nyc: ping

So you want to live in the city, do ya? I'll give you the 30 second rundown on what NYC is like nowadays. No matter where you go there's always something to do. No matter where you go, it will be expensive. The village, although still kind of "artsy" has been the "trendy" place to live for quite some time now. The days of the cheap rent in the village are long gone. So much so, that the new "trendy" place to live is Brooklyn, because the starving artists can't afford to live in the Village anymore.

Personally, if you're looking for a hip place to be, and don't want to spend a lot in rent, check out Hoboken, NJ. There's the PATH train that runs right into midtown (24/7 and about a 20 minute train ride), it's a nice town with young families, decent schools, and the rents haven't skyrocketed too much. You get all the benefits of NYC, but without the high rent.

As far as work is concerned, that's always a tough one. Jobs are very competitive in the city. However, there are a number of places that are hiring, or will be hiring soon. Sony BMG is looking for some solid developers, and I believe that Advomatic is also looking for people.

There are quite a few Drupallers who have families in the area. This past weekend we had our NYC Drupal Camp and we had about 130 attendees, coming from all walks and stages of life.

Mike

there are other places in NJ that are less expensive than Hoboken. A bit less convenient, but not too bad. Where I live, it's a 10 min bus ride across the George Washington Bridge, and there are places to rent that are much better than the city. Depending on where you end up working, it can often be easier to get there from NJ than from across town :)

sorry but living in Jersey is SSSOOOOO different than living in the city. Ya living in the city has its up and downs, rent is really expensive, is smells, people suck, children can't play in the street, etc. BUT the city has so many advantages and if you're moving from out of the country to experience the city you're NOT going to experience New York City by living in Jersey. I'm sorry but you're not.
You're going to experience living in the suburbs and going to the "city" to get that paycheck. You're going to miss out on the great restaurants, street festivals, people and other city experiences. Everyday you're going to think of the 1hour or more commute you have to get to work and on the weekend instead of just walking out your front door to get some great food you're going to walk to your car, drive, race for parking and then.. maybe. find a good restaurant that is 20% of the quality of the city.

I'm still in love with the fact that last week Diana and I walked from over 20 blocks on the west side and passed by about 4-6 restaurants per block for the entire 20 blocks. You can't do that in Jersey.

What about Summer stage in Central Park.. that's not in Jersey
Lounging in Union Square just to people watch.. not in Jersey
Riding your bike down the Hudson greenway... not in Jersey
5 star restaurants and restaurant week... not in Jersey
Chinatown Ice cream factory... not in Jersey
Nightlife... not in Jersey (unless you like factory lights)

So many things are simply not in Jersey. If you live your life by "cheap rent" you're going to miss out on a lot of things.

Now with that said. kids in the city.. maybe not so much but it depends on the family.

I'm quite sad to leave the city, I really don't want to but China awaits as do new experiences. So to you Jersey folks, I'm glad that you love it but come'on really.. Jersey.. Seriously? no you can't be.. come'on really? Jersey?

-Jacob Redding

Agreed, To experience the city, you must live in the city.

There's nothing like it. I love this town.

Jacob, China? Why? When? Who's taking over your MNN role?

--D

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http://www.wovenlabs.com

I have been living on the upper west side for a year, and I will probably stay on Manhattan for at least another year, but I grew up in suburbia (actually, I have lived in Braunschweig, Oslo, Wollongong, Poughkeepsie and VT/NH). The upper west side has a more spacious feel to it than the upper east, but not nearly as many bars or restaurants.

Experiencing the city and living in the city are two completely different things. Don't get me wrong, NYC is cool for all the reasons Jacob Redding mentions, and more. But if you like spending time outside in fresh air, then NYCs many parks will quickly make you feel trapped like an animal in the zoo. Sure, the cage is nice, but it's smelly and noisy at least 20 hours a day. People who grew up in the city or have lived there forever don't really notice this, it's all about what you are used to.

Especially if you live on Manhattan, unless you are willing to pay the price of owning a car there, getting out of the city for breaks and affordable shopping will be a pain.

So I would recommend Brooklyn or Queens to families. Subways and cabs can get you right in and out, but you really need to plan according to which subway gets you close to work, regardless of whether you plan to live on Manhattan or not.

Your primary concern are the visas, don't worry about anything else until you have that straightened out. H1-Bs are long gone this year. The housing market in NYC is pretty crazy, good offers disappear in less than 48 hours, so you wont be able to do much until you're actually standing in the city with all your suitcases. But then things will move very quickly.