Moving from Los Angeles to New York: The Real Cost of Trading Sunshine for Skyscrapers

So you're thinking about ditching the palm trees for pizza rats? I get it. The LA to NYC move is basically the ultimate American life plot twist, and trust me – it's way more complicated than your favorite rom-com made it look. Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat this – you're about to trade your car for a subway card, your backyard for a fire escape, and your year-round flip-flops for actual seasons. It's exciting and terrifying and expensive all at once.

Here's the thing: about 6 percent of Americans pack up and move across county lines every year, but most of those moves don't involve quite this level of culture shock. This isn't just changing your address – you're basically becoming a different person. One who knows the difference between uptown and downtown trains and can navigate a bodega like a pro.

Game Planning Your Move: Your 8-12 Week Reality Check

Timing Is Everything (And It'll Hit Your Wallet Hard)

Summer moves will drain your bank account faster than you can say "Brooklyn Bridge." We're talking 40% higher costs during peak season (May through September), with moving companies booked solid and charging premium rates. According to Safeway Moving, spring and fall are ideal due to milder weather and lower moving rates, with summer being busier and more expensive. Winter moves offer serious savings, but you'll battle weather delays and potentially treacherous mountain passes.

Here's what nobody tells you: holiday periods create their own special kind of moving hell. Thanksgiving week? Forget about it. Christmas through New Year's? Moving companies either shut down completely or charge prices that'll make you question your life choices. I learned this the hard way when I tried to move during Christmas week and ended up paying double while my movers showed up hungover on December 27th.

The seasonal pricing thing is real, and it's brutal. Peak summer months can increase your costs by 40% while winter moves offer savings but present weather challenges that'll have you refreshing weather apps obsessively. Holiday periods should be avoided entirely unless you enjoy throwing money into the void.

The Real Numbers (Brace Yourself)

Full-service moves average $6,000-$8,000, but that's just the beginning of your financial adventure. According to Safeway Moving, full-service movers cost $7,000-$10,000 for a 2-3 bedroom home, while moving container services like PODS range $4,000-$6,000, and truck rental options cost $3,000-$5,000 plus fuel, lodging, and tolls. Hybrid options (where you pack, they move) drop costs to $4,000-$6,000, while container services range $3,500-$5,500. These numbers sound manageable until the hidden costs start piling up like dirty laundry.

Storage fees hit $150-$300 monthly if your move-in dates don't align perfectly – which they won't, because nothing in NYC happens when it's supposed to. Utility deposits can reach $500, especially without established credit history. Temporary accommodation runs $150-$400 nightly, and you might need it longer than expected because, again, NYC timing is its own special brand of chaos.

Don't forget the immediate shopping spree for all the basics you couldn't move – that'll easily cost $1,000-$2,000. Understanding the full scope of expenses is crucial when budgeting for your NYC transition, as hidden costs can seriously mess with your financial planning beyond basic moving services.

Tax implications deserve serious attention too. New York's state income tax reaches 10.9% compared to California's 13.3%, but deduction rules are completely different. Talk to a tax professional before moving – trust me, you don't want to figure this out in April.

Sarah, a marketing exec from West Hollywood, thought she was being smart with her hybrid approach. She packed for three solid weekends (goodbye, social life), hired professional movers for $4,800, and spent an additional $1,200 on temporary housing and utility deposits. Her total moving cost hit $6,000, saving her $2,000 compared to full-service options. But she still ended up crying in her empty Brooklyn apartment at 2 AM wondering if she'd made a huge mistake. Spoiler: she hadn't, but nobody warns you about that 2 AM panic.

Legal Stuff That Can't Wait (Even Though You'll Want To)

Interstate moves come with federal regulations and state-specific requirements that'll make your head spin. Vehicle registration must happen within 30 days of establishing New York residency, with inspection required within 10 days. Insurance minimums often exceed California requirements, potentially increasing your premiums just because.

Documentation becomes your new obsession. Moving companies need certificates of insurance, and NYC buildings require 48-72 hour notice plus specific moving hours (typically 9 AM - 5 PM weekdays). Elevator reservations aren't suggestions – they're mandatory in most buildings, and yes, some charge you for the privilege.

