New York City Relocation
 

Ok, I understand that this is a travel forum....and that often time people will become upset over questions about relocation, however, I don't really have at my disposal at this moment the same kind of open relocation forum that this sight offers. <BR><BR>I tried the text search first and really did not come up with a lot of information about moving to NYC, so I thought I would give it a whirl with my own original post. <BR><BR>Here is the situation. I have excepted a position in NYC, the relocation does not have to be immediate, I can work from home for a while, but they still want me there as soon as possible. I understand that finding an apartment in the city can be a bit of an adventure, however my wife and I are up to the challenge! We are in our mid-20s, no kids, and have meager requirements (1br approx 700sq ft). We have a good idea of the neighborhood we want (Upper East, Upper West). My question is this....through my search I have come on a number of subscription sights, you pay $100 or so and get three months access to their exclusive listings, with no broker fee (this is a big one, want to avoid the fee if possible). So are these sights legit, or in the end do I need to pledge my first born male child to them to actually get contact info? Also, anyone have a friend, cousin, brother-in-law, etc that owns a no-brokerage fee locating service they would recommend? <BR><BR>Any help you can provide will be extremely helpful! Thanks!

When are you relocating? If you register online with these agencies, how will you look and rent the apartment if you're not here yet? Also, some of the listings are old. Check out the NY Times real estate section on Sunday. You still need to see what you're renting.<BR><BR>How much are you willing to pay? Average studios in Manhattan go from $1200 up. One-bedrooms are even more.<BR><BR>The other boroughs of NYC are less money like Astoria/Sunnyside in Queens.<BR><BR>There are books out on relocating to NY that are helpful. Do a search on BN.com (Barnes & Noble).<BR><BR>Welcome to NY! <BR><BR>

Try craigslist.com. It lists apartments that would be good choices for a young couple. There are a number of good choices for young couples on the upper upper East side, the high 80's and lower to mid 90's around 2nd or 3d Avenues.<BR>I agree, Dallas stinks.

My first step would be to visit NYC and open a bank account. When you are renting, landlords want to see their deposits drawn on a local bank.<BR><BR>You need to know that the housing market in NYC is very tight. Many apartments are rented before the ads even come out. You can expect for every ad to draw at least 10 other people and usually many more. Probably your best bets are The New York Times and The Village Voice (www.villagevoice.com) classifieds. When you go to look at apartments, dress nicely and take your checkbook. Be ready to right a check immediately. Anything that you can do to get the edge over someone else.<BR><BR>You may want to think about looking in various neighborhoods in Queens or Brooklyn which will be cheaper.

Thanks to everyone with the replies so far, unfortunately everything has reinforced my notion already of how much "fun" this process is going to be. <BR><BR>We have looked at Queens and Brooklyn and found some neighborhoods that we liked and would make suitable homes for us. But, if possible we would like Manhattan first and foremost. The plan for us was to pick a week to be in NYC and ready to sign a check, knowing that you have to take something as soon as it becomes available. I will be opening an account in NYC with my first paycheck, so that part is already out of the way. <BR><BR>We had looked for books on relocating to NYC, but unfortunately made a $14 mistake with the book "HOw to Make it in New York City". What a worthless piece of crap that was! So that is why I am at the mercy of Fodor's, hoping to get some more original ideas and places to look (like craigslist.com, that sight had some great listings, thanks!).<BR><BR>Again, thanks to everyone for the help so far, keep the suggestions coming!

To Dallas-<BR><BR>I don't think you need to open up a bank account right away. When i was looking for my studio back in January, they took an out-of-state check with no problem.<BR>You could also do money orders- if the landlord is insistent on not having an out-of-state check. Money Orders are good as cash.<BR>

Dallas Sucks -- Last week's Sunday NY Times listed the Upper East Side as one of the neighborhoods with the best "bargains" for rentals. It has more rental buildings than the Upper West Side and, so, often has more inventory and slightly cheaper prices.<BR><BR>I agree with the poster above that you should be able to find something suitable in the 80's or low 90's.<BR><BR>As for the broker fee, I've moved into NYC twice (it's a long story -- don't ask) and have found that, especially if you are relocating here from elsewhere, it's almost impossible to avoid the fee. It will save you lots of time and headaches to work with a broker (or several) who can weed out the lousy apartments. Think of it as a cost of doing business and if you stay in the apartment it's amortized over several years. Plus, most apartments are listed through brokers. I know it sucks to pay the fee, but sometimes it's the easiest way.<BR><BR>Good luck!

also try aprilslist.com and ardorny.com<BR><BR>Good luck!

