Everyone, at some point in their lives, has dreamt of living in the Big Apple. Yes, you are right. We are talking about New York City, the city of big dreams. Being the most populous city in the US, it has breathtaking architecture, glamorous and glitzy, amazing cuisine, and whatnot. However, before you decide to make a move here, you need to weigh down the pros and cons of living in NYC. It will help you arrive at an informed decision. Here, we have come up with the pros and cons of living in New York State and how it can change your life. Let’s get started.
Pros of Living in NYC
There are reasons why you must decide to move to NYC. Living here doesn’t have only one but ample advantages. Let’s discuss five of them given below -
Great Education
The first in the list of advantages of living in NYC is its robust education and schooling system. Some of the world’s top post-secondary institutions are located here in this city. Whether you are looking for the best schools for your children or the top colleges or institutes to do your degree, you can find some elite and most welcoming institutions. Some examples of such institutions are – Pratt Institute, Pace University, and Columbia University. If you are in search of a public university system, you can go to the City University of New York, which was established in 1847 and has 25 campuses.
Public Transportation
The public transportation system is quite advanced here. Whether you need a bus, taxi, ferry, train, or bicycle, you can get it all here. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a lot of money using public transportation. In fact, it is beneficial to use public transport instead of owning a vehicle. Because finding a parking space here is a nightmare. You can say that public transportation is a way of life in NYC. You must thank the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for making public transportation a breeze for the general public.
Wonderland Winter
The holiday season in New York is purely magical. The whole city and the major attractions are covered with snow. The street lights up with phenomenal lights and is decorated in a way that brings holiday cheer. Some things to do in winter here are – witnessing the massive Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, trying ice skating at different skating rinks in NYC, visiting the holiday market in Columbus Circle, taking a walk through Dyker Heights in South Brooklyn, and the list goes on.
Excellent Job Opportunities
Employment opportunities are excellent. NYC has a diverse range of industries. Whether you want a full-time job or want to start a start-up, there are endless possibilities here. There isn’t any doubt why the city is called the economic hub for many industries like finance, fashion, retail, telecommunications, and healthcare. But keep one thing in mind. While the opportunities are myriad, the market is also very competitive. So, you have to work very hard to prove yourself.
Combination of Great Art and Culture
If you think that NYC is famous for nightlife, you couldn’t be more wrong. You can come across plenty of art and culture facilities and events here to dive into the world of enjoyment. The city has more than 200 museums. If you are a bibliophile, you can go to one of the largest libraries - The New York Public Library (NYPL) which comes under the list of the top 5 largest libraries in the world. The main attractions of the city are Niagara Waterfalls, Lake George, and Lake Placid, to name a few. So, experience great art and culture here.
Cons of Living in NYC
While the city offers the glitz and glam to you, there are also some downsides of living here. What are they? Let’s find out.
Most NYC Apartment Buildings are OLD
You have decided to move to NYC. Keep in mind that the buildings here are extremely antiquated in a way that the median age of the buildings is 90 years old. And that leads to the initiation of every kind of problem. Landlords and tenants can face issues like leaks, moldy walls, bad electrical wiring, poor plumbing, and many more. Some issues in the buildings can even result in health risks due to the presence of asbestos and lead paint.
High Cost Of Living
Living and moving here doesn’t come cheap. Rather, it is expensive. Even the Best Places cost of living index shows that the cost of living in NYC is much higher than in other parts of the US. The factors affecting the cost of living are shelter, food, taxes, health care, and child care. The average monthly rent for 1 BHK in NYC is 3,739 US Dollars per month. That said, if you live in an urban area, the cost can move to the higher side. However, there are some cheaper alternatives like Buffalo, Saratoga Springs, etc. So, it all depends on the area where you live. Also, everyday costs like dining out, monthly gym membership, and sales tax are on the higher side, too.
Rat Infestation
Being one of the old cities in the US, the city experiences problems like rat infestation. The problem is not going to get better but worse. There are a whopping 2 million rats that roam freely in the city, which you can find in restaurants, parks, and subways. It’s better to find a solution to this problem if you have made up your mind to shift to NYC.
Terrible Traffic
The city is believed to have one of the worst traffic and one of the most congested cities in the US. Also, a report has found that drivers here experience nearly 120 hours of traffic in one year. Let’s say, for example, there is a 14-mile distance between Brooklyn’s Prospect Park and Upper Manhattan. But you must be surprised to know that it takes approximately 1 hour or even more to cover the distance between the two by car or train. Having a significant population, it is advisable to use public transport and not your own car due to the possibility of getting stuck in the terrible traffic.
Crime Rates
No wonder NYC is safe, but the crime rate has risen after the 2020 Covid Pandemic. The overall crime rate in the city has gone up by 1% as compared to what it was before the pandemic. The main reason for this is due to the shortage of police. However, the crime cases are limited to only certain areas. So, you can consider the safer parts of the city like Washington Heights Northwest, Steinway, Stuyvesant Town North, etc.
Move to NYC Hassle-Free with urBin
Should you move to NYC or not? Well, it all depends on your preferences. No matter the place you choose, there are always going to be some pros and cons when changing your living environment. Similarly, take the pros and cons of living in NYC into account and make this state your home. And when it comes to making a move to New York City, urBin is here to help. Make the moving seamless with a smart one-stop solution for all your moving needs. Our moving experts will come to your home, safely pick up all the items and deliver it to your desired place without breaking anything. From small shipments to home relocations, let our professional team make moving seamless for you. Contact us for more information.
FAQs
Is NYC still worth moving to?
Definitely, moving to NYC is actually a good idea. But it is always advisable to measure the pros and cons of living in NYC. Find out what is the main purpose of your moving to New York that you want to fulfil and then make a decision.
Where is the most dangerous part of New York?
Some of the most dangerous parts of New York are Brownsville, South Bronx, East Harlem, Jamaica Queens, and Canarsie.
Is NYC a good place for people with families and children to move to?
Yes, NYC offers excellent educational opportunities with top-notch schools and prestigious universities like Columbia and NYU. Additionally, there are plenty of family-friendly activities and cultural attractions to explore.
What type of food is New York most known for?
Pizza is by far the most well-known food item in NYC, followed by Manhattan clam chowder, New York-style cheesecake, New York-style bagel, and baked pretzels.
What are the challenges of living in New York City?
The challenges of living in NYC include old buildings, high cost of living, rat infestation, terrible traffic, and crime rates.
Do You Offer Refrigerated Delivery Services in New York?
Yes, we offer refrigerated delivery services in NYC. Our team at urBin offers temperature-controlled transportation for perishable items to ensure freshness throughout the delivery process. It also uses sustainable practices to provide customers with the best services in the form of eco-friendly solutions.
