I'm currently renting in Park Slope and trying to figure out my next move. Cost of living is significantly more compared to where I came from.
Unemployment at 4.9% is {unemp_feel}. With a population of 8,516,202, the city has a {city_feel}.
What I like:
- Friendly locals
- Active community events
- Diverse neighborhoods
- Strong local businesses
- Pet-friendly city
What I don't:
- Not very walkable
- Property taxes
- Wind never stops
- Not much to do late at night
Traffic has gotten noticeably worse in the past year. Honestly the biggest downside is aggressive drivers.
Talk me through this.
31 upvotes
17 Replies
Jordan R.
Parent of two in Tribeca. Schools are great here. The school system in {hood} is actually {adj}.. Would recommend visiting before deciding.
46 upvotes
Silas Cox
Saving this thread.
46 upvotes
Emmett B.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching New York.
Background: 41, college grad, moved from Raleigh 8 years ago for work. Currently in Lower East Side.
**Housing:**
The market is improving right now. We went with Lower East Side because friends recommended it. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Washington Heights - it's affordable and the value is better.
**Work:**
marketing jobs are competitive here. I was worried coming from Raleigh but the market is solid. Salary-wise, expect it varies wildly by field.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 6 months were tough. Then I found my people through a dog park crew. Now I have a solid group. New York people are friendly once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: about average
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: better than you'd expect
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
People here are friendlier than I expected coming from {other}.. For remote workers, I'd give it a 7/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
43 upvotes
Savannah King
Seconding this.
41 upvotes
Teresa J.
Gonna share a detailed perspective since most replies are pretty surface-level.
I'm a military vet in Tribeca. Been here since 2020. Downtown has improved dramatically since I first moved here..
Neighborhood-wise, Tribeca has really changed in the past few years. Murray Hill is the up-and-coming spot right now. Harlem is where I'd look if budget is a concern.
Job market for hospitality: hit or miss. For logistics: affordable.
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.
Happy to answer questions.
39 upvotes
Jose M.
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.
37 upvotes
Nova R.
TIL.
32 upvotes
Owen S.
Born here, left for 10 years, came back. Nightlife is decent if you know where to go.. The city has evolved a lot.
28 upvotes
Mason Scott
OK let me break this down from someone who's been here a while.
Murray Hill vs Park Slope: completely different vibes. Murray Hill is more decent with walkable streets and local shops. Park Slope is up-and-coming and better for families.
Cost-wise, expect /mo minimum for anything decent in Murray Hill. In Park Slope you can find stuff for /mo.
The suburbs vs city debate here is real.. The airport connections are {adj} which matters if you travel.
25 upvotes
Brielle Price
My experience has been different actually. I found that The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. Maybe it depends on which part of New York you're in.
24 upvotes
Gabriel M.
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
- Tribeca: solid value for the location
Tier 2 (best value):
- Harlem: great community feel
- Murray Hill: 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: decent compared to national avg
- Utilities: /mo average
**The Honest Truth:**
Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. New York is pricey but it's not for everyone. If you value community over nightlife, you'll love it. If it's the other way around, maybe consider Salt Lake City.
Hope that helps!
18 upvotes
Lydia
I walk my dog through Hell's Kitchen every day and The {industry} scene here is really picking up.. The vibe has really transformed in the past couple years.
18 upvotes
Christian G.
Alright, I'm going to write the reply I wish someone had written for me when I was researching New York.
Background: 48, remote worker, moved from Charlotte 2 years ago for a fresh start. Currently in Upper West Side.
**Housing:**
The market is underrated right now. We went with Upper West Side because it felt safe. Paid /mo starting out, now at /mo. If I could do it again, I'd look at Park Slope - it's pricey and the value is better.
**Work:**
hospitality jobs are growing here. I was worried coming from Charlotte but the market is mixed. Salary-wise, expect about 10-15% less than coastal cities.
**Social Life:**
This was my biggest worry. First 17 months were tough. Then I found my people through a co-working space. Now I have a solid group. New York people are down-to-earth once you break through.
**Day to Day:**
- Groceries: manageable
- Traffic: depends entirely on your commute route
- Dining out: decent but not world-class
- Entertainment: solid local scene
**Would I move here again?**
I keep discovering new spots even after {yr} years.. For students, I'd give it a 8/10.
Feel free to DM me with specific questions - happy to help fellow newcomers.
16 upvotes
Sebastian Johnson
Noted.
12 upvotes
Janice A.
Moved here from Seattle and I'd say Public transit is {transit_feel} - you'll want a car.. The transit here is great compared to what I'm used to.
12 upvotes
Carter M.
Renter's perspective: honestly it's worth it. I'm in Williamsburg and it's solid. Definitely shop around though.
5 upvotes
Owen Wilson
I've been in Washington Heights for 6 years and Cost of living is {col_feel} compared to where I came from.. I've never felt unsafe walking around {hood} at night.
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