Relocating to NY

I am relocating to NY (Long Island) this summer and a website that I have found very helpful is www.city-data.com/forum . You can join for free and ask questions to residents that know the area. They also have statistical info on neighborhoods, avg home price, schools, crime etc...

Hope that helps!

Yes that website is VERY helpful. I must warn you it is very expensive to live here and this is why I'm leaving when I get my RN. I am still a student so sorry I don't have much to offer.

Thank you for the website! It will definitely come in handy.

In regard to the hospitals located in Manhattan, what are the neighborhoods like?

Novi

Thank you for the website! It will definitely come in handy.

In regard to the hospitals located in Manhattan, what are the neighborhoods like?

Novi

The area around NYU isn't bad. Some areas in Manhattan are better than others. It's best to check that web site, and you could always ask around once you move/start classes. In general, the prices are incredibly expensive in Manhattan, and, in my opinion, overpriced for very little space. Commuting is fairly simple because you can easily hop on a train or take a taxi wherever you need to go in the city.

However, you'd get better deals on apartments if you rent outside Manhattan like Brooklyn or Queens (although their rents have been steadily rising). If you can afford to live in Manhattan (and you don't have dependents), then it'd certainly make your commute easier, and the jobs tend to pay better there. I'm not sure what the hospitals are like.

Check out Astoria- it's a huge area with affordable rent (depending on what you consider affordable) It's not too far from the city (30-40 min to midtown) and everythings within walking distance to the subway. It's super safe, highly diverse, and actually pretty trendy with lots of bars, restaurants, shopping, etc. Great areas of Astoria are: Astoria Blvd, Ditmars Blvd, 30th Ave.......Good Luck!

My daughter will be with me for one year before heading off to college. Nonetheless I would prefer to have a 2 bedroom unit. It appears that Astoria and Brooklyn are viable options. Generally what could I expect in regard to price and size for these areas?

I expect to attend school in the city and plan to continue my studies there as well. While it would be nice to live in the city, I would prefer to save my pennies towards ownership instead. Would you consider Brooklyn and Astoria as up and coming?

Lastly, is a car necessary? If so, what can I expect to pay parking wise? Thanks again everyone. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Novi

Check out "Craigslist.com" for ideas on rent for different areas. You can often find an apt. on there without having to go through a realtor, and you can search specific areas.

Astoria has up-and-coming areas, as well as already trendy areas. It has a huge population of actors, singers, dancers, artists (which keeps it hip), as well as it being very family oriented. I lived there for about 6 years, in 4 different apartments, and never had the desire to leave. My nursing school was 15 min away which was SWEET!

Parking is a pain, because of alternate side rules, and you certainly don't need a car. I never had one. I hope this helps.

is a car necessary?

If u plan to attend the school in the city, u don't need a car. There are subway and buses. I live in Queens, and my friends live in Brooklyn, we commuted to our school in the city on a regular basis.

No car is needed. Some of us can't even drive :chuckle .

Another cheaper option is living in Jersey City across the river and commuting from there. My friend lives there and it seriously takes like 20 min to take the PATH train into the city.

I can't drive either but I'm learning. I expect to bring a car with me. I believe a visit during the summer would be helpful to get a sense of the neighborhoods and commute times as well.

Jersey City won't be an option. My daughter might be coming with me if she doesn't attend boarding school. I will have completed all my prerequisites and plan to work part-time if possible. I don't want the late night commute (especially if I'm not driving).

By the way, what is the typical square footage for a 2 bedroom unit in Astoria or Brooklyn? Many of the ads fail to include this. Also, is it possible to get a washer and dryer in the unit? Thanks again.

Novi