Real tips for new residents of NYC- Page 2

[Anakela]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 6:05pm

What about finding a good doctor & dentist?

I still don't have a good doctor here, but if anyone's looking for a recommendation for a good dentist feel free to PM me- my dentist is amazing, I'm currently going through Invisalign and so I'm at the dentist's all. the. time., and he's conveniently Times Square located.

[feinstein9]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 6:13pm

Stay to the right on stairs/escalators going down to the subway, or be prepared for nasty looks. Always move *in* the train to the middle so everyone else can get on. And don't walk around listening to your iPod after 11pm(ish), especially in sketcharific neighborhoods. Welcome to NY anyhow!

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 6:53pm

And don't walk around listening to your iPod after 11pm(ish)

I don't wear my ipod at all while walking in the city no matter what time it is. It not only advertises that you have it but it means you're probably not aware of what is going on around you. To me it's no different than the "don't take out your wallet on the street" rule.

[feinstein9]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 7:53pm

fair enough, but for me I feel pretty safe wearing it in certain neighborhoods in the afternoons... but I totally agree it only shows you have no idea what's going on around you. i think the bottom line, try to always be aware of your surroundings!

[Marianne2]

Posted: 7/18/10 at 9:02pm

This might just be my opinion, but avoid taking the bus at least in the Times Square area. Don't know what it is like elsewhere. But, I took the crosstown on 42nd (Don't know numbers) once from the piers to 7th Ave, and it was awful. I wished I had walked instead.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 7:23am

FYI: HopStop has an iPhone app. I use it all the time -- can't travel the subway without it. (I'm not a resident though!)

I go witht the above info: don't use your ipod at night, as it's never wise to 'invite trouble in'. During the day? It's fine.

I will second an e-reader: no space for books, and you always have it. I've had a Kindle from Amazon for well over a year: I love it, don't go anywhere without it. Couldn't imagine a subway commute alone!

Best of luck...enjoy the city!

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 7:36am

Know where you're going and how to get back... And eat first!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 8:23am

Make notes on prices when you go to the store. You'd be amazed at how much you save if you don't mind going to different stores. I go to Gristede's for some products and D'Agostinos for some products because they have wildly different pricing.

And for some reason NYC attracts whacked out people who lose all sense of normality(see link below).

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/cozy_crazy_couple_makes_tight_studio_R15ToNFTaJE3c17zkw4efP

Updated On: 7/19/10 at 08:23 AM

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 12:05pm

I've found the public transit option on Google maps to be pretty accurate with not only the route, but what times the trains are arriving/departing based on when you tell it you want to leave or arrive.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 12:43pm

Going back to my ereader suggestion I recently discovered that amazon.com has a free Kindle app for iphone/Droid/MAC/PC/Blackberry/iPad. So, if you already have one of those I would suggest avoiding buying an ereader and just using the the free app. One less thing to charge.


amazon.com

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 3:08pm

I second (or third) using hopstop.com to plan travel. It not only gives you subway directions but it estimates travel time, including walking to and from the subway, and it gives you a little map. It will also estimate the cost and time for the same trip via cab.

Get one of the free Duane Reade (a drugstore chain) club cards. There's a small version you can attach to your keychain. Often prices are lower for club card users, and after 100 points you get $5 off your purchse. You'll be surprised how quickly the points add up.

Welcome!




Updated On: 7/19/10 at 03:08 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 3:30pm

Walk everywhere you can, especially in the summer. There's nothing worse than getting stuck on a hot, crowded subway that may or may not be air-conditioned. And never leave the house without a bottle of water.

Also, and this is very important: live within your means! Most people who move to NYC spend their first couple of months splurging. This city has a lot of temptations. Spend and save wisely, then treat yourself every so often.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:15pm

On that note, if you're going to splurge on a nice meal, do it for lunch! A lot of super-expensive places have much more affordable lunch specials, especially during restaurant week (which is going on right now).
And take advantage of the library for renting books, CDs, and DVDs instead of buying them.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:33pm

Knowing when to splurge and when not to is the big secret to happiness in New York.

[Calvin]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:49pm

Yup. I've known plenty of splurger friends here who are now living back with momma and daddy (and a few who are just one financial incident away from it, whether they know it or not).

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 7/19/10 at 11:50pm

If you're someone who enjoys going to museums, check out which ones have suggested donations; there's no reason you can't pay a penny to go to the Met. Newyorkology has a great list of museums that are always free, museums with a suggested donation, museums with free days, etc.

http://www.newyorkology.com/archives/museums/index.php

[Marianne2]

Posted: 7/25/10 at 3:00am

Here is a good one that I witnessed tonight. If you want your baby to live, do not place it on the ground at a busy crosswalk to take photos. It was in a carrier, but still, people are not going to be careful or pay attention.

[nygrl232]

Posted: 7/25/10 at 11:33am

Speaking of babies, look out for the stroller mafia. But do not be afraid to stand up to them.