New York, an aerial view on the Central Park overlay

How to Survive Moving to New York City Alone

Posted in City Guides,How-to,Moving Tips & Tricks on June 30, 2022

Your lifelong dream of moving to New York City alone is about to come true. Besides all of the excitement, leave room for some facts you should be aware of. After all, relocating to one of the most densely populated cities in the US will require some survival skills that will help in the long run.

Long-distance moving and surviving the Big Apple alone means you’ll just have to make that extra effort. That’s why you should check some of the most important facts about the place, figure out how much money is needed to cover monthly expenses, what jobs you can find, check for the perfect accommodation, and learn how to be OK with yourself in a big place.

Moving to New York City Alone – It’s a Jungle Over There, But You’ll Have a Guide to Survive It

Relocating to a different place alone is stressful enough, from saying goodbye to your loved ones to finding reliable cross-country moving services. However, if you wish to relocate to NY, you must consider all pros and cons first. Yes, an experienced relocation crew will offer you reliable packing service for your belongings, but are you ready to embark on the amazing journey and take your chances in the City of Dreams?

It is perfect for young professionals, college graduates, artists, and pretty much all folk who want to pursue their dreams. However, it can be pretty crowded here, so you will want to prepare mentally for that.

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What Facts About This Place Should You Know Before the Move

Living in the Big Apple will require some preparatory steps before you even move here. So, besides hiring reliable movers for an efficient move, check some important facts every future resident of the Big Apple should be aware of.

Weather

Do not let the rain catch you off guard. Expect a lot of rain in the Big Apple and usually in heavy downpours. So, besides relocation essentials, remember to pack an umbrella. Also, there’s a giant snow storm every now and then that can shut the metropolis down for a couple of hours or days.

Cars and driving

Most folk here do not own a car. According to the US Census, more than 50% of households do not have cars. And there’s a reasonable explanation for that – the Big Apple is a big hassle. There’s rarely a free parking spot and not to mention how expensive maintaining a car is. Adding loan, maintenance, insurance, and gas costs to insanely high monthly costs are unnecessary.

Time

You have to understand that distances here have a whole other meaning – they are deceiving. Even when traveling by subway, always expect a longer commute, even when traveling between neighborhoods that are relatively close.

Is Living in NYC Hard?

If you want to live on your own and make a life here, it is necessary to consider some things before moving cross country. Besides figuring out which of the NYC boroughs will suit you the most and how to have a stress-free relocation, learn whether staying in the Big Apple is really your thing.

Many people would say it is not such a great idea since you’ll have to put more effort into doing some everyday tasks than anywhere else. But with around 8 million residents who are doing it, why wouldn’t you. After all, surviving this place will show what an amazing strength you have. Who knows, after a while, you might share some of the wisdom you got settling in the Big Apple.

A girl holding a cup and thinking about cross-country moving services
Embrace all the different and unknown things you'll run into

How Much Money Should You Have Saved Before Moving to NYC Alone – What to Expect From the Cost of Living

Can I move to NYC alone? Of course, you can, but make sure you’re aware of the NY cost of living before settling in. People who are staying in San Francisco will know exactly what high monthly expenses mean.

The rumors that you’ll run into one of the highest costs of living in the world here are true. One of the reasons is the taxation situation in the Big Apple. The Empire State is ranked as the seventh highest in the country for highest income tax rates – 8.82%. This means you’ll have to pay around $3,700 each year in property taxes, which is much more than the national average of around $1,900.

Although it has a reputation of being one of the most expensive cities in the US (its cost of living is 150% higher than the national average), New York City will be as expensive as you want it. Just make sure you’re aware of all expenses that have to be taken care of and budget correctly. For example, you can walk, cook meals, check the calendar events and see what free options you have.

What Salary Do You Need to Live Alone in NYC?

Many are thinking about leaving the Big Apple because of high monthly expenses. That doesn’t mean you’ll have to stay in a basement shoebox in order to afford the rent. However, surely, one of the biggest relocation mistakes is not having the expenses deducted and relocating to the Big Apple without a job.

Considering all the expenses, it’s estimated that a single person would have to earn at least $40,000 a year. It should be a number to cover all of the needed expenses and even have money to put in your piggy bank. But, keep in mind that everyone has a different lifestyle and considers it reasonably comfortable in a different way. Here’s what you’ll have to pay monthly:

  • Rent,
  • Renter’s insurance,
  • Health insurance,
  • Utilities,
  • Cell phone,
  • Internet,
  • Groceries,
  • Transportation,
  • Laundry.

