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How to Adjust Living in a Big City

Many people dream of moving to a big city. Much of the time, when they finally achieve their dream of moving to New York City, there is a bit of a culture shock. When living in NYC, there is a lot to get used to. There is much more hustle and bustle, and a lot less space. Here are a few tips on how to adjusting moving to the big city:

Join a Club

This one may seem a little silly, but it’s very effective in making the big city your home. When moving from a small town to NYC, it’s important to find something you love to do by joining a club, If your hobby is gardening, join a community garden. If you love music, find a favorite local band to see a show. One of the best ways to make a city as big as New York feel more like home is by finding something that you love to do through the club, team, or community.

Never Fear Public Transportation

Driving a car might fly in a small town, but it’s a whole other story in a big city. Most of the time, taking the subway, train, or bus is much faster, easier, and cheaper. It’s important to get a feel of the land and learn about the city by public transit. It helps whenever you get lost and adjusts you to the routes you need to take.

Say Hi to Your Neighbor

One of the best ways to make a big city feel like home is by getting to know your neighbors. In a bigger city, some people like to keep to themselves. You don’t have to sit and play Scrabble with them every other Friday, but simply saying hello and introducing yourself to them is a great first step. This might not lead to you making best friends, but it’s always nice to be friendly with your neighbors to build a stronger sense of community.

Take Time to Explore

The big city will seem big and scary at first, and it will be easy to stick to the places you know right away. Try not to get in the habit of only going to the places you know. The city is big enough to find a new adventure every day. Find new favorite spots and you will fall even more in love with the grand New Your City. 

4 Reasons to Live in NYC

If you’re looking for a new city to move to, you should be considering New York City. There are many reasons that 8.6 million people have chosen to call this great city home. In addition to our world-class museums and entertainment, here are four reasons to live in NYC.

 

1.  NYC is where many great things begin.

If you enjoy being in the “center of the action” or being the first to experience new things, NYC is the place to be. Many great new things start in New York City, including technology, architecture, and music. 

 

2. You can be “green” in NYC.

When you live in New York City, you can opt-out of driving a car. Instead, you can choose to walk to many destinations or, if you have a longer commute, the subway is always an option. Furthermore, an increasing number of apartment complexes are also now composting and recycling. You’ll also find that most places to live in NYC require less energy due to the vertical nature of the buildings. 

 

3. NYC is full of history.

Whether or not you are a history buff, it’s hard not to enjoy the history around NYC. The city’s architecture is full of rich history. Some of the most famous buildings, statues, and monuments are here. New York City is also often the center of “history in the making.” An example is the super tall buildings that are breaking records and will transform the skyline by 2022.

 

4. Nowhere else has the same amount of diversity or variety.

New York City is one of the most (if not the most) diverse cities in the world. Here you can find people of every culture in the world. As a result, you’ll also find restaurants and other bits of culture from across our planet.

Moving Tips If You’re Coming to NYC from Out of Town

Moving itself is a hassle, but moving to New York City presents a set of unique challenges, especially if you and your moving company are unfamiliar with the, ahem, quirks of the city. To ease your transition, be sure to brief your movers on the conditions they might experience, such as the lack of parking, tight spaces, and other issues that might arise. Prepared movers are better movers, and if your mind is drawing a blank, here are a few tips on what to discuss with your mover if you are coming from out of town. What you (and your movers) don’t know can end up costing you extra. 

 

Big Trucks Won’t Fit

Most of the time, you won’t be able to bring an 18-wheeler into the city. Some companies will drive a truck to the outskirts of the city before transferring to a smaller truck to shuttle into the five boroughs. Be aware though: you’ll be charged what’s known as a “shuttle fee” and should be sure to have that included in your quote. 

 

Certifications and Insurance

Most elevator buildings in Manhattan require proof of insurance from the hired moving company prior to authorization to work in the building. As such, out-of-state moving companies will likely be blocked from doing the drop off at the building. If your moving company is from out of state, you may need to look for an additional moving company that has the needed requirements. 

