Welcome to New York, New York, the city of romantics and the muse of dreamers throughout the decades. With almost 8.5 million residents packed into 302 square miles, the Big Apple welcomes every vagabond shoe with open arms and endless opportunity. Renters considering moving to New York City may picture their future with anxious anticipation – will the bright lights, yellow cabs, and ambitious crowds be every resident’s reality?
If you’re looking for honest opinions, best kept secrets, and tips and tricks to navigating the city, who better to ask than the people who live here? We asked a group of New York City residents what city newcomers should know, from climate and recreation to public transportation and affordability. So buckle up and take notes — the reviews are in. According to the locals themselves, here’s what you need to know about living in New York City.
Who’s Moving to NYC (and Why)?
There’s no denying that the Big Apple is bustling with opportunity. Over the last decade, the city has seen a population increase of 4.25%, with a growth rate of 0.37% in 2023 alone. In fact, much to the benefit of business owners (and to the dismay of commuters) researchers predict that 9 million residents will call the city home before 2040.
We asked NYC renters what exactly pulled them to the city. The chart below shows the primary reason residents are settling down in the World's Capital:
Just over half of all respondents indicated that they relocated to be closer to loved ones or family members. With a number of reputable schools, public parks, extensive housing options, and things to do, this city is an ideal location to build community or start a family. Other top reasons for moving to the city include job opportunities and lifestyle. NYC is a top industry for healthcare, education, and finance, and boasts over 1 million businesses currently in operation with new endeavors popping up every day. Additionally, the city’s unemployment rate was just 5.3% as of 2023, a 1.5% decrease from the previous year. The city’s slew of job openings with admittedly enviable salaries make it the perfect location for fast-paced city lovers.
Why Do Locals Love NYC?
New York is a city that seems to cater to every interest, niche, and lifestyle. Whether you're moving in hopes of reveling in cultural diversity or relocating with the itch to indulge in bright lights and nightlife, you’re almost guaranteed to find what you’re looking for. Here are a few reasons locals love their city.
“I love the atmosphere of the city. From large theatres to small lounges, there is a feeling that can be felt nowhere else but New York.”
"[NYC is a] melting pot.”
Long known as the Great American Melting Pot, NYC still upholds its reputation today. Residents describe the city as a place of “nonstop action and diversity” as well as a mix of “different races, nationalities, and cultures of people.” Unsurprisingly, New York, New York is considered one of the five most diverse cities in the United States, representing Irish, Italian, Jewish, Korean, Chinese, and Puerto Rican communities throughout its boroughs. The city celebrates its cultural variety with authentic cuisine on every corner and annual festivals that light up the streets, like the Chinese New Year parade in Chinatown and a city-wide St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Additionally, NYC not only offers diverse cultures, but diverse experiences. As one resident states, “There is so much to experience living here, from the food to the neighborhoods to the entertainment [. . .] every borough has its own unique [atmosphere].”
“I love the cultural mix of people from everywhere in the world and the cuisine to go along with that diversity. Everyone who moves out of NYC always complains that the pizza or Chinese food where they live is not as good as it was [here].”
"[There is] always something to do in New York.”
Put concisely, you’ll never be bored in New York. Residents rave about the city’s never-ending options to fill their free time, from “shopping and restaurants” to “parks, social gatherings, [and volunteer opportunities].” This city offers an unbelievable number of full-service and takeout restaurants (23,650, to be exact), as well as 1,700 parks, over 100 museums, and some of the US’s biggest celebrations, like the annual New Year's Eve festivities on Times Square.
"I can get anywhere using public transportation.”
Before moving to NYC, prospective renters should know this rule of thumb: if you can’t get somewhere via subway, it’s probably not worth going. In all seriousness, only 45% of NYC renters own a personal vehicle, so public transit is a must. Thankfully for residents, there are 472 NYC Subway stations that service the city 24/7, allowing riders to travel anywhere at any time. Locals agree that one thing they love most about their city is “how convenient it is to get everywhere.” Another local stated, “I like the idea of being able to get around New York City by cab, subway, and walking without [even] needing a car.” New York is ranked as one of the top 5 cities with the best public transportation, so it’s safe to say that rail service is pretty reliable. Additionally, the city offers 204 local bus routes, as well as 31 express routes, offering locals plenty of options to get where they’re going.
"I love the ease of access to everything.”
If there’s one word that surveyed locals unanimously used to describe their city, it’s “convenient.” From restaurants, shopping centers, grocery stores, and public transit, locals have everything they need close by... like, really close. One resident says, “I like how everything is within walking distance of my home and how I can get variety of things I need just within a couple of minutes.” Another local states how convenient it is to have “access to food, transportation, grocery stores, supermarkets, and restaurants all within walking distance.” Keep in mind that it may take some time to adjust to what a New Yorker considers close — most residents are okay with lacing up their shoes for an average 1-1.5 mile walk to work.
