Questions to ask yourself when relocating to New York

So you are considering moving to New York City huh? You have heard a lot about New York from your friends, television, the media, and everyone else. You may have felt envy towards those who made their way to New York. But now you are considering the move. However, before moving to NYC, there are a few questions you must ask yourself. You see, I moved to New York from California a couple years ago. I just knew that I wanted to live in New York since I was in high school. The idea of living in the biggest city in the United States captivated my imagination. However, now that I am living in New York, I find myself missing the city I came from, San Francisco. To be honest, I often contemplate going back to San Francisco. It's not that I don't like it here in New York, it's that I think I belonged in San Francisco more (maybe one day I'll start a blog called Relocating to San Francisco). So, here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before moving to New York. 1. Will I like the big city? This is easy if you know for sure you like the big city. Coming from San Francisco, I knew the answer was yes. However, you must realize that New York is a LOT bigger than most other cities. If you are moving from Denver or Salt Lake City to New York, chances are you will be in for a shock. 2. Will I like the climate? Will you like cold somewhat snowy winters and very hot humid summers? Being from Northern California, I was not ready for the humidity of New York, nor was I prepared for the heat and cold. Some of the winter days here last year were below 0F and the summer days sometimes reach over 100F. I loved the climate of San Francisco, and it's one of the biggest things I miss. If you are coming from Boston or Miami, the heat may not be a big deal, and if you are coming from Canada or certain Europe, you may be used to the very cold. That being said, if you are moving from Seattle or Vancouver to New York, you may want to get ready for a big change. 3. Do you really think you can afford it here? Chances are you can figure out how to get by, but if you want to thrive, you may have to be realistic and see that New York is expensive. Apartments in the Upper East Side and Harlem, two of the cheaper parts of Manhattan can start at $1200 for a very small studio. There are deals to be found the further north in Manhattan you go, or the further out you go. New Jersey offers some amazing deals compared to Manhattan, as does parts of the Bronx and Queens. However, if you want that big Manhattan lifestyle in a neighborhood like the Upper West Side, Chelsea, or the East Village, you may have to be ready to pony up some serious mo-heny. 4. Will your pets like not having a big yard? Chances are you are going to have to give up the grass if you are moving to NYC. Do your dogs agree that this move is for the best? Apartment dwelling dogs do exist, and are plentiful in New York, but if you plan on bringing that Siberian Husky, you may want to ask if that pooch will mind the close quarters with you - and if you will mind the close quarters with it. 5. What about your ferrets? Ferrets are illegal in New York City. That includes Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. You can live in New Jersey with them, or you can live outside of the city proper with them. But if you want to live in the city itself, be prepared to sneak them around. 6. What kind of jobs are there? Well, there's a bit of everything. If you are into law, New York has a thriving law scene. In fact, the world of law is centered in New York. If you are into the theatre, you will find no better place than New York. If you want to find a job at Starbucks, you have come to the right place. Almost every company (other than Cost Plus World Market) is here in New York waiting to get your resume. Sometimes the competition can be tight, but if you keep on your toes, you will find something. 7. Do I have any friends and family in New York? New York can be a lot lonelier for a NYnoob than one expects. They imagine a city full of potential friends, but unless you are accustomed to being social and making friends, they will come no easier than anywhere else. In fact, some people say friends are harder to make in NY. In my experience, most of the people I have met in NY have went back to either where they came from or have transferred to new places. That being said, many people find that they liked their past home more than NYC. 8. Am I realistic? You have to be realistic about moving to New York. It's not going to be like on television and on the movies. Those big apartments don't exist unless you are packing some serious dough. Further, if you want to eat out every night at the best restaurants and party at the biggest clubs all the time, then you had better be bringing in a deep purse. New Yorkers tend to work hard for their money, and oftentimes they work long. Of course, this is not true for everyone, and some people will exaggerate what is needed to live in New York. It all comes down to how frugal you are and what your priorities are. That being said, the more expensive your place the less you will have for other things. Living out in Queens or Brooklyn is not a bad idea if you want some extra money to throw around. 9. Do I mind living with a room mate, or sharing a room? Many people in New York have room mates to bring down the cost. Many opt for this at first. Others make it a long term plan. Some people even share their bedroom with others. For example, in a two bedroom apartment, many people equip the rooms with bunks. Think of it as a long term hostel. It's cheaper and allows one to live closer to the center of the city. That being said, if you want your own place and some extra space, you'd better be ready to pay something more than what you paid back in Tulsa. 10. Do you mind bedbugs? New York is known for its bedbugs. Many cities are gaining that reputation, and it's something to think about when you look for an apartment. Some tips include looking for small brown dots in the corners of units and talking to your future neighbors. If something looks suspicious, ask about it. Also confirm with the landlord that there are no bedbugs. If there are, you can legally get them removed at no cost to you, but if you are harboring pets that are not on the lease, this can be a major challenge and a major pain in the patooka.

Neighborhood Profile: Kew Gardens (Queens)

Kew Gardens is one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York.  It's located in Queens, between Jamaica and Forest Hills.  Kew Gardens is a neighborhood with what one could call a "European Charm" to it.  Here you will find single family homes as well as large apartment buildings, and many shops and restaurants.  The rents here are moderate for the New York City area, and the neighborhood is home to a Long Island Railroad stop as well as access via the F and E trains from Manhattan.

The main shopping areas in Kew Gardens are Lefferts Boulevard, Metropolitan Avenue, and Queens Boulevard.  Austin Street, which runs east-west into Forest Hills, is another nearby shopping area, which is home to many well known stores (Barnes & Noble, Gap, Loft, etc.) as well as some lesser known stores and health food shops.  The LIRR stop in Kew Gardens is close to Lefferts Boulevard. 

Kew Gardens, like Forest Hills, is a very green neighborhood.   During the summer months, the streets are shadowed with magnificent trees above.  One of New York City's largest parks, Forest Park, is located partially in Kew Gardens.  This park boasts many hiking trails as well as a picnic area, small pond, a golf course, sports areas, a track, handball courts, an amphitheater and carousel (currently closed).  Forest Park is a gorgeous park with pretty much something for everyone.  There are a couple of stables that rent out horses here.  For more information on Forest Park, see this link:  Forest Park. 

If you are looking for a high quality of life, you can not go wrong by choosing Kew Gardens.

 
A one bedroom apartment can be found in Kew Gardens for around $1,300.  A studio for around $900-1,100.  Two bedrooms can be found closer to $1,500, and three bedrooms are listed around $1,750.  Of course, these prices may vary and often fluctuate.  The best times to move are during the winter months, when college students from nearby St. John's University are not looking for apartments.  However, even if you are thinking of moving during the summer months, finding an apartment in this neighborhood is not too hard.  There are many options, with some apartment buildings located adjacent to Forest Park.  Kew Gardens is close to the only Trader Joe's in Queens, and is a short subway ride from Target, Costco, and Rego Center.  Grocery stores and restaurants here are plentiful.

If you are interested in learning more about Kew Gardens, visit the website: www.kewgardens.com.