9 Pros and Cons of Living in NYC, According to Locals

Welcome to New York, the city of romantics and the muse of dreamers throughout the decades. With almost 8.5 million residents packed into roughly 300 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 about the pros and cons of living in New York, from climate and recreation to public transportation and affordability. According to the locals themselves, here’s what you need to know about living in New York City.

Pros of living in New York:

• Unmatched diversity and culture
• Endless entertainment and activities
• Tons of parks and recreation spaces to explore
• Thousands of restaurants to try
• Exceptional public transportation
• Convenience and walkability
• 24/7 city that never sleeps

Cons of living in New York:

• High cost of living
• Small apartments and limited space

The Pros of Living in New York

There’s no denying that the Big Apple is bustling with opportunity. Locals describe it as action-packed, convenient, and full of personality. Whether you’re moving for job opportunities, lifestyle, or to be closer to loved ones, New York has a way of making renters feel like they’re in the middle of everything.

Pro: unmatched diversity and culture

New York is a city that seems to cater to every interest and lifestyle. 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.” 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.

One local shared their passion for the city's cultural offerings, stating, "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]." Another resident emphasized the unique atmosphere, saying, "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."

Pro: endless entertainment and activities

Put concisely, you'll never be bored in New York. Residents rave about the city's never-ending options to fill their free time. The city offers over 20,000 restaurants, more than 1,500 parks, a vast array of museums, and some of the US's biggest celebrations, like the annual New Year's Eve festivities on Times Square.

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]."

Many locals agree that they never tire of the entertainment options, with one saying, "There is always something to do in New York." Another enthusiastic resident explains, "In the City that Never Sleeps, you can eat any type of food or find entertainment, day or night," while another simply declares, "NYC is the best place on earth. There's always something [to do] at any time of the day."

Pro: tons of parks and recreation spaces to explore

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. One resident affectionately refers to it as 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 one local enthusiastically recommends, "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."

Pro: thousands of restaurants to try

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. One person enthusiastically recommends, "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," while another notes, "I enjoy dining and restaurants [in NYC] because the options are limitless, ranging from pizza, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and Indian food."

Pro: exceptional 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. 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."

One local captured this sentiment perfectly, stating, "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 cities for public transportation, so it's safe to say that rail service is pretty reliable. Additionally, the city offers hundreds of local bus routes, in addition to express routes, offering locals plenty of options to get where they're going.

Pro: convenience and walkability

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. One resident explains, "I like how everything is within walking distance of my home and how I can get a variety of things I need just within a couple of minutes." Another local describes the convenience similarly, noting how accessible they 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. One particularly enthusiastic resident sums up the accessibility best, declaring, "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."

Pro: 24/7 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 enthusiastically 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 afterward.

Cons of Living in New York

We’ve hit the highlights: fine dining, nightlife, 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.

Con: high cost of living

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. However, 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]."

Con: small apartments and limited space

New York apartments tend to be compact, and 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, "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.

One renter emphasized, "Be cautious and take your time. Big money... little spaces. Think about it!" Additionally, one local advised, "Most apartments aren't pet-friendly, so be diligent about finding one [that is if you have a pet]."

Tips on How to Find a New York Apartment

Finding an apartment in New York City requires strategy, patience, and careful planning. With the sheer number of neighborhoods, price points, and housing options available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, by following these expert tips from NYC residents, you can navigate the rental market more effectively and find a home that truly suits your needs and budget.

Research a variety of neighborhoods

The sheer quantity of neighborhoods in New York allows you to find the perfect fit, but only if you do your homework first. 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 strongly advise this, with one recommending, "Check out the area and look at the crime reports. [Also look at] the convenience of transportation to where you live."

Another local emphasizes, "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." 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.

Visit in person

Pictures online can be deceiving, so it's crucial to experience neighborhoods and apartments firsthand. One particularly thorough renter suggests, "Visit the apartment and neighborhood during the day and night to really see the full vibe of where you might live."

This gives you a comprehensive understanding of the area's energy, foot traffic, noise levels, and general atmosphere at different times of day. If you're moving from out of state, it's worth taking time to visit potential rentals before deciding on one to ensure you're making an informed decision.

Check out suburbs

Not everyone in NYC lives in a flashy studio in the center of Manhattan, and you don't have to either. One renter advises, "Look for what's affordable, and don't mind others' opinions." Renters recommend living in "close by boroughs" or in "safe suburbs nearby" and commuting into the city to save a little money.

Remember that living on the outskirts of New York City doesn't make you any less of a New Yorker. Thanks to the subway, it's easy to get around New York, so you can stroll Times Square without living next to it.

Find Your Next New York Apartment on Apartments.com

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 by finding your next home on Apartments.com. 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.

This article was originally published on May 2, 2023.