I visited NYC for the first time ever a few weeks ago...

[PolterGUYst]

Polter - yeah, the MFA program I'm into at The New School is just part of The New School, I don't think it's associated with Parsons... from what I've understood, isn't Parsons just for design? Anyways, I'd want to do an MFA in Creative Writing. That's what my B.A. is in. I know, I know, the job opportunities will be huge...

Haha, no you should follow what you really love to do. Studying something you don't think you really want to make a career out of isn't worthwhile.

And yeah, Parsons isn't for writing. I'm more into the visual fine arts myself, like painting and drawing, but I try to write a few creative things occasionally too. It's a great way to express what's on your mind.

 

[bounder]

Saymyname, I don't think anyway is trying to dissuade you from going to NYC, but rather trying to help you look at the situation realistically and not through rose colored glasses. New York is VERY expensive. You might be surprised at how many full time jobs don't allow you to live comfortably. While you may not drive, the subway and cab fares definitely add up.

However, it definitely is doable. I echo lucky7 sentiment that you should line up work before you get here. If you get a job before an apartment, try to find a friend you can temporarily crash with until you find your own place. I strongly advice against coming without a job. Unless you already have deep pockets, you burn through a lot of cash while looking for employment. Good luck, and make smart decisions. I hope it works out for you.

 

[voyager1994]

Visiting NYC as a tourist is a totally different experience than actually living and working there. I'm sure you know that already. You seem so sure about moving there, so I'd say go for it. Good luck!

 

[slickery]

I can't believe you guys think 600/700 a month is expensive?! I pay twice that a month and this isn't even NYC!

But I'd say if you want to move to NYC, then move there. But use common sense and research research research before you go. Try to make some contacts before you go if you don't already have some.

 

[braex27]

This is not about NYC but a similar situation. I grew up in Melbourne, and visited London for the first time in 2007, and fell instantly in love with the city. I was home. I felt like I fit in, in a way I had never felt before in Melbourne.

I thought it was just adrenaline at the adventure but when I returned in 2009, it was the same. I completely understand what you have with NYC, and fully encourage you to pursue the dream and the adventure!

 

[BabiGayPimp]

I get your realness, but I think I mentioned that the rents I was talking about were in Bushwick, and I stayed in Bushwick when I visited. It didn't seem "poor" or dangerous, just not totally gentrified, still had a working class character to it. I'd be fine with living somewhere like that. I've lived in 'hoods in Montreal like that and I can handle it fine. I don't plan on living in Manhattan or expensive parts of Brooklyn. Seriously, 700/m rent or so, that's my limit. It can happen. I actually quite liked Bushwick, anyways. I also have a lot of experience living with roommates so if I had to live with a couple other people again, I could handle that too. And yes, I would try to secure a job before moving, or at least have some money saved up so I could take the time to find one, at least.

Polter - yeah, the MFA program I'm into at The New School is just part of The New School, I don't think it's associated with Parsons... from what I've understood, isn't Parsons just for design? Anyways, I'd want to do an MFA in Creative Writing. That's what my B.A. is in. I know, I know, the job opportunities will be huge...

I don't know about this. If $700 was the max I could afford for rent I wouldn't consider the metro NYC area. And I heard the job opportunities were sparse in the city, especially for creative types. I have many colleagues who have fled NYC to escape the expense and to have a chance at actually owning something. I would do some more research, and rely on more than anecdotal accounts from friends.

If your intent is simply to capture experiences, make money, and leave with it at some point, then this may be a good move for you.

 

[saymyname]

I don't know about this. If $700 was the max I could afford for rent I wouldn't consider the metro NYC area. And I heard the job opportunities were sparse in the city, especially for creative types. I have many colleagues who have fled NYC to escape the expense and to have a chance at actually owning something. I would do some more research, and rely on more than anecdotal accounts from friends.

If your intent is simply to capture experiences, make money, and leave with it at some point, then this may be a good move for you.

I'm going to be like, 23 or so... I don't plan on owning a house or anything. Don't you think there are people working minimum wage jobs in NYC? They're not homeless and starving to death. I think 700 is reasonable for certain parts of Brooklyn.

Anyways, I'll stop defending the financial aspect. It must just be hard for some people to believe or get the whole roommate thing. If you think everyone in NYC is paying like 1,000 for rent, how do you think minimum wage workers are getting by, or students?

 

[saymyname]

Minimum wage workers work multiple jobs or live in the projects.
Students have help from parents or have to work multiple jobs with multiple roommates in the ghetto.

I agree. If $700 is your max, get ready for a rude surprise. If you are EXTREMELY lucky you might find $700. But right now, that's reallydifficult to find unless the apartment is rundown or you live in a poor part of Brooklyn or the Bronx.

Anyway, you seem deadset on things already so the best of luck to you

I think your distinctions between "the ghetto" and 'normal' neighborhoods are a little black and white. I'm fine with living with roommates and the part of Brooklyn I mentioned (Bushwick) didn't seem "ghetto" to me - do you consider it ghetto? Maybe that's why we disagree. I'm fine with living in a 'poor part' of Brooklyn. I'm not sure what you even mean by that. When you say poor, I hear affordable. It's not like I plan on living in a loft in the Chelsea.

