There is a lot of work that goes into moving to NYC, and looking for apartments for rent in New York City is at the top of the list. For example, there are certain things to keep in mind when looking for a rental. You can get started by checking out the following renters guide to moving to NYC.
Timing Is Everything
While you do not want to wait until the last minute to find an apartment, you do not want to start too early either. For one, you may lose your motivation because you are browsing through so many apartments. Secondly, the prices may change before you are ready to move to New York.
It is okay to plan your move early, as there is a lot to take care of before you can hit the road. However, you should expect to find your apartment about a month before you plan to move. For example, if you are not planning to move until August 1st, consider waiting until July 1st to start searching. This one-month window gives you time to prepare without being surprised by any price increases.
Start With The Neighborhood
Use websites such as Dorsia and On The Grid to research the different neighborhoods in New York City. Both websites include a map, list of businesses and images of each neighborhood. In addition, you also want to check the average costs of renting an apartment in these neighborhoods, as well as the type of apartments offered in each area. This way, you at least have your first, second and third choices in mind.
Consider Your Current Lease
If you are looking to get out of your current lease before it is up, you want to visit websites such as Flip for advice. Flip also helps you find short-term, medium-term and long-term New York City apartments. Leasebreak is another option for finding a short-term rental, and you may have the opportunity to renew your lease if you are happy with your new place. It is best to remain as professional as possible when getting out of your lease, as you do not want to burn any bridges with your current landlord.
Research Your Apartments
By now, you should have a clear view of what you are looking for in an apartment, from your monthly budget to your ideal floor plan. There are several websites that make it easy to find low-fee and no-fee apartments within your criteria. NextDoor is a good place to start, and Craigslist can give you an idea of what is out there as well. You can also use RentHop, Zumper and Igluu to research apartments. StreetEasy and Naked Apartments are two other great choices, and they are actually a part of the Zillow Group.
Be Open To Changes
You need to be open to changes in your plans, and this is especially true when you are learning how to find an apartment in NYC. It is best to make a list of apartments and neighborhoods that meet your needs. The first apartment on your list may not fit your budget, while the second apartment may not be in your ideal neighborhood. However, the third apartment may be smaller, but within your budget and in a neighborhood you love. You may be sacrificing your ideal floor plan, but this does not mean you are not going to feel good about your third choice.
It may seem like a lot to remember when moving to New York City, but a renters guide to moving to NYC can help you narrow down your search and find a rental that works for you.