There is nothing quite like city-living, especially in the Big Apple. With its seriously good eats, glamorous nightlife, Broadway shows, jazz clubs, famous museums, shopping and endless culture, New York City really is a world of its own. But if you’re new to the city it might be overwhelming and the unique culture may take some getting used to.

So what can you really expect from New York City living? Here are the top 5 things you need to know:

1. You Won’t Need A Gym Membership

You won’t have the time or the money. Instead, invest in well-soled shoes because you’ll burn all your calories walking down the city’s busy streets. Walking the city will transform you into a true ‘New Yorker’ as you discover all the nooks and crannies the city and its streets have to offer. The best part? On top of the money you save from ditching the gym membership, you won’t have to feel guilty about that late night pizza you scarfed down because you’ll burn it off before you even get home.

2. Drinks Are Expensive

The city is known for its social atmosphere and good spirits and there is always a new watering hole to discover. Don’t be afraid to join your co-workers at happy hour or friends at that new local bar around the corner, but it might be worth a quick search for nearby happy hours and drink specials.

3) The Nickname “The City That Never Sleeps” Isn’t A Coincidence

Peace and quiet rarely exists in New York City and the hustle and bustle often seems to be the loudest at night when you are trying to get in those precious zzz’s. On any given night you may hear garbage trucks, the street musician’s guitar, honking taxi horns, street construction or other noises you probably weren’t expecting. Over time you will grow to love the city’s unique cacophony.

4. Space Is Sacred

Personal space is hard to find between the bustling streets and crowded underground subways. An apartment advertised as “cozy” probably means you can take three steps from your kitchen sink to your bed. To find reasonable space in the city you might need to take another look and reconsider that roommate on Craigslist.

5) You Will Forget How To Drive

Because you won’t be driving… ever. Having a car in the city is nearly impossible so plan to ditch your ride for an MTA card or the bus. It will save you time and money to use NYC’s public transportation system, and you will be judged if you don’t know how to navigate the tunnel system. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy a game of people watching?

New Yorkers are known to complain a lot but would never choose to live anywhere else. Now that you know what to expect, you can start to enjoy all that this city of dreams has to offer.

Do you have tips on moving to NYC? Please share in the comments below.

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Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you don’t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.

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