There’s no denying that New York is an incredible city and a dream destination for many. However, it can also be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to find the perfect place to stay during your next business trip or vacation.
Luckily, with some hints from locals and a dose of online research, it’s now much easier to find a comfortable and budget-friendly place that you and your family will love.
That aside, the following are additional tips that can help. Let’s dive in!
1. Begin your search online
If you’re looking for a place to live in New York, there are plenty of online resources to help you find the perfect one. For starters, you can use websites like Craigslist, Zillow, and Open House New York to browse listings, or use search engines like Google and Yahoo to search for specific neighborhoods or types of housing.
If you’re looking for something specific, like an affordable studio apartment, you can try a website like Blueground, a reputable provider of furnished apartments in NYC.
Social media is another excellent place to find affordable houses in the Big Apple. You can choose to follow your favorite local bloggers and news sources on Twitter or Instagram or search for popular hashtags and locational savers such as #nyc, #brownstoner and #timeoff.
This will introduce you to areas you may never have considered before as well as provide up-to-date recommendations for things to do and see in the city based on what others are saying about them.
Finally, you can check out listing websites like RENTCafé or Listing Fever. These websites allow you to browse through thousands of listings all at once. This saves you both time and money because you won’t have to visit dozens of different websites each time you want to view an apartment.
2. Do it early
The earlier you start your search for accommodation in New York City, the better. There are a number of reasons for this.
For starters, accommodation in NYC is in high demand and can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Also, by starting your search early, you’ll have a wider range of accommodation options to choose from.
Finally, you’ll also be able to take advantage of early bird discounts and special offers that may not be available closer to your travel dates.
3. Set a budget and remain firm on it
With so many great places to stay in New York, it can be easy to overspend if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to find a place to stay that’s within your budget is to use a price comparison site. This way, you can compare the prices of different hotels, apartments and Airbnb rentals side by side.
Another tip is to read reviews before booking anything. Reviews can give you a good idea of what to expect from a property, and they can help you avoid places that are overpriced or not worth your time.
4. Research NYC neighborhoods
New York has plenty of neighborhoods to choose from and you’ll want to research extensively to find one that matches your own.
For a taste of luxury, consider staying in Midtown Manhattan. This upscale neighborhood is home to five-star hotels, world-class shopping, and fine dining. Plus, it’s conveniently located near many of New York’s top attractions, such as Central Park and Fifth Avenue.
If you want to experience the more creative side of New York, then head to Greenwich Village. This bohemian neighborhood is loved by artists, musicians, writers, and actors. You’ll also find the best nightlife in the city here, with countless bars and clubs to choose from.
We cannot also fail to mention the popular East Village. Littered with live music venues, art galleries, flea markets and more budget-friendly fare than most other parts of town, this gritty section of town has been dubbed “the heart of funky New York.”
Despite its chaotic appearance from the outside (don’t be fooled—it thrives on an eclectic mix of cultures), the East Village is friendly and home to some corporate tenants too.
Finally, for a more laid-back atmosphere, you might want to try staying in Brooklyn or Queens. These neighborhoods have a local feel to them, and you’ll get a taste of what it’s really like to live in New York.
5. Know what your apartment must-haves are
Think about what you can’t live without and make sure those items are on your list. Then, start looking at apartments that have everything (or at least most of those) on your list.
For example, do you need a doorman? An elevator? A washer and dryer in your unit? A dishwasher? A balcony? Views of the city?
You can always compromise on some items, but it’s important to know what your deal-breakers are before you start your search.
6. Consider seeing the place in person
There’s nothing like seeing a place in person to get a sense of whether or not it’s the right fit for you. This is why we highly recommend that you visit whatever apartment you’re considering before making a final decision.
This will give you the opportunity to check out the neighborhood, meet the hosts, and get a feel for the space.
If you’re unable to visit in person before booking, be sure to read reviews carefully and ask plenty of questions. With a little research, you should be able to find the perfect place that suits your needs and taste.
7. Have your documents ready
Having your documentation in order will make the whole process much smoother and help you to avoid any stressful last-minute scrambling. Most landlords will ask for your passport, visa (if required), and any other paperwork that may be needed.
Welcome to NYC!
There you have it! Our guide on how to find the perfect place to stay in New York. We hope that the information we provided here will help you narrow down your search and enable you to find a place that suits all of your needs.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly, there’s definitely somewhere in New York that’s right for you. We hope you enjoy your stay in NYC!
