Considering moving to NYC? Nicknamed The Big Apple, New York City is a global icon and considered one of the best places to live on the East Coast. With world-class entertainment, a diverse food scene, and endless opportunities, NYC is a fantastic place to live for residents of all ages. Before relocating, check out these pros and cons of living in New York City!
From top jobs and excellent public transportation to unparalleled cultural experiences, living in NYC has plenty of perks. Check out these advantages of moving to New York City!
A global hub for jobs in top industries like finance, media, technology, fashion, and more, New York City is an incredible place to build your career. NYC is also home to the highest share of Fortune 500 companies, so you won’t have trouble finding dream jobs. Explore positions in banking or technology at renowned companies like JPMorgan Chase. Pursue a career in broadcasting, marketing, software engineering, and more at Paramount. Apply for work in manufacturing, research and development, or biopharma at Pfizer. Interested in working in New York City’s booming fashion industry? Find roles in merchandising, design, or human resources at Ralph Lauren, or work in customer service, sales, or management at Bloomingdale’s. Or seek employment in retail sales, account management, or project management at Verizon.
If you’re looking to pursue a college education, New York City has a variety of highly-ranked universities to consider. Enroll in programs like art history, environmental science, or business administration at New York University (NYU). Get an Ivy League education in subjects like applied mathematics, chemical engineering, or women’s and gender studies at Columbia University. Prepare for a career in social work, journalism, or economics at the Jesuit research university, Fordham University. Pursue a Jewish graduate education in law, psychology, or business at Yeshiva University. Study abroad or explore majors like computer science, artificial intelligence, and accounting at Catholic St. John’s University. Earn a degree in fashion design, graphic design, or illustration from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Or graduate from programs in architecture, film, or photography at the Pratt Institute.
NYC’s public transportation system provides residents with daily bus and subway services across the metro and beyond. Main public transit options are managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which has subway services operating 24/7 and over 470 stations across the city. The MTA also has an extensive bus system that serves more than 300 routes throughout NYC each weekday. If you regularly need to travel to the outer boroughs or surrounding suburbs, commuter rail lines like the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad are other great options. Additionally, convenient for work and play alike, the PATH train provides rapid transit to and from New Jersey, and the NYC Ferry system offers scenic routes that connect various waterfront communities. And if you need to travel further from the city, you can easily board a flight at NYC airports like LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Home to five distinct boroughs—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and Queens—NYC is a true melting pot, with more than 8.3 million residents from across the globe. This diversity is reflected by the city’s many cultural districts, cuisines, languages, and overall atmosphere. Flip through the latest novel releases at Yu & Me Books, browse artisan crafts at Wing On Wo & Co, or try delicious soup dumplings from Joe’s Shanghai in NYC’s Chinatown. Shop for meats and cheeses at Di Palo’s, have a slice of Original Margherita pizza at Lombardi’s, or attend traditional Italian festivals like the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. Appreciate live performances, dance workshops, art showcases, and more at the NYC Multicultural Festival, or taste delicious dishes from around the world at the 9th Avenue International Food Festival. Or celebrate New York City’s diverse LGBTQ community with organizations like NYC Pride and events like PrideFest.
Raising kids in NYC is made possible thanks to its dozens of incredible landmarks—from scenic parks and zoos to educational museums and more. Play, explore, and learn at exhibits like Totally Tots and Neighborhood Nature, or attend family-friendly screenings of movies like The Lion King at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Inspire your little one’s creativity by attending public art events or browsing over 2,000 paintings and drawings made by little ones at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. Get up close to educational, interactive exhibits like CityWorks, Connected Worlds, and Human Plus at the New York Hall of Science. See more than 11,000 animals—including marmosets, king cobras, penguins, and more—or sign up for a scavenger hunt at the Bronx Zoo. Get your kiddos interested in NYC history by touring the historic Statue of Liberty. Or have a picnic, find places to play, or simply relax at stunning NYC parks like Brooklyn Bridge Park and Washington Square Park.
You’ll find all kinds of entertainment in NYC, with Broadway shows, museums, and theaters throughout the city. Explore collections of Ancient West Asian Art, Greek and Roman Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, and more at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), one of the world’s largest art museums. View over 200,000 paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of art, or check out the film series at the world-renowned Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Check out Broadway shows like The Great Gatsby, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Color Purple at the Broadway Theatre. Watch hilarious sets from comedians like Adam Ferrara, Sean Patton, and Emmy Blotnick at the Comedy Cellar. Attend dance, film, or opera performances at one of the 11 resident arts organizations with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Or catch major concerts from top bands like Maroon 5, sporting events, or other large-scale gatherings at Madison Square Garden—the “world’s most famous arena.”
Though NYC may be known as the “Concrete Jungle,” the city still offers an abundance of green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities—in fact, roughly 99% of residents live within a ten-minute walk of a park! Sign up for a guided tour, attend yoga classes, or go ice skating in the winter at the iconic 843-acre Central Park. Take a bike ride, try bird-watching, or reel in a fish in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Embark on a walk to see beautiful views of the city, art installations, and greenery at The High Line. Find a trail to go hiking among the wildlife in the wetlands and grasslands at the 800-acre Marine Park. Check out the skate parks, play beach volleyball, go boating, and more at Hudson River Park. Or listen to live music, watch a free outdoor movie, or have a picnic with friends at Bryant Park.
