Moving to New York City offers an exciting opportunity to live in the middle of everything, explore all the latest trends, and try new foods in each of the five boroughs.
But apartment hunting in the Big Apple can be daunting, and you may not know which features to prioritize in your search. Looking at what other renters look for when moving to New York can help you focus your search on the amenities that make the most sense for life in the city that never sleeps.
If these are your dealbreakers, you’re in good company! The five most popular amenities in New York City in 2024 are:
In-Unit Washer and Dryer
In-unit washers and dryers are not a common amenity in NYC due to space restraints or blanket bans that some buildings have on in-unit washers and dryers. That said, in-unit washers and dryers are among the top five most searched amenities in New York City.
Laundromats are about as common as bodegas in New York City, but being able to wash your clothes right at home is a game changer. If you can’t find a rental with an in-unit washer and dryer, consider expanding your search to units with a washer and dryer hookup or a community with a laundry room so you won’t have to drag your laundry basket around the city.
Air Conditioning
With average summer temperatures of 75.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 2000, A/C can make or break your New York experience. While landlords are required to provide and maintain heating, according to the City of New York, A/C is not a legal requirement.
This means that some rentals in New York may not provide A/C. Landlords may allow a renter to install their own A/C units, but that comes with risks of damage and more maintenance responsibilities for the tenant. Finding a rental that provides A/C can save you the liability and responsibility of maintaining an A/C unit.
Parking
While the extensive subway system can take you anywhere you need to go in the city, many residents choose to keep their cars for travel to other parts of New York state. If you want to hang onto your car while living in NYC, parking is hard to come by. Luckily, there are plenty of properties that offer parking.
Many properties in New York offer parking for a monthly fee added on top of rent, meaning that residents who choose not to have a car on the property will not have parking costs factored into their monthly rent and fees. For residents who don’t want to ditch their car once they move to the Big Apple, the monthly parking fee may be worth it.
Dishwasher
Like in-unit washers and dryers, dishwashers are a highly coveted amenity in New York City rentals. If you like to cook, you know how quickly dishes can pile up, and washing them all by hand is tiring.
Dishwashers don’t just make cleaning easier—they also use less water than hand-washing dishes. If utilities are not included in your rent, a dishwasher can help lower your water bill, freeing up time and money you can instead spend on exploring New York City!
Utilities Included
In a big city with so much to do, it’s important to build a budget to ensure you can work and play. Living in a rental with utilities included in the monthly rent can help make budgeting easier.
With a utilities-included rental, you can set aside the exact amount of money you’ll need for essential costs, which gives you a better picture of how much money you’ll have left for groceries, other monthly payments, and fun in the city. A utilities-included rental also means you can crank up the thermostat or take as many baths as you please without seeing a spike in your utility bill, which can translate into a more comfortable lifestyle.
Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com
Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find a place that checks all the boxes. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine. Once you find the perfect location, narrow the search within a price range that works for you.
No matter the budget, the options are endless with Apartments.com. Ready to get started? Pay less, live more, and rent on.
Data provided by CoStar Group’s September 2024 reports.
