the power of people who you know. Contact your friends and family and ask them for help and to forward your information to anyone else who might be interested in hiring you or helping you in your job and housing search. If you have friends and/or relatives in New York, they may know of a housing unit in their building that is about to open up, or some other vacancy nearby, or the name of a good and reputable broker. However, if you do not have friends and family in New York (and many do not), this blog has been created to be a resource for you. Consider expanding your New York network by joining clubs, going to events, joining an exercise group, or joining a church. People in New York, like in many other places, value friendships and connections. If you find such friendships and connections, your transition to life in New York will be much better.
In regards to employment, the reason I did not mention using your own network first, before using recruitment agencies and companies is because you will want to first familiarize yourself with the job market, polish your presentation and pitch, and further enhance your job hunting skills. However, asking your own network for job leads is a good idea to further maximize your job hunting strategy, but seldom can be depended on in isolation.
What about Job Sites?
At this point you may be thinking "but what about job sites, should I upload my resume there?" Job sites often are full of lower quality jobs (not always, but this is often the case), and they are the lease effective job hunting method. Getting an interview through Craigslist.org and Monster.com can oftentimes be a great challenge. This is due to hundreds of other individuals competing over a single position. Your time is often better devoted to the methods mentioned above. But, if you would still like to use job sites, then there is no harm in trying.
When You Get Job Offers and Leads...
Once you start getting job offers and leads, there are a few things you'll want to do. Research salaries in New York City to see if the compensation is sufficient for the position you've been offered. Second, compare your salary with where you live or where you want to live. Consider living in a cheaper part of the city for a year. I recommend areas in Queens such as Kew Gardens or Rego Park, or Washington Heights or Inwood. You will find that your transition into New York is much easier if you are not paying more than you can afford for housing.
Currently, the economy is tight in New York just as it is anywhere else. Professional jobs are available, but may be hard for a new graduate to get. That being said, New York's economy is stronger than most. Jobs in finance, law, and real estate are easier to find in New York than many other parts of the country.
Things to Know About Living and Moving To New York City
If you're from outside of the city and plan to travel to New York or if you have questions about the city, this blog is full of resources for that. The authors of the site constantly are adding new information, so be sure to check back often. Also, feel free to be a guest blogger and add information that you may have about neighborhoods, job search techniques, and tips for moving to New York City. Such help is always appreciated with this blog. Furthermore, if you have any questions, comments will always be answered.
For those who are planning to move to New York, I have a [guide on how much transportation, accommodation, and food generally cost in NYC]. And if you're not from the United States and are moving from overseas, you can find answers to getting a United States visa, residency, and sponsorship. For other generally frequently asked questions about moving and living in New York, please check out the [guide to frequently asked questions].
If you are interested in learning more about your rights as a tenant, check out the [New York City landlord tenant law guide]. Also, here is a [list of tenant organizations in New York City].
Further Questions?
Here are a few more relocating resources that you may find useful, depending on where you are in your relocation plans.
- New York Apartment Scams - in this area you can find information about the various scams that dishonest people use to steal money from unsuspecting apartment seekers. There are scams all over New York, including sites such as "The Affordable Equity Project." The golden rule is: if it appears to be too good to be true, it probably is. After all, thousands of people are looking for a good apartment or even a mediocre apartment in New York City at any given moment.
- Executive Jobs in New York - if you've heard about the high salaries that company executives get paid in NYC and if you're interested in getting a piece of the action, you can find tips and information here.
- Going to College in New York - If you are looking to get a degree or move to New York City for college and are interested in what it's like to be a student in the city, see this guide.
- [Recent College Graduates] - if you're looking for a job in New York as a recent college graduate, you can find some tips here about finding entry level jobs to put your college degree to work. Further, if you are offered a job in New York City, there are few better websites in which to find a host of information about how to make your transition to life in New York.
