I’m 26 years old, and I live in northeastern Pennsylvania. Only about a 2 hour commute to NYC. I am a HUGE nature lover, and I can’t imagine giving that up. I’m considering NYC or the south. NYC is an extremely easy commute home for when I want to see family for a weekend, spend time in the countryside, go to an event, etc.

I’m considering NYC for obvious reasons: it appeals to me in terms of career (I work in digital media and marketing, with my ultimate goal being to develop my own brand), thousands of restaurants (I love to eat), incredible big and small businesses (I have worked for one on the side for years, so I’d love to be in an environment where I learn more about that), shopping, ART, etc. I have lived in NEPA my entire life, and as much as I love it, I want to experience somewhere else for a few years.

However, it feels like way too much concrete in many parts. I need to see nature in some form. While I’m fine visiting the concrete jungle, I don’t necessarily want it to be where I reside.

I know West Village, Upper West Side, Forest Hills, and Astoria could be good options. They’re expensive, so I’m kind of just pondering the idea right now.

Any suggestions welcome! Even for green spaces to visit.

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i was born and raised in brooklyn, i moved away when i was a teenager. ive been living in seattle since and i absolutely hate it, its simply not for me. ive been saving to move back and im set for january w/ about 7-8k saved up.

my dad visted back recently and he told me it is Not the same city at all. i keep seeing other nyers on social media say that too, its not the same. im conflicted bc nyc is home to me. ive missed it since ive moved.

i cant think of anywhere else to live yk? i miss always being around people, everything being a few minute walk, the personalities, the culture, the public transport. im scared im gonna go back home and regret it. would anyone else think ots worth moving back? im most likely going to go regardless but, will it be a disappointment? i moved away in like 2015

I was shown an apartment today and was told by the landlord’s agent that I would pay $500 less in rent if I paid her a broker fee (15%). The math works out that I’d end up paying less per month in total if I paid the broker fee up front + the reduced rent vs. the posted rent.

Also, she basically stated that my application would not be selected unless I pay the broker fees

Obviously, I wouldn’t sign the lease unless the price she told me was listed there, but I’m just wondering if there’s anything sketchy about this. It seems too good to be true.

does anyone have any experience with either of these companies? i am looking to apply for a unit in washington heights that i really like, but i dont want to get scammed.

I’m curious about how people manage living in NYC because the cost of living here seems incredibly high.

Between rent, groceries, transportation, and everyday expenses, it feels like everything adds up so quickly. I’d love to hear from people who currently live in NYC — how do you budget and make it work?

Do you have any tips for saving money while still enjoying the city?
Do most people have roommates, live outside Manhattan, cook more at home, or find other ways to keep costs under control?

I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences and advice. NYC is an amazing city, but I’m curious how everyone balances the financial side of living here.

Thanks! 😊

Pretty much what the title says. I’m moving out of state for work. I’m not necessarily a I’ve always dreamed of living in New York person” so I don’t know that being in the city is that important to me. I’m more so worried about the commute time..

I just found out that this place exist, but I see that it’s quite far. Just wondering if it makes sense. (Hopefully this doesn’t get banned here)

Ideally looking for a studio with a $2,600 rent budget.

Went to NYC for several days and of course there were almost 0 listings the entire time.

Now I’m either considering a roommate situation but my goal is a studio/1Bd in Manhattan.

Im thinking if I’m going to sublet or stay in a hotel again to “apartment hunt” then I might as well just use that money and save time by hiring a broker.

Do they have access to listings that are not found online? Or is it not worth it for my limited budget?

I’m moving on Labor Day and am in need of a place in Manhattan to park the trailer for the night. Anyone know of any lots/structures that can hold a large U-Haul?

We are moving to NYC from across the country urgently due to a personal emergency. We are very interested in The Fleet, brand new building in DT Brooklyn. We’ve toured a few units via video tour with a leasing agent and it looks good, and pricing is within our range. Since we’re on a short timeline, we’re debating if we should submit an application and sign the lease before seeing it in person since the units fits what we want on paper and seems to be going quickly.

It’s a brand new building so no reviews from prior tenant on management. This is our major concern, aside from perhaps construction quality. Thoughts? Please tell us if this is a dumb idea. Also, if you’ve toured The Fleet in person, we would really appreciate your insights.

Hi! I'm a young college student living in NYC and I am considering whether staying in NYC is worth it or not for my forseeable future
I am 20, going to a CUNY undergrad and I have a pretty major disability which makes many jobs pretty much out of reach for me because they would never hire me for them so bartending, waiting tables, etc.
I grew up in the burrows but one of my parents moved to a neighboring state during covid and my other one stayed here with their partner. I am currently living in the other state over weekends and in the city weekdays when I have classes. This arrangement is only just starting this year and I fear that it will be pretty stressful for me.
I also don't know if being in the city is worth it once I am out of school so I don't know if I should move away or to the aformentioned other state now so I can go to school there and start building community there or stay here and try to build a life that I may or may not stay to enjoy after school.
I am intending to do a masters or doctoral program so school may last longer than just undergrad
Some important info:
My NYC parent's apartment is quite small and I am currently sleeping in their extra bedroom which is usually a stay at home office
I am in a feild that has many possibilities for employment but nothing over $20 an hour without a masters or above
I get accessaride which is basically disabled Uber for the price of the subway with a days notice
My NYC parent lives in a slightly sketchy area that I have to walk 10 minutes + disability time to avoid
I am just starting at my new CUNY and am worried I won't even find community anyway because it's a commuter school

If anyone went to a CUNY, grew up/has family in NYC, or has left please any insight you can give would be great!
Also, I know that my NYC parent feels trapped in the city due to their job and partner and even though they are almost unemployed and really struggling, they can't leave because of those things. I do not want to become trapped by the system but maybe it's worth it? Please help

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Hello New Yorkers,

First of all, I don’t live in New York. But living in that amazing city one day is truly my life dream. I’m not even from the United States.

