
Living in NYC was a dream come true for many, but there have been more cons than pros to living in New York for the last few years. As professional NYC-based long distance movers, we've seen folks flock to (and out of) the five boroughs. In this guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of living in New York so you can decide whether to make the Big Apple your home—or plan your exit.
Pros (Advantages) of Living in NYC
1. Endless Career Opportunities
New York City has several job opportunities, with an average hourly wage of $25 for an average job. From the Financial District to Silicon Alley, there are a lot of career opportunities in finance, tech, media, fashion, and more. NYC offers unparalleled networking and growth potential.
Moving from Florida, Seattle, or California?
Our long distance movers NYC can help you relocate hassle-free, whether you're coming from Miami, Orlando, Seattle, or Los Angeles.
2. Friends & Dating
One of the biggest advantages of living in NYC is its diverse culture and population. In New York, there will be several opportunities to meet a potential date or make a new friend. How you choose to do that is up to you, whether online or in a local NYC bar or museum.
3. Accessible Transportation
Living in a state like Seattle, you would need a vehicle to access grocery stores and engage in activities. However, NYC offers convenient and affordable public transportation. Whether you're in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens, there is always a nearby bus or train station you can take for under $3.
4. Nearby Stores & Late Night Life Style
Craving a slice of pizza or need groceries at midnight? New York famously never sleeps, and that's more than just a slogan—it's a reality. A deli, pharmacy, convenience store, or bar is always nearby, making daily errands (and late-night cravings) easy to satisfy.
5. Many Stores At Walking Distance
New Yorkers appreciate the walkability of bars, restaurants, and convenience stores. You can access groceries, coffee shops, and parks just a few blocks away.
Cons (Disadvantages) of Living in NYC
1. High Cost of Living
The most obvious con of living or moving to NY is the steep rent, real estate, and everyday cost of living. Whether moving to NYC from Florida or Seattle, you'll likely experience some sticker shock when searching for a home, apartment, or grocery shopping.
Pro Tip: If you're moving from a more affordable region—say Seattle to NYC—you'll want to budget carefully for the higher utility, food, and housing costs.
2. Congestion Pricing & Crowded Spaces
In Manhattan, there is now congestion pricing for traveling in the busy areas of New York City. This will increase Uber costs and toll charges if you own a vehicle. NYC can feel crowded. Trains get packed, sidewalks are full of people, and parking is difficult. The traffic and crowded areas can overwhelm people from Florida and Seattle.
3. Fast Pace & Stress
New Yorkers are known for their hustle—which can be exhilarating if you thrive in a fast-paced environment. However, the fast-paced lifestyle can also contribute to higher stress levels, especially for older people. Because of traffic, high-pressure jobs, and the constant noise, born and raised New Yorkers eventually move to a slower state like Philadelphia or North Carolina.
4. Small Apartments
Apartments in NYC tend to be much smaller than you'd find in other states, especially if you're used to suburban homes in Florida or California. Many New York residents reported getting a better quality of living at a cheaper price in states like Florida, North Carolina, and Seattle.
5. Increased Crime Rate
Since the migrant crisis, New York's crime rate has been rapidly increasing, especially in the train station and in areas in the Bronx and Harlem. Even Times Square is not as safe as it used to be, making NYC residents move to states with a lower crime rate.
Where Are People From New York Moving to And Why?
FL: According to Times Union, In 2022, more than 91,000 people moved from New York to Florida. Why? Florida has a lower crime rate, affordable housing costs, and bigger homes.
NC: NYC residents are moving to North Carolina for a lower cost of living, such as car insurance rates and affordable housing.
TX: Dallas and Houston have no state income tax and more affordable daily expenses than New York City. Even if renting an apartment in Dallas is comparable to NY, people feel they get a better value for their money in TX.
AZ: Arizona is sunny 300 days out of the year, has rising amenities and recreational activities, and is affordable. As a result, more than 7,600 New Yorkers have moved to Arizona in 2024.
-Is It Worth Living in New York?
Deciding if moving to NYC is worth it comes down to your lifestyle, career goals, and budget. NYC might be your ideal city if you value diversity, nightlife, career acceleration, and potentially meeting new people. If you prefer a slower pace or more space for the money, you might find the disadvantages of living in NYC too overwhelming.
Affordable Long Distance Movers In New York.

Because people constantly move in and out of the city, our long distance movers constantly transport residents across the country. Here are examples of our costs:
1. New York ~ Chicago: Moving to Chicago within the area of Manhattan is considered a short haul with an affordable average cost of $1,700 for a 1-bedroom apartment.
2. Florida ~ NYC: Moving to FL from the Big Apple is a common haul, allowing us to be one of the cheapest options, averaging $3,500 for a 1-bedroom.
3. California ~ NY: Relocations between New York and CA are considered a cross-country move with an average cost of $5,500.
Moving anywhere else?
Our long distance movers in NYC also handle cross-state routes to/from Boston, Washington D.C., and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Living in NYC & Making the Move
Is it worth living in New York? For many, absolutely. You'll find limitless opportunities, cultural riches, and a true "city that never sleeps" environment. However, the cost of living, stress, and crowded conditions can make some question whether it's the right place long-term.
If you decide NYC is for you—or you're ready to move on—contact American National Movers. As professional long distance movers, we specialize in cross-country relocations—from Florida, Seattle, or anywhere else in the U.S. Contact us today for a free quote, and see how we can ensure your NYC move is as smooth (and budget-friendly) as possible.
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