Pre-Move Legal Checklist:

• ☐ Notify current insurance providers of move date
• ☐ Research NY insurance requirements and obtain quotes
• ☐ Gather vehicle registration documents
• ☐ Schedule NY vehicle inspection within 10 days of arrival
• ☐ Obtain moving company insurance certificates
• ☐ Confirm building moving requirements and restrictions
• ☐ Reserve elevator 48-72 hours in advance
• ☐ Verify moving hours compliance (typically 9 AM - 5 PM weekdays)

NYC's Housing Market (Spoiler: It's Nothing Like LA)

Welcome to Broker Fee Hell

Manhattan's median rent exceeds $4,000 monthly – that's more than most people's entire salary back in Ohio. According to Carrie Green Zinn, a one-bedroom in Manhattan can cost over $3,500/month compared to $2,500 in LA, with Manhattan's median sales price reaching $1.1 million in Q4 and average monthly rent at $5,130. Most apartments require 40 times monthly rent in annual income, meaning a $4,000 apartment needs $160,000 yearly income. Brooklyn and Queens offer better value, but the competition is still absolutely insane.

Here's where it gets fun: broker fees will shock you into next week. Expect 12-15% of annual rent, plus first month, last month, and security deposit. That $4,000 Manhattan apartment? You're looking at $14,400-$16,800 upfront before you even get keys. That's basically a decent used car you're handing over just to get keys. And no, you can't negotiate it away with charm.

Rental applications require more documentation than applying for the CIA. Bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, reference letters, and often guarantor information. Landlords scrutinize everything like they're investigating a crime, and incomplete applications get tossed faster than yesterday's bagels.

The trend of New Yorkers seeking more affordable alternatives continues to grow, with Philadelphia Today reporting that "Philadelphia now the most popular metro area New Yorkers are looking to move to," officially surpassing Miami as the top destination due to lower housing costs and cultural proximity to New York. Even New Yorkers are like, "This is too expensive."

Borough Breakdown: Finding Your Tribe

Manhattan delivers ultimate convenience at premium prices that'll make your LA friends think you've lost your mind. Everything's walkable, but you'll pay dearly for that privilege. Brooklyn offers hipster culture and better value, with neighborhoods ranging from trendy Williamsburg to family-friendly Park Slope. Queens provides diversity and space at lower costs, though commutes can stretch longer than a Kardashian marriage.

For those considering Brooklyn options, exploring coliving in Brooklyn can provide an alternative housing solution that reduces upfront costs while offering built-in community connections during your transition.

Here's the real deal: proximity to subway lines matters more than specific neighborhoods. NYC's subway system defines daily convenience more than exact location. A decent apartment near multiple train lines beats a perfect apartment with terrible transit access every single time. Trust me on this one.

Consider your lifestyle priorities before you fall in love with a place. Need outdoor space? Look beyond Manhattan. Want nightlife at your doorstep? Stay in the city. Prioritize family-friendly amenities? Brooklyn and Queens are your friends. Each borough serves different needs, and there's no universally "best" choice – just what works for your specific brand of crazy.

The Culture Shock Nobody Warned You About

Your Car Is About to Become an Expensive Paperweight

Your car dependency ends here, and it's gonna hurt at first. Manhattan street parking costs $25-$45 daily, garage parking runs $300-$600 monthly, plus insurance increases of 20-40% due to higher theft and accident rates. Most successful NYC transplants sell their cars within six months, usually while standing in the rain trying to figure out alternate side parking rules.

The MTA system includes 472 stations across five boroughs, and it's about to become your new best friend/worst enemy. Download Citymapper immediately – it's your lifeline. Understanding express versus local trains, weekend service changes, and accessibility options takes time. Don't feel embarrassed asking for directions; even longtime residents get confused by service changes and will openly curse the MTA with you.

Walking becomes your primary mode of transportation, which sounds great until you're trudging through February slush in inadequate footwear questioning all your life choices. Your daily step count will triple, and your calves will become legendary.

NYC Transit Survival Kit:

• ☐ Download Citymapper and Transit apps (seriously, do this first)
• ☐ Purchase unlimited MetroCard or set up OMNY
• ☐ Invest in comfortable, waterproof walking shoes (not negotiable)
• ☐ Learn your local subway stops and backup routes
• ☐ Understand express vs local train differences
• ☐ Identify accessible stations if needed
• ☐ Keep emergency taxi/rideshare apps ready for MTA disasters

Four Seasons of "I Need New Clothes"

New York's seasonal variations exceed 80°F between summer and winter extremes, which means your LA wardrobe is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. Quality winter coats, waterproof boots, layering pieces, and compact umbrellas become essential investments, not optional purchases.

