Possible first time New Yorker?

Question

There is a possibility that I might be offered a job working in Manhattan. I've actually never visited, let alone lived, in NYC and surrounding area. Are they any suggestions/advice/recommendations/etc that anyone can offer to help smooth my transition, if I end up moving there? I haven't lived in a city larger than 60-70,000 people, but I think I adjust fairly well to big changes.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

Rents are extremely expensive, so make sure that your job offer will compensate for the cost of living. Owning your own vehicle could become a hassle because steet parkiing is hard to find. However, NYC offers great nightlife, museums, fine dining and theatres. On the downside, NYC is infested with mice/rats, so beware of that. Get ready for cultral diversity too, it's very nice.

Answer 2

Congratulations (I THINK!) ! If you get that job- & decide to move to move- prepare yourself for one of the BIGGEST changes of your life! To better prepare yourself for what you're in for; try to get moved in (to wherever you're going to live) at least a WEEK- before you begin your new job. Spend as much of that time as you can- familiarising yourself with the area around your new home and job. See where things "are" -bank, stores, restaurants, hang-outs -etc.. Get a "feel" of the place. If you can at ALL help it- learn to WALK everyplace, or take mass transportation...-the driving & parking situation in the city is a NIGHTMARE. And perhaps most importantly; go about your explorations -looking as though you OWN the place. Manhattinites are PROUD of their little corner of the world- & they make no bones about it. If you look like the latest "yokel" to fly in from Kansas- you're either going to get taken advantage of- or given the old, "And who do you think YOU are..."-stare. Be confident, be interested, and be AWARE... -& you'll end up being just fine. Good luck! :)

Answer 3

considering you'd be moving there, i'd reccommend taking it slow. discover it slowly. where ever you end up living, introduce yourself to your nearest surroundings first. as you get comfortable with being out of the comfort of your home, move out further and further and discover the city. i've moved plenty of times from one big city to a small town to a big city again and it's generally the same method. the more you get comfortable with the places around you, the more that place will feel like home. make a few friend to help you get further and further away from your home. take your time, though. it's a small island, but stuffed and packed to the brim. shop in small amounts otherwise you'll go broke in a day, hah! and discover all the good food.... but one at a time, or you'll be leaving your apartment by helicopter after a month!

check out 43places.com and search "manhattan" and go into the browse menu and check out any places that might spark your interest.

i'd reccommend going to most places by foot, you'll feel at home sooner by checking out the city just by walking. not to mention you'll be in great shape! when i lived in Hilo, HI, i walked everywhere and i was in the best shape of my life! i've done the same in baltimore, as well. i'd go on walks on all my days off and before i knew it, i was getting around like a local. i was taking my new friends to places they've never been! found all the great places to shop and get food and great places to meet people and read a book. baltimore felt like home in no time.

i used to live in brooklyn (born there, too!) and worked in manhattan for a little while, i could tell you some attractions like broadway and rockerfeller and 5th ave, and central park blah blah blah.... but really, when it comes down to moving to a new place, you need to discover it yourself. find the places that will be special and intimate to you. enjoy all the major cites as well, but really find your own comforts in manhattan so when old friends come to visit, they get to see NYC through YOUR eyes. good luck and enjoy the place i used to call home! i miss NY so much. definitely not like LA! (where i am now....)

Answer 4

make sure your salary is commensurate with the cost of living in Manhattan... it's horrifically expensive to live there. good luck! NYC is an amazing place. i should mention that on the weekends it clears out... most of those millions of people you see during the week are commuters who work in the city during the day and return home at night and weekends.

Answer 5

Congratulations!