New York City Life

There are few places on earth that can be compared to New York City.  Living here is like nothing else – both in the positive and negative senses of the phrase.  The full reality of the situation often doesn't hit those planning on living in the city until they go about looking for a home to call their own. 

Unless you are used to being a buyer or renter in the Paris or Tokyo real estate markets, it's going to take some time to get used to New York's more challenging real estate eccentricities. 

You'll live relatively close to the scene of some of the most exciting artistic, cultural, business and governmental institutions in the world, no matter what living space you end up with.  However, that space might be far smaller than you could ever imagine. 

Stories abound of families living in apartments that were initially designed to be singles, and single people living in apartments that were initially made to house only cleaning equipment. 

While it's obviously important to live where you can be happy, it is also necessary to stay within your housing budget.  Threading this needle requires some adjustment to New York City life. 

Most importantly, first time buyers and renters should re-orient their perspective on the utility of a home in general.  Whereas someone growing up in suburbia might expect their home to include their entertainment, fitness, studying, eating and sleeping facilities, New York apartments often only include room to sleep and eat.  Furthermore, any serious chef would have a hard time cooking a full meal in what real estate agents often refer to as a full kitchen here in the city.

Of course, you can pay more for an apartment that includes all of those things, but it may cost you far more than getting an apartment with a location central to your work; not to mention truly incredible gyms, restaurants, libraries and museums. 

This is the key adjustment to city life that newly-arrived inhabitants need to make:  Much less of your life is spent at home.  Don't expect to work out there.  Instead go to the gym two blocks away that has every piece of work-out equipment imaginable.  Don't spend time hoping for a New York apartment with a spacious kitchen.  Instead, spend some time at the many award winning restaurants that will probably be a short walk from your place.  Don't look to get an extra room for your studies.  Try the New York Public Library; it's one of the best libraries in the world. 

It's a trade off most New Yorkers have to make... and it's definitely worth it. 

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