With a population of 8.5 million and growing, NYC is a popular place to be. For millennials, moving to New York City can be exciting and daunting. You’ll have a lot to prepare for, and without some insider knowledge, it’s hard to know where to start. Don’t fret, though; this article here will help you. Whether you’re a millennial who’s just arrived in the city or will be soon, here’s how to get started.
Finding a place to stayFinding a place to stay
There’s no denying it; New York, especially Manhattan, is an expensive place to live. You’re fortunate if you can find a studio apartment for less than $1000. In Manhattan, the average rental price hovers around $3000. Chances are you’ll be sharing with someone. In 2016, 72% of millennials shared their apartment with someone other than a partner, according to a New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer report.
Greenpoint is the No.1 spot for millennials moving, with roughly 27 applications per listing. Such popularity, however, makes it tough to find a place. Other popular spots are Brooklyn, with the neighborhoods of Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant being the most affordable.
When you’re ready to start apartment hunting, get prepared for legwork. Instead of saving yourself a lot of effort, put aside a broker’s fee, which can often net you a lucky find. Budget to set aside at least two months’ rent for those places that ask for the first month and a security deposit.
Landing a JobLanding a Job
If you don’t already have a job waiting for you in NYC, then start looking for one as soon as possible. You’re going to be living in one of the most expensive cities in America, so you need to have your finances in order. Linkin Jobs is a great place to start. The best opportunities are in the communications or advertising field, in which New York is something of a Mecca.
When negotiating contracts with employers, try to swing some extra perks. Things like subsidized monthly metro cards, a moving allowance, or a signing bonus can go a long way in helping you settle in.
Getting SettledGetting Settled
Speaking of which, make the time to settle into your new neighborhood and learn about the city. There’s always something going on somewhere in the city, and you can find plenty of free things to do. Use it to explore your area and the other boroughs when you have free time.
Make a budget with a category for every expense to keep things under control. Take care of bills and other significant costs upfront and plan out your ‘fun money for each week.
The activity in New York never stops. Even after living years there, you’ll still find things to surprise you. Outside of the more prominent attractions, there are plenty of lesser-known ones. Check up on timeout.com to see what’s happening now and in the coming months. No matter your lifestyle or interests, you’ll always find something to do or see.