Relocating to New York

Today marks a year of living in New York City. Friendship, hard work and constant networking have assisted me as I navigate a new life in the big apple. The famous saying boasts that NYC never sleeps. 12 months later, I can attest this to be true though not how I envisioned it. Life can be hectic, between busy work schedules and maintaining a social life you may find you’re not getting enough time for sleep. However, this can be a un-expected joy. I am constantly entering new adventures without much effort be that discovering new neighborhoods or making new friends in the most unlikely of places. I have learned so much from the people who inhabit the city. Not only do I know more about American culture, but I am discovering diverse histories from backgrounds such as South America. Nevertheless, settling into Manhattan takes a great deal of work.

I’ve broken down key lessons I’ve learned about relocating to NYC. Some of this may be specific to UK visa holders but I believe the 8 points are useful for anyone going through the process. I hope that this might help anyone reading who is considering moving to NYC or is already moved on a visa. Many of these facts took me by surprise when I arrived in the USA. Other facts, are more fun tips for making the most for NYC.

1. USA Credit Scores are a crucial part of life.

To integrate into American society, you’ll need a credit score. Especially if you want to rent and apartment in Manhattan. Most places in New York will not accept an application without a Credit Score. Whilst you can use your international credit score, this is only if the agency is willing to undergo the administration behind it. Most places declined my application despite having a perfect credit score in the UK.

Credit Score is only obtained when you apply for a credit card, and after you begin to make payments with said card. However, credit card usage is something of a science here. Done correctly it will benefit the user handsomely, but if you are not frugal and meticulous it can become a hindrance. Always ensure to pay off your credit bills before the statement is issued. This sounds strange at first, but you start to understand how to gauge the costs before the bill is issued. If you pay a day or two before the bill is issued, you will gain a decent credit score. Furthermore, it is encouraged to have multiple cards. However, each time you apply for a new credit card you can expect a dip in your credit rating. This is normal and the credit score increases once you start using the card. With my personal experience it took me over 6 months to gain a reasonable score that would make me considerable for an application for a NYC rental.

Whilst this may sound daunting or worrisome, it is actually well worth the hassle. Having credit in the USA is a very lucrative business. Unlike my UK credit cards, I’m constantly gaining rewards at an exponential rate. With credit points you can reap so many rewards. All of which can be used on flights, travel, and shopping. In short it pays to spend.

2. Opening accounts is tricky

Well done you have obtained a visa to live in the states! Now you need to start a life in the new city. However, trying to open accounts and get the necessities on track can be very timely and stressful.

• One of the hardest things to do will be to open a bank account. I STRONGLY advise having this set up before you arrive in the USA. Especially if the company can help organize this on your behalf before you arrive in the country. Depending on your visa status you may not have a work permit which also requires additional paperwork. Regardless of the visa you hold the next step will be to apply for a social security number. I cannot stress how important the social security number is. You need the SSN to become a member of society. Without the SSN it will be tricky to proceed with opening accounts. However, you need a fixed address as the SSN will be posted to you. Now here is where things get convoluted.
• Trying to get an apartment in NYC is essentially impossible as a foreign newcomer unless you have an insurmountable amount of money to throw at the problem. We will go into this more in the next point. But for now, assume you are in the process of trying to get a place, you will need a bank account. However, to open a bank account they will require a fixed address. Confused? I was too. A vicious triangle prevents you from accomplishing anything fast.
• Solutions: The best thing to do is to get your sponsoring company/ or school (depending on the visa) to provide a letter which allows you to use their building as the address for all paperwork. They will keep the paperwork at the reception which you can collect until you have a place to stay. Alternatively organize a base before you arrive in the city, i.e. Airbnb. It will save you so much hassle in the long run. Sublet in a shared household. The final option is to travel further afield outside of Manhattan where the market is less competitive.   

3. Renting in NYC

To rent in NYC you need a credit score in the USA. However, there are some relators who will consider applications without a credit score. Here are some useful tips for getting an apartment.