There's an area in Manhattan's (very) upper westside named Hudson Heights that may interest you. It stretches from West 181st Street to West 193rd Street from Broadway to the Hudson River. It offers fantastic views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, and the Palisades in New Jersey. Hudson View Gardens (15 tudor style buildings) and Castle Village (5 highrises) are 2 of the very nice apartment complexes in this neighborhood. Cabrini Terrace is a co-op, but some of the owners do rent. There's a doorman, too. It's an easy commute with subways and buses practically at your door. There are also lots of ethnic restaurants and bodegas. The area has alot of history including the Jumel Mansion. Rent for a 1 bedroom averages about $1,000 to $2,000. There's a realtor that specializes in the area. Stein & Perry at (212)928-3805. I have several friends who live there and they love it. One is a single woman who says she feels safe. It was also renamed Hudson Heights to distance itself from Washington Heights.

Dallas: HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND for an apartment? 700 Square Feet in a Doorman building will run in the $2,000 neighborhood, in an elevator building $1,700 and in a walk-up $1,500. Do a search on the New York Times website, you can search by size and price. The site came up with almost 400 1 bedroom apartments on the upper east and west sides for under $1,500. Vitually all are non doorman, most are through brokers, but I'm sure some will not have fees associated with them. Lots of luck.

Hi:<BR>Good luck on your search for a home in NYC.<BR>I wish you would give Brooklyn or Queens more than a passing glance.<BR>I was born in Brooklyn and spent most of my adult life in Queens.<BR>I have a good friend that now lives in Williamsburg in a great loft for half the rent she would have paid in Manhattan. She is one subway stop away from Manhattan on the "L" Train.She found it by walking in neighborhoods she liked and talking to local folks. <BR>Most of the areas in Brooklyn and western Queens are very accessible to subways and all areas have pretty good bus service.

Since you are from out of state and starting a brandy new job, I would also suggest you have a letter from your employer verifying your employment. Otherwise, you may have to cough up a few extra months security. Another tip is that if you are renting from an owner of a co-op, find out how long you can stay in the apartment. Many co-ops have bi-laws that set forth term limits on subletting. Condos usually do not have those same rules. You will also need to have extra money on hand to get your Con Edison utilities and phone service turned on. They will take a deposit from you also since you are out of state. And lastly, if you are moving into a high rise you will have to find out about service elevator rules. Usually, you have to move in during 8 AM and 5 PM Mon-Fri (no weekends) and they will also require a damage deposit. The deposit will be returned after they inspect the hallway on your floor. I also agree with going with a broker since you are not actually here. Go with one of the bigger companies. They usually have first pick on the best apartments.

My fiance and I are searching for a new apartment in New York City, and our experience thus far is that's it's a renter's market right now--good time to be looking. Things are more expensive here than elsewhere in the country, but you have longer to make a decision. We've been looking downtown (SOHO, Village) which are, of course, the most expensive areas, but have noticed many good deals on the UES and UWS. Craigslist is invaluable! The subscription services are, unfortunately, for the most part, useless. They reel you in with great-looking places which turn out to have been already rented. We're working with a broker, the fee is negotiable, and we've found that many of the rents are also negotiable. Many brokers (such as ardorny, which someone mentioned) also have no fee places--just do a search using those keywords. So, it's not as gloomy and hopeless as it sounds. Good luck!!

To clarify: I meant that one has longer to make a decision about which apartment to take than in NYC in 1998, the last time I had to find a place, when you had to show up with certified check in hand to even think about it! Obviously not longer to think about places than other cities...

Wow! You can always count on New Yorkers to come through in a pinch, thank you all so much! I cannot believe the wealth of information I am getting about not only different websites but also neighborhoods and processes, this is great.<BR><BR>Couple of additional questions....someone had mentioned an amortization of brokerage fees over several years. I did not konw that this was an option, my understanding was that brokers wanted their money up front, which is why I am hestitant and would prefer going the no fee route if possible. But this has opened my eyes a little to the world of the broker and convinced me at least to make a few phone calls and find out their procedures. <BR><BR>I am also curious about the neighborhood described as Hudson Heights in far north Manhattan, I know that the A line ends up there and the 1&9 run through it, so this may be an area worth looking into, I have just never been up that far before. Also, we have not just given Brooklyn and Queens a passing glance and are more than open to looking for apartments in these areas. As you can see, we are open to anything at this point, just as long as it is clean, safe, with access to transportation, which New York offers a lot of.<BR><BR>Keep the info coming, seems like every time I check the sight there is another great suggestion, thanks again!