 

Tight Spaces

New York City moves are notorious for their narrow hallways and tight stairways. As Lior Rachmany, CEO and founder of Dumbo Moving + Storage, puts it, “Only the best of movers can move in New York.” Make sure that your movers have experience with these kinds of spaces. More often than not, it will be necessary to disassemble furniture prior to moving. Be sure to discuss what happens to the furniture before it gets loaded on the truck.  

How New York’s New Rent Laws Will Affect Real Estate

Tenant protection laws were first introduced to New York City in 1920. The country was recovering from World War I and many landlords were raising rents monthly due to a housing shortage. 

Just this month, landlords and legislators are having similar conversations about New York’s rent laws. On June 14, 2019, New York State and Assembly leaders passed new laws to protect tenants by controlling rent in New York. In light of the new law, landlords will have limited ability to raise rents, even if renovate their buildings or apartment complexes. Landlords can also no longer be able to raise rents due to vacancies or deregulate apartments.

So what does this mean for NYC real estate? 

The new laws have shocked New York’s real estate investors. Some landlords and investors are concerned that they will not be able to cover the costs of maintaining buildings without the ability to raise the rent. This leads to concerns that property values will decrease and many landlords will choose to sell. 

Some people, however, are seeing opportunity in the new market. Some property owners who will now struggle to stay afloat will be looking to sell quickly and likely for lower prices than they would have otherwise. Furthermore, the newly passed laws are expected to cause foreclosures, which lower property values. Investors who are able to take advantage of the lower prices for property may be in luck. 

The long-term effects of these new laws have yet to be seen. While it’s likely that some investors will suffer as a result of the new restrictions, others may flourish. Many have theorized on the potential outcomes, but it will take time before the consequences come to fruition. In other words, “only time will tell.”

Whisper Listings in New York

If you haven’t heard about whisper listings, that’s exactly what the marketing genius who came up with the idea wanted. They’re properties that are shrouded in mystery on purpose. Curious house-hunters are drawn to the intrigue around them. They’re becoming the new gateways to some of the best-kept secrets in California and New York real estate. Buyers enjoy the privilege of being able to see penthouses, lofts, and estates that are on the market discreetly.

Sellers enjoy the enhanced desirability that being whisper listed creates. It’s not an entirely strategic tactic. Not everyone who has a multi-million dollar home for sale wants that information to go public. Being able to sell the property of higher than average value out of the eye of the press and public is attractive to affluent public figures who don’t want to fall prey to a new rise in negative perceptions about being wealthy. Others simply seek privacy from gossip tabloids and cameras.

The real estate sector is always looking for new ways to build drama around listings. Observers have noticed that properties handled this way don’t sell if they don’t live up to the hype, however. Buyers expect to discover something they wouldn’t find otherwise. Whisper listings do add intrigue but not to the extent that they’re automatically fast sales.

The concept of keeping information private on a specific property, as opposed to aggressively advertising it, is such a winning strategy that a new portal has recently launched. This portal was built and dedicated to promoting the latest whisper listings  One important tip is to understand that the luxury real estate featured on the site will be exclusive. This means that its target market will be high net-worth individuals. While the site idea may seem like a new gimmick to boost the sales of real estate that has slowed down in recent years and can be difficult to sell, Parish Pradhan, the former Keller Williams agent behind it believes that having access to a portal of off-market listings is going to help those shopping for property to sidestep the bidding process and ultimately spend less.

 

Tips for Millennials When Saving for a Home in NYC

The cost of housing may be going up, but millennials could account for 43 percent of property buyers in the United States over the next several months. If you are a part of this demographic and you plan to buy a home in New York City soon, here are some tips that will help you save for your big purchase.

Keep an Open Mind

New York is one of the most expensive places to live, so you might not have as many options as you think you do. Instead of accepting nothing less than a posh Manhattan apartment, be prepared to look at other places that might be more affordable. It’s a great way to keep your options open, even if you ultimately don’t end up where you originally planned to live.

Consult a Mortgage Expert

Before you start shopping around for homes, speak to a mortgage expert to determine what you can afford for a down payment and your future mortgage payments. That will give you a better idea of what you should be looking for.

Stay in One Place or Downsize

Since it costs so much to live in even a small New York apartment, you might need to spend a couple of years saving money. To make this easier, either remain in the home you are in now or downsize. If you won’t have to spend the extra money you make on living expenses, you can set that aside for the kind of home you really want.

