Moving to New York City is a dream of many. With all the glitz and glamor, iconic landmarks, and endless entertainment associated with the city, it’s no surprise that it can be hard to resist the urge to start a fresh new life in NYC when the opportunity knocks at your door.
However, like any life-changing decision, moving to NYC has its challenges and downsides.
These usually arise when the initial spark and excitement of moving to the city wear off and the reality and grind of day-to-day life set in.
If you are an international student, a working professional, or a family planning to move to New York City to start a new life, this blog will help you weigh the pros and cons and make a thoughtful decision.
What is New York City Famous For?
From Broadway’s dazzling lights to Central Park’s lush green gardens, New York City never fails to surprise its visitors and residents alike.
Whether you are considering living in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan City or have just rented a beautiful apartment in Brooklyn, you’ll soon be amazed to know that New York City has much more to offer than what meets the eye.
So, below are a few things that NYC is famous for and why are so many people proud to call it home
1. Broadway and Theatre District
New York is known for its Broadway and theatre district.
The district is home to larger-than-life live performances, big and renowned theatres, and entertainment shows.
2. Yellow Taxis
New York Subways might be locals’ favorite commute to get around the city, but the well-known yellow taxis are also a great mode of transportation in New York City.
You’ll likely see at least one yellow taxi on every nook and corner of a street.
It might not be as dramatic as you see in the movies, but it can definitely be a time-saver if you’re late to the office.
3. Linguistically Diverse City
It might surprise you, but more than 800 languages are spoken in New York City, making NYC one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world.
4. Empire State Building
Did you know the Empire State Building is one of the most photographed buildings in the world? It has 73 elevators and 103 floors.
Home to two observation decks, it offers breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond.
5. Times Square
Times Square, often called “The Crossroads of the World,” is a busy hub in the heart of New York City.
It is known for its bright lighting, flashing billboards, and constant pedestrian traffic.
6. Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Its contemporary design has made it a famous landmark.
7. Central Park
You cannot talk about New York without mentioning the famous Central Park.
It’s situated in the heart of Manhattan, a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
People can enjoy various activities, including picnicking on the great lawn, exploring the Central Park Zoo, and rowing on the lake.
8. The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy.
It is a historical monument on Liberty Island in New York Harbour.
This iconic monument has welcomed immigrants and visitors to the city for over a century.
9. Art Institutions and Entertainment
New York City is famous for its museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
Music festivals like the Governors Ball and the Rochester International Jazz Festival attract audiences from around the country.
Several celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, and Denzel Washington, also hail from New York.
10. International Cuisine
New York has diverse culinary scenes and features a variety of international cuisines, interesting dining concepts, and beautiful eateries.
You can visit Little Italy in the Bronx, Manhattan’s Chinatown, and Silvana in Harlem.
Each has its own authentic food that you’ll definitely like.
11) Wall Street
New York City is renowned for its financial district and Wall Street.
It is home to some of the world’s largest financial institutions, including the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex Equities, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
The city employs hundreds of thousands of people in the financial sector and beyond.
12) The Big Apple
New York is known as “The Big Apple”, a nickname that was popularized by a journalist in the 1920s not because of its sky-scrapper buildings, but from the world of horse racing.
This term evolved to symbolize the city’s grandness and charm, reflecting its diverse culture and vibrant energy.
13) City For Fashion Lovers
If you’re a fashion enthusiast, New York City is the place to be.
The city is home to some of the world’s top fashion designers and luxury stores.
And, of course, there’s New York Fashion Week, a global event that attracts models, designers, and fashion lovers from all over the world.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving To New York City
New York City is all glitzy and glamorous on films and television shows, and it is natural to feel tempted to start a new life there, yet you cannot explore houses for rent in NYC just because you’ve seen them on TV.
The reality of living in New York is far from what we see on those fictional television shows.
While New York City is famous for its job opportunities, educational prospects, and vibrant city life, it also has downsides.
These include high crime rates, crowded transportation, and constant noise—after all, it’s the city that never sleeps!
