moving to NYC questions

[qpidsangel]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 11:16am

I'm moving to the city in about a year and am starting to save up. How much money do you think I should have saved when I move. Any ideas on good places to live and any other advice would be great!!!!

Thanks

QP

[ErikJ972]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 11:26am

Save a lot. A ton! Moving to NYC is very expensive. If you want more details PM me, not sure if everyone on here wants the details of apt prices in NYC etc.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 7:33pm

Find this book:

Relocating to New York City and Surrounding Areas by Ellen R. Shapiro.
She's very detailed. Even attempting to be as prepared as she outlines, my move was super easy. =) She covers expenses and what you need to get an apt, plus how to get a job. It's great.

My best friend and I prob saved about $10,000 combined--so $5000 is a good round-about amount. This should include first and last month's rent, utilities, broker's fee (if you need one), plane trip for scouting apts(we stayed with a friend), moving truck across country and all related costs plus some padding for the time before getting a paycheck. This is based on paying about $500 - $600 a month rent in Queens or Brooklyn. I highly recommend Astoria, Queens. =) It is going to be even cheaper if you don't have to do a moving truck--if you can just hop on a plane with luggage, perhaps mailing a few things.

I would def use craigslist.org to find an apt---it lists apts by whether they have a broker's fee and other search criteria--and it is free.

Good luck!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 8:00pm

craigslist rules!

[luluhed]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 8:52pm

$500-600 rent in NY? You jest. And I'm including Queens and Brooklyn.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 8:58pm

My share is $500. Some pay $600--we coulda had a place for $400 a person, though it was kinda dumpy. Astoria is great. Now, if you want to live alone--yeah, it will be more for you. Everyone tries to make the cost of living sound so nightmarish--but it isn't--in Astoria. We found our apt on the first day--yeah, we mighta been lucky, but everywhere we looked would have been easy to get--just be presentable, friendly, majorly organized with all of your info, and ready to hand over the check.

Be ready for the worst, and hopefully, it will go beautifully like it did for us. =)

Updated On: 8/6/03 at 08:58 PM

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 9:06pm

New York is very expensive. You need to have a good amount saved. Without a roommate, you will probably be paying between $800-1500 per month for a decent apartment. You need to search in Queens, Brooklyn or maybe even Hoboken NJ. Of course, you will need a subway card, $70 a month unlimited riding. When looking, take your checkbook with you. If you see something you like, put a deposit on it immediately.

Also do you have a good skill that will get you work? Work is tough to find at the moment.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to PM me.

[luluhed]

Posted: 8/6/03 at 9:59pm

Let me just throw this in-the current going rent for a one bedroom apt. in the West Village can be upwards of $2500/mo. In my apt. building, that rent is for the apts. with brick walls for views. The better views are higher.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 8:08am

In other words, unless you are filthy rich, don't try to live in Manhatten just yet. =)

[CourtneyM]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 8:19am

if you have been acting for three years and can prove your income has been derived because of it you can apply to live in manhattan plaza. they are on 43rd between 9th & 10th it's a great area. you would have to have another apartment for when you get here because you would only be going on a waiting list. but this is the first time it has opened since 1980. and if you get of the waiting list and get one of the apartments they are very cheap and very large.

[Madame X]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 9:54am

Jest is right - you will be lucky if you find an apt for $500 - $600 (either that or living in filth) Expect to have a roommate - if not 2 or 3 or 4 - in a converted apt. After the roommates, THEN you can expect to pay about $800 (for a good deal) per month. I'd say the average monthly rent is probably around $1000. No statistics, just my experience. That is for Manhattan - I can't speak to the boroughs. Hoboken is pretty $$ these days as well from what I hear.

plus electricity (and utilities if not included)
plus cable
plus phone (if you want)

If you luck out in finding an apt but don't have a (or bad) credit history or a job, expect others to beat you out in the application process. It's not fun.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 1:29pm

Yes, so look at Astoria (Queens). Many performers live there, and you can find a nice place to live for $500 - $600 a person. Look at craigslist.org if you still think I'm crazy. I live in a 4 bedroom. I pay $500 a month. It's a nice apt. We don't feel cramped in the least. It's very safe--I love it!

[Madame X]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 2:44pm

Oh and before you leave, see if you can line up a guarantor just in case.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 5:23pm

You may have to rely on an agency to find an apartment. They can legally charge you up to 15% of a year's rent as a fee. While a lot of people avoid agencies, I've found some great apartments through them.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 6:22pm

If u are an Equity member check their bulliten board sometimes they have sublets or roommate shares.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 8/7/03 at 9:10pm

I live in the Upper West Side and have two roommates. Between the three of us, it's $2050 a month. We all have our own bedroom, though, which is really nice. :)

[lensman55]

Posted: 8/8/03 at 10:42am

>I live in the Upper West Side and have two roommates. Between >the three of us, it's $2050 a month. We all have our own >bedroom, though, which is really nice. :)

That would be about $675 apiece, right?