Real tips for new residents of NYC

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 2:24pm

<---- 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?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 5:42pm

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).

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 6:01pm

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.

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

[wexy]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 8:51pm

Don't look up.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 9:01pm

Especially with your mouth open.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/17/10 at 9:02pm

Develop tunnelvision. It is a filter that helps you block out unneeded stimulus. Makes getting from place to place less exhausting.

[singtopher]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 12:51am

- 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.

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

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 12:56am

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.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:11am

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.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:11am

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.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:14am

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.

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:14am

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!

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

[Anakela]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:16am

hopstop.com for figuring out which train will get you where.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:29am

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.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:37am

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.

[singtopher]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 1:51am

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.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 2:28am

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.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 2:49am

- 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

[bschneid76]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 7:29am

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.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 3:19pm

What about finding a good doctor & dentist?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 3:21pm

If you can afford a good doctor and dentist, you don't need to worry about the metrocard cost.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 3:42pm

OK, so then what about an average doctor & dentist?

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 5:02pm

I use yelp.com to find most services and providers in New York City.

[kooky]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 5:06pm

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

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 6:01pm

Get a really really good pair of walking shoes.