Moving to New York – Everything You Need to Know

Are you dreaming of moving to New York? Relocating to ‘the city that never sleeps’ can be a reality, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re moving for work, family, or simply to experience life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, it’s a journey that requires planning. 

From organising shipping your belongings to navigating customs and settling into your new space, there’s a lot to think about. But once you’re here, the energy of the city, the diversity of its neighbourhoods, and the opportunities it offers make it all worth it.

1st Move International has created this guide on everything you need to know about moving to New York. From discovering the best neighbourhoods to live to navigating the healthcare system, here’s what you need to know to start your NYC adventure on the right foot.

Why Move to New York City?

New York City is home to almost 9 million people, and that’s just the city alone, with the state population being 19.8 million. NYC boasts a melting pot of cultures, a global hub of opportunity, and a 24/7 energy. Here are the main reasons many people move to New York. 

Career Opportunities 

New York City is a global hub for many industries and well-established companies, such as Amazon and Google. Home of Wall Street, the finance and technology sectors are thriving in New York. The city attracts ambitious professionals from all over the world, providing extensive networking opportunities.

Cultural Diversity 

With over 200 languages spoken in New York City alone, people from a wide variety of cultures call it home. This is reflected in the local cuisine, which sees restaurants, street food, and shops producing authentic food from countries worldwide. New York celebrates everything from Chinese New Year in Chinatown to Puerto Rican Day and Pride parades.

Energy and Lifestyle

There is a fast-paced environment in New York, so the city is ideal for those who thrive in dynamic and competitive settings. There are endless social opportunities through meeting people, trying new things, and exploring neighbourhoods. There is a lively social scene with world-class concerts at Madison Square Garden and live music at The Bowery Ballroom. There’s also a thriving art scene due to the iconic museums The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 

The Challenges of Living in New York

High Cost of Living 

New York is one of the most expensive cities to live in the U.S. and the world, so it’s important to create a realistic budget when moving to New York. Rent in particular is costly in the city, especially if you’re looking at Manhattan. Everyday expenses such as groceries, dining out, and entertainment tend to cost more than in other cities too.

Fast Paced Environment

Many people move to New York for its fast-paced, lively environment, but for some, this can be a challenge. The work culture, especially in careers like finance, fashion, or media can be overwhelming, with long hours and after-work socialising. While this is appealing to some, it’s important to be aware of the daily norms in New York.

Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion is a challenge in New York due to its large population. It consistently ranks among the most congested cities globally due to millions of commuters and tourists. This causes constant traffic jams and gridlock traffic during rush hour is common, especially in Manhattan. Many people utilise the subway but this can get overcrowded, especially during peak times such as rush hour. This tends to make commuting difficult, adding extra time to your day. 

Securing Your US Visa for New York 

To move to New York, you’ll need to apply for a U.S. Visa. The category and type you will need will depend on the type and length of stay. You will need either an immigrant or non-immigrant visa. Immigrant Visas are granted to foreign nationals who plan to reside permanently and Non-immigrant Visas are designed for those entering the U.S. temporarily, whether for tourism, education, or business. Each visa type has a category and the most common visas for moving to the USA are as follows:

Family-based Visas

• Fiancé(e) Visa (K1 Visa): If you are a foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen, the K1 Visa allows you to enter the U.S. to marry your U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
• Spouse Visas (IR1, CR1, K3): The IR1, CR1, and K3 Visas are for the spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Work Visas

• Speciality Occupations (H1B Visa): The H1B Visa is a work visa for workers in a speciality occupation, such as IT, finance, accounting, architecture, engineering, mathematics, medicine, etc.
• Employment-based Immigrant Visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5): These visas are for workers in a variety of situations, from “priority workers” with extraordinary abilities or multinational executives (EB-1) to skilled workers and professionals (EB-2 and EB-3) and even immigrant investors who are investing a large amount of capital into a U.S. enterprise (EB-5).
• Intra-company Transferee (L1 Visa): The L1 Visa is for managers, executives, or specialised knowledge employees transferring to their employer’s U.S. office.

Student Visas

• Student Visas (F1 or M1 Visa): These visas are for individuals who wish to study in the U.S. F1 visas are for academic students, while M1 Visas are for vocational students.
• Exchange Visitors (J1 Visa): The J1 Visa is for individuals approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs.

Investor Visas

• Trader/Investor Visas (E1/E2 ): These are for people who conduct significant trade between the U.S. and their home country (E1), or who are investing a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business (E2). 

To learn more about U.S. visas, read our detailed guide on Moving to the USA From the UK.

