New Job / New City [NYC]

[peoplesuck]

After a long time in the old job, I got a call to work in New York city. I actually lose a bit of money switching, but it will be a new adventure. So I'm excited.

However, I know next to nothing about New York City.
NOTHINGme

It seems incredibly expensive, anyone know where It is reasonable [in terms of cost] to live but within reasonable distance of downtown?

[KiaKat]

*waves*

Welcome!

Yes, the city can be expensive, but there are two places to consider:

1. Live in New Jersey
---- The main reason for saying this is that housing is cheaper, food is cheaper, and general cost-of-living is cheaper. Plus, if you live right on the river, it's a quick hop via PATH train to downtown, especially now that the new WTC station is open.

2. Live in an outer borough
---- By this, I mean either Brooklyn (which is where I live) or Queens. These days, Astoria is nearly as expensive as Manhattan, but there's still Woodside and Sunnyside, both of which have decent space for the money.

If you're going to live in Brooklyn, keep in mind just how long your commute will be, and what trains you'll be taking. I do *not* recommend driving in every day for a commute, unless you're working off hours...and even then, the bridges SUCK - I've had to wait in traffic for the Brooklyn Bridge for nearly an hour at 11pm at times. Also take into consideration that they're re-doing most of the train lines and stations, so there's a lot of "yes, but" issues to deal with.

You will not get the same space for the money that you're used to. For example, I have a bit less than 1000SF of space in my 2 bedroom flat, and I pay 1400/month in South Brooklyn. Part of that is because I don't pay gas, heat, or water, and because the space was renovated just prior to my signing the lease, but that's still about average for a 2 bedroom space with a great living room and eat-in-kitchen. There are exceptions, and I'll gladly review your choice of neighbourhoods as you look, to give you an idea of what is safe and what is "DANGER Will Robinson! DANGER!"

Start with Jersey City. If you don't like anything there, then cross the East River and look over here.

Also keep in mind that within the city, if you use a rental real estate agency to find the apartment, YOU are on the hook for the fee...and the No Fee apartments *will* be more expensive, because they factor the fee into the rent. Usually best to do your own research and try to rent directly from a landlord.

[ShadowTiger]

I actually live in the Valley Stream / Rockville Center / Oceanside / Baldwin / Freeport area myself. I can reach Penn Station from here in about 40 minutes by train, or two hours by bus and subway. It depends on where you're coming from, obviously, but it is definitely possible. Living out on Long Island isn't too bad. It's one of the less expensive areas. Cheaper than Queens and Brooklyn, that's for certain. Long Island is far prettier. I'm not sure what living in New Jersey is like, but it's certainly possible.

Good luck in New York City!

[KiaKat]

Yes, but if you're commuting in every day, that's either a long commute, or an expensive one. Especially if one is trying to save money, the (what is it now?) $7 round trip cost every day adds up. Whereas one can get a monthly metrocard and save a ton of money.

Not to mention, as quiet as that area is, I haven't been terribly impressed with the available activities. Everyone seems to go into the city on the weekends, unless they have kids who do school-related activities.

[peoplesuck]

*waves*

Thanks a bunch! [I had gotten so whirlwinded by work and house hunting I forgot to come back and post!]. I am living in New Jersey, and all in all, I'm happy. My commute to work is about 10 minutes, and costs 3 dollars round trip. [Path trains rock].

I have no idea how large my apartment is, but it has a baby next door [Hello you little screamer]. Its not quite what I was hoping for, but better then I expected. The building was built in 1887. The one big thing is... no closets. My clothes have created tiny little forts on the floor, the dirty republic is gaining a foothold on the spic-and-span principality.

I had a terrible time with an agent, finally just dropped them and found my apartment and signed a lease the same day [working directly with the owners makes life so much simpler].

The internet here is great, comcast 60mbps/10mbps, mmmmmmmm bandwidth. [faster then fios even].

I moved out here without a car, and I see I really do need one =), Vroom vroom.

[peoplesuck]

Rats..... I just found rats scamping around in my new apartment. =(

[trailerparkmedic]

Eeeek!!

I hope you have a good landlord!!

[Andara Bledin]

Get a cat.

If a cat isn't an option, you can actually get cat-spray stuff that you can spray around to make the vermin think you do have a cat.

Either will make them look for a less dangerous area.

^-.-^

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

I moved out here without a car, and I see I really do need one =), Vroom vroom.

A car? In New York? You jest!

I've only been once, and only for 5 days on a short vacation, but holy heck, I never saw so much traffic in my life! I just walked or took the (awesome!) subway.

Except when I went to... Long Island, I think? To visit a friend. Then I took the train and he picked me up in his Vroom Vroom.

I'd love to move to New York, but I'd end up busking in the subways for rent money.

[peoplesuck]

I had a friend drive my Vroom Vroom out when they came to visit. A car in Manhattan would be crazy, but having a place to park the car [Jersey City] is enough to warrant the car. Buying anything bulky makes a car worthwhile; While you can buy anything on foot, you pay a premium; With a car I can drive to the discount stores [Wallmart, Ikea].

When friends visit, they fly into an Airport, I can either pick them up after a 45 minute subway ride crossing multiple-trains and possibly a bus, or a 15 minute car ride. [Not to mention taxi's are 45 dollars from JFK].

Also, I just love to drive.

---

I caught a Rat.... It was a mouse, and cute =(

[PepperElf]

ive only been to nyc twice (2 days in a row) when my ship pulled into Earl, NJ. but i do remember the cabs were expensive, the subways were much cheaper.

i was going to recommend teany but it looks like they're *still* closed from a fire from over a year ago

[Larry1]

Holy Moly!

Rats..... I just found rats scamping around in my new apartment. =(

YIKES!!!
Other than that.....Things are good, Right?

[peoplesuck]

YIKES!!!
Other than that.....Things are good, Right?

I can't complain. Things are working out pretty well. I haven't caught a rat in over a week, and I only hear them in the ceiling occasionally. Its like pets, in a very very large cage.

For some reason I have a hankering for cheese.