• Download the app StreetEasy to gain an understanding of prices and neighborhoods. Book viewings in various neighborhoods even one you never considered; you might uncover your dream area by complete fluke.
• Prices are notoriously high in Manhattan so gage the price of rentals before you arrive in the city.
• Most rental units are unfurnished so have a budget for furniture. I ended up having to buy all my kitchenware, bedding, tables chair etc. This quickly adds up.
• Make sure to be explicit with your relator regarding your situation. Include details of your immigration status or visa. Make sure to know the terms before meeting up with them. I.E Broker Fees.
• Expect dead ends. I went to several viewings where the offer was either declined or the landlord didn’t wish to deal with international credit scores.
• Whatever high standards you had back home they can be forgotten. I came from London in a relatively big flat in Central London and needed to downgrade to a smaller space once I reached Manhattan.
• Washing machines are very rare in buildings, it is not impossible to find places with laundry rooms in the basement. They are higher end prices and hard to obtain with a USA credit score. Thankfully there are a bounty of laundromats at the disposal in the city.
• Getting a building with centralized Air conditioners is not a guarantee. Due to the fact NYC gets very hot summers this was something I looked for in most my viewings. You need to ask relators if you can install a window ac unit. This is the normal thing to do in most rentals. The only rule is that ac units cannot be placed on windows with a fire escape.
• Do not let realtors try to use scare tactics to intimidate you . One relator insisted that it was not possible to get AC installed in buildings and we could only have a free-standing unit. This was a LIE! Nearly all the viewing I went to allowed for AC installation and I currently rent a place where I have installed AC.
• Download the app StreetEasy to gain an understanding of prices and neighborhoods. Book viewings in various neighborhoods even one you never considered; you might uncover your dream area by complete fluke.
• Prices are notoriously high in Manhattan so gage the price of rentals before you arrive in the city.
• Most rental units are unfurnished so have a budget for furniture. I ended up having to buy all my kitchenware, bedding, tables chair etc. This quickly adds up.
• Make sure to be explicit with your relator regarding your situation. Include details of your immigration status or visa. Make sure to know the terms before meeting up with them. I.E Broker Fees.
• Expect dead ends. I went to several viewings where the offer was either declined or the landlord didn’t wish to deal with international credit scores.
• Whatever high standards you had back home they can be forgotten. I came from London in a relatively big flat in Central London and needed to downgrade to a smaller space once I reached Manhattan.
• Washing machines are very rare in buildings, it is not impossible to find places with laundry rooms in the basement. They are higher end prices and hard to obtain with a USA credit score. Thankfully there are a bounty of laundromats at the disposal in the city.
• Getting a building with centralized Air conditioners is not a guarantee. Due to the fact NYC gets very hot summers this was something I looked for in most my viewings. You need to ask relators if you can install a window ac unit. This is the normal thing to do in most rentals. The only rule is that ac units cannot be placed on windows with a fire escape.
• Do not let realtors try to use scare tactics to intimidate you . One relator insisted that it was not possible to get AC installed in buildings and we could only have a free-standing unit. This was a LIE! Nearly all the viewing I went to allowed for AC installation and I currently rent a place where I have installed AC. The same realtor tried to upsell an apartment without functioning electricity and a bathroom that was in disrepair quoting the place as luxury in NYC. This again was a lie.
• If you do plan to rent and it is the peak of summer the non-negational rule for installation of AC is to make sure you get it professionally installed.

4. Eating is expensive

NYC has a diverse and eclectic choice of eateries. It is one of the biggest joys of living in the city. However, eating out can quickly add up. The food tax in NYC is notoriously high so whatever price you see on the menu be prepared to add an additional 8 % sales tax plus and additional 20 % tip on the total bill. Drinks usually nock up the bill though arguably are considerably stronger than the average drinks served in Europe. Most bartenders free pour liquor so be weary of that cocktail.

Takeaway meals are equally as costly. You’ll still need to pay sales tax and in addition any delivery fees onto any order. Sometimes a 20-dollar meal can easily hike in price to 40 by the time you have got to the checkout on Grubhub. Many New Yorker’s keep leftovers which can mitigate the costs.

As a rule, I try to cook meals at home during the weekdays as there is no sale tax on grocery stores like Trader Joes. Grocery shopping at Gristedes, D’Agostino’s or Fairway can be slightly higher tax on items depending on what you purchase. Regardless of which shop that is your local it still works out the cheapest way to eat in the city.

Of course, one of the highlights of city life is just how much diverse option you have in your local markets or eateries. Regardless of the restaurant, the portions will be generous, and the service will be sublime.

Advice: Many New Yorker’s will ask for a box to take the remainder of a meal home. Something that is often frowned upon in restaurants in the UK. Furthermore, when dining for two it is entirely fine to share one dish rather than ordering two separate meals. As portions are much bigger it is usually smart to order one main meal between two.

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6. Transport is cheaper

While the subway is not the prettiest form of public transport it offers a wonderful service for a flat fee. Unlike London where you pay per zone the MTA offers a 2.75 fee that takes the rider from The Bronx all the way to the far end of Brooklyn. It is especially useful when wishing to go to the well sought beach destinations like, Rockaway Beach, Brighton Beach, or Coney Island.

Yellow Taxis are currently cheaper than the Black Taxis in the UK. Honestly, I have paid less in a yellow cab than an Uber or Lyft. The trick is to make sure you hail the cab on the precise location you are heading this is relatively easy given Manhattan’s grid system. For example, if you’re heading uptown from downtown, simply hail a cab on an avenue where traffic is north facing. There are now talks within NYC is to raise the standard price of cabs following the recent partnership with Uber.

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7. Laundry

Oh where to begin. This is one of the annoying parts of the city that you simply must embrace. Nearly every apartment in New York doesn’t come with a washing machine. There are exceptions but these are considered the luxury end of rentals. The city has dozens of laundromats and no matter where you move it will be easy to locate one.

• Depending on your budget you can use a pickup and drop off service where someone delivers your laundry washed, dried and pre-folded to your door.
• Other options include dropping the dirty laundry off yourself to the local laundromat and picking it up the clean laundry in person.
• Most commonly people tend to go to the laundromat and wash the items in the machines.
• Going to the laundromat can be an excruciating experience especially the first time you visit one. You will need cash preferably petty cash i.e., quarters to place in the machine. Then you either will need to bring your own soap or buy it from the laundromat. I once made the mistake of using soap from the laundromat and paid a whopping $20 dollars for using a small drop after an angry proprietor yelled at me. Also finding an available machine can be tricky during peak weekend hours.

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8. The city truly is magical

Whilst it is tricky to set yourself up in New York there is certainly a sense of magic in the city. From the high skylines, cultural hotspots, amazing food, or trendy bars there is something for everyone. Never have I felt so overwhelmed by the sheer density of events then here in NYC.

People are sociable and no matter if you live be it in Queens, Bronx, Brooklyn or Manhattan, you are sure to see friends regularly.

Each neighborhood has a distinct feel. From the fabulous gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen, to the trendy bars in East Village there appears to be something for everyone. Cafes scatter around Williamsburg and many tasty treats can be discovered in Flushing.

In conclusion New York is hard work but it is totally worth it.