College student at the university, graduating soon. The food scene in Crown Heights is honestly incredible.
Property values in Tribeca went up 14% last year alone. Crime rate at 570.7/100K residents is something to {crime_feel}.
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go. I feel like New York is becoming more expensive without getting better.
Hit me with your honest opinions.
101 upvotes
35 Replies
Ryan Diaz
I've lived in both Washington Heights and Astoria. Completely different vibes. I don't understand why more people don't talk about {hood}..
49 upvotes
Sadie Edwards
Great question. Here's my honest take after 8 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Friendly locals
- Good schools in certain areas
The not-so-good:
- Chain restaurants everywhere
- Hard to date here
Honestly the biggest downside is {downside}.. I'd say for remote workers, New York is pretty good. Hope that helps!
49 upvotes
local_savannah36
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Harlem vs Washington Heights: completely different vibes. Harlem is more solid with artists and creative types. Washington Heights is pricey and better for retirees.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Harlem. In Washington Heights you can find stuff for /mo.
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.
46 upvotes
Connor R.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 5 years:
The good:
- Affordable compared to coastal cities
- Good airport
- Strong local businesses
The not-so-good:
- Property taxes
- Water quality concerns
The food scene in {hood} is honestly incredible.. I'd say for singles, New York is excellent. Hope that helps!
45 upvotes
Delilah Bennett
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching New York.
Background: 53, single guy, moved from San Diego 10 years ago for work. Currently in Williamsburg.
**Housing:**
The market is great right now. We went with Williamsburg because great school district. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Crown Heights - it's established and the value is better.
**Work:**
tech jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from San Diego but the market is better than expected. Salary-wise, expect competitive for the cost of living.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 9 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. New York people are reserved at first once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: you make your own fun here
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
45 upvotes
Aiden R.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching New York.
Background: 33, single mom, moved from Minneapolis 7 years ago for quality of life. Currently in Park Slope.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Park Slope because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Upper West Side - it's up-and-coming and the value is better.
**Work:**
marketing jobs are competitive here. I was worried coming from Minneapolis but the market is promising. Salary-wise, expect decent if you negotiate.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 4 months were tough. Then I found my people through a church group. Now I have a solid group. New York people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: honestly terrible
- Dining out: surprisingly excellent
- Entertainment: great if you like outdoor stuff
**Would I move here again?**
The parks system here is underrated.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
44 upvotes
Sara H.
Food industry person here. The restaurant scene in New York is hit or miss. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now..
43 upvotes
Emma Rivera
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching New York.
Background: 40, teacher, moved from Cleveland 9 years ago for family. Currently in Harlem.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Harlem because it felt safe. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Bay Ridge - it's growing and the value is better.
**Work:**
retail jobs are stable here. I was worried coming from Cleveland but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 2 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. New York people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: not as bad as people say
- Dining out: improving rapidly
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. For singles, I'd give it a 9/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
42 upvotes
Liam Taylor
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. The city has changed a lot.
40 upvotes
William J.
Interesting take.
39 upvotes
Audrey W.
Worked in tech here for 9 years. Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year.. The market is underrated right now if you're in that field.
37 upvotes
Amelia K.
Night shift worker - New York at 3am is decent. Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from..
35 upvotes
Gianna Brooks
My experience has been different actually. I found that The parks system here is underrated.. Maybe it depends on which part of New York you're in.
35 upvotes
hazel_native
Good to know.
33 upvotes
Isabelle Morgan
Saving this thread.
31 upvotes
Ian T.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Tribeca, Lower East Side, and currently in Harlem. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Tribeca: /mo for a 1-bed
- Lower East Side: about /mo
- Harlem: /mo but decent
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, New York really clicks. Feel free to ask specifics.
31 upvotes
Jeremiah Nelson
Moved here recently, same feeling.
31 upvotes
Leo R.
