New York City—it's big, loud, and full of life. Whether you're here for the job opportunities, the non-stop energy, or just a good slice of pizza, there's a lot to love.
But living here isn’t always easy. For every great thing about NYC, there’s a challenge that comes with it. Let’s break down the pros and cons of living in NYC in 2025.
Before you pack your bags and move to NYC, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The city has a lot to offer, but it also comes with its challenges. Understanding the pros and cons can help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
20 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in New York City
14
February
2025
2025
Everything You Need To Know Before You Make The Big Move
Pros of Living in NYC
Pro #1 : The Opportunities
New York really is the land of opportunity. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere,” it’s not just a catchy line—it’s real. New York City is a special place where you can do anything you set your mind to.
Just be sure to have a job lined up before you move. The city’s competitive, and the cost of living is high, so you’ll want to set yourself up for success. With so many people and industries packed into one place, you’ll need to hustle to stand out, but that’s part of what makes the city so exciting.
Pro #2 : One of The Best Schooling System in All Of USA
Great universities pull the best talent and NYC gets to keep them. One reason people flock to NYC is the top rated schools. The city is home to some of the best universities, which have been attracting talent from all over for years. Whether you’re studying fashion, business, or journalism, NYC has a school that’s a perfect fit for you.
With big names like Columbia University, NYU, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), students get access to some of the top programs around.
What makes NYC even more appealing is the chance to get real-world experience while studying. Internships and job opportunities at major companies are all around, so by the time you graduate, you're already connected in the city’s fast-paced job market. It’s no surprise that once people get here and start building their careers, they have a hard time leaving.
Pro #3: Very Good Public Transport
One of the big pros of living in NYC is how easy it is to get around. The city’s public transportation system is one of the best, especially if you don’t want the hassle of owning a car.
The NYC subway runs 24/7! There are 24 different subway lines with 472 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Every borough has the subway except Staten Island, but even there, you can travel by train, bus, or ferry.
Sure, the subway might not always be the cleanest or the fastest, but it’s reliable and gets you where you need to go. Plus, with so many options, you’re never stuck waiting too long for a ride.
Pro #4: NYC = Great Fun
One of the best pros of living in NYC is how much fun there is to have. No matter what you're into, there's always something going on. Broadway shows, live music, street festivals, great food — you’ll never get bored here.
If you love food, you’re in the right place. From fancy restaurants to the best pizza or food trucks, NYC has it all. And when it comes to nightlife, the city never sleeps. Whether you're at a chill bar or dancing at a club, there's always somewhere to go. And if you need a break from it all, you can always head to one of the many parks to relax.
Pro #5: NYC Is Very Diverse
We cannot skip the pros and cons of living in NYC without mentioning the diversity in NYC as a big pro. The city is home to people from all over the world, bringing a wide range of cultures, traditions, and languages.
More than 800 languages can be heard across the five boroughs, with 360 of them spoken in Queens alone. This creates a unique mix of food, events, and experiences that you can't find anywhere else.
Living in NYC means meeting people from all kinds of backgrounds, making it an exciting place to explore and grow.
Pro #6: NYC Is a Welcoming City
Although New Yorkers are often perceived as rude, the city was recently ranked the fifth friendliest city in the world. This may be due to its long-standing tradition of embracing outsiders.
Once the primary entry point for immigrants from around the globe, New York continues to be a haven for newcomers. No matter your ethnicity, sexuality, or financial status, you’ll find a community to belong to in the city.
Pro #8: Parks Everywhere
One great thing about living in New York City is the many parks that give you a break from the busy streets. While Central Park is the most famous, the city has over 1,700 parks to explore, offering space to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature.
Almost everyone in NYC—99% of residents—lives within a 10-minute walk of a park. These green spaces make life in the city better by providing a quiet escape, a place to meet friends, and an easy way to stay active, all while living in one of the most exciting places in the world.
Pro #9: New York Is The City That Never Sleeps
New York City truly lives up to its reputation as "The City That Never Sleeps." No matter the hour, there’s always something happening. Whether it’s a late-night food craving, post-work drinks, or live music at a world-class jazz club, NYC has you covered. Award-winning cocktail bars, romantic restaurants, and 24/7 diners are always within reach, making everyday life more exciting.
You may not realize how special this is until you leave the city and that infamous 2 a.m. craving strikes—only to find everything closed. In NYC, that’s never a problem. We recently hosted friends from Portland, stayed out until 2 a.m., and still had six restaurants open within a three-block radius for a late-night slice. The city’s nonstop energy makes it easy to enjoy life at any hour, no matter your schedule.
Pro #10: Good Pizza, Great Networking, Exciting Street Fashion
New York City is the perfect blend of everything that makes life exciting. The pizza is legendary—crispy, cheesy, and always satisfying. But the food scene doesn’t stop there. Thanks to the city’s rich cultural diversity, you can enjoy a global culinary adventure every time you step out, with flavors from every corner of the world.
On top of that, NYC is a goldmine for networking. With so many career-driven individuals from all industries, you’re never far from valuable connections and opportunities that can take your career to the next level.
