Relocating to NYC...

indian_at_heart · Post by **indian_at_heart** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:44 am

Hello,

We are considering a relocation to NYC area due to a job change. Other than the obvious choice of living in New Jersey, I would like to know if there are other options for renting in NYC vicinity.

The following are important items (in order of priority) that will dictate our choice

1. Good nearby Elementary Schools (walking distance preferably)
2. Safe neighbourhood (goes with #1)
3. Indian families
4. Easy commute to NYC ( 15-20 mins)
5. 2-3 bedroom apartment
6. Budget $1900-2100

Please give your suggestions and any useful feedback to help us in our decision process. We live in southern california and have never lived on the east coast...winters are something we know we have to face and may not be easy. Hoping a good choice in housing will offset the winter challenges.

Thank You

p.s.: Maybe its a pipe dream too to get most of the above...we have no idea...just want to know more about living there...

farfromhome · Post by **farfromhome** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:10 pm

OP,

Please take a look at this post which I had posted earlier about Jersey City, which is in NYC vicinity.

farfromhome;280845

1. You can either live around Journal Square or Newport in Jersey City.
2. 10 Minutes by PATH train to World Trade Center (if he is working in Downtown Manhattan).
3. 30 Minutes by Public Transportation to get to Mid-town Manhattan (if he is going to work at Times Square area).
4. Rent around Journal Square Apartment Complex would be around $1,500 - $1,800 (1 Bedroom). Newport starts at $1,800 (for 1 Bedroom I think). You might have to sign a 1 year lease in these places. These have 24 hour doorman/security.
5. Public Schools are at a walking distance from Journal Square area.
6. You can either take a train for Indian Grocery (10 minutes) if you live in Newport. If you live in and around Journal Square, you can walk to the Indian stores for grocery.

Negatives:

1. I am not sure about the schooling part as my kid is only in Kindergarten. You might want to check on it.
2. People say that Jersey City is not a safe place. I have been living here for 10+ years without any issues.

More details about New Jersey or Jersey City can be found in this thread

http://www.r2iclubforums.com/forums/showthread.php/18385-New-Jersey-location-recommendation-needed?highlight=jersey+city

Let me know if you need any more specific details

indian_at_heart · Post by **indian_at_heart** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 pm

Thank you FFH, there is a lot of information that thread.

Akimohan · Post by **Akimohan** » Sun Aug 01, 2010 8:33 am

If you consider living in NYC boroughs , in queens, you can choose Flushing or Jackson Heights(Closer to city). To me, jackson heights is more congested. But very close to city, might live in high-rise apartments, major indian communities around. It is similar to Oak tree area in New Jersey.
If door-to-door(to Midtown Manhattan), 55 minutes Public transport is okay with you, you can choose Bellerose,Glen Oaks,Queens village. Good Elementary schools for kids. Most of the indian,chinese and Jewish kids around, the schools are very competetive and in fact one of the top 5 schools in NY area. All public schools are walking distance only. Nice and safe neighbourhood. Lotsa desis n desi shops.everything walkable distance.
On the financial note: If you live in one of the 5 NY boroughs and work in NYCity, then you might have to pay NY City tax in addition to federal and state tax.
Many people(desis) working in NYC consider living in New Jersey, to avoid this city tax. Or, if you are ok with 65-70minutes commute, then you can live in queens/nassau border and can escape from City tax. Very good school district around. But we had been living in the big apple for almost 10 years.. and we are okay with it. Proud to be a Newyorker:)
If you need any additional info, you can PM me.