13 Things to Know Before Moving to New York, NY 2022
New York is a fast-paced and bustling state with endless opportunities, but outside of the city, there is so much to offer. Of course, anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the arts will find themselves right at home. But, the state is also known for being a wine country, a hiker’s paradise, and a place filled to the brim with historic mansions.
So, if you’re ready to pack up and move to the Empire State, here’s what to know before you go.
1. What's It Like Living in New York
New York is relatively small yet known for being densely populated, with just under 20 million people spanning just under 55,000 square miles. The state is the 27th-largest in the country by size but the fourth most populated. A large majority, 44% to be exact, of New York residents, reside within New York City, with another 14% on Long Island.
Still, the state is also known for being very diverse, with just over 30% of New York residents speaking non-English at home. The most common languages spoken in New York aside from English include Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Italian.
New York shares an international border with Quebec to the north and Ontario to the northeast. To the east, you’ll find Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and New Jersey to the south.
Although they classify New York as a humid subtropical climate, most of the state has a more humid continental climate. The cold, dry air masses of the northwest and the warm, humid ones of the southwest are the two major contributing factors to the year-round weather in the state.
2. Cost of Living in New York
New York is not a reasonably priced state by any means. That said, finding a more reasonable cost of living, depending on where you live, is possible. The overall cost of living in New York is 120.5, higher than the US average of 100. Try using our rent calculator to estimate how much to spend on rent.
Using the most densely populated city, New York City, as an example, according to Payscale, the cost of living in New York is 129% higher, and housing is an astonishing 369% higher than the national average.
Here’s an idea of how much things cost when moving to New York City, as reported by Payscale:
- Energy bill: $210.08
- Loaf of bread: $4.27
- Doctor’s visit: $127.32
- $3.47 for a gallon of gas
Large cities like New York City are undoubtedly the most expensive areas in the state. However, you can still find rent specials or team up with roommates if needed.
New York City
New York City is a diverse city, and despite its size is considered to be one of the safest large cities in the country. While the city is crowded, loud, and incredibly fast-paced, it makes you feel like a kid in a candy shop.
Research shows that the average estimated monthly costs (without rent) for a single person in New York City is $1,364.85. For a family of four, these costs bump up to $5,018.84
Median rents in New York City stand at $3,593 for a one-bedroom and $4,708 for a two-bedroom. That's well above the national average of $1,101 for a one-bedroom.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn, or Kings County, is on the western end of Long Island and is the most densely populated county in the state. Much like New York City, Brooklyn is an iconic city known for its countless entertainment and dining options, which come at a cost.
Research shows that the average estimated monthly costs (without rent) for a single person in Brooklyn is $1,191.92. For a family of four, these costs bump up to $4,383.29.
Median rents in Brooklyn stand at $3,496 for a one-bedroom and $3,882 for a two-bedroom, which is still well above the national one-bedroom average of $1,101.
Rochester
Rochester is located in the western region of New York and has more recently become a hub for tech companies. This uptown city is more family-centric, with many original structures dating back to the previous century.
Research shows that the average estimated monthly cost (without rent) for a single person in Rochester is $922.81. For a family of four, these costs bump up to $3,282.27.
Median rents in Rochester stand at $1,282 for a one-bedroom and $1,437 for a two-bedroom. Compared to New York City and Brooklyn, these prices are much closer to the national average of $1,101 for a one-bedroom.
3. Taxes in New York
The taxes are no exception to adding to the high cost of living in New York. All three major taxes are imposed in New York, including property, sales, and income taxes, which are high compared to the rest of the country.
New York City has a sales tax rate of 8.875%, including the city, state, and use taxes and the metropolitan commuter transportation district surcharge.
4. Who’s Moving to New York?
According to Apartment List’s most recent migration report, the highest share of people moving to New York City are from Philadelphia, Miami, and Washington DC. Renters living in New York City consider moving elsewhere, including Miami, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.
5. New York Job Market and Economy
Compared to other similarly sized metropolitan areas across the county, New York City has a healthier job market. The average annual salary in New York City is currently $66,983, above the national average of $53,490. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate is currently 10.3%, above the national average of 8.1%.
