Thinking About Moving to New York?

Finding a home in NYC doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ll guide you every step of the way!

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New-York-Historical-Origins-Homebuyer-Wallet

Overview about New York

Historical Origins 
4,000-Year-Old Celebration: The first recorded New Year festivities were held by the ancient Babylonians around 2000 BCE, marking the vernal equinox. Later, Julius Caesar declared January 1 the start of the year in 46 BCE to honor Janus, the two-faced Roman god of beginnings 146. 

The Gregorian Calendar: Pope Gregory XIII introduced January 1 as New Year’s Day in 1582, but it took centuries for the world to adopt it. Turkey was the last to switch in 1927 
 

Key Considerations Before Moving

Affordability & Budget 
  • Can I afford NYC’s cost of living? 
  • Have I budgeted for broker fees (12–15% of annual rent) or moving costs? 
  • What neighborhoods align with my budget? 
  • Should I prioritize outer boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx) for cheaper rent? 
  • Rent vs. buy? 
  • Is buying a co-op/condo feasible (20% down payment, strict board approvals)? 
  • What amenities are non-negotiable? 
  • In-unit laundry? Elevator? Proximity to subway? 
  • How will I handle NYC’s competitive housing market? 
  • Am I ready for fast decisions, bidding wars, or guarantor requirements? 
  • What’s my tolerance for noise, crowds, and pace? 
  • Does the neighborhood match my daily needs? 
  • Walkability, grocery stores, parks (e.g., Prospect Park vs. Central Park). 
  • How important is proximity to work? 
  • Is a 45-minute subway commute acceptable, or do I need to live closer? 
  • How safe do I feel in my target neighborhood? 
  • Check crime maps vs. areas like Upper East Side (safe) vs. parts of East Harlem. 
  • Can I access quality healthcare? 
  • Are hospitals (e.g., NYU Langone, Mount Sinai) or clinics nearby? 
  • How will NYC’s stress impact my mental health? 
  • How reliable is public transit (subways, buses) in your target neighborhood? 
  • Is parking feasible, or is a car unnecessary? 
  • What’s the average commute time to Manhattan from areas like Jersey City or Astoria? 

Key Considerations Before Moving

Affordability-and-Budget-Homebuyer-Wallet

Affordability & Budget

  • Can I afford NYC’s cost of living? 
  • Have I budgeted for broker fees (12–15% of annual rent) or moving costs? 
  • What neighborhoods align with my budget? 
  • Should I prioritize outer boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx) for cheaper rent? 
Housing-and-Logistics-Homebuyer-Wallet

Housing & Logistics 

  • Rent vs. buy? 
  • Is buying a co-op/condo feasible (20% down payment, strict board approvals)? 
  • What amenities are non-negotiable? 
  • In-unit laundry? Elevator? Proximity to subway? 
  • How will I handle NYC’s competitive housing market? 
  • Am I ready for fast decisions, bidding wars, or guarantor requirements? 
Lifestyle-and-Neighborhood-Fit-Homebuyer-Wallet

Lifestyle & Neighborhood Fit 

  • What’s my tolerance for noise, crowds, and pace? 
  • Does the neighborhood match my daily needs? 
  • Walkability, grocery stores, parks (e.g., Prospect Park vs. Central Park). 
  • How important is proximity to work? 
  • Is a 45-minute subway commute acceptable, or do I need to live closer? 
Safety-and-Health-Homebuyer-Wallet

Safety & Health 

  • How safe do I feel in my target neighborhood? 
  • Check crime maps vs. areas like Upper East Side (safe) vs. parts of East Harlem. 
  • Can I access quality healthcare? 
  • Are hospitals (e.g., NYU Langone, Mount Sinai) or clinics nearby? 
  • How will NYC’s stress impact my mental health? 
Transportation-and-Commuting%C2%A0-Homebuyer-Wallet

Transportation & Commuting 

  • How reliable is public transit (subways, buses) in your target neighborhood? 
  • Is parking feasible, or is a car unnecessary? 
  • What’s the average commute time to Manhattan from areas like Jersey City or Astoria? 

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