“I love the ease of access to everything — walking, subway, cab, ferry. I also love the eclectic [number] of options for entertainment, food, and culture.”
“[I love] having access to food, transportation, grocery stores, supermarkets, and restaurants all within walking distance.”
"The Big Apple [is a] city that never sleeps.”
Calling all night owls — if you come alive when the sun goes down, NYC is the city for you. Adequately deemed “The City that Never Sleeps,” New York City operates 24/7. One local says, “I’m a night owl, so I love that everything stays open at all times.” Another states, “I love that no matter what time it is, transportation and food is always available.” Whether you’re looking to shop, eat, see a movie, or hit the bar, you're guaranteed to find it all, as well as a midnight snack afterword.
“In the City that Never Sleeps, you can eat any type of food or find entertainment, day or night.”
“NYC is the best place on earth. There’s always something [to do] at any time of the day.”
Where To Go and What To Do
In a city with so much to do, it can be overwhelming to even know where to start. Online recommendations turn into pages and pages of restaurants, shops, and events that you’ll never be able to remember. Instead of scrolling endlessly into a rabbit hole of reviews, start by listening to the people who have already experienced the city’s best. Here are the top places to visit in the city, vetted by NYC locals.
Parks and Recreation
In between busy streets and skyscrapers, New York is chock-full of green space to run and relax. The city is home to over 1,700 parks and recreation facilities, amounting to 28,000 acres of green space where residents can soak up the sun. Favorite local spots include Central Park, Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Riverside Park.
Central Park is a historic landmark in NYC that stretches over 843 acres between the Upper West and Upper East Sides. According to one resident, the park is the “most beautiful place in [the] city.” The space is used for a variety of activities, from 5Ks and concerts to bike rides and public fitness classes. Prospect Park in Brooklyn is another local favorite, offering a zoo, ice rink, carousel, and countless recreational facilities. Whether you go solo or with the family, you’ll find something to do every time.
“As far as Parks and Recreation, you will never get bored of Central Park where there is a zoo, nature, paddle boats, and tons of activities all year round. The Bronx Zoo and Botanical Garden are places that cannot be missed if you visit NY.”
Dining and Restaurants
NYC is a foodie haven, offering over 23,000 restaurants throughout the city, 64 of which have earned Michelin-star recognition. From nationally recognized spots to mom-and-pop corner stores, locals love it all. Little Italy is a popular destination, with one person stating, "I love Little Italy and spend lots of time on Mulberry Street." Another adds, "Little Italy in the Bronx as well as in the city are must-go-to places to try delicious food, bakeries, and cafes."
Chinatown is also a local favorite, with one person recommending, "Chinatown in lower Manhattan has many places [to eat . . .] You will find a Malaysian restaurant with delicious noodle plates, roti canai, and then right across the street a Vietnamese place with delicious summer rolls, spring rolls, and Vietnamese pork chops." NYC’s diversity extends past its residents and onto its cuisine. If you can crave it, chances are, the city has a place that serves it. One local sums it up well by saying, ““[From] Spanish, Italian, Indian, [and] Ethiopian [cuisine], we have it all.”
“I enjoy dining and restaurants [in NYC] because the options are limitless, ranging from pizza, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and Indian food."
Shopping
Hey, Upper East Side, Gossip Girl here. If you’re looking to find all things designer and haute couture, NYC is the place to be. In reality, while we can’t all afford to shop like they do on Fifth Avenue, New York City has a vast array of shopping centers for people of all types. Favorite spots for locals to shop include:
- The Shops at Columbus Circle, formerly known as Time Warner Center: Right in the heart of Manhattan, Columbus Circle annually attracts 16 million visitors and offers access to luxury retailers, prestigious restaurants, five-star hotels, and beautiful views of Central Park.
- Union Square: One of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods, Union Square offers a variety of boutiques, popular retail stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Shoppers will find stores like Anthropology, Lululemon, Nordstrom Rack, and H&M, as well as clothing and bookstores that are native to NYC. If you’re in search of something fresh, New York’s largest open-air market, the Union Square Greenmarket, sells produce and locally baked pastries year-round.
- Palisades Mall: While Palisades Mall is located 25 miles outside of NYC proper, it’s a premier shopping destination for locals who are willing to veer off the beaten path. Standing four stories tall with 2.2 million square feet of retail space, Palisades offers 200 shops and over 15 restaurants, as well as a bowling alley, ice rink, and the world’s tallest indoor ropes course.
Entertainment and Events
Perhaps the most coveted aspect of New York City is its ever-changing entertainment districts. Between concerts and festivals, farmers markets and jazz clubs, museums and exhibitions, and theater and performing arts, NYC residents are never at a loss for weekend plans. Notable favorite spots include:
- Broadway (According to one resident, “Attending a Broadway show is an absolute must.”)
