Planning a fresh start in the Empire State? You are not alone—nearly 129,881 people moved to New York last year. With a massive $1.8 trillion economy, 52 Fortune 500 companies, and over 2,000 AI startups, New York is truly the place to be in 2025.
Beyond the economy, New York offers homeowner tax relief programs and incentives for green living, like rebates on solar panels and electric vehicles. To make your move even easier, this blog is your step-by-step moving to New York guide.
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AT A GLANCE:
- New York has a $1.8 trillion economy and added 85,000+ jobs last year. Top sectors include healthcare, education, and public service.
- NYC and White Plains lead in finance and tech. While Buffalo and Rochester offer affordable homes and solid job growth.
- The state hosts 52 Fortune 500 companies and 2,000+ AI startups. Plus, it offers incentives to businesses and entrepreneurs.
- You’ll get all four seasons, hot summers, and snowy winters. Summers reach 85°F; winters drop to 8°F. Coastal areas face hurricanes and floods.
5 Reasons to Move to New York
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in New York, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Employment Opportunities
Home to 52 Fortune 500 companies, New York is the 3rd largest economy in the country. Healthcare, education, and hospitality are the largest job sectors. Major employers include IBM, JPMorgan, Deloitte, and NYU Langone.
New York has a diverse job market. Finance and tech sectors are thriving in NYC and Westchester, while biotech and healthcare lead the way on Long Island. This diversity in jobs and the presence of major employers make it the best place for job seekers.
2. Education and Schools
Ranked as the 8th its school system, the Empire State serves over 2.4 million students across 731 school districts. Top schools in the state, including KIPP Infinity and Success Academy. These schools operate independently of the traditional public school system.
The state is also home to New York University (NYU) and Columbia University, offering programs in law, journalism, and business. Additionally, Cornell University is known for its Business Management and Marketing programs.
3. Business Opportunities
New York ranked as the second-best state for businesses in 2024. Health care, retail, and education are the largest job sectors, and the major employers include IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and Northwell Health.
The state offers incentives like START-UP NY’s tax-free zones and the Excelsior Jobs Program’s tax credits for new businesses in tech, biotech, and clean energy. Plus, with a skilled workforce of 9.8 million, the state serves as an ideal hub for expanding businesses.
4. Healthcare
The state has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the US, with 264 hospitals for special divisions for cardiology, oncology, and more. It also offers excellent pediatric care at Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital and Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.
NY’s Medicaid/Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides insurance coverage to thousands of New Yorkers each year. In fact, the total Medicaid enrollment in the state came up to over 7.5 million.
5. Climate in New York
New York State’s climate offers all four seasons. Summers are warm with average highs around 64°F to 85°F, while winters are cold with average temperatures around 8°F to 39°F. This creates excellent conditions for snow sports in Adirondacks and Catskills.
While most of the state enjoys a stable climate, coastal regions like Long Island and NYC are prone to hurricanes and flooding during storm season. The homeowners in the area must follow safety codes, meet elevation standards.
Pros and Cons of Moving to New York
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of moving to NY:
| ✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Whether you’re into finance, tech, media, or healthcare, there’s no shortage of career paths here. | 1. The cost of living is significantly higher than the national average. You will spend more on rent, food, and groceries. |
| 2. From world Ivy League colleges to world-class medical care, New York is home to top-notch educational and healthcare institutions. | 2. The state is not very tax-friendly. High income and property taxes can significantly increase your cost of living. |
| 3. Public transport is strong, especially in NYC. Public transit can take you almost anywhere you need to go. | 3. New York weather can be brutal, with winters bringing snow and ice, while summers can get really hot and sticky. |
| 4. People from all walks of life call New York home. You’ll find Broadway, museums, and food from every corner of the world. | 4. Coastal areas are prone to hurricanes and floods. The homeowners in the area must follow safety codes, meet elevation standards. |
Things to Know Before Moving to New York ✅
Before entering the New York housing market, know the key laws affecting property ownership and transactions.
- Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration: After relocating to New York, you will have to acquire a New York driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Plus, you must also register your vehicle with the New York DMV within the same time frame.
- Firearm Carrying Laws: For a handgun, you need a New York pistol permit. Permits from other states are not valid here. You are allowed to carry a concealed firearm with a permit. However, assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are banned in the state.
- Renting or Buying a Home: If you’re renting, security deposits are limited to one month’s rent under New York law. If you’re buying a home, especially in a city or historic areas, check local codes—you may need permits for renovations.
- Flood Zones & Storm Safety: If you’re moving to a coastal or flood-prone area, you may be required to take flood insurance, especially if you’re buying with a mortgage. Plus, some homes in these areas also need to follow elevation and storm-resistance building codes.
- Use of Recreational Marijuana: Recreational marijuana is legal in New York for adults 21 and over, but you can only buy it from licensed dispensaries. Using marijuana in public spaces is still restricted in many areas, similar to smoking rules.
Cost of Living in New York
The average cost of living in New York is a whopping 30% higher than the national average. This simply means you will spend more on daily expenses like utilities, food, and healthcare. This leaves you with fewer funds to save and spend on your lifestyle.
However, this is mainly due to the high cost of housing, especially if you are moving to NYC or any other urban area. Cities like Hornell and Ogdensburg offer way more affordable housing options, bringing the cost of living significantly down as compared to big cities.
How to Move to New York?
If you are already wondering How do I move to New York? Here is the step-by-step guide to make your relocation to New York seamless:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to hire a professional mover in New York to escape the hassle, expect to pay around $131[3] per hour. However, this completely depends on the size of your belongings and the distance of your move.
- On the other hand, if you are in for doing it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day[4].
2. How to Set Up Electricity, Water, and Internet?
Begin setting up your utilities in advance, especially in the downtown areas, as the process can take 3-4 weeks.
- Electricity & Gas: Most of the state is served by companies like Con Edison (NYC), National Grid (upstate), or NYSEG. For registration, you’ll need proof of address and ID to start service. Set it up online if possible.
- Water & Sewer: These services are mostly handled by local municipalities or city utility departments. Visit your new city or town’s website to set up the service.
- Internet & Cable: Major providers include Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Optimum, and RCN (in NYC). Schedule installation at least 2–3 weeks in advance, as slots fill up quickly, especially if you are moving to New York City.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here is how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: For most of the state, your child must be 5 years old by December 1st for kindergarten, 6 for the first grade. However, the date may vary slightly depending on the county you are moving to. You’ll need a birth certificate, immunization records, proof of address, and a photo ID to enroll.
- For Older Students: For older kids, you will need the documents mentioned above, plus academic records and a withdrawal form from the previous school. Some districts may request additional placement assessments.
- Transfer & Special Cases: Transfers between school districts require approval from both districts. If your child is involved in high school sports, check eligibility with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA).
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home Setup: If you’re remote, check with your employer about New York State tax withholding and registration requirements, especially if you’re relocating to NYC.
- Job Hunting in NY: New York has a dynamic job market with major employers like JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Northwell Health, and Google. Look for jobs on NY.gov, Indeed, or LinkedIn, and be sure to consider the high cost of living while applying.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
- In popular cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Rochester, the average rent ranges between $100 – $6,000[2], depending on the nearby amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a coastal city, on average, homes for sale in NYC cost around $796K[2]. On the other hand, inland cities like Hornell and Ogdensburg offer affordable options with median housing costs of $108K[2] and $110K[2], respectively.
Should I Move to New York?
Yes, you should definitely move to New York. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to New York isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, New York’s best home-buying website, buying a house in New York is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to New York, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in New York
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to New York, long before the moving boxes are packed.
