Being a New Yorker: Tips for Newbies

Subway Advice

The subway can seem illogical and confusing, but once you learn the tricks of the trade…well, you will still get screwed sometimes by route-changes, but it’ll get easier, promise! Study MTA’s subway map like you’re going to be tested on it; more importantly, just ride the subway a lot and pay attention…put that studying into action!

Discover Gypsy Cabs

Don’t be afraid to hop into an unmarked car and speed away to your next destination. Negotiate the price before you get in. It’s really up to you. The worst the driver can say is no. And if you quote a lower price with a generous tip, for example “$15 with $5 for tip* ok?” you could end up saving a couple of bucks, especially if you know that ride would cost you at least $25 by Yellow Taxi. Winking can also be effective, but only if you’ve really got it down.

Apartment-Hunting

Yep, it’s as bad as you’ve heard. Railroad apartments? A cozy one-bedroom? An up-and-coming neighborhood? What are some other euphemisms? TELL US WHAT THEY MEAN!

WALK EVERYWHERE FIRST

When I first moved to the city every time I got off the subway I had no concept of where I was. So, I spent one FULLY DAY, in really good walking shoes and decided to explore the city ON FOOT. Seventy blocks later, I could barely feel my legs or my feet and spent the next day on bed rest….BUT, I was much more acquainted. It also helps to take the bus and see what’s above you when you’re underground so you realize where you are in relation to everything!

Buy a map

By a map, and stare at it every single night for five minutes before you go to bed. Learn which is farther East – Lexington or 3rd. Learn the other boroughs, too, for good measure.

Learn where the cheap eats are

It can be really easy to blow your entire paycheck living in New York, as there is no shortage of fabulous restaurants and bistros that seem like they might be cheap, but are very pricey indeed. Curry in a Hurry is your friend.

Learn the acceptable questions

In LA, they ask if you are in the “industry” (meaning of “industry” changes as you head into the Valley). In Seattle, they ask if you work in computers or joke about the rain. In Beijing, people will frequently ask how much money you make. In New York, all anyone wants to know about is how many square feet are contained in your rent-controlled apartment.