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Real tips for new residents of NYC

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#1

Real tips for new residents of NYC

<---- will be a NYC resident as of next week.

I'm sure with this thread will come a lot of useful information, as well as the much-anticipated humor.

What are some tips for new New York City residents?
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#2

Real tips for new residents of NYC

As someone who is fairly new myself. I would recommend getting an AC unit quickly. It's way hot, and this is one of the worst summers. Get a unlimited MetroCard ($89).
#3

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Well, only get an unlimited (monthly) Metrocard if you're going to make good use of it. Do the math. Consider how much you're going to be traveling by public transit. A lot of times it's worth it, but it's not the default for everybody.

A work of art is an invitation to love.

Updated On: 7/17/10 at 06:01 PM

#4

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Don't look up.
'Take me out tonight where's there's music and there's people and they're young and alive.'
#6

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Develop tunnelvision. It is a filter that helps you block out unneeded stimulus. Makes getting from place to place less exhausting.
Those Blocked: SueStorm. N2N Nate. Good riddence to stupid! Rad-Z, shill begone!
#7

Real tips for new residents of NYC

- Google Maps is a beautiful thing when it comes to finding your way to areas and places you aren't familiar with. It takes 45 minutes to get everywhere. (It seems, at least)

- Have a good book to read on the subway

- Have a good umbrella

- Take time to watch families and kids. It makes it feel a lot more like home.

- Buy only a weeks worth of groceries because thats just about all you can carry 10 blocks by yourself.

- Have a couple of good re-usable tote bags (they're everywhere) to carry said groceries. They also come in handy for other shopping trips.

- Most Chinese restaurants have cheap lunch specials and usually you can stretch them for 2 or 3 meals depending. I know the plate around the corner from me charges $5 for Sesame Chicken place which includes rice, egg roll, and soup.

- Learn where all the Boarders and Barnes and Nobles are for when you are out and about and need to pee.

-Regarding the metrocard, if you're going to take the subway or bus everyday, it's worth getting the card. If you're lucky enough to live in an area where you can walk to work, you probably don't need one.

"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert

Updated On: 7/18/10 at 12:51 AM

#8

Real tips for new residents of NYC

If you're not using your bank's ATM for free, McDonalds has the cheapest ATMs in the city. They are all 99 cents. Duane Reade used to be the same until last month when those bastards raised their fees.

Also, Starbucks has bathrooms you can use along with most McDonalds if you just ask for the key.
#9

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Never buy electronics from people on Canal Street who walk up to you on the street, even if they look heat shrink wrapped. The boxes usually contain a brick.
Those Blocked: SueStorm. N2N Nate. Good riddence to stupid! Rad-Z, shill begone!
#10

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Also, consider joining a seat filling company like play by play or theater extras. It's worth the $100 it costs to join to see some great theater for a year for only $4 a seat.
#11

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Regarding the Metro Card, I didn't catch the whole thing but aren't they looking at cutting back the amount of rides on the unlimited pass or something? My friend told me that they are also looking to charge you extra if you don't 'recharge" the card and you get a new one. Something like a dollar more.
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
#12

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Fifth Avenue...divides the East Side from the West Side.

In most all cases...from 14th street going uptown, even numbered one way streets run EAST and odd numbered one way streets run WEST.
Below 14th you're on your own.

Learn how to use HOPSTOP.com and the MTA's Trip Planner when planning subway and bus trips into unknown territory.

If you can afford a smartphone get one. The maps and search options will prove invaluable when you're trying to locate where you are or where you need to go. Plus you can chat with cute boys in your neighborhood on Grindr or Qrushr!




"Just a Guy. Your feelings are touching. I am gladdened by the thought that you will one day wind up 6 feet under as we all do." - MrRoxy ------ "I do not suggest you walk out the door onto a New York street with your vulnerable child part exposed and not protected..." - Jason Bennett

Updated On: 7/18/10 at 01:14 AM

#14

Real tips for new residents of NYC

When I first moved to New York after college, I was told these "Two Tips for Always Being Happy in New York" by a Tony-winning set designer I was surprised to find myself spending the night with:

"Two Tips for Always Being Happy in New York"

1. Always take a taxi home from a party, especially if you are drunk.

2. Always keep a bottle of Champagne in your refrigerator, so that you will be ready for a sudden celebration.
#15

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Very good advice, PJ.

I'd add to keep an eye on Timeout ny, the village voice, Manhattan urban guide (MUG), and FreeNY online to check for all kinds of free or inexpensive events. Also, most museums have a free night.
#16

Real tips for new residents of NYC

A subscription to Time Out NY is only $20 a year or something close to that. Most of the info is free on-line, but I like having the actual magazine to take around with me. I'm also a part of groupon.com which sends you a coupon deal everyday. I was able to get two weeks of unlimited yoga classes for $15, and they have had good deals for Fresh Direct before as well. Most museums are a suggested donation, so you can hand them a quarter and be on your way.

TimeOut NY did an experiment where they went to all sorts of museums and donated a penny. They got some eye rolls and scorned looks, but nevertheless they got in.


"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition and then admit that we just don't want to do it." -Stephen Colbert
#17

Real tips for new residents of NYC

REALLY great advice! Thanks.

I will more than likely have to get the metrocard. I have a 3-4 month sublet in the upper 100s.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#18

Real tips for new residents of NYC

- Have a good book to read on the subway

Or invest in an ereader if you can afford them. Books ends up taking up room in your apartment. Sony and Nook are the cheapest. I have a Sony EReader Pocket edition.

- Have a good umbrella

Kohls carries great minis all year round. Smaller is better

"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
#19

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Capn--

You will most likely want to get the Monthly Metrocard as you will be traveling the subway at the minimum of 2 times a day. It will cost you 89 dollars, but if you don't go by way of the unlimited choice, you will spend 2.25(and I guess it will be going up soon) per ride. So it will be cheaper in the long run to get the Monthly card.
"Love the Art in Yourself. Not Yourself in the Art." -- Stanislavski
#20

Real tips for new residents of NYC

What about finding a good doctor & dentist?
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#21

Real tips for new residents of NYC

If you can afford a good doctor and dentist, you don't need to worry about the metrocard cost. Real tips for new residents of NYC
#22

Real tips for new residents of NYC

OK, so then what about an average doctor & dentist?
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
#23

Real tips for new residents of NYC

I use yelp.com to find most services and providers in New York City.
"You just can't win. Ever. Look at the bright side, at least you are not stuck in First Wives Club: The Musical. That would really suck. " --Sueleen Gay
#24

Real tips for new residents of NYC

REMEMBER .... stay alert ... above all enjoy all that this fabulous city has to offer ...
WELCOME ....
#25

Real tips for new residents of NYC

Get a really really good pair of walking shoes.
Some people paint, some people sew, I meddle.

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