Here are a few pros and cons of moving to New York City that will help you decide whether to relocate to NYC or not.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
|---|---|
| Numerous job opportunities | High-cost of living |
| Top-Tier educational institutions | Too Noisy |
| Great nightlife and entertainment | Extreme weather conditions |
| Good public transportation system | High crime rate |
| Close to nature | Traffic and longer commute times |
| Top-Notch dining scene | Dirty and crowded |
Advantages of Moving to New York City
Moving to New York City offers endless job opportunities, access to excellent education, and a vibrant social scene.
If you’re considering relocating, here are a few perks you can look forward to in NYC:
1. Numerous Job Opportunities
The top advantage of living in NYC is the wide range of job opportunities.
Whether you’re aiming for your dream role or a high-profile position, New York City has options for everyone.
The city is also home to Wall Street, the core of the finance industry, which attracts talent from all over.
Many news and broadcasting channels like NBC, the New York Times, and VICE media are in New York City.
You’ll find careers in journalism, marketing, fashion, arts, tech, healthcare, and sports—just about any path you want to pursue.
2 Top-Tier Educational Institutes
Living in New York provides access to world-class education through prestigious universities like Columbia University, Cornell University, and the City University of New York, attracting students from around the world.
The city also offers a range of specialized schools if you are interested in areas like design, fashion, and the arts, including:
- Juilliard School
- Fashion Institute of Technology
- The New School
- New York School of Design
- Pratt Institue
- Pace University
3. Great Nightlife and Entertainment
There is a reason that NYC is called “The City That Never Sleeps”: there’s always something to do, no matter what time of day.
The city stays bright and lively at night, with famous spots like Times Square, Broadway, and Brooklyn offering endless entertainment.
Whether you’re looking for live shows, events, or art performances, there’s always something happening to keep you entertained.
4. Good Public Transportation System
You don’t need to worry about owning a car in NYC because the city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, ferries, and trains.
In fact, the NYC subway system is one of the largest in the country, covering neighborhoods across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
So, the next time you plan a day out with family or friends, you can count on the subway to get you where you need to go.
5. Close to Nature
New York has beautiful landscapes and greenery around the city.
Public parks play a crucial role in NYC since most people don’t have private balconies or backyards.
There are many parks across the five boroughs that everyone can enjoy.
Central Park is the most famous park in the city, featuring walking paths, picnic areas, and spacious lawns.
Other great spots to unwind include Prospect Park, The High Line, and Battery Park, all located in nearby neighborhoods.
These parks can be your go-to places for relaxation and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
6. Top-Notch Dining Scene
If you love food, New York City has it all.
Known for its iconic pizza, the city also offers everything from fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants to street food from all over the world. And, of course, there are plenty of delicious desserts to try.
Pro Tip: To find some of the best local flavors, visit different neighborhoods.
For example, Manhattan’s Chinatown is a must-visit for Chinese food lovers.
Disadvantages of Moving To New York City
Behind all the perks and excitement, there are also downsides to living in NYC that you should consider before making the decision to move:
1. High-Cost of Living
Behind the glitz and glamor lies the reality that the cost of living in NYC is very high compared to other parts of the country.
According to the MIT Cost of Living Calculator and the Best Places Cost of Living Index, to survive comfortably in NYC, a minimum annual income of around $124,815 for a family of two working individuals and one child and $92,000 for an individual is recommended.
According to RentCafe, basic necessities in NYC, including food, clothes, and groceries, are 20% more expensive than in the rest of the country.
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in NYC is around $4,570, though apartments are often small and can feel cramped. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate average rent by borough:
- Manhattan: $4950
- Brooklyn: $3,700
- Queens: $3,050
- The Bronx: $2051
- Staten Island: $1,625
Friendly Tip: If you are willing to save some money and sacrifice some commute time, consider options outside Manhattan and Brooklyn; living in the outer boroughs of Staten Island, The Bronx, or Queens can be cheaper than living in the heart of the city.
2. Too Noisy
New York City is known for its vibrant and fast-paced lifestyle, so don’t expect it to be quiet and peaceful.
If you plan to move to NYC, be ready for constant noise—traffic, construction, or the city’s lively energy.
Even if you’re hoping for a quiet night in, the background noise can sometimes be overwhelming and affect your quality of life.
