Everything You Should Know Before Moving to New York City, NY
Thinking of moving to New York City? With a vibrant population of over 8.3 million and a median home price of $760,000, NYC offers world-class education, diverse neighborhoods, and unmatched cultural experiences. Expect a higher cost of living, average rents around $2,950, and a typical commute time of 41 minutes—most residents rely on public transit. The city enjoys 58% sunny days and strong healthcare access, but be prepared for moderate crime rates and a fast-paced urban lifestyle. Explore housing, schools, and community details below to help plan your move to the Big Apple!
Demographics - New York City, NY
Demographics - New York City, NY
New York City is home to over 8.3 million people with a high population density, making it one of the most vibrant and diverse urban centers in the U.S. The median age is 37, and nearly half of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural character. The city’s ethnic makeup is a blend of White, Black, Asian, and other communities, offering a dynamic and inclusive environment.
Population:
8,336,817
Density:
28,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
48.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
31.0%
Black:
20.2%
Asian:
15.6%
Others:
33.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in New York City, NY?
Living in New York City comes with a high price tag, with the median home value at $760,000 and average rents near $2,950. The cost of living index is well above the national average, particularly for housing and groceries. While utilities and transportation are also above average, many residents find the city’s amenities and opportunities worth the expense.
Median House Value:
$760,000
Gross Rent:
$2,950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
168.6
Grocery:
150.2
Housing:
198.4
Utilities:
115.7
Transportation:
163.1
Health Care:
122.3
Miscellaneous:
123.2
Crime
Is New York City, NY a safe place to live?
New York City experiences moderate crime rates compared to other major cities, with about 573 violent crimes and 1,524 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 174. While safety concerns exist, NYC continues to see improvements in public security and community policing.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
573
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,524
Crime Index:
2,097
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 174
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 66
Weather
What is the weather like in New York City, NY year-round?
New York City has a varied climate with cold winters averaging lows around 27°F, warm summers reaching up to 85°F, and pleasant spring and fall seasons. The city gets nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys about 58% sunny days, offering a classic four-season experience. Residents should be prepared for occasional heat waves and winter storms.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
NYC neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $70,663 and a poverty rate of 18.3%, with nearly 49% of residents speaking a non-English language at home. Over half of locals use public transportation, facing average commute times of about 41 minutes. The community is educated, with 85% having at least a high school diploma and 40% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$48,000
Household Income:
$70,663
Family Income:
$81,400
Per Capita Income:
$43,950
Income Male:
$50,200
Income Female:
$43,300
Poverty Rate:
18.3%
Non English Speakers:
48.8%
Rent:
$2,950
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
56.9%
Commute Time:
41.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.7%
Bachelors or More:
39.5%
Education
How are the schools in New York City, NY?
New York City offers a wide range of educational opportunities, from prestigious public schools like Stuyvesant High School to top private institutions and world-class universities such as Columbia and NYU. The city’s schools serve diverse student bodies and offer strong academic programs. Higher education and specialized learning options are abundant throughout the five boroughs.
Public Schools
Name:
Stuyvesant High School
Street:
345 Chambers St
Phone:
212-312-4800
Students:
3,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.4
Name:
P.S. 234 Independence School
Street:
292 Greenwich St
Phone:
212-233-6034
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Private Schools
Name:
Collegiate School
Street:
301 Freedom Place South
Phone:
212-812-8555
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
Columbia University
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
New York University
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
54,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in New York City is robust, supported by renowned hospitals like NewYork-Presbyterian and NYU Langone Health. The city boasts a high physician density of 4.1 per 1,000 residents and nearly full health insurance coverage at 95%. Access to quality medical care is a major advantage for those living in NYC.
Major Hospitals
Name:
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Address:
525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065
Phone:
(212) 746-9100
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
NYU Langone Health
Address:
550 1st Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone:
(212) 263-7300
Type:
General & Teaching
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
4.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.4%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in New York City, NY?
NYC’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $760,000 and average two-bedroom rents around $3,700. Only about a third of residents own their homes, reflecting strong demand for rentals and a low vacancy rate of 3%. Home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year, signaling steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$760,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
32.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles serves city residents with a main office in Albany and provides comprehensive licensing, registration, and driving resources online. New Yorkers can access DMV services via the official website or by phone. The DMV ensures efficient support for drivers and vehicle owners in the state.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.