New York City – the world’s capital of… well, of everything it is! We all have seen New York City, we all have heard of it. Yet, you are moving now, and it will be very different, not as seen on TV. Still that crowded and continuously glittering though, just like in the movies. Yet the feeling to live in the city that never sleeps is unrivaled. NYC is packed with everything a human may thing of and wish for, day or night. Thus, there are a lot of things to know before moving to New York City. In this moving to NYC guide we will point your attention to what you need to know about moving to New York City.
New York City Cost of Living
One thing that definitely needs your attention is the cost of living. You have to identify exactly how much you can spend on rent in NYC because this will be your biggest expense. Just go online and start looking for your future neighborhood, though renting an apartment in NYC can be incredibly intimidating. The rental prices vary greatly by neighborhood. Expect an average of $2,500 for one bedroom apartment in Manhattan and less in other nearby hoods.
Since most likely you are considering cutting the cost to the bare minimum, keep in mind having a car is the second biggest expense in New York City. This is a great walking city with an extensive public transportation and tons of cabs (just like in the movies). If you love your car and have extra cash, you can have it. Remember though, you will have to spend an average of $450 a month for garage.
Moving withing New York City with Public Transportation
As much as you will have the great opportunity to walk to the nearby grocery store or cafe, most likely to get to work you will need the public transportation. As I said, NYC has a vast train network and dozens of bus lines. The subway pay-per-ride fare is $2.25 as they offer variety of passes and cards to save you money. The best that can happen is to live and work on the same subway line, so you don’t have to make any connections. For more information on the public transportation in NYC go to www.MTA.info.
New York City Taxes
The state and city of New York has one of the highest taxation in the country. Besides State and Federal taxes, NYC charges a Personal Income tax. State tax is 8.5 percent while the city taxable personal income rate depends on your income. It varies between 2.9 and 3.6 percent. Sales tax in the city is 4.5 percent; however, clothing and footwear under $110 are exempt of sales tax.
Life in New York
New York city has been a breeding ground for cultural, social and political movements and changes. You should definitely take the time to experience a guided tour, but stroll the streets of Manhattan yourself and will surely find tons of places to learn more about the city. There is nothing more exciting than introducing yourself to your new home! It’s not a coincidence that New York is the city that never sleeps. This is the place where life is constantly happening. There are thousands of clubs and bars to go to and have fun. It’s the hub of the media and theater world, a vital center for the music and literature world, as well as where Wall Street is. Broadway or Off Broadway play, a big shiny club or a small jazz bar, there is a street leading to all of those. New York Government is the largest public funder of the arts in the US. So, take a pick and enjoy a sleepless night in New York City or an enlightening day in the streets and museums.
So let’s talk about the things you need to know before moving to New York …
New York City relocation guide
Moving could be an intimidating task, especially if it’s in direction to The Capital of The World. You have to hire a moving company that has experience in executing moves to NYC. Of course, you will be looking at the price first, but don’t let that be your only point of guidance when comparing quotes. Check the company’s affiliations and customer ratings. Go online and read reviews on movers in New York or ask the sale consultants about references. Follow the standard criteria and make sure the company is licensed, insured, BBB accredited mover, and that it offers additional insurance if you need for some of your more valuable goods.
New York moving advice
Parking in NYC can be a real challenge. Talk to the movers to make sure they will take care of the parking permits because in New York parking when moving can quickly become your biggest nightmare. It is a mandatory to get a prearranged parking permit near the building in order for the movers to do their job. If you don’t know how, make sure the moving company knows. Keep in mind that moving companies will add all charges of any parking tickets received during your move to your final bill. Furthermore, reserving the elevator is the other mandatory condition for the movers to operate professionally and efficiently especially in New York City. Consider your drop off frame and reserve elevator accordingly. Moreover, most buildings in NYC require that the moving company provide a certificate of insurance in case of any damages to the property. Ask and request such form the moving company.
NYC Moving Cost
Successful moving with the best NYC moving company you select. Getting a NYC moving estimate from a professional moving company is fairly easy. But how to tell if the company moving prices are right? Depending on the type of move, companies charge by the hour if you are moving locally (usually within the state, or the nearby neighboring states) and by weight if you are moving long distance (interstate moves) while some companies charge flat fees when moving from certain popular destinations like Boston or Washington DC.
New York moving costs by the Hour
Many of the local movers charge a hourly rate for a local move. The NYC hourly moving rates are determined based on the number of men and the type of trucks used. Average NYC moving costs for a reputable moving company starts from about $95/hour. Based on the location you are moving to for a studio or a small 1 bedroom apartment it could take between 4 and 5 hours to relocate.
NYC moving rates by Weight
If you are moving from another state, your moving rates will be based on the weight of your furniture and belongings. In most cases companies have a minimum weight charge of 2000 lbs. If you are moving from a popular US cities as Boston or DC, the rates start from $0.50 per lbs and it can go up to a dollar based on the distance. As an estimate a studio or a small 1 bedroom apartment weights about 2200 lbs.
NYC moving Flat Rates
Some moving companies would offer you a flat rate fee for your move for some popular destinations. For example your Boston to NYC moving rates can start from about $1200. The price includes loading, transporting and delivery of all belongings.
Finally you are moving, and in case you need more things to know before moving to New York City, check out the rest of our Moving Resources section and don’t forget to write a review on your cross country moving company and share your experience.
Related posts:
The complete Boston moving guide
The Moving to Chicago guide
Best Rated NYC Movers