Be Patient

Even though we did say that you should keep an open mind and be prepared to look at homes outside of where you originally planned to live, there’s nothing wrong with being patient and waiting for something you love to open up. Buying a home is a long process, especially when you want to live in a place as expensive as New York City. It will take time to save up enough money and be approved for a loan anyway. You can wait a little bit longer for the perfect home to become available.

NYC Neighborhood Guide: Where Tourist Must Visit

 

Planning a trip to New York City? Below you will find a handful of the top attractions, places to see, and which neighborhoods in New York to visit during your vacation.

 

Downtown

Financial District (Wall Street)

 

The financial district or better known as Wall Street encompasses the entire southern tip of Manhattan and is considered the economic capital of the country.

 

Things to do in the Financial District

 

You should take a trip to Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan for a stroll through flower gardens and waterfront landscape. Catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to learn about immigration to the United States through NYC.

 

Explore the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located on the former site of the World Trade Center. Here you’ll find a monument to the lives lost in 1993 and 2001 and learn about the brave history of those who lived through the tragedy and helped to rebuild this iconic part of NYC.

 

See what all the excitement is about at the headquarters of the New York Stock exchange. Stop by the impressive federal Hall building and be sure not to miss 40 Wall Street.

 

Little Italy & Chinatown

 

Little Italy and Chinatown are two distinct neighborhoods that represent two different cultures with an emphasis on one common thing. That thing being delicious, ethnic food.

 

Things to do in Chinatown

 

Be sure to stop by Mott and Grand Streets for exotic food stands busy markets and little shops. If you want a little cultural perspective and for a better understanding of Chinatown, the world’s largest Chinatown outside of Asia, visit the Museum of Chinese in America.

Things to do in Little Italy

 

Check out the boutique shopping scene in NoLlta (North of Little Italy). Then head to grab some delicious Italian cultured food at any of the popular restaurants along Mulberry Street. Then poke around the specialty shops to see all the imported Italian treats.

 

After you’ve shopped and tasted your way through the North of Little Italy, head to the Italian American Museum for a cultural account of Italian immigration to the United States.

2019 NYC Housing Predictions: What to Expect Next Year

The bumpy sales market that took place in 2018 has been a turbulent time for New York City real estate. Luxury prices have continued to sink, and transportation headaches have played a big role in driving market dynamics. Given that the housing market looks different than it did a year ago, here are six broader trends we see dominating 2019.

 

The Buyers Market is Staying

 

The number of homes listed for sale hit all-time highs during 2018, yet recorded sales throughout the city fell. More New Yorkers – seeking to accommodate a growing family, to relocate, or simply to cash out their investment – will inevitably look to sell in 2019, adding to a market that’s already saturated. These sellers will need to take much greater measures to move their homes.

 

Queens is the exception

 

The big outlier in the sales market in 2018 was Queens. Prices there have risen at a consistently faster pace than in Brooklyn or Manhatten, yet remain relatively affordable, with an average listing price of $657,000, compared to Manhatten’s $1.39 million and Brooklyn’s $950,000. Much of the enduring price growth in the borough is attributable to making up for lost time.

 

Downtown is the New Downtown

 

With interest rates and sales prices high, renting will remain more attractive than buying for many New Yorkers in 2019. We expect competition for rental units in many of the city’s priciest, most central neighborhoods to heat up next summer. Rents in newly chic neighborhoods in outer-boroughs now equal in many Manhattan neighborhoods. This past fall, median rents for 1-bedroom apartments in Dumbo, Downtown Brooklyn, and Long Island City exceeded those in Chelsea, Nolita, and the East Village, respectively. Outer-borough new construction may still offer more per dollar in terms of space and amenities, but with roughly similar median prices in many outer-borough and Manhattan neighborhoods, choosing among them has become a matter of preference than affordability.

 

Bedlam on Bedford Avenue

The popular commuting line, the L train, will shut down for 18 months beginning April 27. The market for nearby rentals has been weakening over the course of 2018, as longtime residents decamp for more convenient neighborhoods. Nonetheless, people still have a lot of interest in the neighborhood.

