These streets will make you feel brand new. Big lights will inspire you.
The Big Apple is one of the most iconic places on Earth. New York City residents even go as far as to associate the concrete jungle with who they are as a person. With world-class museums, accessible public transportation, delicious restaurants, influential theatres and many famous landmarks, the city is truly a tourist’s paradise.
But while visiting is fun, moving to New York City may feel overwhelming. Between apartment hunting, navigating steep annual rent and the various boroughs of the city, the city feels like no other city.
In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know before you pack your bags and set off to become a New Yorker.
Moving to New York: the complete Big Apple overview
New York City is the most populous city in the United States. Thinking of the city might conjure up images of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the bright lights of Broadway.
However, there’s much more to the city than the tourist hotspots. New York City is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Each has a distinctive personality, with different cultural influences and attractions.
While each area is different, here are some key figures to give you a glimpse of the city overall.
- Population: 8,500,000
- Population density (people per square mile): 29,302.6
- Median income: $70,663
- Average studio rent: $4,264
- Average one-bedroom rent: $5,367
- Average two-bedroom rent: $7,914
- Cost of living index: 100
Popular neighborhoods in New York
Between all five boroughs, New York City has hundreds of neighborhoods to explore. But don’t let this intimidate you. They’re all connected by New York’s world-famous transit system, so you can peruse them at your leisure. Here are a few of our favorite neighborhoods to get you started.
- Astoria: Astoria is located in Queens, just across the river from Manhattan’s Upper East Side. This charming neighborhood is made up of low-rise buildings and small businesses, giving it a more suburban feel than you might expect in the big city.
- Riverdale: Who said you couldn’t get beautiful green spaces in New York City? Riverdale, located above Manhattan in the Bronx, is known for its natural landscapes. With Van Cortlandt Park, Wave Hill and stunning Hudson River views, this quiet residential neighborhood is ideal for New Yorkers who still want to enjoy the great outdoors.
- West Village: The West Village, located in downtown Manhattan, perfectly encapsulates the New York you know from your favorite movies and TV shows. This charming spot is tucked inside the larger Greenwich Village. It features tree-lined streets, historic brownstones and plenty of well-preserved historical landmarks from the neighborhood’s bohemian past.
- Upper East Side: The Upper East Side offers excellent residential options and world-famous cultural sites. Located between Central Park and the East River, the neighborhood offers plenty of places to get outside and explore. The Upper East Side is also home to Museum Mile, where more than a dozen art and history museums await.
- Williamsburg: Williamsburg is a great example of New York’s diversity. The Brooklyn neighborhood has long been a place where cultures blend, with plenty of eclectic dining, art and entertainment options. It’s also known for its family-friendly atmosphere with parks and tree-lined streets.
The pros of moving to New York
New York, the city that never sleeps, holds a unique place in the hearts of its residents. There’s no place in the world quite like New York City and few cities that even come close to comparable. Here are just a few of the reasons that people love living in this city.
A true cultural melting pot
More languages are spoken in NYC than in any other American metro. With its long, rich immigration history, the city hosts a colorful blend of traditions, cuisines and lifestyles. Especially through the distinct boroughs of New York City, which each have its own unique personality and cultural identity.
From the vibrant energy of Manhattan to the artistic ambiance of Brooklyn, the historical charm of Queens, the green serenity of the Bronx and the island spirit of Staten Island, no matter where you go in New York, you’ll always have the opportunity to learn about a different culture.
No car required
New Yorkers love to complain about their subway system. However, even they secretly know they have it better than most people in the other cities. New York City’s subway serves more than 400 stations, making it a breeze to get where you need to be.
The subway map shows the subway also connects to numerous bus lines, ferry stops and commuter trains, giving riders even more options. From the Upper West Side to Staten Island, the subway is the easiest way to get around your new city.
There’s always something to do
Getting bored in NYC just might be impossible. The city boasts hundreds of restaurants, bars, museums, theaters and places to shop. New York City also has excellent parks, scenic riverfront trails and even beaches. Whether your ideal Saturday is spent at the Metropolitan Museum or taking a subway ride to walk the Brooklyn Bridge, you will never run out of places to explore.
The cons of moving to New York City
Of course, no city is perfect. Here are a few downsides that you should consider before you move to New York.
The high cost of living
New York City is one of the most expensive cities in America. Here, you can expect everything from your monthly rent to your groceries to cost a bit more. Space is also at a premium, so even expensive rentals tend to be smaller than what newcomers might be used to. Even your security deposit will be a tad pricier than you are probably used to.
It’s hard to avoid the crowds
NYC is the most densely populated city in America. As such, it can be hard to avoid the crowds when you’re out and about. Neighborhoods in midtown and downtown Manhattan can get particularly packed, so plan accordingly. Consider neighborhoods like Staten Island and Brooklyn when opting for a less densely populated area in New York, with all the same perks and amenities.
The realities of big-city living
Living in any big city can take some getting used to and New York is no exception. The city can be noisy, dirty and downright overwhelming. If you’re coming from a smaller city or town, New York may feel like a different planet. It’s best to visit the Big Apple during your apartment hunt to really get a feel for the space and pace of the city.
How to get started on your move to New York
New York is a city that’s in constant motion. But for the people who live here, no place feels more like home. If you’re ready to make New York your home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Find your perfect New York City apartment here, and get ready for your journey to the city that never sleeps.
Methodology
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. Data was pulled in October 2023 and goes back for one year. We use a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
Population and income numbers are from the U.S. Census Bureau. Cost of living data comes from the Council for Community and Economic Research.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Source: rent.com