Homes in the Empire State spend an average of 50 days on the market, giving you a window to find your dream home and negotiate a great deal. That kind of flexibility makes moving to New York a smart move.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of a place with Broadway, amazing bagels, and a place that never hits pause, consider this your sign!
👉 New York Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in New York today!
7 Reasons to Move to New York
From dollar slices to skyline views, the Empire State is the perfect place to call home! But if you still need a gentle push, here are 7 reasons to move to New York:
| # | Reasons to Move to NC | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Employment Opportunities | New York is home to 52 Fortune 500 companies. |
| 2. | Education | NY serves over 2.4 million students across 731 school districts. |
| 3. | Business Opportunities | The Empire State is ranked as the second-best state for businesses in 2024. |
| 4. | Healthcare | The state's healthcare system boasts a network of 264 hospitals. |
| 5. | Neighborhoods | Neighborhoods like Saratoga Springs and Scarsdale offer great amenities, with Scarsdale just 35 minutes from Manhattan. |
| 6. | Entertainment Hub | New York is home to Broadway and Met Museum; and hosts events like the Tribeca Film Festival. |
| 7. | Recreation | The Empire State has exciting activities that cater to all age groups. The weather opens doors for outdoor activities. |
1. Employment Opportunities
The state’s robust economy offers several jobs across industries. New York is home to 52 Fortune 500 Companies. This includes major corporations like Estée Lauder, Pfizer, and Pepsi. Here are the sectors you should keep an eye out for:
- Technology and Innovation: New York City is the fastest-growing tech hub in the nation. Plus, the demand for tech professionals is expected to rise by 12.1% by 2030. Key employers include Adobe, AllianceTek Inc., and Square.
- Financial Services: Popularly known as the “Financial District”, New York is home to Wall Street. The sector is expected to grow by 4.1% through 2030. Leading firms like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs are offer opportunities nationwide.
- Healthcare: Medical research, nursing, and mental health services are projected to experience a 27.4% increase in job opportunities by 2030. This includes key employers like Mount Sinai Health System and NewYork-Presbyterian.
- Professional Services: This sector employed 1.6 million New Yorkers as of April 2024. This includes domains like marketing, law, consulting, accounting, and more.
2. Education and Schools
Ranking as the 8th best school system in the nation, the Empire State serves over 2.4 million students across 731 school districts. Here’s a quick look at your options:
Schools in New York
- Public Schools: Organized into 4,360 public schools, New York’s largest school districts are Great Neck, Scardale, and Jericho.
- Private Schools: The state has a vast network of private schools, with the average tuition at $21,158. Institutes like the Dalton School and Horace Mann School are renowned.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: New York’s 372 charter schools offer specialized programs in arts and STEM. Notable schools like KIPP Infinity and Success Academy operate independently of the traditional public school system.
Higher Education in New York
The Empire State is home to several top universities in the world. New York University (NYU) and Columbia University offer programs in law, journalism, and business. Additionally, Cornell University is known for its Business Management and Marketing programs.
3. Business Opportunities
New York offers an exceptional business environment and ranks as the second-best state for businesses in 2024. In fact, the state offers multiple incentives for businesses. So, here’s a look at what you could get your hands on:
- Excelsior Jobs Program: Offering up to $500 million in refundable tax credits, the program is available for manufacturing, biotech, and software development businesses.
- R&D Tax Credits: Businesses in research-intensive sectors can receive credits up to 14% under the alternative simplified method (ASC). They could also receive 20% of incremental qualified research expenses (QREs) as well.
- START-UP NY Program: Businesses that partner with eligible academic institutions can operate tax-free for 10 years. This gives businesses direct access to development resources, experts in key industries, and advanced research laboratories.
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. Neighborhoods
Known for their diversity and outstanding amenities, Brighton and Saratoga Springs are some of the most sought-after neighborhoods. Additionally, Saratoga Springs is recognized as one of the top 20 small cities in the US.
Besides, living in Scardale would make your commute to Manhattan convenient – in just 35 minutes. Moreover, you get easy access to the 585-acre Prospect Park if you reside in Park Slope.
6. Cultural and Entertainment Hub
New York is bursting with entertainment, arts, and culture. Broadway leads the way with world-class productions. While museums like MoMA and The Met showcase some of the most prestigious collections in the world.
When it comes to film and television, NY is a key production hub. The state holds highly regarded events like the New York Film Festival (NYFF) and the Tribeca Film Festival.
7. Recreation
With 234 sunny days a year, New York’s climate is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, bike, camp, and explore the state’s scenic landscapes all you want. You could even visit the Allegany State Park, which is the largest in the Empire State.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re not an adventure junkie, there’s plenty for you too. You could explore Ellis Island or catch a Mets or Yankees game instead. Maybe even grab a slice of pizza while you walk around Times Square.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to New York?
If you’re moving to New York, here’s a cost breakdown:
1. Moving Costs – $486 to $4325
There’s nothing wrong with a little DIY, so you could rent a truck. If you want to move 4,000-6,000 pounds, a mid-sized truck could cost anywhere between $40 to $80 per day.
On the other hand, you could always consider professional movers. Moving services in NYC typically charge $131 per hour, which includes 2-3 movers and a truck. This also depends on the distance traveled and your belongings.
2. Housing Costs
The average rent in major cities like Long Island and New York City ranges between $1,300 to $3,800. But Ornell and Ogdensburg cost 21.9% and 25.2% less than the US median. So, if you’re looking for affordable housing, you can explore cheap houses for sale in New York.
3. Utility Expenses – $400 to $500
Utilities will cost you around $477/month for basics like water, gas, and electricity. It costs $26 to $140 to register your vehicle in New York for the first time, while a title fee costs $50.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to New York
Here are a few things to know before moving to New York:
- Do Your Homework: Research the New York housing market thoroughly, from home prices to market trends. Additionally, familiarize yourself with your neighborhood’s layout to ensure easy access to essential amenities.
- Inspect the Living Costs: Before moving to New York, make sure you get an estimate of the utility bills. Speak to your local telemarketer to understand what your phone and WiFi charges would look like.
- Explore Recreational Opportunities: Find out if there are any restaurants, malls, or parks around you. Whether you want a breathtaking view or exciting nightlife, New York has a place for you.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect and socialize with your neighbors, and check if there’s a local homeowners association (HOA). Also, explore if the community holds any fun events or mixers.
Is New York a Good Place to Live?
Yes, life in New York could pan out great for you! The numerous business opportunities and thriving job market are only a few reasons to move to New York. However, be prepared for the traffic congestion and high cost of living in New York.
Here’s the best bit: the education and health care system are some of the best in the nation. So, are you ready to enjoy a vibrant and affordable life in the Empire State?