Top 5 Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in NYC

New York City is one of the best locations for raising a family. NYC is diverse, exciting, and full of unique activities for both you and your kids.The city is composed of a wide selection of neighborhoods, including the family-friendly options listed below.

Astoria, Queens

Astoria is one of many great options! The neighborhood offers some of the best schools in the city that are both progressive and affordable. You’ll have access to a wide variety of public parks and playgrounds, as well as a great library system. One of the other great perks of living in Astoria is the Astoria Park, which includes a public pool.

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Bay Ridge is a historical neighborhood that’s a cornerstone of Brooklyn. The area is family friendly, and inclusive of people of all ages and cultures. Renting or purchasing property in Bay Ridge is almost half the cost of renting or buying property in the rest of the borough. The neighborhood also includes great schools, and plenty of parks so your children can play in green spaces.

Harlem

One of the best advantages of living in Harlem is larger apartment options for inexpensive prices. Not only does the area offer an easy downtown commute for parents, but it offers plenty of activities for children. The nearby Riverbank State Park hosts classes in art, music, sports, and dance. The  Apollo Theater and the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling are two other great kid-friendly entertainment options.

Upper West Side, Manhattan

The Upper West Side is home to some of the best schools in the city, and is conveniently located near Central Park so your children will have plenty of room to roam! They’ll also have access to some of the best museums in the world, such as the American Museum of Natural History. The Riverside Park is another attraction that includes playgrounds and historical monuments.

Battery Park City

Located near the financial district, Battery Park City is a sleek yet bustling community and the location of two of NYC’s best schools, PS 276 and Stuyvesant High School. The Battery Park Esplanade, a beautiful road along the river, is a great place to take your kids for a walk or bike ride. There are also a variety of parks, many of which are also dog-friendly, and baseball fields.

Any of these neighborhoods is a great option for you and your family. New York City is one of the most unique and famous cities in the world. Your children will be lucky to grow up there!

The Best Cheap Neighborhoods in NYC

For a certain rarified class home buyer, money is no object. For the rest of us, it’s nice to find a deal. However just because something is affordable, doesn’t mean it should be unappealing.

The following NYC Neighborhoods are calculated based on a cost-per-room metric, presuming that most homes are shared among families and roommates, the ease of their commutes, crime rates, noise complaints, green spaces, and bike friendliness.

From established enclaves like Forest Hills to up-and-coming areas like the Bronx’s Concourse neighborhood, these are places that balance both cost and quality of life.

Windsor Terrace

Tucked away at the southwestern end of Prospect Park, this tranquil spot feels more like a sleepy Hudson River village than the middle of Brooklyn. That small-town vibe can mean fewer shopping and nightlife options than other areas though. Prices remain relatively low compared to prime Brooklyn hoods.

Forest Hills

This leafy Queens spot is quiet, but not too quiet. The tree-lined neighborhood is more bucolic than most NYC hoods. There are also great shopping options such as Sephora, clothing stores, good ramen, and Chinese food, and good bars.

Roosevelt Island

A renovated Manhatten co-op for a mere $800 per square foot? Welcome to Roosevelt Island. This strip of land in the middle of the East River is technically part of Manhatten, making it one of the borough’s more affordable nabes. Data visualization designer Silvio DaSilva moved to the island from Chelsea at the end of 2016. She was immediately drawn by lower prices and what she says is a relaxed, almost suburban lifestyle.

The river views are good too. Linked to the city by the F train and the tram, the area draws steady interest from Queens residents and, occasionally, from mainland Manhattanites. That’s probably due to the spot’s unique vibe.

Bay Ridge

Rounding out the southwest corner of Brooklyn, Bay Ridge isn’t the most accessible of neighborhoods, but between its scenic harbor views, solid shopping, and dining scenes, and affordable prices, why would you want to leave anyway?

The neighborhood contains some of the city’s best Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern food. It also has a quiet, green, and authentic New York feel.

Clinton Hill

With an average price per square foot of $1,013, Clinton Hill doesn’t seem that affordable on the face of it. But with average prices per square foot in spots like neighboring Prospect Heights approaching the $1,300 mark, the area counts as something of a bargain.

It’s also one of the greenest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with leafy streets and charming brownstones.