I don't care if you're from Minnesota originally – NYC winter hits different when you're walking everywhere. That cute coat from Zara? It's decorative. You need gear that makes you look like a fashionable marshmallow, and yes, it'll cost more than your flight here.

Humidity levels run 30-40% higher than Los Angeles, making summers feel like you're living inside someone 's mouth and winters like you're being slowly freeze-dried. Air conditioning costs spike $150-$300 monthly during summer, while heating bills increase $200-$400 monthly in winter. Budget accordingly, or enjoy being miserable.

Seasonal affective disorder affects 10% of NYC residents, and it's real. The reduced sunlight and vitamin D deficiency require proactive management. Light therapy boxes, vitamin supplements, and indoor activity routines become crucial for not turning into a grumpy hermit.

Marcus, a software engineer from Santa Monica, learned about seasonal preparation the hard way. His first NYC winter caught him with only a light jacket and sneakers. After spending $800 on emergency winter gear during a February cold snap, looking like a frozen tourist while New Yorkers in proper coats walked by like it was spring, he now budgets $1,200 annually for seasonal clothing and maintains a light therapy routine from November through March.

Building Your New Social Circle (It's Harder Than You Think)

NYC's fast-paced environment demands proactive social engagement, which is exhausting when you're already overwhelmed by everything else. Industry meetups, co-working spaces, and professional associations provide entry points into established networks. The city's concentrated business districts offer networking density that's impossible in LA's spread-out geography.

Professional networking operates at warp speed here. Lunch meetings happen quickly, after-work events are common, and weekend networking isn't unusual. The pace accelerates, but opportunities multiply for those who adapt quickly and don't mind feeling slightly frazzled all the time.

Social customs differ in ways that'll catch you off guard. Direct communication is valued over LA's more diplomatic approach. Small talk happens faster, and people get to the point quickly. This isn't rudeness – it's efficiency born from urban density and the fact that everyone's got places to be.

Moving Day: What Actually Happens vs. What You Think Will Happen

NYC Building Bureaucracy (It's Real and It's Ridiculous)

Most NYC buildings require 48-72 hour notice for moves, certificate of insurance from your moving company, and elevator reservations. Moving hours are typically restricted to 9 AM - 5 PM on weekdays. Weekend moves often incur additional fees or aren't permitted at all, because apparently buildings have social lives too.

Building management isn't being difficult for fun – they're protecting residents from chaos and probably their own sanity. Coordinate early, provide all required documentation, and expect potential additional fees for moving services. Some buildings charge $200-$500 for elevator use during moves, which feels like highway robbery but is totally normal here.

Understanding these requirements becomes even more critical when you consider that NYC movers really cost way more than expected, and building restrictions can add unexpected delays and expenses to your already stressful moving day.

Loading zones are like unicorns – rare an d magical. Your moving truck might need to park blocks away, increasing labor costs and time requirements. Factor this into your moving day timeline and budget, or prepare to watch your movers get creative with city logistics.

Moving Day Building Requirements Checklist:

• ☐ Provide 48-72 hour advance notice to building management
• ☐ Submit moving company insurance certificate
• ☐ Reserve elevator for moving day
• ☐ Confirm permitted moving hours (typically 9 AM - 5 PM weekdays)
• ☐ Arrange loading zone parking or identify nearest legal parking
• ☐ Budget for potential elevator usage fees ($200-$500)
• ☐ Coordinate with building superintendent or management office
• ☐ Have building contact information readily available

Service Setup Scramble (Welcome to Bureaucracy Hell)

Utilities require separate appointments with 1-2 week lead times, because apparently nobody in NYC believes in efficiency. ConEd handles electricity and gas, NYC DEP manages water, and internet providers like Verizon Fios or Spectrum need individual scheduling. Don't expect same-day service – that's adorable West Coast thinking.

Banking relationships need immediate attention unless you enjoy paying ATM fees for the rest of your life. Notify all financial institutions, update direct deposits, and consider switching to banks with strong NYC presence like Chase, Citi, or TD Bank for better branch access and fewer "your card was declined because you're suddenly in a different state" moments.