How to Apply for a U.S. Visa

Visa applications take time, so apply well in advance of your move. Here are the key steps to follow:

1. Determine the Right Visa – Research the right visa for the purpose of your stay. 
2. Apply for a Visa: you’ll have to complete the visa application form relevant to your category. This is typically under the category of an immigrant visa for long-term stays or through a Green Card. 
3. Schedule a Visa Interview: You’ll need to have an in-person interview either at the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate in Belfast.
4. Prepare Documentation: Gather the essential documents such as your passport, visa application confirmation, visa fee receipt, and any supporting documents (e.g., job offer, financial proof, or educational enrollment).
5. Await Response: Your interview, documents, and application will be reviewed and you will be informed of the outcome.

Where to Live in New York

New York City is split into 5 different boroughs with many local neighbourhoods within those boroughs. Each neighbourhood is distinct, offering a varied culture, exciting opportunities, and vibrant nightlife. Where you choose to live in New York will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and career. 

The Bronx

The Bronx has seen significant development since the twentieth century and is a culturally vibrant borough. There are some upper and middle-income neighbourhoods such as Riverdale and Pelham Bay, though the poorest congressional district in the USA is the 15th which is situated in The Bronx.

Home to the Bronx Zoo, which is the largest in the USA, the Yankee Stadium, which is home to the New York Yankees baseball team and the New York Botanical Garden, which is the largest botanical garden in the state of New York.

Housing in The Bronx is much more affordable than in Manhattan, and with the transport links, this means that living in The Bronx and commuting to Manhattan is easy and cost-effective. Other living costs are cheaper in The Bronx such as groceries and eating out.

The South Bronx area has become a desirable area to live in with many coffee shops, restaurants and art spaces, and there are affluent areas such as Spuyten Duyvil and Morris Park with a suburban style of living. There are however some neighbourhoods that are still less attractive than others, and the South-East Bronx is still considered as a little unsafe. 

Brooklyn

The most populous of the boroughs of New York, if Brooklyn was ranked as a city it would be the third most populous in the USA. It’s a sought-after area of New York to live in, but it has a high cost of living compared to much of the rest of the city, even some areas of Manhattan.

Part of the appeal of Brooklyn is the availability of public transport. This means that Brooklyn is well within the reach of commuters to Manhattan and other areas of New York for work. There are areas of Brooklyn that suit everyone, from families in the Clinton Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass (DUMCO) neighbourhoods to areas more suited to young singles and professionals such as Williamsburg and Crown Heights.

There are many places to relax in your free time in Brooklyn, such as Prospect Park with 90 acres, a zoo, sports fields, and the boroughs-only lake. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers sports facilities and playgrounds, and Coney Island has two amusement parks as well as a beach.

Manhattan

Arguably the place that always comes to mind when thinking of New York City is Manhattan. It’s an expensive place to live, with the average cost of living coming out at 50% higher than the rest of the USA. Whether you are buying or renting housing, eating out, shopping for groceries and everything else in between, you should expect to pay more if you are in Manhattan.

The neighbourhoods of Manhattan can be very small, some are famous for the immigrants that settled there initially, such as Chinatown, Little Italy or the Lower East Side, and some are more known for their current famous inhabitants such as TriBeCa (home of Hollywood actors Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson and Leonardo DiCaprio)

Places to visit in Manhattan include the theatres on Broadway, the world-famous Empire State Building and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Manhattan is also the home to Central Park, which covers 843 acres and is thought to be the most visited urban park in the USA. Scene to countless iconic film and television appearances, it ranks as one of the most popular places to visit in the city. However, although crime has declined in New York in recent years, it is thought best to avoid The Park at night.

Arguably the most iconic place to visit in New York, maybe even the USA, is situated on an island in the Hudson River. The Statue of Liberty has over 4 million visitors every year and is an official US National Monument.

Queens

The largest of the boroughs of New York by land area, Queens is home to over 2.3 million residents. It’s likely to be the first part of New York you visit, as it is the location of the 2 major airports in New York, LaGuardia and JFK. Again, transport connections to other boroughs are very good, so Queens is an easy commute, especially to Manhattan which is as little as a 10-minute train ride away.

The neighbourhoods of Queens each have their distinctive style. Astoria, which is close to Manhattan, is known for its large Greek population and has small, semi-detached homes, whilst Bayside, with small-to-medium sized, fully detached homes has a marina and has some of the best schools in Queens. Jamaica Estates is very upmarket, with large, expensive homes and excellent private schools, and Forest Hills has Tudor-style homes and miles of hiking trails nearby.