- Coney Island
- The Empire State Building
- Madison Square Garden
- The Statue of Liberty
- Times Square
- Lincoln Center
Other notable attractions include NYC’s numerous museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Moving Image, and the American Museum of Natural History. Sports fans recommend stopping by Citi Field to catch a Mets game in the open-air ballpark. Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of things to do in NYC. Instead, we recommend getting out and experiencing New York’s “Broadway and off Broadway shows, restaurants, and activities galore” for yourself. Before you know it, you’ll be crafting your own list of favorites.
Advice From Locals
We’ve hit the highlights: fine dining, night life, and entertainment of every type at your fingertips. However, as any renter knows, moving to a new city means accepting it for the good, the bad, and the rent prices. Here’s what NYC residents think new renters should remember as they settle into the city.
“Living in NYC is great [but] comes at a price.”
“Everything in New York is so cheap!” said nobody ever. If we’re being real, the city has a reputation for its high cost of living. From the fashion to the food to the luxury apartments, much of NYC is upscale and has price tags to match. As one local bluntly stated, “Don’t move here thinking it’s gonna be cheap.” Put a little more gently, it’s a good idea to have realistic expectations of your life in the city. According to one renter, “You need to know that living in NYC is great and it comes at a price. Rent is expensive and it gets crowded here.”
The cost is worth the experience for most renters, but it’s important to “budget extra” and “have [some] money saved up” to start off on the right foot. Be prepared, but don’t be disheartened! As one resident states, “Prices are high, but there is something for everyone [. . .] If [you] enjoy living in an action-packed city with amazing diversity, then NYC is the place for [you].”
"Be cautious and take your time.”
While it may be tempting to jump at the first rental opportunity you see, NYC locals advise that it's best to take your time and think things through before committing to an apartment: “Be cautious and take your time. Big money... little spaces. Think about it!” Since rent is one of your biggest financial commitments, you’ll want to make sure you’re 100% sure of your decision before signing a lease. If you’re moving from out of state, it’s worth taking time to visit potential rentals before deciding on one: “I would advise that [renters] see apartments in person before agreeing to the apartment.”
There are tons of neighborhoods in NYC, and each one has a different energy. Take the time to visit a few different areas and decide which one best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Despite the pictures you may see online, not everyone in NYC lives in a flashy studio in the center of Manhattan. One renter advises, “Look for what’s affordable, and don’t mind others’ opinions.” You’ll be freed up to enjoy all that NYC has to offer if you’re comfortable with the rent you’re paying and at peace with the home you’ve chosen.
“Do your research.”
Let’s not understate it – moving is a big deal. The area you choose to rent in most likely determines where you’ll be for the next 12 months, and you want to love where you live! Start the process by researching potential neighborhoods, safety statistics, transportation options, and apartment amenities. NYC locals advise the following:
- “Check out the area and look at the crime reports. [Also look at] the convenience of transportation to where you live.”
- “There is so much to do and explore in NYC, [as well as] so many great neighborhoods to live in. You just have to do some research on the best neighborhoods and what you can afford.”
- “Visit the apartment and neighborhood during the day and night to really see the full vibe of where you might live.”
- “Most apartments aren’t pet-friendly, so be diligent about finding one [that is if you have a pet].”
Research before you visit so you don’t go in blind! Knowing what you’re getting into and preparing your list of neighborhood must-haves will help you narrow down your search more quickly and will ensure you’re not caught off guard by what you find.
“You have to sacrifice something.”
Finally, New Yorkers may be dreamers, but they’ll be the first to tell you that you can’t always have your cake and eat it, too. One local states, “[NYC] Apartments are small. Rent is high. You won’t get everything you want (unless you’re rich). But NYC is the best city in the world.” Oftentimes, getting what you need from an apartment comes with sacrificing some things you may want. Think about what features are most important to you and which ones you can live without. For example, if you want a more affordable apartment, you may sacrifice square footage and luxury amenities. If you want to live in the heart of the city, you may pay more in rent. If you want more space at a feasible price, you may have to search for apartments on the city’s outskirts.
Renters recommend living in “close by boroughs” or in “safe suburbs nearby” and commuting into the city to save a little money. The reality of living in the big city is that there is no “perfect” way to rent – there's only what’s best for you. Remember that living on the outskirts of New York City doesn’t make you any less of a New Yorker. With a short commute, you can still stroll Times Square with the best of them.
Major cities can often feel like a transient space. People pass through on their way to different opportunities, or they leave for a more subdued location to settle down. Despite New York's fast-paced atmosphere, many renters see the city as their long-term home:
Locals in the Long Run
As seen above, an overwhelming 66% of residents surveyed report that they intend to stay in New York City for ten or more years. In a city so alive with opportunity, we're not surprised. However, if you’re considering finding an apartment in the Big Apple, local recommendations only go so far. You can take their word for it, but you may not believe the full extent of what this city offers until you experience it yourself. Come wake up in the City that Never Sleeps and experience NYC in person. Make yourself a part of the melting pot and shop, sip, and stroll through the city. Stay for a day, a week, or maybe a lifetime. Just remember, once you visit, you may not want to leave.