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive New York guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Harlem: quiet, tree-lined streets, families
- Park Slope: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Murray Hill: underrated and affordable
- Crown Heights: newer development, modern amenities
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. New York is lively but it's not for everyone. If you value affordability over diversity, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Raleigh.
DM me if you want more details.
30 upvotes
Ian Morales
Real talk.
26 upvotes
Jeremiah Patel
TIL.
26 upvotes
Allison H.
My experience has been different actually. I found that I feel like {city} is becoming more expensive without getting better.. Maybe it depends on which part of New York you're in.
25 upvotes
Aurora Johnson
Parent of two in Harlem. Schools are underrated here. The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
24 upvotes
Everett J.
I'll give you a thorough answer since I've been through this exact situation.
I moved to Williamsburg from Seattle about 8 years ago. Initially I loved it immediately. But after settling in, Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
A few things I'd recommend:
- Check out Williamsburg and Harlem for housing
- Don't judge the whole city by downtown
- Talk to your neighbors - people are friendlier than you'd expect
The biggest adjustment was dating scene. The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. Overall I'd give New York a 9/10 for singles.
22 upvotes
Luca Castillo
Been here 1 years, can vouch for this.
21 upvotes
Everett Gutierrez
Parent of two in Bay Ridge. Schools are hit or miss here. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
21 upvotes
Jameson E.
We pay /mo in Greenpoint for a 3-bed and honestly it's worth it. The parks system here is underrated.
19 upvotes
dallasmama2026
100%.
19 upvotes
Aiden Long
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive New York guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Park Slope: safest area, good schools
- Lower East Side: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Williamsburg: hidden gem, locals only know
- Hell's Kitchen: quiet but close to everything
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: excellent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. New York is up-and-coming but it's not for everyone. If you value space over public transit, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Phoenix.
Feel free to ask specifics.
18 upvotes
Allison L.
Great question. Here's my honest take after 4 years:
The good:
- Good healthcare options
- Lots of new restaurants opening
- Good internet
The not-so-good:
- Summers are brutal
- Chain restaurants everywhere
The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. I'd say for students, New York is pretty good.
16 upvotes
Colton Gomez
Moved here from Denver and I'd say The weather took some getting used to but I actually love it now.. The walkability here is solid compared to what I'm used to.
14 upvotes
Sebastian M.
Let me give you the perspective nobody asked for but everyone needs.
I've lived in Park Slope, Bushwick, and currently in Murray Hill. Each one feels like a different city honestly.
Rent comparison:
- Park Slope: /mo for a 3-bed
- Bushwick: about /mo
- Murray Hill: /mo but improving
Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The key is finding your neighborhood. Once you do, New York really clicks.
8 upvotes
Naomi Allen
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If nightlife matters most, then yeah New York is great. But if you need walkability, might want to look at Crown Heights instead.
6 upvotes
Roman Richardson
OK since this keeps coming up, here's my definitive New York guide from someone who's been here way too long.
**Neighborhoods ranked (my opinion):**
Tier 1 (if you can afford it):
- Tribeca: safest area, good schools
- Astoria: growing fast, get in now
Tier 2 (best value):
- Greenpoint: underrated and affordable
- Hell's Kitchen: suburban feel, big yards
Avoid (unless you know what you're doing):
- I won't name names but do your research on anything significantly below market rate
**Cost Reality Check:**
- 1-bed decent area: /mo
- 2-bed decent area: /mo
- Groceries for 2: /mo
- Car insurance: pretty good compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.. New York is established but it's not for everyone. If you value quiet over career growth, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Charlotte.
6 upvotes
Naomi Jackson
Honestly it depends on what you prioritize. If walkability matters most, then yeah New York is great. But if you need diversity, might want to look at Lower East Side instead.
5 upvotes
Cooper Edwards
Moved here from Atlanta and I'd say Grocery prices are creeping up but still manageable.. The traffic here is decent compared to what I'm used to.
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