Unlike Manhattan though, if you prefer to drive under your own steam, Queens has lots of on-street parking and garages. There are plenty of employment opportunities in Queens, so you do not need to commute to any of the other boroughs to find work.

Queens is home to the New York Mets baseball team and the Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is the home of the U.S. Open Tennis tournament. It also has some beautiful beaches to explore. 

Staten Island

The least populated of New York City’s boroughs, Staten Island is connected to Brooklyn via the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and to lower Manhattan via the Staten Island Ferry. It is the only borough not served by the New York City Subway. This makes commuting to the other boroughs of New York more challenging than the rest of the city.

However, Staten Island does have its benefits. The cost of living is lower and due to the lower population figures, there is much more space for greenery and larger homes, making it a more family-orientated area to live. 

St George is the place for you if you are planning to catch the ferry and commute to Manhattan. It has an urban feel and lots of hip bars, restaurants and art galleries. Todt Hill is exclusive, with tree-lined streets and large gated homes, whilst West Brighton is great for families with parks and the Staten Island Zoo. 

Renting or Buying in New York

Renting is far more common in New York than buying property due to the volatility of the buying market.  Approximately 69% of New York City residents rent their homes, whilst 30% own. Renting is the more practical and financially friendly choice due to high property prices and ever-evolving neighbourhoods. 

Rent is the largest expense for most people in NYC. Average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan can range from $3,000 to $5,000, while Brooklyn and Queens offer more affordable options starting around $2,000 and up. Areas like Harlem and Astoria may offer relatively lower rents. To buy property in Manhattan you can expect the average cost to be around $1 million. Areas like Brooklyn and Queens offer more affordable buying options than Manhattan but are still pricey. 

There are no restrictions for both permanent and temporary UK residents in the U.S. on the type or amount of property they can buy. Both residency statuses can also access mortgages from certain banks in the U.S. However, U.S. banks often apply tougher lending criteria to foreign borrowers, so anticipate a need for a substantial deposit, typically 30-40% of the property’s price.

There is a high demand for rental properties in New York, so you should ensure you have secured your accommodation before moving. Rental websites to view live listings include StreetEasy, Zillow, Craigslist, and Apartments.com. You will typically need to prove you earn 40 times the monthly rent price per year. You may have your credit score checked and have to provide a rental history. Typically a one-month security deposit is sometimes required to secure the rental property. 

Cost of Living in New York

One of the drawbacks of living in New York is the high cost of living. It’s one of the highest in the U.S. and is 26.5% higher than in London. Rent is the biggest cost for those living in New York and the cost varies by borough. The Bronx and Staten Island are more affordable areas to rent, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging at around $1,500 to $2,500 in the Bronx and $1,200 to $2,000 in Staten Island.

It gets more expensive in Queens, costing around $2,000 to $3,000 if you’re looking at areas like Astoria, Long Island City, or Forest Hills. Brooklyn is a more desirable area to live in, so costs are high at $2,500 to $4,000. Neighbourhoods like Bushwick or Sunset Park are more affordable. Finally, rent in Manhattan can set you back $3,500 to $4,500 per month. 

You’ll also need to factor in utilities which can cost around $178 a month for electricity and gas and $68 for internet. Transportation is relied on heavily to travel across the city and a monthly transport pass costs around $133 a month. Ubers, Lyfts, and taxis are common methods of transport too, with average tariffs for taxis starting at $5, then $2.17 per 1km. 

Eating out and grocery prices are high too, with restaurant prices 19.3% higher than in London, while grocery costs are 35.2% higher. The average monthly food shop for one person averages between $300-$600. There are a range of restaurants, from casual to fine dining, as well as street food options. 

Finding a Job in New York

The New York job market is diverse and competitive, home to a variety of industries including finance, technology, music, and arts. The city attracts job seekers from around the world, so competition is high for roles. With high demand and stiff competition comes high salaries, with New York’s average salaries higher than the national average. The monthly average salary is $5,525.70, which is 20% higher than in London and 23% higher than the U.S. average.

Finance and banking dominate the market due to Wall Street’s global status. There are roles in this industry such as investment banking, wealth management, and fintech. There are also established big company names in the technology industry as well as thriving start-ups. Being home to world-famous Ivy League universities such as New York University (NYU), the education sector creates many opportunities for educators and administrators.

The rise of hybrid and remote working is on the rise, which opens up more options for those living in New York. Some workers are moving to NYC for its lifestyle while keeping jobs based elsewhere, further diversifying the local job market.

The use of platforms like Linkedin as well as New York networking events are commonly used to create connections and get employment. 

