Moving to New York City Alone: A Guide for Remote Workers

If you’re a brave soul set on taking up the challenge of moving to New York City alone as a remote worker, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll talk about how to move to New York City and dive into what it’s like to live solo in the City That Never Sleeps. We’ll also discuss how to navigate this bustling metropolis by yourself. We’ll go over everything from finding a place to live and adjusting to life in NYC, to the pros and cons of living as a remote worker in this vibrant city.

Any true New Yorker knows that time is money, so let’s get moving!

First Off: Are You Sure About This?

We love New York City like no other, but moving here isn’t for everyone. So before packing your bags, let’s get a few things straight about this city:

Pros

• Amazing career opportunities
• World-class restaurants, bars, and cultural activities
• Excellent public transportation system

Cons

• Expensive living costs
• Noisy and crowded

Not at all fazed?

Perfect.

We knew you had that New Yorker spirit!

Choosing Your Borough

Now that you’ve made up your mind about living in NYC, the next step is to decide which borough to call home.

Despite its relatively small size geographically, the Big Apple’s five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—all offer unique neighborhoods and attractions. Seriously, hopping around different neighborhoods and boroughs can sometimes feel like you’re moving to an entirely new city.

Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Manhattan

Home to some of the city’s most iconic attractions, Manhattan also boasts a booming economy and neighborhoods rife with culture and history.

2. Brooklyn

This borough is home to an ever-growing population of creatives who turn its blocks into their playgrounds.

3. Queens

Its diversity of people, food, and culture makes Queens one of the most vibrant boroughs in the city.

4. The Bronx

Though it often gets a bad rap, The Bronx is home to tons of unique attractions and plenty of entertainment options.

5. Staten Island

There’s a quaint charm to Staten Island that makes it the perfect place for a tranquil escape from city life.

Each borough contains many neighborhoods/districts, each with its own personality. As remote workers ourselves, here are a few of our personal favorites:

Chelsea in Manhattan

In the heart of Manhattan, Chelsea is a dynamic and bustling neighborhood perfect for young professionals who want to experience the best of city living.

Williamsburg in Brooklyn

This hipster haven is a great choice for creatives who don’t mind the bustle of city life but crave a bit more peace and quiet.

Astoria in Queens

For a more residential feel, you can’t go wrong with Astoria. Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, parks, and bars to explore—while living in relative peace and quiet.

Finding Your Home Sweet Home

Here’s what to look for when finding an apartment in the city:

1. Connectivity

If you’re moving to New York City alone, you might be working long hours from home. So you’ve got to ensure that your WiFi speed is super stronger and reliable. You wouldn’t want to be bogged down by an intermittent connection, would you?

2. Central location  

One of the first things you need to check out when moving to New York City alone is the location of your apartment. Yes, even bustling NYC has quite a number of isolated areas. So, it’s really important to find a place within an energetic community, where you can easily meet new people.

Look for neighborhoods with a lively social scene—with trendy bars, cafes, or one that frequently hosts cultural events. You’re even sure to discover that corner cafe/coworking space where remote workers can hang out and people-watch while knocking out their tasks. 

3. Convenience 

The best thing about moving to New York City alone is that everything is just a stone’s throw away. You’ll find yourself surrounded by plenty of fantastic restaurants, museums, nearby banks, pharmacies, cool boutiques, and more. You really do have it all.

Look for strategic spots to live in, such as apartments at 95 Wall Street and Howell. These buildings have access to premium amenities that make working from home better than any office space.

If you have family or friends in the city who can help you out, take advantage of their knowledge. But if not, no worries. Just take some time to explore different neighborhoods and get a feel for which ones suit you best.

Adjusting To Life In NYC

Despite how most New Yorkers might act, adjusting to NYC life is a process that takes time. Here are some helpful tips for moving to New York City alone as a remote worker:

1. Take your time

Give yourself some time and space to adjust, learn the lay of the land, and familiarize yourself with local customs and culture. 

2. Mix and mingle  

Start small by joining social or activity groups in your area. This is one of the most important NYC moving tips. So even if you’re a lone wolf at work, you can still find and enjoy the company of your own pack.

Not only will this help you meet people and build relationships, but it’ll also allow you to explore new places and learn more about your new home.

3. Identify your alternative off-site spaces

A change of scenery can bring about a much-needed jolt of inspiration to your brain cells. Being able to identify coworking areas and work-friendly cafes early on can save you a lot of time when you badly need to fire up your creative engines. It’s hard enough having to beat a deadline without having to scour the neighborhood for a coffee shop with good WiFi connections.

4. Be prepared

Before you move, make sure to do research on local hospitals, banks, grocery stores, and other essential services in the area. 

5. Strengthen your calf muscles 

Okay, this isn’t necessarily one of our NYC moving tips, but you’ll definitely need it. New York City is an incredibly walkable city, so make sure you’re prepared for all the walking and climbing on those endless sets of stairs.

Moving to New York City alone can be a thrilling and sometimes scary experience. But don’t let that stop you from embracing the city and allowing yourself to enjoy all it has to offer. With a little patience, you’ll soon fit right in.

How Anyplace Can Make Your NYC Move Easier

Moving to New York City alone means dealing with a lot of unknowns—it’s part of the charm. But if you’d rather not deal with the hassle of finding and furnishing an apartment, Anyplace is here for every step of your NYC move.

Our flexible lease options ensure that you’ll always have your own crib, no matter how long or short your stay is. Our apartments also come with everything you need to get settled and start work right away, from furniture and linens to kitchen appliances and lightning-fast WiFi.

We also offer perks tailored specifically for remote workers, such as laundry services, gym and coworking passes, concierge service, and a fully-functioning workspace from day one.

No matter where your work takes you, Anyplace makes it easy to stay comfortable and productive.

So go ahead, take a bite out of the Big Apple. We’ll take care of the rest.

Get in touch with us today

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Where to next? Find monthly rentals designed for remote workers on Anyplace.