Are you considering a move from Boston to the Big Apple? For many people, moving to New York City is a life-long dream. Bustling sidewalks, incredible nightlife, 5-star restaurants, the lights of Broadway – these things can be powerful motivators for those looking for a change of scenery.
New York City is one of the most famous and populated cities in the world. It’s also one of the most expensive, easily making the list of the top ten most expensive cities around the globe. While Boston itself can be on the upper end of the price range as well, New York has it beat. Add to that the difficulties posed by the bumper-to-bumper traffic, competitive real estate market, and the challenges of finding a job, and moving from Boston to New York City can be an adventure, to say the least!
That’s why we have compiled a list of our top seven tips for moving from Boston to New York City. Follow the advice listed here to make your transition from a Bostonian to a New Yorker, and you will be well on your way to the adventure of a lifetime.
Save Up Your Money
Aside from the fact that the cost of living in New York City is up to 9% more expensive than in Boston, if you’re planning a move, you will need a substantial amount of money saved up beforehand. The cost of renting a property in New York City can be more than $3,000 a month depending on the location. But that’s not all you will need to get started.
Most landlords in the city will charge the first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and possibly a broker’s fee (which can be up to 15% or equal to another month or two of rent). Add all those costs together and you are looking at an easy $10,000 just to move into your new place. The last thing you want is to make a big move to a new location and then find yourself out of cash.
Finding a Rental Property is Hard
The amount of people in New York City alone means that searching for a rental is not as easy as checking the adverts and putting in an application. There will be many people vying for the same property you’re interested in. And because most properties in the city aren’t put on the market until a month before they’re available, they move fast. You won’t be able to line up for a rental property months in advance.
To improve your chances, make sure you have all the required documentation ahead of time. New York City has strict rental laws designed to protect the renter’s rights. One of these laws says a renter must have an annual income at least 40 times that of the monthly rental payment, and you will need to prove your income to have a chance at getting approved. Things to gather beforehand are pay stubs, a letter from your employer confirming your salary, bank statements, photo ID, and even your tax returns. If you can get a letter of recommendation from former landlords, that will help as well.
Find a Job Before You Move
The job market in New York City is just as competitive as the real estate market. That means if you expect to find a job after completing your move from Boston to New York City, you might find yourself struggling. Unless you have a substantial amount in your savings account that you’re willing to spend until your first paycheck comes in, it’s advisable to find employment before making the jump.
If you currently work for a company that will allow you to transfer to a New York office, that might be ideal. That way you have a guaranteed paycheck coming in from day one and can take your time looking for a new job if that’s your plan.
Expect Extra Moving Fees
If you’re hiring a professional mover to relocate from Boston to New York City, expect to pay some extra fees on top of the agreed-upon rate. Many professional moving companies charge what are known as “access fees.” These fees arise when movers encounter situations that are exceptionally difficult or time-consuming to navigate, like multiple flights of stairs, long carry distances, or the need for an elevator.
Now consider the number of multi-story buildings inside the city, and you will understand why the likelihood of paying these fees is so high. Some companies will charge a fee based on the number of actual stairs they need to climb. Make sure you communicate with the moving company before signing any contract so there will be no surprises when it's time to pay the bill.
Consider Trading Your Vehicle for Public Transportation
Traffic in New York City is notorious for being congested, crowded, and bumper-to-bumper. Add to that the price and limited availability of public parking, and many city dwellers opt for public transportation over owning their own vehicle. Doing so will save you money on parking fees, insurance, and gas – plus save you the headache of fighting for those coveted parking spots. And because New York City has an extensive public transportation system that runs 24/7, getting from point A to point B in this manner is easier than you might think.
You will want to consider the proximity of a rental property to the public transportation system before signing a lease, so you won’t have to hike across town to catch the subway. Other ways to get around the city include Taxis and rideshare companies but expect to pay more than you normally would in Boston. Also, you could always bike your way around!
Plan Ahead
Moving anywhere requires some advance planning and moving from Boston to New York City is no different. In fact, making a move of this size might mean some extra attention to detail to ensure everything goes smoothly. Because most rental properties don’t become available until one month before the start of the lease, it will require careful planning and timing on your part.
You might need to consider storing some of your belongings during the transition if your exit and entry dates don’t line up exactly. Consider choosing a professional moving company that offers temporary storage of your belongings during the process. It’s one less thing you will need to worry about.
Prepare for Culture Shock
Boston and New York City have a lot in common. They’re both large cities with lots of people, full of culture and diversity. But New York City stands alone in many ways. Expect to adjust to some differences when making the transition. One thing that’s greatly different between the two cities is the shopping experience.
While Boston allows you a choice of large, well-stocked grocery and goods stores where you can one-stop-shop for everything you need, most stores inside New York City are much smaller and have a limited selection. This means you will likely have to hit up several different stores to get everything you need. And if you took our earlier advice and ditched your vehicle in favor of public transportation, you will have to get used to shopping for just a few days’ supply at a time. That means smaller shopping trips more frequently.
Conclusion
Moving from Boston to New York City will take a lot of careful planning if you want to ensure the smoothest transition. Every move involves some level of stress and anxiety but making sure you plan ahead will help take some of the worries out of the process for you. Then you can focus on getting ready to start your new life as a New Yorker!