New York City is a hub for countless industries, so many people move to the city for job opportunities. The city serves as the country’s publishing and financial capital, amongst numerous other career fields.
The biggest employers in New York City include many of the top Fortune 500 companies, such as Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Verizon Communications, and Pfizer.
6. Public Transportation in New York
In New York City, only 23% of residents depend on their car alone for transportation. Otherwise, residents commute to work using public transport, including the subway, bus, commuter rail, taxi, and ferry. But, of course, public transportation is not so reliable in more rural upstate areas.
Uber and Lyft are also widely available in the more densely populated regions of the state. But, again, in more rural areas, it might be challenging to rely on these options for transportation.
7. Weather in New York
In New York City, the winters are very windy, snowy, and cold, while the summers are wet, humid, and warm. For the year, the temperature typically varies from 28°F to 85°F. On infrequent occasions, it will drop below 14°F or above 92°F.
May to October tends to be the best time in New York for good weather, with September often being the most favored month in terms of sunny skies, humidity, and heat.
8. New York Attractions
New York is a playground for attractions, from national parks, museums, historical landmarks, etc.
National Parks
New York is home to 24 national parks and spots. Bear Mountain State Park and Harriman State Park are most frequently visited.
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park features outdoor activities, including cross-country ski trails, hiking, biking, and countless other fun opportunities. The park is nestled in rugged mountains formed on the western bank of the Hudson River.
Harriman State Park
The second-largest park in the park system is in Orange and Rockland counties. Harriman State Park includes 200 miles of hiking trails, 31 lakes, and numerous reservoirs.
Notable Museums
In addition to national parks, New York is also home to over 100 museums.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
In New York City, you’ll find the largest museum in the country, the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art. With 17 different departments and over 2 million works of art, the MET is known for housing one of the largest collections of Egyptian art outside of Cairo.
American Museum of Natural History
Also, in New York City, you will come across the American Museum of Natural History. 27 interconnected buildings house 45 permanent exhibits, including everything from a giant Stegosaurus to a life-size display of African elephants.
Things to Do
Here are some things you must do while living in New York.
Stop by the Iconic Statue of Liberty
The most iconic monument within the country is undoubtedly the Statue of Liberty. You can make a day out of visiting both the monument and Ellis Island via ferry running out of Battery Park.
Walk Through Times Square
In Times Square alone, you’ll quickly find that there is a week’s worth of entertainment options. Broadway and 7th Avenue are the heart of Times Square, filled with massive screens, pedestrians, and street performers you do not want to miss.
9. Food Scene and Nightlife in New York
New York's melting pot of different cultures offers something for everyone. You’ll find many iconic foods, including the Garbage Plate from Broderick S., New York-Style Pizza from Westgate Pizza Bella, and Utica Greens from Frank P.
You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars, many of which provide live entertainment in the evenings. Of course, you can also hit the clubs in the downtown area of New York City, including the favored Sultan Room, Black Flamingo, and Good Room.
There’s no shortage of shopping in New York. Visit the Shops at Columbus Circle, Westfield World Trade Center, or Soho Mall for countless shops filled from wall to wall with anything you can imagine.
10. Major Annual New York Events
New York is home to countless festivals and events throughout the year, including some of the most popular:
New Year’s Eve in Times Square - With over 1 million people in attendance, you do not want to miss the biggest party for New Year’s Eve in Times Square.
Bronx Week - In May, there is a weeklong festival celebrating “all things Bronx,” including introductions to the Bronx Hall of Fame.
NYC Brewers Choice Festival - Held at the historic Paramount Theater in Brooklyn each March is the NYC Brewers Choice Festival, which hosts over 40 craft beers.
Diwali Motorcade - In Richmond Hill, there is a Diwali Motorcade, which includes thousands of vehicles decorated in colored lights towing children, dancers, and singers.
Great Wellsville Balloon Rally - Late July in Allegany County brings the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally at the local airport, typically bringing around 40,000 people.
Jefferson County Fair - Mid-July brings around 60,000 attendees to the Jefferson County Fair in Watertown — the longest consecutively running fair in the country.
