You’re ready to live out your dream and move to one of the best cities in the world—New York City. But where will you live?
Finding the right apartment in NYC can be a difficult task, as it’s pricey, with plenty of competition for each apartment. However, if you know what you’re doing, it doesn’t need to be that bad.
To learn more, keep reading to find the best way to find apartments in NYC—even on a budget.
Know Your Neighborhoods
NYC is a seriously large place, so your first step should be getting to know it well. Research the city and its make-up, which consists of five boroughs—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Within each borough are plenty of local neighborhoods. If you can, it’s a good idea to visit a few times before moving and getting a feel for which area would best suit your needs.
Expand Your Horizons
Sure, you may love the idea of living in Manhattan—but is that realistic? If you want to find the best apartments in NYC, sometimes you need to expand your horizons when it comes to where you want to live.
Consider where you’ll be working, local amenities like grocery stores and pharmacies, and access to the subway. You may be surprised at what amazing neighborhoods you can find if you’re willing to be flexible with your location.
Watch Out for Scams
Unfortunately, there are plenty of people who make their living by taking advantage of naive renters new to the city. Rental scams are common in big cities, especially in New York.
You need to be vigilant when it comes to renting, looking out for bait and switches, fake listings, fake sublets, or requests to wire money. Try to find a real estate agent you can trust—asking friends or colleagues for recommendations is often a good starting place.
Be Firm on Your Budget
NYC has something for everyone, but it may take some time to find it—it’s an expensive city. We recommend working out in advance how much you can afford to spend each month, including utilities—this guide to cost of living in NYC can help.
Although it can be tempting to go over your rental budget for an amazing apartment, this isn’t a good idea, as it won’t leave much money for expenses and savings.
If you’re on a tight budget, it can help to rent a room in a sharehouse or share a room with a friend.
So, Which Is the Best Way to Find Apartments in NYC?
It’s not always easy, but there are plenty of great apartments to be found. We think the best way to find apartments in NYC is a combination of the above tips, as they can ensure you find the right place for your budget.
Start your apartment search well in advance of when you want to move, as you want plenty of time to find the ideal property. It’s worth the effort, once you move into your dream apartment in New York!
Was this helpful? If so, please keep reading for more informative tips.