Getting Around New York

New York isn’t a driving-friendly city for its residents due to traffic congestion and high parking costs, but that’s not to say the city isn’t well-connected. It is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., with many neighbourhoods designed for walking, unlike rural America. It’s a great way to explore other neighbourhoods and keep active. The most common ways to travel through the city are via the Subway or bus. 

Subway

The quickest and most common way to get around New York is via the subway. It’s the backbone of the city’s public transport and is the most affordable route too. There are 24 subway lines, identified by numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) or letters (A, B, C, D, etc.) and they cover Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and parts of the Bronx. Staten Island cannot be reached by subway, but there are other modes of transport such as ferry or bus. A standard subway ride costs $2.90 and you can either buy a MetroCard or use contactless payment through the OMNY system.  Trams can get crowded due to the quick speed and low cost, especially at rush hour.

Buses 

Similar to the subway, travelling via bus is another easy option to get across the city, but is slower than the subway. Tickets cost the same as the subway with the same payment methods. There are over 300 routes throughout New York City, running along avenues in Manhattan. There are also neighborhood-specific routes in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The bus typically covers the areas you cannot reach via the subway.

Taxis and Ride-sharing

Taxis are also available but will cost more than public transport. The base for a standard yellow cab taxi is $2.50 and it is customary to tip between 10%-20%. There are apps such as Curb to help you book a taxi or you can flag one down. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also common, prices fluctuate but are still more expensive than public transport.

Citi Bike 

You can rent a bike to get around the city via Citi Bike, costing $12 for a single ride up to 30 minutes or $185 for an annual membership. The city has thousands of bike stations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and some areas in Queens. You can search nearby stations and check availability via the Citi Bike app. It’s a great option for a short commute, or to see the city, but if you need to travel longer distances, it’s not really suitable in case of a lack of bike lanes. 

Ferries 

Ferries can sometimes be a faster alternative for travelling across the city. The Staten Island Ferry is free and it runs between Manhattan and Staten Island. The NYC Ferry connects Manhattan with Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx and costs $2.75 for one way. 

Can I Ship My Car to New York?

Yes, you can ship your car from the UK to New York. The average cost to ship a car to the USA is roughly £1,254. This cost varies depending on your exact destination and type of vehicle. For example, shipping a saloon car to New York costs £1,182, with a transit time of about 11 days. 

You will need to organise car shipping through professional shippers such as Autoshippers. They have been shipping cars from the UK to the U.S. for over 25 years so have the essential experience and knowledge. Autoshippers offer Roll on Roll off services for cars, SUVs, autos, motorhomes, trucks, vans and buses. All sailings are direct from the UK ports of Liverpool or Southampton to the port in New York.

Schools and Education in New York 

New York City’s education system is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. There is a range of options on offer, from public and private schools to speciality expat schools and world-class universities.

Here’s a breakdown of the different aspects of education in NYC:

Public Schools

Public schools in New York are served under the New York City Department of Education, the largest school district in the U.S. It serves 1 million students over 1,800 schools, with schools split into elementary, middle, and high schools. Public schools follow a standard curriculum, but specialised programs, including arts, science, technology, mathematics, and bilingual education, are also available at various schools. High-standard public schools include Stuyvesant High School, The Bronx High School of Science, and The School of American Ballet.

Private Schools

There are a variety of prestigious private schools in New York, including The Trinity School, The Brearley School, Horace Mann School, and The Dalton School. These schools are independent from the public system and have high tuition fees. They provide a rigorous academic programme known for achieving high college acceptance rates.

Higher Education

New York boasts many Ivy League and renowned colleges and universities, including Columbia University and New York University (NYU). The public university system The City University of New York offers affordable and accessible education across all boroughs. It boasts 25 campuses including schools like Baruch College, Hunter College, and City College of New York.

Schools for British Expats

Located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the British International School of New York provides a British curriculum with programs from early childhood through to secondary school, including IGCSEs and A-Levels. The school is tailored for students who are accustomed to the UK education system. The United Nations International School and The Lyceum also offer academic excellence and cultural support, making them ideal for expats looking for a seamless educational experience in NYC.

Healthcare in New York 

Unlike the UK’s NHS, healthcare in the U.S. including New York sees its residents relying heavily on private health insurance. The city does have its own public healthcare system and health insurance options that we will cover below.

New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation 

The city has its own public healthcare system called New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation which is available to all residents, regardless of immigration status, income level, or insurance coverage. It serves over 1 million people through 11 hospitals and 70 community health centres, offering a variety of specialised services. It’s a lifeline for low-income earners and residents who are uninsured, providing primary care, mental health, and emergency care services. New York Health and Hospitals accepts both Medicaid and Medicare to support low-income individuals, seniors, and those with disabilities.