Municipal registration establishes your civic participation and makes you feel like a real New Yorker. Voter registration, library card applications, and jury duty registration should happen within your first 30 days. These services provide city access and community integration opportunities, plus library cards here are actually amazing.

Your First 90 Days: From "What Have I Done?" to "I Got This"

Weeks 1-2: Critical Survival Mode (AKA The Panic Phase)

Secure temporary phone service immediately – your California number might not work reliably, and you'll need to call a lot of people to fix a lot of things. Locate nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and urgent care facilities before you need them desperately at 11 PM on a Sunday.

Take photos of everything during your apartment walkthrough – every scratch, stain, and weird mark. I know it feels paranoid, but landlords here have selective memory when it comes to getting your deposit back. Document like your security deposit depends on it, because it does.

Establish basic routines quickly to maintain some semblance of sanity. Find your coffee shop (you'll need the caffeine), identify reliable food delivery options, and locate essential services within walking distance. These small comforts ease the transition stress and make you feel slightly less like an alien.

Weeks 3-6: System Integration (The Adjustment Phase)

Complete utility transfers and establish local banking relationships before you forget and your lights get turned off. Register children for school if applicable, and begin exploring neighborhood amenities and transportation routes systematically rather than just wandering around lost.

Healthcare provider establishment can't wait – popular practices have 3-4 week wait times for new patients, and emergency services cost way more than LA equivalents. Research and schedule appointments early, because getting sick without a doctor in NYC is expensive and miserable.

Develop transportation mastery during this period. Learn your local subway stops, understand service patterns, and identify alternative routes for when (not if) there are disruptions. This knowledge becomes invaluable for daily efficiency and your sanity when the MTA inevitably fails you.

The migration patterns show that the Democrat and Chronicle reports "most of those moving to New York City already hail from the East Coast," indicating that LA to NYC moves represent a more significant cultural adjustment than typical East Coast relocations. You're basically doing this on hard mode.

Weeks 7-12: Community Building (The "Maybe I Can Do This" Phase)

Join local organizations aligned with your interests before cabin fever sets in completely. Explore cultural institutions, establish routine social activities, and develop professional relationships that create long-term satisfaction rather than just survival.

Seasonal preparation becomes crucial during this period. If you're moving in fall, winter gear shopping can't wait until the first blizzard. Spring moves require understanding summer cooling costs and options. Each season demands specific preparation, and procrastination will cost you.

Evaluate your initial choices and make adjustments. Maybe your gym isn't convenient, or your grocery store doesn't have what you need, or your commute is slowly killing your soul. This period allows refinement of your daily systems before they become entrenched habits that are harder to change.

Jennifer, a graphic designer from Venice Beach, joined the Brooklyn Art Book Fair community during her second month in NYC. This connection led to freelance opportunities, new friendships, and insider knowledge about affordable art supplies in her Bushwick neighborhood. By month three, she had established a routine that included weekly gallery openings and monthly design meetups, transforming her initial loneliness into a thriving creative network. But she still misses being able to drive to the beach when she's stressed.

Why Your Move Doesn't Have to Be Lonely

Making meaningful connections in a new city challenges even the most social people, especially when you're going from LA's car-centric social patterns to NYC's dense, fast-paced environment. You can feel completely isolated despite being surrounded by millions of people – it's like being alone in the world's most crowded room.

Nobody tells you that your LA friends will start treating you differently. Suddenly you're "the New York friend" and every conversation becomes about how expensive everything is or how small your apartment must be. It's like you've joined some exclusive club they're simultaneously jealous of and judgmental about.

Professional networking in NYC operates at a completely different intensity level. Industry events happen constantly, but building genuine relationships requires consistent engagement and understanding of local business culture. The concentrated business districts create opportunities, but you need strategies to capitalize on them effectively without burning out.

This is where Outpost Club transforms your relocation experience from overwhelming to manageable. As an invitation-only national society, we provide immediate access to a curated network of accomplished professionals who share your commitment to excellence and quality experiences. Our extensive network of Partner Clubs means you can maintain continuity in your recreational pursuits while establishing meaningful relationships in New York.

For those seeking immediate housing solutions with built-in community, exploring shared apartments in New York can provide both affordable accommodation and instant social connections during your transition period.

