moving to NYC questions

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

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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!

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

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.

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

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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.

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

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

>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?

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