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Are you planning to move to New York City? Many sites can inform you about how to search for an apartment when you want to start your life in Manhattan. From comparing apartment prices in various neighborhoods to identifying the area that’s suitable for renting, all the data you require is a few clicks away. Moving to Manhattan takes a lot of planning and research. There are many districts to pick from depending on your preferences. In case you want to live in a more in-demand neighborhood, you will have to secure a house or an apartment early enough. But, how do you prepare before moving in? The following tips will guide you.

1. Consider the commute

When you move further from the business district, you will extend the distance to work. Although there is a reliable public transportation system, the subway often gets very busy during peak hours. If you live far from work, expect your travel time to last an hour or more. You can still drive to work but the congestion during the rush hour, mainly through the tunnels, will waste your time.

2. Types of property

There are various types of properties to pick from in Manhattan. You will find apartments in a large service building and have a doorman and secure entrance. Older buildings that were constructed in the pre-war period provide exceptional build quality. They are architecturally stunning even though they will offer less modern facilities.

Any new buildings that were constructed in the last ten years have amenities like a gym, valet, swimming pool, maid service, a concierge, and parking. Such apartments have a high demand, and their application process is comprehensive.

3. Fees and payment

You will be required to pay at least a month’s rent in advance although some landlords ask advances for up to three months. Some rentals also ask for a security deposit of 1-2 month’s rent. If you are a foreigner and you don’t have a US credit history, you will pay a high-security deposit that can total up to a whole year’s rent. You may also be asked to pay a real estate fee which is usually 15 percent of your yearly rent for a lease of about an annual.

Another expense you should consider is the communal building fees that may include the payment for a doorman including access to the building facilities, upkeep of the shared areas and parking. Utilities can also be included like water and heating but you will pay the rest separately, and they may also require a deposit. Other fees include a credit check and initial application costs.

4. Financial eligibility

Manhattan landlords set financial eligibility restrictions on their properties and ask for proof of income during the application process. So, you are required to have a contract or a confirmation of your job and salary. Usually, they will ask for an income of forty to fifty times the monthly rent value.

5. Moving logistics

In most cities, it’s easy enough to pull up a U-Haul close to your apartment building and handle to the move-in yourself with the help of a few friends. This is not the case in NYC. Most Manhattan streets are busy and between that and parking permits and shortages, you may have difficulty finding a place to park a moving truck. Additionally, many buildings do not have elevators or have narrow hallways. All of these factors make moving into an NYC apartment difficult. With that in mind, you may want to book professional movers in Manhattan (our recommendation for smaller moves) to manage the move for you. Many New Yorkers find themselves making a very small move and most of the local movers have minimum hourly rates that end up being outrageously expensive for moving a small NYC flat. Our recommended movers are great for small quick moves and can do it an affordable rate.

Congratulations on your upcoming move to the Big Apple! A wondrous new world of excitement, opportunity, and adventure awaits you in the city that never sleeps.

Whether you’re making a move for professional or personal reasons–or a combination of the two–, you’ll want to have the best possible tools at your disposal to make the transition a smooth one. And when it comes to new experiences, there are no better tools than wisdom and learning. So here’s a handy guide to some of the most engrossing and informative blogs on life in New York City, complete with details on what makes each one a must-read.

For the Basics

As you’re getting settled in, you’ll be naturally curious about where to get the best meal or cocktail, what tourist traps to avoid, how to travel around the city. In these areas and so many others, Tracy Kaler’s New York Life website has you covered. The former ballet dancer and New York City addict started this blog in 2011 as a lark and now writes weekly about everything from how to navigate the congested subway system, to the hottest new pizza joint in town.

For the Newcomer

If you’re wondering how to plan your relocation, how to hire movers, what neighborhood to live in, or need any other moving-related advice, check out the Imperial Moving & Storage blog. This New York City moving company has operated out of Greenwich Village (83 Washington Place, New York, NY 10011, (212) 879-6683) in Manhattan for over a decade and offers both local and long distance moving services. They also have a blog that’s chock-full of moving advice, as well as a section providing an overview of NYC neighborhoods and highlights.

For the Parents

Parents with young children at home are often in need of a support network, no matter where they live. While it’s geared mostly toward women, A Child Grows in Brooklyn is an excellent resource for New York City mothers and fathers alike. The website offers parenting and pregnancy tips, as well as a handy calendar of local events that appeal to young families.

Another entertaining blog for this target group is Love Taza, which chronicles the musings of New York mom Naomi Davis as she goes about raising her family in the big city.

For the Entertainers

Young couples or singles who are looking to host the city’s most swinging parties should check out Eye Swoon. This hip blog, curated by founder Athena Calderone, is the go-to spot for stellar advice on all things culinary, design-related, and plain “swoon-worthy.”

For the Professional

If your move to New York were driven largely by Wall Street, then a perusal of Bona Fide Wealth would be a worthy addition to your daily routine. The talented and career-minded writers who fill this blog’s feed are devoted to helping readers meet all of their financial goals, from paying off student debt to saving for a comfortable retirement.

For the Young Man About Town

Graphic designer Jorge Gallegos writes all about fashion, food, and fitness on his man-centric blog; I Am Man Chic.

For the Young Woman About Town

Grace Atwood’s The Stripe is a delightful place to curl up and enjoy this Cape Cod native’s latest ruminations on beauty, style, and wellness. Atwood’s determination and enthusiasm will inspire every woman who’s looking to make a name for herself.

Whatever your stripe, may your adventures in New York take you everywhere you want to go. Best of luck, and happy reading!

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Irish Community Network NYC caters to New York City’s Irish population. Irish immigrants first arrived in NYC en masse during the late 19^th century, spurred by the Potato Famine that devastated Ireland. Eventually around 2 million Irish would immigrate to the United States, settling in cities along the East Coast. At one-time New York’s Irish population made up ¼ of all NYC residents, but today represents about 5% of the total population. Our thriving community remains tight-knit and proudly Irish.

The Irish Community Network NYC was founded in 2018 as a resource for Irish Americans living in the Big Apple. Here, you can find helpful information about our community, including relocation resources and moving guides, information on getting involved, and more.