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Hey all, this is my first blog on TL. The gist is, I am moving to NYC in about a month, I just got a job offer out there to do research for Rockefeller University (I have a few other offers but this one looks to be the most awesome). I mostly grew up in Oregon, living my middle school and high school days in Portland suburbs, and going to college at Oregon State University. I decided about 5 months ago that I needed a change of pace and figured moving to the heart of New York City would do me well. I'm 23 years old and figure now is the time to live life a little. I have aspirations for graduate school, I was actually on track to do research at Yale for a Ph.D but I knew the program would literally sap the youth straight out of my body. So now that you know a little bit about me, I would like to ask for some advice.
I have no idea what to expect when it comes to living in NYC. I visited the city once and decided I wanted a place in Brooklyn because everyone said it was the best place for someone my age. I have family that lives about an hour out of the city and a good friend who lives in Albany. Beyond that I know no one. I don't know what it takes to live in the city monetarily, I'm not sure if I should be looking for a roommate or if I would be better off getting my own place, I really don't know anything. So anyone who wants to throw me some tips, advice, tricks, or just wants to chat, feel free to contact me.
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Get use to commuting the subway
Best to share an apartment with roommates to cover the bill and rent
Manhattan island is considered the "city" but I don't understand that concept I just call it by its name. Brooklyn would be a better residential place unless you find something reasonable on the lower east side of Manhattan, but then again its New York City. Then you can do what all the stereotypical things tourists and new-comers do here! =)
I would tell you neighborhoods in avoid in Brooklyn but then I'll get flamed for racism and things of that nature, I've been residing in Brooklyn since birth and getting tired of it -_-
edit: New York City in general actually..
I agree with jpak, food in Flushing is great especially Korean food and reasonably priced but getting there from Brooklyn on the subway takes forever! If you fancy art museums, visit the Met in Central Park or take a stroll through the area its really nice up there.
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Just about everything, especially food, is overpriced and often mediocre in Manhattan, so watch your wallet. Halal at 53rd and 6th is always good, though: for $6, you get a full meal of chicken or lamb over rice with pita and sauce.
Other than that, enjoy yourself! There's so much to do in the city, especially in the outer boroughs for those willing to seek them out. After your obligatory Broadway show and Museum of Natural History visit, I suggest coming to Flushing at least one time because it has really good food. I go there at least once a week or so.
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don't do it, nyc sucks. you will hate your life
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On June 20 2012 07:42 Disregard wrote:
Get use to commuting the subway
Best to share an apartment with roommates to cover the bill and rent
Manhattan island is considered the "city" but I don't understand that concept I just call it by its name. Brooklyn would be a better residential place unless you find something reasonable on the lower east side of Manhattan, but then again its New York City. Then you can do what all the stereotypical things tourists and new-comers do here! =)
I would tell you neighborhoods in avoid in Brooklyn but then I'll get flamed for racism and things of that nature, I've been residing in Brooklyn since birth and getting tired of it -_-
edit: New York City in general actually..
I agree with jpak, food in Flushing is great especially Korean food and reasonably priced but getting there from Brooklyn on the subway takes forever! If you fancy art museums, visit the Met in Central Park or take a stroll through the area its really nice up there.
Yes, the stroll through Central Park is a must. The best way to experience Manhattan in general is by walking. I did it one time, and I do not regret it to this day.
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The one time I visited the city, I walked around all day. My family members out there are both in the film industry so they knew a ton about the city, the different places to go, good things to eat, ect. I will have to try out this Flushing place. I'm really looking forward to all the adventure. I mean, the whole reason I'm moving out there is for the crazy and frantic style of living. So long trips on the subway/train wont bother me much. I am really looking forward to the museums and Central Park.
@Disregard, you can just PM me what neighborhoods I should avoid in Brooklyn. I'm a complete newbie and I grew up next to one of the softest cities in the US. I don't even know what a "bad neighborhood" really entails. Hell, I could walk around Portland at 3 a.m. and never be scared.
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On June 20 2012 07:58 ZoW wrote:
don't do it, nyc sucks. you will hate your life
hell no, i've lived in nyc since i was born and never once have i wished i grew up somewhere else xD
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NYC feels overwhelming to me. Too inconsistent, unpredictable, crowded, dirty, busy, weird. Sometimes I like people there and sometimes I hate their guts. But since you've decided on it - good luck.
I personally love Boston. I don't know if anything else comes close, need to travel more.
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I live in Brooklyn and it's not that bad. True, you get some racist pricks but you really can't get away from them no matter where you live. Anyway, tips:
Central Park is cool for sure. Times Square at night is beautiful is you can get over the crowds. If you want to try out some cool NYC food, Hell's Kitchen (the area in Manhattan, not the TV show) has everything you ever knew existed and 12 things you never heard of before. Coney Island, the Botanical Garden are both worth checking out at least once. THE MET IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST IMO.
Now for warnings..
The subways and large parks are a bit sketchy at night. Avoid them when you can, but if you must put yourself at risk for a mugging carry a decoy wallet with 5 bucks and a blank metrocard in it. Keep the real one hidden somewhere inconspicuous and the decoy in your front pocket. Don't give money to the people begging on the train - I know their stories seem compelling but if you live here long enough you'll know they have it rehearsed and tell the same one for years straight in order to rip off saps such as yourself 
Don't live in Manhattan. It costs way too much, unless you've got some deep pockets in which case be my new best friend ^^
You'll find a community for any hobby here btw - make sure to look no matter how off-the-beaten-track you think it is 
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Holy shit, the decoy wallet is a great idea. I am really looking forward to all the exploring. The Met looks so awesome.
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The main thing your going to want to do is find a good group of friends. That's all it is about in NYC imo. Once you find friends you can relate to and depend on and especially drink/hang with, you'll be good to go and do anything no matter what. Just be careful because some people seem pretty awesome and then end up being ridiculous/sketchy. Don't just cling to the first people you meet because you're new here.
All the touristy stuff is kool too, but you should save them for crappy days where you literally have nothing to do, since they'll never go away. Find some of the nice free things they have like rooftop movie viewings, plays in central park (if you're low on money).
Where to live? Well, brooklyn is always the go to spot because rent is relatively cheap and all the kool kids live there. You don't have to leave your block to have a good time and find some nice bars. But you might find that people are a little pretentious over there. I live in the Bronx and the rent is absurdly cheap, but it's a hassle to get downtown. Midtown is easy to get to for me.
There's too many things about NYC to describe. I've lived here for 21 years and I still barely explored anything.
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CA10828 Posts
you would probably be fine in astoria too. it would most likely be a shorter commute, considering how huge brooklyn is.
i'm up in east harlem and the neighborhood is kinda sketchy but the rent isn't bad. having the 2/3 and the 4/5/6 within a couple blocks from my apartment makes the entire city easily accessible. just know that the monthly unlimited metro card will cost you $104 per month, so make sure you calculate that into your "necessary expenses" budget if you plan on commuting by subway.
you never want to live by yourself in the city unless you want to live in a closet. and even that might be too expensive lol. definitely get roommates. the cost of living is very high in general. i grew up in vancouver, washington so i know what kind of area you grew up in. everything in the city (manhattan) is much more expensive, including groceries.
PM me if you want any more info.
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