There’s a lot more to a neighborhood than its aesthetic. That’s why when choosing the right neighborhood to move into in New York City, it’s best to do your research.
Don’t choose a neighborhood on the basis of having visited it once and liked it. You need to conduct not only online research but on the ground research.
There are many New York City apartments to choose from – so which neighborhood is it going to be?
Consider getting a short-term rental
If you have the extra time and money and energy, you can get a short-term rental in the neighborhood you’re seriously considering and experience what it’s like to live in the place first-hand without getting into a binding contract.
This way, you’ll find out what the daily commute is really like and how close the supermarkets and other amenities are and how safe you feel walking home at night.
This knowledge cannot be gained from internet research and exploring Google Street View.
Conduct extensive research
If you think you’ve found the right apartment in the neighborhood that you love, do a bit more sleuthing like viewing Address Report or Localize.city just to get a comprehensive address report and gain more information about the area.
Here are only some of the things that you will find:
- Noise complaints
- Filth complaints
- Street quality complaints
- Number of parks
- Changes in the neighborhood
- Demolitions
- Renovations
- Future developments
- Views
- Road safety
- Neighborhood safety
Check out local blogs
Every neighborhood — especially a great one — is bound to have a blog dedicated to living in it. You’ll find upcoming events, community activities, charity events, and places to go.
You should also get a glimpse of the sentiment of the people in the area and what they value. Is there a general sense of dissatisfaction going around? Are the residents not happy with planned developments? Is this going to affect you negatively?
Get an accurate picture of how convenient it is
Just about every neighborhood in New York City is going to boast about convenience. But not every neighborhood’s claim is accurate.
Take for example your closeness to subways. A convenient location would mean that you’re just 5 to 10 minutes away from the subway. And if that subway line closes down for maintenance work or construction, what other means of transportation do you have as an option? Keep in mind that some subway lines can close down for years.
What dining options are around?
Murray Hill, Greenwich Village, and the East Village are known for their cheap eats, mainly due to the abundance of students in the area.
Find out your dining options if you live in the neighborhood. Ge