Welcome, new readers! We are growing daily and so happy to have you here.
UPDATES, May 2013:
• Have you found our Facebook and Twitter yet?
• Summer reading inspiration:
Sarah’s books are available—just a few bucks each!—at the Kindle store.
Happy SUMMER!
This is NewNewYorkers, the definitive guide to moving to New York City as a young professional. We give a running start to the thousands of twentysomethings who move to the city each month, many of whom are unsure how this whole thing is gonna turn out. We’re here to tell you the truth about NYC: It’s not impenetrable, impossible, prohibitively expensive, or too much of a pipe dream to really do it…even on $30K a year.
That’s not to say life in NYC isn’t challenging, but if you hold tight to the gratitude and allure you feel in these first few months, it will stay with you for years. There’s too much to appreciate to be jaded. Look at where you are!
In these pages, you’ll find nearly everything you need to get started on your new life in NYC, including how to prepare before you even arrive. Via the search and categories at right, you can read about how to apartment hunt, how to navigate public transit, and how to spend wisely while you’rehaving fun, fun, fun! Most of our readers spend a lot of time on this site, devouring the posts and bookmarking them for future reference. We hope you’ll do the same! Now, for the FAQ:
Sarah Protzman Howlett, founder of NewNewYorkers
I’m trying to get a job in NYC before I move. Why isn’t anyone hiring me?
Usually because of the sheer number of capable people already living here. It’s hard, but not impossible, to get the attention of a company from, say, Colorado, when there’s an equally qualified person, resume-wise, two subway stops away. Having said that, don’t give up contacting companies in the city, and remember that your network is always bigger than you think. Better yet, fly out for a week of informational interviews and networking events. If you take the leap and move without a job, consider temping — maybe working in the afternoons or evenings while you go on interviews in the mornings would work for you.
How much money should I save before I move?
As you can imagine, there’s no definitive number — but I usually ballpark it at around $3,000. If you have a roommate or two or three, there’s no reason this amount shouldn’t last you at least a couple months, food and PBR included. Even if the New York dream is just a glimmer in your eye at this point, start socking away $20 a week; it’ll buy you precious flexibility and peaceful sleep once you’re here.
Can I afford to live alone? Roommates are soooooo freshman year.
Not if rent would have you treading at or near the 45%-of-your-income mark. A cool life is way more satisfying than a cool apartment, I promise. Part of the New York adventure is meeting new folks. Move in with someone you don’t know — tiny apartments and bff’s don’t mix — via rooms/shares on Craigslist. Open houses will make your head spin, but you’ll find something right for you. Not to mention they’ll give you great stories to tell.
I have expensive taste and a huge sense of entitlement. Will I survive in this booming metropolis of temptation?
No.
What’s it like to date in Manhattan?
Educational. Bottom line is, you’ll have good dates and bad, but there are great people out there, and it’s important to meet a wide swath of people. You’ll see new places and experience haunts you never would’ve found on your own. And remember, almost everything is funny in hindsight.
Should I send you my own experiences, thoughts or tips?
Yes! Join the discussion and talk to other relative newcomers on Facebook and Twitter, and email the founder, Sarah, at sarah@sarahhowlett.com.
Generous site & info
Hey Sarah!
I know that I’m very young (turning 16 in October), but I love te city and I know that I want to live there! What would you suggest to someone who wants to go to college in the city for a photography degree?
Love from Chicago,
Meg
Just emailed you, Meg!
I so wanna do this too! I’ll be 18 next year and wanna do photography as well
I’m planning on moving in mid 2014
I’ve been wanting to move to NYC since I was about 17 years old. Now, 26 I think I’m ready to jump in head first. I think your site will help =) thanks!
How do you deal with all the people telling you moving to NYC is too hard?
Hey! I’m almost 18 (I will be in December) I’m seriously considering moving to NYC shortly after I graduate highschool (which will also be in December) and I was just wondering if you had any advice more in depth then whats on here. My dream is to open a wedding boutique. I have relatives I can stay with for a little while, but my parents are still incredibly terrified about this idea. it’s been something I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little girl. I can’t figure out exactly how to do it or if it’s even a logical idea.
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for creating this website, it’s definitely a great source. I moved to NYC in May 2012 without a job. It was a painful 3 months but I finally landed one at the end of July. I like my job (for the most part) and my life is relatively stable but the thing is that I find myself feeling very lonely and isolated these days. I can’t blame it on anyone but myself for I’m pretty shy about meeting people and have a lot of trouble opening up. The girls at work are great but I feel a bit of a disconnect sometimes, especially being new not only to the work environment but also to the city. (I’m originally from the west coast.) Plus, my job has become increasingly more stressful which has limited my time on weekdays. I have a few friends who I know in the city but it definitely not the same. In simple terms. I’m feeling…lost. Maybe a little depressed too.
Hey Sarah, thank you so much for creating your site. I am 23 and lately all I can think about is moving to New York! I am about to finish up college in the next year or so and immediately want to move to NY after graduation. The thing is no one in my family knows of my passion for moving to NY, only a few close friends. Any advice on how to break it to them? I know they will think I’m crazy, but I have always felt that I will never be happy until I’m over there. Thanks for listening <3
Hey, I’m 16 but I love New York, & it’s my dream to live in Manhattan & work for Cosmopolitan Magazine. Any advice?
Hey guys, hoping to get some responses from some Manhattanites. Im moving to nyc very soon. My office is in west midtown, and i dont want to have a ridiculous commute, like 45 min +. I fact i want to keep it under 30 minutes. Now with my salary living in that area is going to be pushing 40 % of my monthly income…
However, and heres the kicker…
Im only here temporary for an initial training period with my team, so ill only be living in nyc for 3 maybe four months. I have about 15,000 saved up. Thats practically my life savings though, and i have no debts. Do you guys think i can make that last on top of earning around 2700 net per month to get a place around $1000 per month in or near midtown manhattan/ hells kitchen?
Thanks y’all
- Brandon
I just got here. A good way to find a place to stay in a pinch is to hit up international student housing. You don’t have to be a student and most ppl here are under 25 and working. I was able to get a spot same day no reservation for $450 a month in Fort Green. Really nice area.