Manhattan, “The City” as referred to by people, is one of the most populous boroughs of New York City, in New York County, present in the southeastern region of New York state.
Home to 1.65 million residents, the tourist capital of New York attracts more than 700,000 people every year for tourism and settling down.
The city is dominated by some of the most prominent attractions, iconic skyscrapers, unmatched cultural scenes, the best culinary options and the largest Broadway shows in the world, that one desires to experience in their entire life.
So, if you’re planning to move to Manhattan, check out our blog post as we have got you covered with facts and realities of life in Manhattan.
1. Is Manhattan Safe?
Manhattan is a relatively safe city to live in New York City. It has an average violent and property crime rate of 38 and 31, which are higher than the national average of 23 and 35, respectively.
Overall, Manhattan is a safe area to live in New York City with some safer communities that have the lowest property and violent crime rates.
Some of the most common crimes are robbery, aggravated assault, rape, theft, burglary, & murder.
One would expect to see more crime scenes in a vibrant and bustling city like Manhattan, but the police protection and patrolling that is being done in every area of the city has kept the people and tourist areas safe, preventing more crimes from occurring.
Tourists in Manhattan are mostly rare targets but should stay safe against scams and pickpocketing.
The city has a lively and busy nightlife and is considered safe to walk around at night, but people are advised to stay away from crime-zoned areas.
Let us break down the crime rate scenes of Manhattan vs. LA, NYC and the national average, on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime).
| Crime type | Manhattan | Los Angeles | NYC | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 38 | 28 | 29 | 23 |
| Property crime | 31 | 25 | 35 | 35 |
Source: https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/crimnet/ojsa/Crime-in-NYS-2020.pdf
2. Things to know before moving to Manhattan, MY
Now that you are ready for relocation to Manhattan, there are a few important realities about Manhattan that you must know to make quick decisions and make settling more comprehensible.
3. Living in Manhattan
Living in Manhattan is all about leading an exciting, adventurous, and ravishing lifestyle with proximity to a great atmosphere, the best educational, employment and entertainment options, lots of outdoor opportunities, lively nightlife, endless bars, restaurants and more.
Manhattan is an island surrounded by three rivers: the Hudson, the Harlem, and the East.
The city is known to serve the economic and managerial sectors of New York City and is referred to as the entertainment, financial, and cultural capital of New York City.
The “land of opportunities” offers its residents a different lifestyle, unmatched opportunities, services, and amenities that are rare to find in other US states.
While the other boroughs of NYC i.e. Brooklyn offer a more relaxed and diverse living atmosphere, Manhattan, on the other hand, offers a vibrant, lively and fast-paced life with its charming amenities and outstanding landmarks.
4. Cost of Living in Manhattan
The cost of Living in Manhattan is extravagant, as its cost of living is 221 which is 100% higher than the cost of living of the state average and more than double the national average.
As of 2023, the average household salary in Manhattan is $190,000, approximately $49 an hour.
This implies one has to earn around $130,000 and $350,000 per annum to live a healthy life in Manhattan.
The major factor affecting the hike in living costs is the housing costs which are almost four times the rate of the national average.
Living in the most expensive and populist city in America can be challenging because of its outrageous cost of living expenses.
While you get the most delicious food, shopping malls for clothes and groceries, the best healthcare facilities, the finest transit system, and 24 x 7 energy services all the time, it comes up with pricey tariffs in Manhattan.
Apartments get sold quickly once posed in the market, homeowners ask you to make an income of at least 50x to apply for rent, a single drink might cost $15 each, which means you have to budget for everyone and earn more to afford all these.
But opting for a cheaper option like living with roommates, living in other boroughs and transiting to the city by the public transportation system, can save you to some extent.
For your information, the average cost of rental homes in Manhattan for a single individual is about $4500 and for a family of four averages $9500 per month.
Here is a table comparing the cost of living of some expenses in Manhattan and the US:
| Cost Of Living | Manhattan | NYC | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Expenses | 127 | 122 | 100 |
| Groceries | 135 | 117 | 100 |
| Housing | 384 | 128 | 100 |
| Utilities | 103 | 116 | 100 |
| Transportation | 117 | 141 | 100 |
| Healthcare | 109 | 128 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 120 | 122 | 100 |
Source: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/affordability-index/
5. Taxes in Manhattan
Residents of Manhattan are subjected to file a minimum combined sales tax rate of 2023 on its residents of 8.88%, which combines the state, city, and County sales tax rates.
The city imposes an income tax rate from 4% to 10.9% depending on the taxable income, filing status, and gross income of the residents.
Those who own a property in Manhattan file an average effective property tax of 0.8% of the assessed value.