Health Insurance 

Although many people in New York are covered by insurance provided by their work or private healthcare via the Affordable Care Act, New York also has its own insurance on offer. New York State of Health allows residents to compare and purchase health plans. Many residents are also in receipt of Medicaid recipients who can access healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription drugs. 

Health Costs 

For those accessing services via the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, costs can vary depending on your insurance status. For those who are uninsured, costs operate on a sliding fee scale, meaning costs are based on income. The lower your income, the lower your fees will be. There are also financial assistance programs for low earners to help cover costs. For insured patients through Medicaid, people generally pay no or very low out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services. 

Weather in New York

New York’s weather has distinct seasons, offering cold winters and hot, humid summers. Wind and rain is common in the city, averaging around 50 inches of rainfall throughout the year.

Winter – Cold and Snowy

Temperatures range from -4°C to 4°C during a New York winter, with occasional dips below freezing. New York gets between 20–30 inches of snow annually, but heavy snowfalls are typically spread out over several storms rather than being one prolonged snow season. It doesn’t experience snow as badly as other northern U.S. cities, however, wind chill can make it feel colder.

Spring – Cool and Warm

Spring weather in New York starts at a cool temperature of around 10°C and warms up to an average of 21°C. Parks like Central Park are in full bloom, making it pleasant to walk around. Rain showers are common during spring, with an average rainfall of 11.7 inches during the season. April is often the wettest month, with May seeing more intense rainstorms, although it eases off as the temperature increases. 

Summer – Hot and Humid

Summers in New York can be hot and humid, with temperatures averaging between 24°C and 29°C. Heatwaves can see highs of up to 32°C with high humidity levels making it feel even hotter, especially in July. With high temperatures occasional thunderstorms are common. High humidity levels contribute to the city’s famous sticky, muggy feeling during the summer months.

Autumn – Cool and Crisp

Autumn sees temperatures cooling to around 4°C and 21°C. Expect to experience crisp air, beautiful foliage, and more comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Night temperature can get much colder in November heading into the winter, with lows of around -1°C. 

Things to Do in New York City 

To embrace the New York lifestyle, it’s important to understand the lifestyle and activities on offer. 

Food

There is an abundance of eating options in New York, ranging from pizza slices and hot dog carts to international cuisine and high dining. You can expect to sample cuisines from all cultures, from classic Italian American to Chinese. You can find authentic New York pizza at Joe’s Pizza in Greenwich Village or Di Fara Pizza in Brooklyn. Bagels are another iconic New York food, Ess-a-Bagel and Russ & Daughters are amongst the best. Street food carts and stalls are common where you can sample hot dogs, falafel, tacos, or dumplings.

Museums 

New York is home to world-famous museums that host classic art paintings and exhibits. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers, with vast collections from ancient to modern art. Explore Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) or dinosaur fossils at the American Museum of Natural History. New York also boasts the famous landmark, The Guggenheim, which showcases modern art.

Landmarks 

Fill your weekends by visiting all the iconic landmarks New York has to offer, from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to the Empire State Building and Times Square. Visit Central Park to see the Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Each offering a unique experience, these landmarks are known worldwide. Visit the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Neighbourhoods

One great way to see the real New York is by exploring all its neighbourhoods. There’s Chinatown where you can sample dim sum, browse Asian markets, and visit cultural landmarks like the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Greenwich Villages offers a more bohemian feel, with Washington Square Park and quaint cafes and shops. If you want to learn about African American history, Harlem offers a rich history as well as iconic food spots like Sylvia’s.

How Much Will it Cost to Move my Personal Belongings to New York?

When shipping household goods and personal effects to New York, your moving costs will vary depending on the size of your move and final address in New York.

Here are the average costs for moving from UK to New York:

• Small Move: £ 985.00
• 1 bed flat: £1,194
• 2 bed flat: £2,137
• 3 bed house (20 ft container): £5,633
• 4+ bed house (40 ft container): £7,428
  

About our international moving services to New York

1st Move International can safely ship your household and personal belongings to New York from the UK. We offer a guaranteed weekly shipping service that ships directly to the port in New York. Our safe packing and shipping techniques provide full protection to your items. 

Visit our International Removals page and find out more about our great range of packing, shipping, and insurance options or you can a moving overseas quote, tailored for your individual moving requirements.

You can also check out our online international moving costs calculator here.

For more details on our packing process and the benefits of shipping with commercial co-loaders see our Faster Shipping, Safer Packing and Smarter Billing pages.