OK, it has to be said. Dallas, please work on your spelling before you get to New York. A website is a "site", not a "sight". And you "accepted" your position, not "excepted". Sorry to nitpick but it just irks me that people graduate from college with such a poor grasp of the English language.

Dallas,<BR><BR>Re: amoritization: I think the poster just meant that if you pay the fee -- and don't move from that place for awhile -- the actual "cost" of the fee seems less if you factor in that you found a place that suits you for more than a year. <BR><BR>If it's changed, I'm surprised, and glad for you.<BR><BR>I moved into NY from out of state a few years ago and found it totally doable, though I did use a broker. It's hard to do remotely, but once in the city, it's just a drill in peristence.

One (very reputable) management company that has lots of no fee apartments on the Upper East Side is Glenwood Management 212-535-0500.<BR><BR>Good luck.

I own rental buildings in Manhattan. It's still hard finding an affordable apartment in the city, but it's been much easier since 9/11. The market has fallen approximately 12-15% in the last year and a half. Alot is negotiable now. The amount of the brokers fee is negotiable. You can find lots of no fee ads on craigslist. You can find a good apartment without a broker, though it will probably involve lots more time. Washington Heights is a good area in pockets, but it's definetly out of the way and there isn't much going on. It can be more peaceful that most other areas of the city. Astoria is a popular affordable area now for rentals. Good restaurants in that neighborhood. A major rule of apartment hunting - Act Fast. If you see it and like it don't hesitate. Don't wait until your wife sees it. Don't wait to have the monies ready. Act Fast. If there's a problem with your credit offer more security or a great guarantor. Although alot is negotiable, don't waste anyones time with lots of questions. Just ask the most important ones. If something is said that is important to you be sure it's in the lease. Generally, legally, it doesn't matter what is said, it matters what is written. Good Luck.

Message to Dallas:<BR>I live in a very nice building on Fort Washington Avenue in the Hudson Heights section of the city. True, there are no clubs or gourmet restaurants, but you still get alot in return for your money. I think it's a great way to live in the city, but at the same time you are away from some of the chaos such as crowds and noisy traffic. We have a neighbrohood park and I always feel safe. My neighbors are nice people who are teachers, lawyers, doctors, and nurses, secretaries, etc. Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center is on West 168th Street. Sometimes I walk across the George Washington Bridge into Fort Lee, New Jersey and shop for groceries at the Kings's or A&P Supercenter that are there. Fort Lee has a nice assortment of shops and restaurants, too. If you want more specific info, post back with ?'s.

Dallas,<BR><BR>so i might as well give you my story. Girlfirend and I in mid-20's. I'm an engineer, she's a schoolteacher. Wanted to live in manhattan, same as you upper east or west. (Lived in CT so a little easier situation) Went in 2 nights to meet with a fellow from ardor's (broker) and looked at 7 or 8 apartments.<BR><BR>All very small, expensive but all in real good neighborhoods, but mostly rather far from subways stations-- 7 or more blocks (something to think about)<BR><BR>Average rent 1750-1900 to live in a large closet. plus you pay ardor 3000 to close the deal (15% -1st year)<BR><BR>So we would come in through the Bronx and we would stop in Riverdale to get soda, pick up the paper, etc.<BR><BR>So we began to look into that neighborhood as a possibility cause we were also looking in southern westchester county, and we have a dog (more dog friendly with more large parks) <BR><BR>Well the apartments in manhattan (i saw you post of 700 sq. ft as a meger requirement) are tiny!!!!!! 700 is a real big place....curious what others think about that. So we looked at 2 apartments in Riverdale and the size for the money was amazing. So we kept looking. <BR><BR>Listings in Riverdale Press (local newspaper) to buy a co-op's were in the 75-100K region. So to make a long story short we bought our place ( listed at 89 and settled at 81)<BR><BR>Our mortgage is $421 and common is 445 (60% deduct) . For a total of 870 to own. Plus way better tax position for oueselves. <BR><BR>850 sq. feet. large one bedroom, Van Cortland park and manhattan veiws in 42 unit 6 story post war elevator building. so as opposed to paying 3 grand to rent we paid an attorney 3 grand to buy<BR><BR>We have been in one year and now we're getting ready to buy another co-op as a rental property. The neighborhood is great...total mix of folks....mostly professional....( i know the new yorkers will chime in here about it - i'm not in the heavily jewish area, nor am i jewish), great irish pubs, good restaurants, van cortland park is right there (golf, tennis,ball fields) 3 minute walk down the hill to 238 on the 1&9 train, totally safe<BR><BR>Lots of folks go in to manhattan every day... maybe 25 minutes to mid-town<BR><BR>We go into manhattan all the time for shows, games, concerts and dinner and whenever we get back to the peace and quiet of riverdale, we know we made the right decision. We get the best of both worlds.....very affordable, comfortable living with midtown and downtown right there.<BR><BR>you said you liked hearing other stories so there another one<BR><BR>Last note - if you move to upper east and west - suck it up and pay the broker, no need to run around and look at apartments that could already be rented<BR>also do you have a car???? cars in Manhattan are tough! <BR>Good luck! <BR><BR>