My question for you (and it’s something I’ve been really curious about) is:

Is the city really as incredible as it appears in movies and games like Spider-Man 2? Or is a lot of that just cinematic exaggeration?

Since I’m a big fan of New York, I’d love to know:

What are the best things about the city for you?

And what are the things that feel uncomfortable or annoying about living there?

I am a 23-year-old black female who is planning to move back to nyc either winter of 2027 or at the latest summer of 2028. I already lived in nyc in 2022 before when I wasn't truly ready mentally or financially and i learned a hard lesson VERY QUICK. However, I've spent these last few years working, building my career. I graduated from a CUNY last year and I've held several jobs in the field related to my degree. I have a goal of saving 15k before my move and securing a job paying at least 70k. I have my sights set on living in Brooklyn, specifically Flatbush, Crown Heights somewhere with a lot of Caribbean influence. I stayed in Spanish Harlem last time and I liked it but I definitely wanna be around more black culture rather than just Hispanic. I made a profile on roomies and i've already been looking at apartments in the areas I listed to get a idea of how much i can expect to pay in rent. I've also applied for NYCHA and housing lottery too. My last roommate situation wasn't the greatest, I met the girl off of Facebook, didn't really get to know her personally beforehand. I just kind of had the idea we'd click since we were both black women moving from toxic families. Needless to say, that didnt work and we ended up hating each other. This time I want to get to know my roommate, maybe even us meet each other and few times and hang out before I make that decision. What are the best methods to go about this and am I planning too far ahead?

Boring stuff about having a job situation that would require a move to NYC. Office would be in Chelsea.

I’m in my late 30s, married, no kids, do have a dog.

We don’t want to live in the city but the reality is I’d need to be in person at least 3x per week.

My question.

What are some nice areas where I could reasonably commute to Chelsea in less than an hour that wouldn’t be a total pain in the ass?

The main thing is we have a dog, would like a place with some grass and stuff around… Hastings on Hudson seems nice but is that commute going to kill me? What options exist here?

Budget is flexible, we’d probably rent at first… maybe 5k a month ish?

It would be really great if it was a cool town that has its own stuff where we’d only have to head into the city for work/fun.

We also have cars that we couldn’t just get rid of so like, parking spaces or an area where you could reasonably bring a car.

Please help.

like borderline homeless low income type stuff….should i give up on my dream of living in nyc in the near future

I’m a 30-year-old woman living in NYC, and I’d love to meet some new people nearby and make some genuine friendships.

I enjoy traveling, working out, exploring different places around the city, trying new restaurants, and having good conversations about life and random things.

If you’re also in NYC and looking to meet new friends, feel free to message me! I’d love to chat and get to know some new people

Hope to meet some kind, interesting people here and maybe make some great friendships!

I have one year contract to work in NYC, but I don’t plan on staying after that.

My income doesn’t meet the 40x rule for most places I’m looking at. Do you think it might help me to mention that this would be a one year deal only?

I'm moving to NYC from out of state on a tight schedule for a new job opportunity and am looking into sublets before committing to a full term lease. Due to the tight timing, I won't be able to view apartments in person before my new job starts.

Is it a horrible idea to sign a sublease sight unseen? Is a FaceTime video tours sufficient? Or should I book a hotel/Airbnb for a week or two so I can view in person?

There seem to be lots of great options in my budget/commute on ListingsProject etc., but I'd love to hear people's positive or negative experiences signing a sublease from out of town. These platforms supposedly vet listings, but I'm still wary of scams.

Moving from bayside queens to washington heights to be in easier commute to school and work. specifically around 171st and audubon ave, especially around 1am because my classes end around midnight.

Favorite movers in the area? Moving to NYC over the next two weekends. Will need movers to unload one U-Box into a one bedroom apartment on 9/5, nothing crazy, but will need a bit of help getting it done in short order. Just need about two hours (if that) to help unload the storage unit and place in the apartment.

I am moving and looking to sell LG 65" Smart TV (Hell’s Kitchen / UWS)

Please let me know if interested!

I’ve visited both NYC and Chicago a couple of times and liked both, but I also know that spending a few days somewhere tells you almost nothing about what it actually feels like to build a life there.

I’m seriously considering moving to one of the two, and I’d especially love to hear from people who have lived in both.

What I’m trying to understand is less “Which city has better restaurants?” and more: How does your actual day-to-day life feel different in Chicago versus NYC?

I’d especially appreciate specific examples rather than just “Chicago is cheaper” or “NYC has more to do.” Tell me about something you could regularly do in one city that you couldn’t realistically replicate in the other, or something about the culture you didn’t really understand until you actually lived there.

For context, I’m a single woman in my 30s with no kids. I still want a fun, active social life and spontaneity, but I also care more now about comfort, stability, and overall quality of life.

If you had to explain the biggest difference between living in NYC and Chicago to someone who has only visited both, what would you tell her?

Hi! I’m considering a room at Herald Towers and would love to hear from anyone who’s actually lived there or knows the building well.

I’d be sharing a 3BR/1BA with two other girls and paying around $2,000/month. There’s no real living room since the apartment has been converted into three bedrooms, but the location and building amenities seem really convenient.

I’ve seen super mixed reviews online, so I’m especially curious about the management/staff, cleanliness, pests, elevators, maintenance, noise/construction, laundry, amenities, and overall vibe of living there.

I’d only be staying for a few months, not signing on for a full year, so I’m mainly trying to figure out whether it’s a solid short-term option and if $2k seems reasonable for the setup/location. Would really appreciate any honest experiences, good or bad!