Recognized as one of the best cities for sports, there’s no shortage of teams to root for in NYC! Experience the New York Yankees (MLB) hitting home runs out of iconic Yankee Stadium, or root for the New York Mets (MLB) from the stands at Citi Field. Get tickets to watch star players from the New York Giants (NFL) or New York Jets (NFL) score touchdowns at MetLife Stadium. See the New York Knicks (NBA) dominate the court at Madison Square Garden—or get rowdy for three-point buzzer beaters scored by the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) at Barclays Center. More of a hockey fan? Watch the New York Rangers (NHL) skate the ice and hit slap shots back at MSG, or visit UBS Arena for intense hockey showdowns by the New York Islanders (NHL). Or loop back to Yankee Stadium for an electric New York City FC (MLS) game, or watch incredible last-minute goals scored by the New York Red Bulls (MLS) with a trip to Sports Illustrated Stadium.
New York City has one of the best food scenes in the world, featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to famous New York-style pizza and incredible street food vendors. Build your own wafel, or order a Liege Wafel with a Belgian Hot Cocoa at the Wafels & Dinges food truck. Enjoy dishes like the Reuben Sandwich, Seafood Platter, or Golden Tilefish at Gramercy Tavern. Grab a slice of Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Grandma Pizza, or Nonna Maria Pizza at Bleecker Street Pizza, one of the best pizza places in NYC. Feast on Italian favorites like Sourdough Pasta Cacciatore, Garganelli Giganti, or Chicken Scarpariello at Don Angie. Fill up on Thai cuisine like Had Yai Chicken, Hoi Johr, or Duck Noodles—with a Mango Sundae for dessert—at Soothr. Dine on Spanish favorites like Skirt Steak, Pork Meatballs, or Braised Oxtail at Casa Mono. Or savor Greek street food with a Pork Gyro Hero, Greek Sausage Platter, or Skepasti at King Souvlaki.
Dubbed The City that Never Sleeps, it goes without saying that New York City nightlife is worth experiencing—whether you head to a jazz club, trendy rooftop lounge, or dive bar. Attend R&B Thursdays while sipping specialty cocktails like Tiger King, Demon Time, or Purple Haze Paradise at Doha Bar Lounge. Listen to jazz, blues, or Latin acts at the world-class Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, or experience jazz bands and jam sessions at Smalls Jazz Club. Enjoy a night on the rooftop garden with drinks like the Smoky Paloma, Spicy Margarita, or Lychee Martini at The Delancey NYC. Swim in the rooftop pool or laugh along to comedy shows on Friday nights at Somewhere Nowhere NYC. Attend a concert or immerse yourself in a themed club night at Webster Hall. Or find spectacular dinner shows, dance parties, and stand-up comedy acts on Fridays and Saturdays at Paradise Club.
Though NYC is full of amenities that make it an exciting place to call home, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind before moving. Here are some downsides to relocating to New York City.
New York City offers an exciting lifestyle that’s hard to find anywhere else, but it comes with a price—The Big Apple is not just one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., but one of the most expensive cities in the world. The city’s cost of living is 69% higher than the national average, and 52% higher than the state average—with higher prices for groceries, healthcare, transportation, and more. NYC housing prices are particularly high, with a median home price of $635,200—244% higher than the U.S. average—and a median rent price of $1,489—57% higher than the national average. On the bright side, the city’s income per capita is 40% higher than the U.S. average, which can help offset the higher cost of living, especially if you choose to reside in some of the more affordable New York City neighborhoods. Plus, while NYC costs are steep, many residents believe the city’s unparalleled opportunities and vibrant lifestyle help justify its higher price tag.
Due in part to its high population density and abundant food sources, NYC tops the list of cities with the worst pest problems and is considered one of the “rattiest cities in America”. That said, it’s not uncommon to see rats and mice along the streets of New York City or even in buildings. However, a combination of proactive measures, good hygiene, and professional intervention can help manage the problem. Following pest prevention measures—such as properly dealing with garbage, using pesticides, and sealing any cracks or crevices—is recommended. The city also provides guidelines on the best ways to control roaches and mice and distributes other pest control info to help you manage pests with ease. Additionally, NYC residents can sign up for a Healthy Homes presentation to learn more about controlling pests. And, if needed, NYC exterminators can help identify the cause of the problem and apply appropriate treatments to keep your home pest free.
As the largest city in the U.S. by population and America’s most visited city, there’s a lot of people trying to get around in New York City every day—which puts NYC on the list of cities with the worst traffic in the U.S. At 40 minutes, NYC also has the longest commute time in the country, causing residents to lose an average of over 100 hours to traffic every year. However, getting around doesn’t always have to be a hassle, as The Big Apple is also known for having some of the best public transportation in the country. New York City has hundreds of subway stations and bus routes across its boroughs, as well as taxis, ferries, and more. Plus, NYC has excellent walkability and bikeability, making it easy for residents to navigate local landmarks, attractions, and businesses—especially with the help of city-wide bike-sharing programs like Citi Bike. And if you own a car, you can manage NYC’s traffic by planning your route ahead of time, leaving early, and avoiding rush hours when possible.
With so many residents and tourists, it’s no surprise that NYC is one of the loudest cities in America—and some find the constant noise from traffic, construction, sirens, and people too overwhelming to manage. From the honking of yellow cabs and rumbling of subway trains to the sounds of nightlife, the nonstop noise in this big city can be disruptive. However, New York City balances its loud and busy lifestyle with a noise code that provides guidelines restricting after-hours noise for those living and working in the city. Plus, noise levels vary greatly from place to place, which means there are several NYC neighborhoods outside the metro that offer a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle—including Battery Park City, Riverdale, and more!
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The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
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