Pro Tip: If you’re not a noise fan, consider avoiding bustling neighborhoods like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The outer boroughs are generally more peaceful and quiet.
3. Extreme Weather Conditions
If you like pleasant weather, there might be better places than New York City.
The state can face extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters, severe storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding in various regions.
The weather in winter is typically unfavorable due to below-freezing temperatures, which makes it challenging to commute and get around.
While winters are freezing cold, summers are pretty intense, too.
It is worse when you enter the subway; it feels too hot and humid. Luckily, there are air conditioners in most of the region’s subway trains.
4. High Crime Rate
When considering moving to New York City, I’m sure the first question that would have popped up in your head would be, “Is NYC safe?”.
Your concern is genuine. With a crime rate of 38 per one thousand residents, New York is considered to be one of the most unsafe countries.
According to Neighborhood Scout, a significant portion of crime in New York City involves violent and property crimes, such as rape, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
While this is essential, it should not be the sole consideration when deciding whether to move to NYC.
5. Traffic and Longer Commutes
As happening as it seems, the hustle and bustle of NYC shows that it has the worst traffic and longer commute times.
The roads are always busy, and reaching from one city to another can take longer even though you feel it’s relatively close.
Pro Tip: Consider public transportation like buses or subways if you commute long distances. It might not be as comfortable as taking a cab, but it would be more reliable and efficient.
6. Dirty and Crowded
You must have seen those pretty, lush green outdoor spaces and those skyscraper buildings in movies and must have felt how beautiful NYC is, but the reality is far from this.
According to a poll, NYC was ranked the world’s second dirtiest city (after Rome) due to rampant rats and foul-smelling piles of trash.
NYC is also overcrowded because most of the families and immigrants have to share living spaces because of high rentals and housing availability in the city
Are You Moving Locally Within New York City?
Planning a move to New York City can feel overwhelming.
While there are many great reasons to move, it’s important to focus on making your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible before making your final decision.
If you’re moving within or out of New York City, hire a local moving company that can help make the process seamless and hassle-free.
You can sit back and focus on other essential things while the movers handle the moving process, from packing your valuables safely to loading and unloading your items with utmost care.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering whether you should move to New York City, it’s important to know that moving to a new place is never an easy decision.
You should take your time to weigh the pros and cons.
Living in New York can be an amazing experience with countless job opportunities.
If you’re drawn to glitz and glamor, great food, diversity, and a happening nightlife, New York might be just right for you.
But it’s important also to be aware of the challenges, like intense weather, heavy traffic, noise, crowds, and less cleanliness in some areas.
Ultimately, the choice to move to NYC should be based on the lifestyle you want in the next few years and whether you can manage the cost of living in the Big Apple.
FAQs
1. Is New York City a good place to live?
The life you imagined in NYC might differ from your expectations, and the cost of living can be higher than in neighboring cities.
However, living in the city has its own perks, including numerous job opportunities in every field, a great career, a good quality of life, great food, beautiful landscapes and scenery, and various things to do.
2. Is life in NYC Stressful?
NYC is ranked as the 36th most stressed city in the U.S., according to Wallethub.
But it really depends on what kind of lifestyle you want.
If you don’t like crowded, noisy, and fast-paced environments, New York might not be for you.
However, if you enjoy a busy and fast-paced life, NYC could be perfect for you.
3. Can I move to NYC without a job?
You can move to NYC without a job, but personally, it is not a wise decision because of the very high cost of living and high rentals in the city.
The job market in New York City is also very competitive, so it is better to have a secured job before you make the decision to move.
4. Is $50,000 enough to live in NYC
The average annual income to live comfortably and meet all expenses for a person should be around $70,000 to $90,000.
To answer your question, surviving on a yearly income of $50,000 will be challenging, but with proper budgeting and planning, it will be possible.
5. How does living in NYC change you?
Living in New York City can help you get used to a busy, fast-paced lifestyle.
You’ll be around people often, which can help you become more socially active.
The challenges of city life can also help you grow personally and professionally.
6. Is getting a job hard in NYC?
New York City has plenty of job opportunities, but securing one can be challenging due to the high level of competition. Your skills need to set you apart to land a great job.
