Why do people move to New York?

It takes a certain kind of person to live in New York City, given that the ‘big city’ lifestyle is not for everyone. And there really is no bigger city than The Big Apple. Often people will choose to move there for a sense of adventure. There are so many things to see and do there, and it truly feels like a land of opportunity. This brings us to our second reason to move to New York: the work opportunities. If you’re a real careerist, you may find yourself in the dizzying heights of a Manhattan skyscraper someday. New York is a world capital for many big industries such as finance, advertising and fashion. Moving to the city could open up many doors for you later down the line, even if you only stay for a few years. Finally, you may just feel like you’ve had it with the small town you live in. Maybe you’ve grown tired of being ‘a big fish and a small pond’, as they say, and want to try your luck with the big city living. It may not be easy, but as Frank Sinatra once crooned in New York’s unofficial anthem, ‘If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.’

How many people live in New York?

New York is home to just over 8.3 million people. If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it is.But, when compared to other similar cities, it actually pales in comparison. Take London, for example. Geographically, London is nearly double the size of New York at 1,572 square kilometres. However, their populations are somewhat comparable, as London is home to around 8.9 million residents. So, at least those extra 600,000 people have a bit more room to spread out! To find out more about living in London, head over to our recent blog.

How many boroughs are there in New York?

There are five boroughs in New York, each with its own unique character and features.

• The Bronx  - Here you’ll find the iconic New York Yankees, Bronx Zoo and Arthur Avenue (New York’s ‘real’ Little Italy).

• Brooklyn - Home to a diversity of ethnic backgrounds, this borough is made up of 70 distinct neighbourhoods.

• Manhattan - The centre of the city and known for its most iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building.

• Queens - A largely residential borough where you’re also likely to travel to, in order to take your next flight.

• Staten Island - You can hop on the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, then head to the beach.

What is New York famous for?

New York City has a lot of famous landmarks and popular franchises that people from other countries may instantly recognise. You may have seen its iconic yellow taxis, the infamous subway train or attractions such as Rockefeller Centre or the Chrysler Building.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll know New York for the Yankees or the Giants. It is truly the ‘City that Never Sleeps’ so there’s something in New York for everyone.

What food is New York known for?

New York is truly a foodie’s paradise (as long as you’ve got the cash to spend on it, that is!). You can find several Michelin-starred restaurants there, but the street food is just as iconic. Some of the most famous foods you’ll find hidden around every corner include:

• Bagels - Bagels with lox were brought to New York by Polish immigrants but heavily embraced by the Jewish community there. Today you can see fun takes on the dish in the form of ‘rainbow’ bagels and other popular tourist attractions.

• Cheesecake - First created in 1872 in the town of Chester, NY, New York cheesecake has become a (oh-so-heavenly!) staple in the New York food scene ever since.

• Hot Dogs - Inspired by the city’s immigrant roots, hot dogs stands can be found dotted all over the city. They make for a quick, but filling all-American lunch.

• Pastrami - Another popular immigrant invention was the Reuben sandwich, full of pastrami and sauerkraut, created by German Arnold Reuben in 1929.

• Pizza Slice - New York-style pizza evolved from Neopalitan pizza in that it’s cooked in a gas-lit oven, which gives it a crispier base. It was even more unusual that the first Italian immigrants began to slice the pizza – which traditionally Neopalitans didn’t do – making it easier to grab and go.

• New York Strip - The ‘New York Strip’, as it’s commonly known, is also called a classic sirloin in other parts of the world like the UK and Australia. It was first served in New York at a restaurant called Delmonico’s as its signature dish in 1827.

How much does it cost to live in New York?

New York may be the city where dreams are made, but funding those dreams can be a pretty expensive endeavour. How much you earn may directly impact on the accommodation you can afford. 

The monthly living costs for one person are roughly $1,531.70 USD. Many families tend to live just outside the centre of the city in New Jersey, Connecticut or Staten Island in order to avoid paying over the top for rent prices. We have a handy article on the cost of living in the United States, if this is something that you or your family members are considering someday.

New York public transport

Because New York is quite an overpopulated city, owning a car and driving everywhere is not a popular option. The New York subway system is well connected to most parts of the city, so while it may take a while to get around, it’s easy to get around for a low fare. Fares for most travellers is $2.90 per ride. If you’re visiting and want to take one of the classic yellow cabs, a ride will be around $10, depending on how far you’re going. The base fare is just $3. Ride sharing apps like Uber are also popular options for quick transport.

Is New York safe?

New York, historically, may have a reputation for crime but it really is no less safe than any other big city. Back in 1993, there were a total of 430,460 crimes recorded, but that has since dropped to only 1,000 in 2015. It’s considered to be a safe place for tourists to stay but, of course, it’s wise to keep your wits about you in crowded areas so that you don’t get pickpocketed.

How to make friends in New York

One worry you might have when you move to any new city – let alone one of the largest in the country –  is ‘how do I make friends?’ Here are a few suggestions for how to meet people in NYC, so that you can make the most of your experience there.

• Check out New York City meetup groups - There are many valuable sites like meetup.com that allow you to start making connections with people who have similar interests to you.

• Enrol in classes - Have a hobby? Try enrolling in a class related to your skillset and you might find some like minded friends there.

• Get involved in New York City volunteering schemes - Doing your part to make the world a better place is one wholesome way to meet interesting people from all walks of life.

• Attend events and conferences - Given that New Yorkers are often keen on networking, you’re likely to make connections simply by attending events.

• Try word of mouth - One of the best ways to meet new people is through mutual friends. Ask your existing network if they know anybody who lives in the city, and you might be surprised at who comes through for you.

Why is New York called The Big Apple?

‘The Big Apple’ moniker first gained popularity in reference to horse racing. In the 1920s, a New York newspaper reporter overheard African American stablehands talking about going to the ‘The Big Apple’ in reference to the big time racing venues in the city. He then started to use the name in his newspaper column. The nickname faded for a time until the 1970s when a tourism campaign was introduced to enhance the city’s image. Pins, t-shirts and other promotional items were produced and, this time, the name stuck.

Should I move to New York?

Perhaps reading this article has inspired you to make the move and enjoy all that New York City has to offer. Or, maybe all this talk of big city dreaming has got your head spinning, and you’re just not sure you can make life in the city work for you. Either way, choosing to move is a very individual decision and no one can make it for you. You can, however, get some guidance from our helpful blogs about life abroad. Armed with this information, you can easily land on your feet once you make the big move. Our blog will also help if you’re an international student looking to study abroad. You can easily compare our list of the best cities to study in within the US.

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The contents of this blog post do not constitute legal or financial advice and are provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice, you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.