Any New Yorkers have advice on living in NY? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Any New Yorkers have advice on living in NY?

386
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 13:57

I am considering accepting a position in NY, which would mean moving there with my 15 yr old daughter within a month or two. I would really appreciate input from personal experience and / or can provide website links for info on the following:

How much can I expect to have deducted from my salary for State / Federal taxes?
Can someone provide a list of the areas in Manhattan that I should look for an apartment (highest rent to lowest rent but still livable with a teenage daughter)?
If living outside the city, which surrounding areas / cities offer the best commute and public high schools?
If living outside New York but working in Manhattan, which tax rate applies, and what areas have the lowest tax rates?

Input would be greatly appreciated while I determine if the move should be made...thank you in advance!

436
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 20:32
I lived in NYC for 3 1/2 years and loved every minute. Breatakingly expensive though. The best public high school in NYC is called Styvescent - it is highly competitive to into, it is downtown in northern battery park city. Other than that I am not sure about other high schools. The best website for looking at and finding apartments is called streeteasy. com In northern battery park city there are a number of nice rental only buildings.....
484
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 20:02
Even if you are working in Manhattan, as long as you are not living within the five boroughs, you DON'T have to pay New York City Tax (If I remember correctly, it was no more than 4%). Places to consider if Manhattan is over your budget (a 700 sq ft apartment would probably cost somewhere near 3000 depending on which part of Manhattan) are New Rochelle, Mamoroneck, or any of the Westchester county area with the metro north lines which makes getting into Manhattan an easy commute. Eg, from New Rochelle to Grand Central is about 30 min or so commute. Also depends on whether you will have a car or not as parking fee in Manhattan can be costly and a car is really not necessary as the subway is pretty extensive. The last time I had a broker, the commission fee was one month of the annual rent. So you will be looking at up front fees of first month rent, last month rent, security deposit and broker's fee. Good luck with the move!
386
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 05 January 2011 - 19:16
Just as a follow-up, I found a great article online: http://nymag.com/realestate/neighborhoods/2010/65374/ Thanks for all the comments and suggestions, much appreciated!
31
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 16:36
ahhh just talking and thinking of NYC makes me miss it! What a GREAT place to call home. It's expensive and one must sacrifice on comfort (unless you are one of the lucky few)....but there is SO much you gain in return that is immeasurable. I love NY, it's a great place to be.....(repeat)
481
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 16:31
@tephi I LOVE Brooklyn (so glad you mention it as family-friendly) ... it's got an amazing vibe! So much young, artistic energy.
31
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 16:27
I am from NY too. Apartment hunting can be challenging, especially from abroad. If you are lucky, your prospective company may have an apartment hunter or broker hired to help facilitate this. Brokers in Manhattan run around 20% of your annual rent! Around 15% of annual rent in other boroughs. Brooklyn is very family oriented and you'd get more bang for your buck, and it's very nice. Lots of trains commuting to/from Manhattan. On the other hand living in Manhattan is truly wonderful. Anything walking distance to Central Park and/or Riverside Park is a treat. I love New York! If you were to commute (any distance) to work, I'd look at what train line your place of employment would be on and look accordingly. NY-ers typically have a choice. If you hate commutes, then you sacrifice space. If you don't mind the commute, you can live more comfortably in a bit of a larger apartment. There are nice neighborhoods in EVERY borough, including NJ. There are also not-so-nice neighborhoods in every borough.
386
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 16:14
Thank you all for the info....research underway! Further comments from posters who have lived in or are from NY appreciated!
481
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 14:35
These links might help: http://nymag.com/realestate/neighborhoods/2010/65374/ http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/snapshots/PL3651000.html Basically, none of my NY colleagues with families lived in the city. But then again, they all had younger children and preferred a suburban life. Also know that in NY, you pay state, city and federal tax. NYC city tax is no joke...so make sure you figure out what your liabilities are. I believe living in New Jersey and working in NY means you don't pay NYC city tax (though you pay NY state tax). That can mean several thousand dollars in savings depending on your situation.
521
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 14:31
I'm a New Yorker who was born and raised in Long Island. It has been awhile and I cannot help you on taxes . Maybe ask on a New York forum, there are plenty. If you are interested in real estate on long island and queens try Www.mlsli.com
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 January 2011 - 14:12
Hello, I lived in New York before moving to Dubai, but I don't have kids and so can't give the best advice on schools and stuff. First off, taxes... you will probably pay about 35% of your salary by the time you have paid federal, state and local city taxes. This, however, depends on a lot of things (income level, any credits you qualify for, etc.). The tax code is incredibly complex and I think you should talk to an accountant if you need details. New Jersey generally is cheaper (as you aren't paying the New York City tax), but then you have a longer commute. Not sure on what your job is and whether or not you can afford the time to have a one hour or longer commute each way. Same with Connecticut or upstate New York. I'd assume the Upper West and Upper East sides have the best public schools. A decent one bedroom apartment is going to cost about $3,000/month, plus utilities. There are family friendly areas in Brooklyn (e.g., Park Slope) where rent is cheaper, but I don't know about the quality of public schools there. The financial district also has cheaper rent, but again, not sure about the schools. Pretty much anywhere in Manhattan is safe, with the possible exclusion of some of the seedier parts of Hells Kitchen/the Garment District, and then getting up into Harlem. Basically... New York is safe, but expensive. A single person not doing anything too extravagant, who is renting, needs about $100,000 per year to lead a middle class life. Sorry I can't be more specific, but taxes are dependent on so many things and I don't have a kid. Everything else is up to how much money you are willing to spend.
 
 

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