Chris,<BR><BR>Thanks for that story, it is great to hear about another area to consider. It is amazing how your perception can change from one day to the next on what different areas are like. I had always thought of the Bronx as crime-ridden broken down place, but even talking to some friends of ours and listening to your story this is not always the case. <BR><BR>What we have come to realize thus far is: 1. we are going to have to pay the brokerage fee, no way around it for ease of move. 2. Manhattan is not a must anymore as it once was, there are other areas to consider in the surronding burrows. <BR><BR>As far as size goes, 700 sq feet is pretty much what we are in now in Dallas (currently in 800 sq ft apartment here). Also, we both have cars, but one of the things that excites us so much about going to New York is getting rid of those money pits! If I never have to pay for another oil change again it will be too soon!<BR><BR>Luckily my new employers is very open to when we have to relocate so we have a little bit of time on our side. I can work from home in the meantime. And before anyone asks why I would relocate, the work from home thing is a temporary solution and they want me up there as soon as possible. Also, I have always wanted to live in NYC and this is my chance. <BR><BR>Once again, thanks so much to everyone for their suggestions, stories, and comments. All of this has helped tremendously and I am sure the NY move will be a breeze in the end.

You've already received some really good advice, but I'll just chime in here with two thoughts.<BR><BR>1. Unless I missed it, you don't mention exactly where in NY you and your wife will be commuting to for work. That can make a big difference since the subway/bus lines will often be the determining factor as to whether you end up looking on the east or west side of town.<BR><BR>2. As for opening a NYC bank account, just a word of caution. It's been my experience that when opening a new account, there can be an additional hold on your deposits. In other words, instead of a check clearing in say, 5 days, it could take a few weeks. Just make sure you don't end up giving the broker a check that ultimately bounces. I'm not saying this will definitely happen to you, but I've had the misfortune of a new bank putting a 30 day hold on clearing my deposits without letting me know. So just make sure you check that out ahead of time. And if that wasn't bad enough, I was also rejected for an account at a major bank just prior to moving out of state several years ago because they insisted I had to be a current resident with a drivers license as proof. And this was prior to 9/11! Bottom line, I know it sounds like I've had really bad luck banking experiences (which is true!) but I just wanted to pass them on to you so you can be informed and make the proper inquiries before it's too late for you.<BR><BR>Good luck with your search.

Dallas if you're still reading these posts I want to add my 2 cents and tell you that Chris is right about the Riverdale section of the Bronx. I live in a co-op apartment complex named Skyview on the Hudson. I paid $135,000 for a 1 bedroom apartment (with a terrace) that faces the Hudson River. Maintenance and mortgage are a manageable $1,100. We have a seasonal (very large) pool that is great. There's also a health club and tennis courts. There's also onsite parking. There's a van that will take you to the Metro North station or you can take the eastside or westside express bus into the city. You can also take a city bus down to the train station on Broadway. There are many stores and restaurants to choose from. There isn't any nightlife to speak of, but there's plenty transportation options to get you into the city very fast. There are also a couple of private cab companies. You get the perk of being near the city without some of the hassles. There's a diverse group of nice people at Skyview. Singles and families.

Dallas<BR><BR>running joke in neighborhood, i live in Riverdale---i don't live in the Bronx,<BR><BR><BR>technically we do and that's what i write on my bills, but many a people wish riverdale wasn't in the bronx.<BR><BR>for the exact sterotype you have in your mind<BR><BR><BR>Take a look when your in. be sure to look on the east side of the henry hudson parkway and south of 254th.<BR><BR>we're at 238th by waldo and greystone<BR>right by manhattan college<BR><BR><BR>Zeta make a good point with the tranportation, you have metro-north, bus or subway<BR><BR>and thanks to the high concentration of micks in the neighborhood you don't have to go far to find a guniess or some live music.<BR><BR>once again good luck!<BR><BR>

I went to Manhattan College and I can attest to the fact that there are many fine pubs in the area. Actually, my parents still live on Independence Avenue and they still like it there very much. Riverdale is a good choice.