Our concierge services prove particularly valuable during relocation, offering 24-hour assistance for various needs that extend beyond typical club amenities. Whether you need recommendations for local services, assistance with reservations, or guidance navigating your new city, the Outpost Club community provides insider knowledge and support that transforms a stressful relocation into an exciting new chapter.

Ready to make your LA to NYC transition smoother? Learn more about Outpost Club membership and discover how our community can support your cross-country move.

Specialized Moving Considerations

Professional Career Transitions That Actually Matter

Entertainment professionals face completely different union requirements in NYC – your LA-based SAG-AFTRA membership transfers, but local union politics and networking patterns operate on a whole different level. Finance workers encounter way more regulatory oversight – what flies in LA's more relaxed financial scene might not pass muster with NYC's stricter compliance culture.

Tech workers discover a smaller but rapidly growing ecosystem that's nothing like Silicon Beach. The opportunities exist, but they're concentrated in specific neighborhoods like DUMBO and the Flatiron District. Remote work becomes more challenging when your "home office" is a corner of your studio apartment, making co-working spaces like WeWork essential for productivity and your sanity.

Industry-specific salary expectations shift dramatically. Media salaries often increase 15-25% to offset living costs, while tech compensation might remain flat despite way higher expenses. Research your specific field's NYC market rates before negotiating offers or making financial commitments that you'll regret later.

Family Relocation Complexities (It's Complicated)

NYC's school choice system operates nothing like LA's neighborhood-based assignments – it's basically a full-time job to figure out. Gifted programs, specialized high schools, and charter options require early applications and testing requirements that catch unprepared families completely off-guard. Research deadlines months before your move – some applications close in December for the following September, which is insane but true.

Daycare waitlists exceed 12 months in desirable neighborhoods, so start your search immediately upon deciding to move, not after arrival when you're panicking. Quality childcare commands premium prices, often $2,000-$3,500 monthly for full-time care, which is basically a mortgage payment for tiny humans.

After-school activities require early registration and involve more walking or public transit than car-dependent LA alternatives. Your kids will adapt to independence faster than you think, but the transition period demands patience and serious safety education about urban navigation.

Family Relocation Timeline:

• ☐ Research school districts and application deadlines (12+ months ahead)
• ☐ Join daycare waitlists immediately upon move decision
• ☐ Schedule school visits during apartment hunting trips
• ☐ Prepare children for urban independence and safety protocols
• ☐ Research after-school programs and registration requirements
• ☐ Budget $2,000-$3,500 monthly for quality childcare
• ☐ Connect with other relocating families through online communities

Pet Relocation Reality Check

NYC's pet-friendly reputation masks complex housing restrictions that'll make your head spin. Pet deposits range $500-$2,000, many buildings restrict specific breeds or sizes, and pet-friendly apartments command 10-15% rent premiums in desirable neighborhoods. Research building policies before apartment hunting to avoid heartbreak and wasted time.

Veterinary care costs way more than LA equivalents, with emergency services particularly brutal on your wallet. Establish veterinary relationships immediately – popular practices have 3-4 week wait times for new patients, and pet emergencies don't wait for convenient scheduling.

Your backyard days are over, which is rough for dogs used to LA freedom. Dog runs exist throughout the city, but you'll need creativity and patience. Budget for dog walking services ($20-$30 per walk) if your schedule doesn't accommodate multiple daily outings, because your dog's needs don't care about your commute.

Long-term Success Strategies

Mastering Seasonal Lifestyle Management

Winter survival extends way beyond warm clothing – it's a whole lifestyle shift. Quality outerwear represents an investment, not an expense, because cheap coats fail when you need them most and leave you miserable and frozen. Heating costs spike $200-$400 monthly, and older buildings often provide inadequate warmth despite astronomical bills.

Develop indoor activity routines to combat seasonal depression before it hits. Gym memberships, museum passes, and indoor hobbies become essential mental health tools, not luxuries. Light therapy boxes help, but they're supplements to, not replacements for, comprehensive seasonal preparation.

Summer brings its own special brand of misery. NYC's heat island effect creates temperatures 5-10°F higher than surrounding areas, turning the city into a concrete oven. Air conditioning budgets of $150-$300 monthly become necessary for survival, not comfort. Older buildings without central air require window units and strategic cooling approaches that'll test your engineering skills.

