Located strategically at the mouth of the Hudson River, New York City has evolved into one of the biggest cities in the world. From a trading post originally settled by Dutch colonists in the late seventeenth century to one of the largest urban conglomerates in the new millennia, New York has evolved into a power city at a global level.
Immortalized in various forms of art from popular cinema to music, living in the city is a dream for many and visiting this place is one of the items on many people's bucket list.
The City that Never Sleeps is packed with things that can satisfy the needs and desires of just about anyone. From a musical show on Broadway to a tour of Central Park, to relishing the cupcakes at the Magnolia Bakery, to a view from the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building, this city beckons one and all.
Here is the guide that will help you relocate smoothly to New York City.
New York City Climate
The climate of New York can be classified as humid subtropical, with cold damp winters and hot, humid summers. Spring time in New York is pleasant, weather-wise. The Atlantic and the Appalachian have a moderating effect on temperature as compared to other cities that are located on the same latitude.
Another attribute called urban heat island – a phenomenon wherein human activities keep the city warmer in the winter when compared to surrounding areas – is common in the city. The city is susceptible to hurricanes and storms, the most recent one being Hurricane Sandy that battered New York City and resulted in flooding and major blackouts.
New York City Neighborhoods
Five boroughs – Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island make up New York City. Tapestries, medieval gardens and sculptures dot the Inwood neighborhood which is famous with students, artists, musicians, and Broadway performers for affordable space and direct subway ride to Midtown.
Morningside Heights is known for its educational institutions like the Union Theological Seminary, Manhattan School of Music, Columbia University, and Barnard College. This place is known for the world's largest Gothic Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Splendid architecture and a park along the river are some of the characters of this neighborhood.
The Upper East Side represents the life of luxury and is close to Central Park and Museum Mile. Replete with over-the-top commerce, insane crowds and scam artists, Times Square is one of the most famous places in all of New York City, and throughout the world as well.
Known for its artist and writer population, the Chelsea neighborhood has evolved from being residential to an upscale neighborhood. From golfing to rock climbing to bowling, the Chelsea Piers Sports Complex offers something for everyone.
Registering Your Car
Upon your arrival in New York after moving to the state permanently, you have a total of 30 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be required to pay a penalty. The state of New York also has laws in place that require your vehicle to pass standard emissions tests prior to registering your car. Also, you must provide proof of insurance that is valid in the state of New York.
A New York Driver's License can be obtained at any New York DMV location. The state requires new New York residents to update their license from their previous state to a New York driver's license. You may be required to pass several tests prior to receiving your new license. Also, there is a $10 fee to update your driver's license.
New York City Schools
New York has the largest public school system run by the New York City Department of Education. It is also home to notable universities like the Columbia University, Barnard College, Yeshiva University and more. There are several other private colleges like The Juilliard School, The School of Visual Arts and many more.
The New York public school system spends more money per student than any other public education system in the nation. Despite recently publicized issues with the deterioration of the public school system in New York City, the majority of New York public schooling offers many opportunities for students.
New York City Employment
New York is one of the three World Economy Command Centers. There are around 42 Fortune 500 companies here which include New York Life Insurance Co., J.P. Morgan and several others.
New York City Moving Resources
There are hundreds of reputable and reliable moving companies in the city of New York to help you with your move and get you unloaded and unpacked in your new home. Whether you're moving from within the state of New York, or whether you're moving from the Midwest or even the West coast, you'll find moving companies that can help you get settled in New York City. Here are just a few of the movers you can find to handle your relocation to New York:
- Olympus Moving & Storage Inc
- Key Moving & Storage Inc
- Velocity Moving and Storage
- High Touch Moving
- Eagle Van Lines Moving and Storage
- Easy Moving & Storage Inc
In addition, there are also many storage companies located within the city in case you need a place to store some of your belongings, whether it's for a short amount of time until you get settled in your new home, or for more long-term storage. You can find yourself a New York City storage company to help fulfill your storage needs.
Living Costs in the City
Renting an apartment and having a car are the two major expenditures that come with residing in New York City. Decide beforehand how much you will be willing to spend on house rent and accordingly search for an apartment in the neighborhood that you would like to live in.
On an average you would be spending around $2,500 on a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. Rents in suburban neighborhoods would be comparatively less. Public transportation is quite convenient in New York City but if you intend to have your own car, then allocate at least $500 a month for a garage.
The sales tax in New York City is 8.87% of which the New York State levies 4.37%. Food items purchased at grocery stores and prescription drugs are exempt from any taxes. Clothing and shoes under $110 are exempt only from the New York City tax of 4.5%.
Public Transportation
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) oversees and manages transportation in the area that extends from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. MetroCards can be used on both subways and buses and in turn these have made it both convenient and inexpensive to travel around the city.
Trip Planner is MTA New York City Transit's online information service wherein bus and subway directions are available. Buses run on all the major routes and have wheelchair accessibility while most subways don't. The Staten Island Ferry is available for free and there are two things that make the trip worth taking - the view of lower Manhattan and a stroll on the waterfront promenade.
Culture and Contemporary Life
The city is the origin of many socio-political and cultural movements. Washington Irving's History of New York describes cultural attributes of Victorian New York. Post-Great Depression saw a celebration of Pan-Africanism and street culture that gave rise to modernism and jazz poetry in literature. One of the largest literary organization centers – PEN American Center – is based in New York. It takes an active role in promotion of literature and encourages international literary fellowship.
Named after the thoroughfare, Broadway is the collective name given to the 39 largest theaters in New York which are located in and around Times Square. Cats and The Phantom of the Opera are some of the world famous shows of Broadway. The New York Philharmonic, established in 1842, has contributed much to the city's musical scene. Jazz with an urban feel gave rise to a type of blues music that became known as New York blues. Prominent singers of this genre are Lionel Hampton and Fletcher Henderson.
From the 60s through the 80s disco dominated the music scene of New York which was reflected in Studio 54 and Paradise Garage. Originated in the Bronx, hip hop was the kind of music that was brought to the mainstream by LL Cool J and Kurtis Blow. The cuisine of New York has an international feel to it as different ethnic communities have contributed their indigenous foods to this place.
Moving to New York City
Relocating to New York City can be challenging as it is considered the capital of the world. The moving company should have the expertise of conducting moves in the city. Prices should be taken into consideration only while comparing quotes. Conducting some research on your part before hiring a moving company is mandatory.
Check for license, insurance and BBB accreditation of the moving company. You should go online and read the company's reviews. Ask for references from the moving consultants and inquire if additional insurance is available for your high-end items. Parking permit, elevator reservation, and insurance are the three criteria for any moving company to operate smoothly in New York City. Find out if all the three are taken care of by the moving company before you hire them.
New York City Relocation Tips
- Hotels in New York City are very expensive as a week spent can cost as much as $1,000. Find a place to live before you move into the city. Craigslist and real estate sites are the places to look out for an apartment.
- If you want to live and understand how the locals live, then you might want to stay away from information sites that are meant for tourists. Information like prices for groceries, how to move around the city and where to find apartment rentals can be found at such sites as NotForTourists.com.
- Job opportunities in New York are numerous, many of which you won't find online – you need to explore the streets. You can also start searching the New York Times job market site where you can find listings by salary, location, and category.
- Parking in the city is not only expensive but extremely difficult. The subway system is an efficient mode of transportation. It can take you anywhere within the city limits.
- The place you choose to live can dictate your style of living. Queens is multicultural while Soho and Downtown Manhattan reflect a more bohemian lifestyle. Staten Island is known for the cheapest real estate which is often due to the long and difficult commute.