Folks, it's very kind of you all to offer the original poster advice about the New York housing market...<BR><BR>But what happened to that old saying "If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere...". <BR><BR>Somehow, I suspect that if anything sucks, in this sorry incident, it is not Dallas.

NO IT YOU WHO DOES<BR><BR>ME!!!<BR>ME!!!<BR>ME!!!

Message to Me:<BR>The song states "if you can make it here, you'll make it anywhere." So that's the point. You have to make it in New York first and then you'll be prepared to make it anywhere including Dallas.

Riverdale's a haul if you want to spend any time in downtown NY where all the action is. I would recommend Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and Prospect Heights in Brooklyn. I would also consider Long Island City (if you're ok with fringe) and (don't laugh) Jersey City in Newport or in one of the historic neighborhoods near Journal Square.

Anyone who ever says that New Yorkers are rude, obnoxious and won't give you the time of day should be forced to read this post. This once again proves my theory that New Yorkers are some of the most helpful, friendliest people in the country. You just have to know how to deal with them (ask direct question, be precise, don't waste time). <BR><BR>The more experience I have with New Yorkers, the more I love them and the city they live in. Yes, they are oppinionated, but at least they are honest :-) <BR><BR>Sorry to interrupt the thread... hehe

Once again, thanks to everyone. I have been really impressed with some of the areas of Brooklyn that I have seen, and my wife and I are both leaning toward that area now. (Don't worry I am sure our mind will change a half a dozen times between now and the time we sign a lease). I have a couple of questions about particular Brooklyn neighborhoods: Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Seems that housing prices are down in these areas, but they are both close to Manhattan, any reason for this?

I can't comment on the housing prices, but as for Greenpoint - the only subway that runs there is the L, which in my experience is a major pain in the @ss. Later in the night on weekends (I'm talking 9 or 10pm here - not extraordinarly late) - it takes FOREVER. It's such a pain to visit my friends who live out there.<BR><BR>I am not as familiar w/ Williamsburg, but by the looks of it on the subway map, it looks only accessible by the J/M/Z line, which from a Manhattanite's perspective - really doesn't do you any good. (I don't think I've ever even ridden that line - but then again I work in midtown and live on the UES) I'm not sure where your office will be, but if it's anywhere near midtown, you'll want to be near a line which will take you to work w/o transferring 5 times.<BR><BR>Just my humble Manhattanite opinion....<BR>

Another site with no-fee rentals is nofeerentals.com.<BR><BR>Also, as an enticement to get people to move back into the area of Battery Park (southern tip of Manhattan), rental rebates of up to $12,000/yr are available if you sign a two-year lease. Might be something to check in to. <BR><BR>Another suggestion that may or may not work for you: When we first moved to the city, my husband and I sublet a furnished apt. for 2 months while we looked for more permanent housing. It was so much easier to look while here and we got to see how that particular neighborhood worked for us. As it sounds like you've discovered, craigslist.com is a wonderful resource for housing in the city.<BR><BR>Good luck with your search. We've come to love the city and agree that New Yorkers are unbelievably friendly and helpful.

James - actually Fodors has deleted the rude messages. The real rude person here is Dallas - anyone who says "I understand that this is a travel forum" and still posts obviously doesn't. No wonder Me posts how it's all about me, me, me. What selfishness.<BR><BR>And please Dallas - move to Greenpoint - it comes right off the ramp to Rikers and is crime riddled and drug laden. It's perfect for you to get shot in.<BR><BR>

Williamsburg is easy to get to, just take the L from Union Square (14th Street) and it's a 5 to 10 min. ride to the Bedford station. The town is full of the young and artsy with a lot of faux-bohemians that look like struggling artists but are actually trust fund kids. The town is sometimes too hip for its own good (for instance, instead of your usual subway musician, I once saw an experimental jazz trio with a tap dancer performing at the Williamsburg stop). It's an old polish neighborhoord that's been gentrified. That said, you can still find a relatively good deal there, but because landlords are cashing-in on the hip factor, a lot of places are overpriced dumps. But you should see it for yourself, it's worth a visit.