Financial Optimization Beyond Just Surviving

Housing costs increase 15-25%, but car-related expenses disappear almost entirely, which partially balances the insanity. Insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance costs that consumed $500-$800 monthly in LA vanish completely. This transportation savings helps offset higher rent, though the math varies by individual circumstances and how much you spent on your LA car habit.

Understanding these financial shifts becomes crucial when considering the real cost of living in NYC, which extends far beyond rent to include numerous hidden expenses that can catch LA transplants completely off guard.

You'll find yourself doing mental math constantly: "Okay, this coffee costs $6, which is basically $2,190 per year if I buy it daily, which means I'm drinking a vacation to Europe." Welcome to NYC budgeting anxiety – it's real and it's exhausting, but everyone does it.

Dining costs rise 20-30%, but entertainment options provide better value per experience. Broadway shows, world-class museums, and diverse cultural events offer experiences unavailable in LA's spread-out entertainment landscape. Your entertainment dollar stretches further despite higher individual costs, assuming you actually take advantage of what the city offers.

Higher salaries in finance and tech sectors create opportunities for accelerated wealth building despite increased living costs. Proximity to financial services, investment opportunities, and career advancement potential can offset short-term expense increases through long-term earning growth – if you play your cards right.

Investment and Savings Opportunities

NYC's concentrated financial district provides access to investment opportunities and financial services unavailable in most cities. Networking with finance professionals, attending investment seminars, and accessing exclusive opportunities become possible through proximity and professional connections – assuming you can navigate the networking scene without burning out.

Real estate investment takes different forms here. While homeownership remains challenging for most mortals, co-op and condo opportunities exist for those with substantial capital or rich relatives. Rental property investment might focus on emerging neighborhoods in outer boroughs rather than Manhattan's established markets where you need Bezos money.

Career advancement accelerates in NYC's concentrated business environment. The networking density, industry events, and professional development opportunities can justify higher living costs through faster career progression and salary growth over time – but only if you're strategic about it and don't get overwhelmed by the pace.

Final Thoughts

Look, is this move hard? Absolutely. Will you question your sanity? Probably weekly for the first few months, possibly while standing in the subway at rush hour with someone's armpit in your face, thinking "I could be driving to the beach right now." But there's something addictive about a city that challenges you every single day and somehow makes you feel like you can handle anything life throws at you.

Moving from Los Angeles to New York City represents more than a geographic change – it's a complete lifestyle transformation that touches every aspect of your daily routine, from how you get around to how you dress to how you interact with people. The financial investment extends far beyond moving truck costs, encompassing everything from broker fees to winter wardrobes to higher utility bills that'll make your LA friends think you're lying about the numbers.

The cultural adaptation challenges run deeper than expected. Trading car keys for subway cards, adjusting to seasonal extremes that actually exist, and navigating NYC's direct communication style all require patience and flexibility. Your first 90 days follow a predictable pattern that determines long-term satisfaction, making a systematic approach essential rather than just winging it and hoping for the best.

For those seeking guidance on making this transition smoother, exploring affordable neighborhoods in NYC can provide insider knowledge about hidden housing gems that make the financial adjustment slightly less painful.

Six months in, something clicks. You'll be giving directions to tourists, you'll have strong opinions about which subway car to get on, and you'll catch yourself saying "back in LA" like it's another lifetime. That's when you know you're becoming a New Yorker – when you start complaining about the MTA like a local and feeling weirdly proud of your ability to navigate the chaos.

Yet despite all the challenges, millions of people make this transition successfully every year. The key lies in thorough preparation, realistic expectations, and building support systems that ease the inevitable adjustment period. Whether through professional networks, community organizations, or curated societies like Outpost Club, having connections in your new city transforms the experience from overwhelming to exciting.

Understanding the best neighborhoods in NYC becomes essential for making informed decisions about where to establish your new life, as each area offers distinct advantages for different lifestyles and budgets.

Your LA to NYC move doesn't have to be a solo journey filled with costly mistakes and lonely months of adjustment wondering if you've made a terrible decision. With proper planning, realistic budgeting, and the right support network, you can navigate this transition successfully and begin thriving in your new city faster than you imagined possible. And hey, you'll have some great stories to tell at parties – assuming you can afford to go to parties after paying NYC rent.