The three different types of taxes paid by the residents of Manhattan are the city, state and federal income tax.
The official date of filing taxes for the current season begins from January till April.
It is recommended to pay your taxes through CityPay, by email, phone, bank account or on a direct website.
The following table shows the Manhattan income tax rates:
| Particulars | Manhattan |
|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4%-10.9% |
| Sales Tax | 8.88% |
| Property Tax | 0.8% of the asserted value |
| Excise Tax | 4.3% |
Source: https://www.nyc.gov/site/finance/taxes/taxes.page
6. Weather conditions in Manhattan
Manhattan features a humid subtropical climate with warm humid summers to cool, wet, snowy winters along with plentiful rainfall and partly cloudy skies all around.
The average temperature in Manhattan typically varies from 25°F degree Fahrenheit to 85°F and rarely goes above 93°F and drops down 25°F.
Manhattan witnesses warm months from June to September with an average temperature of around 80 degrees which sometimes crosses 100°F.
On average, Manhattan gets 233 sunny days per year, more than the national average.
After September the winter season continues till May with an average temperature ranging from 20°F – 40°F, with some amount of snowfall which usually averages less than 25 inches per year.
Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, averaging 47 inches in total at any time in a day.
They say – when it rains, it flows, so, it’s suggested to carry an umbrella or raincoat when you step out.
The best time to visit New York, Manhattan is June, August and September.
July is the hottest month in Manhattan with an average temperature of 85°F, and February is the coldest month in Manhattan with an average temperature of 20 degrees and records 8.6 inches of snowfall.
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the average weather in Manhattan by month:
| Month | Weather Conditions in Manhattan |
|---|---|
| January – February | Short & cold daysWith average temperatures 28°F (-2°C)-39°F (4°C)Chances of snowlong and freezing night |
| March | Longer and Warmer daysWith average temperatures 39°F (4°C)-51°F (11°C)Shorter and less cold nightMore rainfall |
| April | Mild and sunny daysThe cool and crisp nightWith average temperatures 51°F (11°C)-63°F (17°C)Chances of rain |
| May | Warm and sunny daysWith average temperatures 61°F (16°C)-73°F (23°C).Nights are mildLess rainfall |
| June | Summer seasonWith average temperatures 70°F(21°C)-82°F (28°C).Hot and humid dayNights are warmMore rainfall |
| July – August | Hottest monthWith average temperatures 75°F(24°C)-87°F (31°C)Hot and humid dayWarm and muggy nightHeavy Rainfall |
| September – October | Warm and sunny dayWith average temperatures 61°F(16°C)-73°F (23°C)Nights are cool downLess rainfall |
| November – December | Winter seasonWith average temperatures 41°F(5°C)-53°F (12°C)Shorter and colder dayLong and cold night |
7. Things to do in Manhattan
Whether you are looking for a day out with your family to enjoy in a park, museum, or gallery, or witness the world’s best shows, towering skyscrapers, or other famous attractions, Manhattan truly offers something for everyone.
The Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park, etc etc, the list goes on! Whatever you wish to see, you can see, enjoy, and indulge in many fun things to do in Manhattan with families and friends.
So, check out the list below of your favourite things to do in Manhattan and where to start!
| Age Group | Things To Do |
|---|---|
| Kids | Visit the Metropolitan Museum of art take a ferry to Staten IslandHave dinner at a rooftop restaurant ice skating at Rockefeller Center at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) |
| Singles | Take a walk through Central ParkGo to a sporting eventVisit a rooftop barGo to a comedy showJoin a club or group |
| Couples | Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art take a ferry to Staten IslandHave dinner at a rooftop restaurant ice skating at Rockefeller Center at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) |
| Families | Visit the American Museum of Natural HistorySee Intrepid Sea, Air & Space MuseumVisit the Museum of the Moving ImageSee One World Observatory |
| Seniors | Take a walk across the Brooklyn BridgeVisit the Metropolitan Museum of ArtVisit the High LineVisit the Tenement MuseumVisit the Museum of the City of New York |
8. Cost of Moving to Manhattan, MY
While opting for a local move in Manhattan, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 – $3,633 over hiring a moving company.
However, the cost of a long-distance move will vary depending on where you are moving from and to, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 or even more.
If you are moving to Manhattan from another state, the cost will be significantly higher.
However, the actual cost will vary depending on the distance you are moving and the weight of your belongings.
Moving companies also tend to charge higher rates on weekends. If you can, try to move on a weekday so you can save money.
