Top tips for relocating to the Big Apple

New York City welcomes an endless stream of visitors from year to year. As one the major cities in the United States of America – and consequently the world – the Big Apple is high on the bucket list for many holiday-makers around the globe and is a centre for international business travel to boot. In fact, NYC & Company estimated that 56.4 million people visited New York in 2022.

If you are planning an extended stay in The City That Never Sleeps, whether for work or to start a new adventure, check out these top tips for relocating to NYC. You’ll be mistaken for a resident New Yorker in no time!

Research residential areas

There are many fantastic residential areas in New York, each with their own character and charm. From the old-world splendour of the Upper East Side in Manhattan to the quiet suburban streets of Queens’ Sunnyside, there are options to suit everyone from families to young entrepreneurs.

You can browse available properties online, but there are advantages to waiting to look until you arrive in the Big Apple. This means that you can view potential properties in person and investigate the surrounding neighbourhood as well. 

Hotels are available as temporary accommodation, or you could consider New York serviced apartments for more privacy and a ‘home-from-home’ feeling. 

Take only essentials

Rather than moving to New York with all of your belongings in tow, take only essentials to start with.

Especially if you haven’t pinned down your accommodation, the last thing you want it to be hampered with unnecessary baggage. You also don’t know the size of the property where you will end up staying, or how much it will be furnished. The rest of your possessions can be brought over at a later date when you have the answers.

Be prepared for crowds

New York City is undisputedly the busiest city in the US, with a population more than double the size of Los Angeles which is the United States’ second largest city. With a healthy flow of tourists adding to the 8.6 million residents, it is safe to say that those looking to relocate to the Big Apple should be prepared for crowds! 

Before you move, take time to research New York’s most popular tourist attractions for insight into where the largest crowds will be. You can also seek out insider tips from long-term locals for hidden hotspots away from the hordes. 

Create a monthly budget

Last but certainly not least, make sure to create a comprehensive monthly budget ahead of your move. 

One thing that everyone seems to agree on is that New York is expensive, particularly in terms of dining out at restaurants and enjoying the city’s thriving nightlife scene. 

Do some research to get an idea of the typical prices, either online or by chatting with the locals. Be sure to look into current tax costs and ask about tipping guidelines too so that you don’t get caught out when the final bill arrives! 

Once you are up to speed, create a realistic budget so that you can enjoy New York to the full without getting caught unawares during your extended stay.