And for fashion lovers, the city’s streets are an ever-evolving showcase of the latest trends and unique personal styles. From high-end designers to thrifted treasures, NYC offers endless inspiration for anyone looking to make a fashion statement. All in all, NYC is a cool, vibrant city where food, fashion, and opportunity meet at every corner.
Cons Of Living in NYC
Con #1: Rent
One of the most significant drawbacks of living in New York City is the high cost of rent. As of February 2025, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in New York is $4,311 per month, which is 117% higher than the national average.
This substantial expense can consume a large portion of your monthly income, making it challenging to cover other living costs. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan has a median rent of $4,487 per month, reflecting a 5.4% year-over-year increase.
Even in boroughs like Brooklyn, the average rent is approximately $2,802 per month, which is 80% higher than the national average.
These figures highlight the financial strain that renting in New York City can impose on residents.
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Con #2: Bad Weather
The weather in New York City can be a major challenge, especially during the winter and summer months. In the winter, the city is often cold and windy, with temperatures ranging from 29°F to 40°F. The tall buildings create wind tunnels that can make it feel even colder, and the city frequently experiences several inches of snow, making travel and outdoor activities less enjoyable.
On the other hand, summers in NYC can be stiflingly hot and humid, with heat getting trapped in the streets and grates. The subway system, while offering air conditioning in many cars, can still be unbearably warm, making the heat feel even more oppressive. Depending on your tolerance for extreme temperatures, this weather can be a serious downside to living in the city.
Con #3: It’s Noisy Everywhere
Noise pollution is another major con of living in New York City. The constant sound of sirens, honking cars, and above-ground trains is ever-present, making it hard to find peace and quiet. In fact, 9 out of 10 adults in NYC are exposed to noise levels that the EPA considers harmful.
The intensity of this noise varies depending on where you live, but even in the quieter outer boroughs, you’re likely to encounter noise, especially near busy streets or nightlife hotspots. While some neighborhoods offer more peaceful surroundings, like tree-lined streets with brownstones, the noise from nearby traffic or even noisy neighbors can still disrupt the calm.
Con #4: Crime Rates Only Rising Post 2020
New York City does have higher crime rates compared to many other places in the U.S. There are 38 crimes for every 1,000 residents, which means there’s a 1 in 26 chance of being a victim of property or violent crime. According to the FBI, NYC’s crime rate is 95% higher than other cities in the state. While this might sound worrying, it’s important to remember that crime is more common in certain areas.
The good news is that many neighborhoods are safer than others. If safety is important to you, areas like Steinway, Roosevelt Island West, and Stuyvesant Town North have much lower crime rates. So, while crime is a factor to consider, there are plenty of places in NYC where you can feel safe.
Con #5: Cost Of Living Is High
As we mentioned earlier, high rent is the most significant contributor to the cost of living in New York City. But rent isn’t the only thing that’s expensive. Everything from groceries and dining out to transportation and entertainment comes with a price tag that’s often higher than what most people expect.
The many attractions and conveniences that make NYC so exciting—like world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment—are all priced accordingly. While living in the city offers unmatched experiences, it's important to be prepared for the high cost of maintaining that lifestyle.
Con #7: Crowded and Overwhelming
New York City is one of the most densely populated places in the world. With over 8 million residents, it's a constant bustle of people, cars, and crowds, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
Whether you're navigating packed subway stations, waiting in long lines, or walking down busy streets, the sheer number of people can make the city feel overwhelming, especially for those who prefer quieter, less crowded environments.
Con #8: Transportation System Is Great But Overcrowded
While New York City's public transportation system is extensive, it's not always the most reliable or comfortable. Subways and buses can be delayed, overcrowded, or shut down for repairs, leaving you stuck in traffic or scrambling for an alternative route.
Although many subway cars have air conditioning, the stations themselves can feel stuffy and unbearably hot in the summer. Additionally, taxis and ride-shares can be expensive and often get stuck in traffic during rush hours.
Con #8: High Taxes
Con after con, everything seems to be tied to a combination of what makes up the cost of living. One of which is the very high taxes New Yorkers have to pay. The city has some of the highest taxes in the country, which can take a big chunk out of your paycheck.
On top of the federal taxes, residents also face a state income tax of up to 10.9%, plus an additional 3.876% city income tax. There’s also an 8.875% sales tax on most purchases, and property taxes can be as high as 1.7% of a property’s value. All these taxes can really add up, making it more expensive to live in the city even if you have a good job.
Con #9: Limited Space
Living space in New York City is hard to come by, meaning apartments are often small and cramped, especially in Manhattan. Even if you're paying a lot for rent, you might find that your apartment has little storage and not much room to move around.
Many people in NYC have to get creative with organizing to make the most of their small spaces, but this can be tough for families or anyone used to having more room at home.
Con #10: High Competition For Almost Everything
In New York City, competition is everywhere. Whether it’s securing an apartment, landing a job, or even getting a reservation at a popular restaurant, there’s always a lot of competition. With millions of people trying to live, work, and enjoy the same things, standing out can be tough. This constant competition can add stress to daily life, making things that might be easy elsewhere feel more challenging in the city.
Ready To Move Yet?
Contact our NYC moving company, ZeroMax Moving & Storage, to make your relocation easier. We serve all 5 boroughs of New York and are here to help with a smooth and stress-free move. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home!