Here are a few of the top-rated moving companies in Manhattan, NY:
- Clutter
- Bellhop
- FlatRate Moving
- NYC Great Movers
- 1/2 Price Movers Queens
- Oz Moving & Storage Manhattan
9. Living in Manhattan Pros and Cons
Living, breathing, surviving, and thriving in the most glamorous, fast-paced city of Manhattan comes with a lot of challenges.
As it’s a dream come true to live here, just because it has been blessed with a great life, opportunities and attainment, it will ultimately show its downsides once you start living a life there!
Just to prepare yourself to survive in the dreamy city of Manhattan, we have brought to you all the pros and cons of living in Manhattan.
Pros
- Ample excellent employment opportunities
- Vibrant nightlife arts, culture and entertainment.
- Authentic cuisine scenes.
- Finest public transportation system
- Strong and safest communities
- Relatively safe city to live in.
- Offers something for everyone.
- Sample of parks, greeneries and open spaces.
- The universe for fashion addicts
- Abundance of famous landmarks
- Offers the best Broadway shows
- Gorgeous scenery of the state
- Proximity to different cities, states and countries, various transportation modes
- Higher household income
- Pedestrian-friendly City
- LGBTQ-friendly city
Cons
- Higher cost of living
- Dirt dirt all around!
- Action-packed city and overwhelming!
- Rude and unmannered residents.
- Constant construction work everywhere
- Traffic congestion
- Bad internet and cellular services.
- Higher real estate and housing prices.
- Finding a rental apartment can be difficult
- Higher tax rates
10. Best Neighborhoods in Manhattan
If you are moving to NYC alone, or with a family, you might be urged to live in a locality that has less crime, good-quality housing or rental homes, lower living costs and abundant amenities and facilities within a few steps away.
Here we have listed the 5 best neighbourhoods in Manhattan, that you might opt for after making a move as a new resident:
1. Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is a neighbourhood in the borough of Manhattan in New York City.
The area is bordered by Central Park to the east, the Hudson River to the west, West 59th Street to the south, and West 110th Street to the north.
It is known for its tree-lined streets, brownstone townhouses, and world-class cultural institutions.
2. Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is a neighbourhood on the west side of Lower Manhattan in New York City, bounded by 14th Street to the north, Broadway to the east, Houston Street to the south, and the Hudson River to the west.
It is known for its rich history and culture. It has been a home to artists, writers, musicians, and activists for centuries.
3. SoHo
SoHo is a neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is an acronym for “South of Houston Street.”
SoHo is known for its cast-iron architecture, art galleries, and upscale boutiques. It is also a popular destination for dining and nightlife.
It has a lower crime rate than many other parts of New York City.
4. Tribeca
Tribeca is a neighbourhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Its name is a syllabic abbreviation of “Triangle Below Canal Street”.
Tribeca was originally an industrial district, but it has since transformed into one of Manhattan’s most fashionable and desirable neighbourhoods.
It is known for its cobblestone streets, trendy boutiques, and restaurants and it has celebrity residents.
5. Upper East Side
The Upper East Side is a neighbourhood in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, bounded by 96th Street to the north, the East River to the east, 59th Street to the south, and Central Park and Fifth Avenue to the west.
It is known for its elegant brownstone townhouses, high-rise luxury apartments, and upscale shopping and dining.
Moving to Manhattan MY FAQs
Is Manhattan a foodies state?
Yes, Manhattan is a foodie city, with a diverse culinary scene that satisfies every taste and budget.
Is Manhattan a good city to buy a house?
Manhattan’s housing market is expensive, but it is a good city to buy a house if you can afford it.
The median sale price of a home in Manhattan was $1.25M last month, and the median rent is $5,588 per month.
Consider affordability, supply and demand, cost of living, and your lifestyle before buying a house in Manhattan.
How to get around in Manhattan?
The best way to get around Manhattan is by subway. It is fast, efficient, and affordable. You can also take a bus, but this can be slower, especially during rush hour. Other transportation options include taxis, ride-hailing apps, bike-share and walking.
Does Manhattan have a growing job market?
Manhattan has a growing job market, with the most recent job growth rate exceeding the national average.
How to move to Manhattan?
The important points one must opt for before moving to Manhattan are as follows:
- Save money as much as possible.
- Search for good neighbourhoods and apartments to stay in.
- Get a good job.
- Read our blog post to learn more about the place.
- Learn the cost of moving to NYC Manhattan and do the paperwork.
- Leave for the city.
Conclusion
If you feel like relocating to NYC, anytime or for any reason, consider living in Manhattan. It is a developed, lively and exciting city to live in.
If one were to set aside the city’s high cost of living and its immense size, one would be able to appreciate its unique and authentic character, which no other state in the US can offer.
The city’s many amenities, which are all within easy reach, are what attract people to move there each year.