Explore the Job Market and Figure Out What Would You Do

Figuring out how to get a job before the move is one of the smartest things to do when relocating to the Big Apple. Being unemployed in NYC is never a good idea, so finding any kind of job is good. In the beginning, you might not get exactly the position you want, but it is important to know that the best is yet to come.

In the meantime, ensure you get your life together in a completely different place. Start with some part-time jobs – delivery or in a bar. If you’re relocating for a job, you’ll be in a way better position than those who aren’t. In both cases, don’t let anything stop your way of making your dream come true because the Big Apple is precisely that – the melting pot of opportunities. Start from office assistant, receptionist, administrative assistant, cashier, and customer service representative.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation Is One of the Crucial Things to Do Before Moving Across the Country

Settling in different Big Apple neighborhoods means facing different accommodation opportunities. So, leave all of the things to do after the move and check which part of the metropolis will suit you the best. Many people find this part of the move to New York City the most challenging because figuring out what you need to rent an apartment here will require some special skills.

Before making an apartment checklist, ensure you know what to be aware of when looking for the perfect place to stay in. Start researching some of the more popular sites, such as Craigslist or even Airbnb. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll find what you want (or at least most of it). However, be careful of the offers that are just too good to be true. They usually aren’t.

You might run into apartment advertisements that sound fishy. Double-check them! Ensure you learn all the regulations and rules of renting in the Big Apple. That’s how you’ll know something’s wrong if you’re charged more than $20 per application. Aso, know there might be some apartments with Broker’s Fees, so budget wisely while having these facts on your mind. Check the video below for a bigger picture of how apartment hunting works.

Be Aware of the High Apartment Rents in New York City

Renting a one-bedroom palace in the center will be about $3,400, according to Numbeo. For many people, that’s not an option, and besides finding some small apartment ideas, it is best to find someone to move in with. Many folks do it because it is one of the greatest ways to live comfortably in expensive cities.

With over eight million residents, you can understand why finding a suitable place to be is a battlefield in the Big Apple. However, with roommates, everything will be much easier. That way, you’ll split all of the expenses and maybe be able to rent some storage for your belongings. Don’t worry, there are a bunch of creative storage ideas to use. Check some of them in the video below.

Is Living in NYC Lonely? – Learn How to Be OK Being Alone

Large cities might leave the wrong impression when just visiting them as a tourist. Being in one is a whole another thing, and when it comes to NYC, it is better to face the ugly truth. Making friends will be harder than you think. That’s why it is great to learn how to enjoy “me time” and being alone.

Don’t let this cause depression after the relocation, especially when relocating for the first time. It’s best to keep yourself busy – check the music festivals such as Brooklyn Academy of Music, see a movie at The Metrograph, go for a run, or do whatever suits you. Take advantage of this metropolis. Don’t let a lack of company stop you from enjoying all the exciting and unique activities you’ll find here.

The USA Fashion Capital Will Ensure You Feel Good in Your Skin

Relocating to a big place has its ups and downs. Surely one of the advantages is diversity and not feeling suffocated by the small environment. Here you can truly be yourself, and no one will judge you for that. The truth is that no one will care what you look like and what you do. But is it safe to live alone in New York? Absolutely! You won’t have to worry about walking alone at night because this place never sleeps.

That’s just one of many reasons why this place is so attractive to many folks all around the world. Also, it doesn’t matter if you decide to go to the supermarket in pajamas or with full makeup at 5 a.m. – it’s completely on you, and there will be no judgy looks and questions like, is everything OK. Everyone minds their own business.

What to Do the Big Apple in Your Free Time

Considering all the reasons for a move can be quite a stressful process, especially when relocating to a different home in a metropolis with around 20 million residents, which can be a bit crowded for some people. However, NYC has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor and indoor activities. It’s the most vibrant place across the globe with amazing food, art, and a fashion scene.

The most famous museums are situated here – The Met, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Also, there are different things to do in NY with kids. If you’re interested in exploring everything on foot, check the video below for what you need to see.

The Whole Transition Will Be Easier With Professional Cross-Country Movers

Having experienced and professional long-distance movers while relocating to a metropolis like this is more than essential. They will ensure your move is effortless and stress-free, which is one step to surviving the entire transition. After all, having all of your belongings safely transported to the Big Apple will help you embark on this journey of life like a pro.

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

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