Essex County Fair - In Westport, you’ll find the historic Essex County Fairgrounds, with the county fair coming every August. Many of the buildings are over a century old.
Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival - In September, you will find the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck.
Pumpkinville - Every Fall, nearly 75,000 people attend Pumpkinville in Cattaraugus County across a 200-acre farm in western New York.
11. Sports in New York
There are 11 major league professional sports teams in New York, including three NFL teams (Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and New York Jets), two MLB teams (New York Mets and New York Yankees), two NBA teams (Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks), three NHL teams (Buffalo Sabers, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers), and one MLS team (New York City FC).
12. Top Universities in New York
In New York, they do not take higher education lightly. Here, you’ll find 240 colleges and universities to choose from. The highest-ranking include Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, University of Rochester, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
13. What City in New York Should You Make Your Home?
New York's best city to move to depends on your lifestyle preferences, career aspirations, and budget.
Moving to New York City or Brooklyn is ideal if you want unlimited access to world-class amenities and culture. The booming art district, countless museums, live concerts, and downtown events make New York City and Brooklyn happening places. Just remember, living in this bustling city comes at a cost.
If you’re looking for a dense suburban lifestyle, Rochester might be your place. Prices are lower, schools are excellent, and you can get out of the hustle and bustle of city life.
Final Thoughts
Ready to move somewhere you can enjoy the high quality of life and low tax rates but unsure about the cost of living in New York? Hopefully, you’ve got a better idea and can start searching for some of the best places to live in New York.
Register for Apartment List to find your perfect neighborhood and apartment in New York.
FAQs: What to Know Before Moving to New York
What’s the weather like in New York?
In New York City, the winters are very windy, snowy, and cold, while the summers are wet, humid, and warm. For the year, the temperature typically varies from 28°F to 85°F. On infrequent occasions, it will drop below 14°F or above 92°F.
What’s the timezone in New York?
New York is in Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), depending on the time of year. This time zone is also Greenwich Mean Time - 4 (GMT-4), three hours ahead of Los Angeles.
What to do in New York?
New York’s biggest draw is its bustling city, where you can visit areas like Times Square, Wall Street, and countless historic skyscrapers. However, the city also offers pristine outdoors, like Central Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Orchard Park.
What region is New York In?
New York is located in the northeastern region of the country. New York shares an international border with Quebec to the north and Ontario to the northeast. To the east, you’ll find Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut as well as Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the south.
What are the benefits of moving to New York?
New York's endless job opportunities, diverse culture, and social lifestyle make it an attractive option for college students, millennials, and retirees looking for a desirable place to live, work, and play. In short, moving to New York offers tons of benefits!
What are the pros and cons of living in New York?
The pros of living in New York include the history and culture, unbeatable food options, career opportunities, and public transportation. The cons of living in New York include expensive living costs, high-paced atmosphere, traffic, and weather. Every city has its pros and cons.
What’s the best neighborhood to move to in New York?
The ten best neighborhoods in New York are Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester, Long Island, White Plains, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx.
What’s it like living in New York?
New York is a fast-paced and bustling state with endless opportunities, but outside of the city, there is so much to offer. Of course, anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the arts will find themselves right at home. But, the state is also known for being a wine country, a hiker’s paradise, and a place filled to the brim with historic mansions.
What are the taxes in New York?
The taxes are no exception to adding to the high cost of living in New York. All three major taxes are imposed in New York, including property, sales, and income taxes, which are high compared to the rest of the country.
What jobs are popular in New York?
New York City is a hub for countless industries, so many people move to the city for job opportunities. The city serves as the country’s publishing and financial capital, amongst numerous other career fields.
What universities are in New York?
In New York, they do not take higher education lightly. Here, you’ll find 240 colleges and universities to choose from. The highest-ranking include Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, University of Rochester, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
What are things to do in New York?
There are plenty of things to do in New York, whether you like spending your time exploring year-round festivals or taking a hike and enjoying the outdoors. Or, if you consider yourself a bit of a foodie, the diverse palette will not disappoint. Unfortunately, finding something to do in New York can be challenging because you have many options.
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