Blacksyringe - do you really think so? That's good to hear. I know McGill has a large rep outside of Montreal, but I wasn't sure about Concordia or the other schools.

 

[bounder]

Rose colored glassed indeed.

 

[saymyname]

Rose colored glassed indeed.

Hi, did you READ THE THREAD? I'm not planning on moving there from bumfuck Omaha. Jesus. Advice is appreciated, baseless condescension is not.

 

[saymyname]

Eh, not really. Montreal can be expensive, second most expensive city in Canada if I recall correctly, in the top 30 in the world. It's not like he's jumping from a town of 10k in Oklahoma to NYC.

Holy crap. Thank you. Although the rents are insanely cheap here, but it's no small town. The rents are just cheap thanks to good rent control laws. Is MTL the 2nd most expensive city in Canada? I'm not sure, I heard Vancouver is getting pricey too.

And yeah, Concordia is renowned for certain things like engineering, creative writing, business. Not a McGill but definitely not an unknown school.

 

[bounder]

Hi, did you READ THE THREAD? I'm not planning on moving there from bumfuck Omaha. Jesus. Advice is appreciated, baseless condescension is not.

Yep. The whole thing. It wouldn't matter if you coming from a place like Omaha either. It just seems like you think this is going to be a lot easier than it will actually be. I would never tell you to not do it. If New York is where your heart is, then go for it. I think you're underestimating how tough it can be, and you could be in for a bad surprise if things don't work out as you plan. But honestly, I do hope everything works out for you. Do your thing, man. Best of luck.

 

[Kennylingus]

Yeah...I went for the first time last december and I'm also pretty desperate to move there. Everyone was so fucking fashionable....and the stores....mfg sooo cool...I only got to spend eight hours, but I feel in love with the city.

 

[frankfrank]

Don't overlook the possibility of living on the New Jersey side, a train ride away from The City, either. Nobody has mentioned that, and rentals in New Jersey can be substantially lower. If I were moving "to New York City" I would probably actually feel quite happy living in a place like Passaic or Nutley, which isn't overly expensive nor is it any more dangerous than other places...and when you want your nights on the town, you just get on the train.

 

[saymyname]

If and when you decide to move, saymyname... be sure to update and let us all know how things are going for you. Don't ever be discouraged.

It wouldn't be for at least a year, it's just in the planning stages now. I have to graduate, get some work experience here, then get a job lined up, network more, etc. I'm also still struggling with the idea of going there and my boyfriend still having a year of school left here a couple years from now... no one has really commented on that aspect yet, so that would be interesting. We could try long distance, I guess. If I stay here in Montreal for 3 more years, he'd have 1 year left of school... depends if he does summer semesters...

 

[BabiGayPimp]

I'm going to be like, 23 or so... I don't plan on owning a house or anything. Don't you think there are people working minimum wage jobs in NYC? They're not homeless and starving to death. I think 700 is reasonable for certain parts of Brooklyn.

Anyways, I'll stop defending the financial aspect. It must just be hard for some people to believe or get the whole roommate thing. If you think everyone in NYC is paying like 1,000 for rent, how do you think minimum wage workers are getting by, or students?

I've often wondered myself how the natives do it on their own. My guess is that some have support systems that may include help from family. The people I know of who relocated to NY were moved there by the corporations they work for with full relocation packages, including help finding an apartment. And they have other resources. And most of them weren't facing a $100K + grad school tuition expense.

I suppose it could work with luck and optimism. But you should hedge your bet with a good exit strategy.

http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/02/05/2009-02-05_nyc_so_costly_you_need_to_earn_six_figur.html

 

[saymyname]

Ya, probably help from family and owning old properties, or having rented steady rent controlled old apartments... maybe?

I'd definitely want to get a job lined up first... and I agree about an exit strategy. I'd probably just move back to Montreal. Or Toronto (which might be a little cheaper).

 

[erobert]

Always wanted to move to NYC ever since I visited for the first time way back in '92. Been coming back ever since then, that place can really create an impression on someone. Though, as I've grown older and explored other boroughs I know there's two sides to New York. The movies never portray how small apartments actually are.

Saving my money up to move later this year after I get my degree and am apt hunting now, I've been planning for this for 10 years now. (You can never be too prepared) Wish rents weren't so expensive but they seem to be coming down now in the outer boroughs. Though, it's all relative because pay is generally higher in NY than other cities.

I have some helpful tips to add.

Don't take cabs that often and if you can't afford it don't take them at all. That meter goes up fast when you travel crosstown and/or are stuck in traffic. Manhattan and Brooklyn are pretty walkable and you can't go wrong with a monthly MetroCard (~$80)

Prepare for sticker shock even in the in some neighborhoods in outer boroughs. Rent in Manhattan (below 125th St) is $1,500-3000 per month. Extremely expensive for a college student. Look in Queens, Brooklyn and even Jersey (Hoboken and Jersey City) Be careful of Craigslist there's a lot of roach motels and slumlords on there. You can find a good deal sometimes but I prefer to search through the NY Times and Village Voice instead.

Finally, save, save, save as much money as you can and don't forget to make a monthly budget. I also highly advise you to have a job before you move here. I'm looking for internships now, competition is stiff.

As Frank says, if we can make it here we can make it anywhere.

 

[Knucklehead]

Triple post..

 

[Knucklehead]

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