...if your partner was offered a job opportunity in New York?

[maccers2]

We're facing the possibility of moving to NYC in the new year. We're a family of 4 (two little ones of 6 months and 2 yo) and I have no idea whether it's a good idea, where to live etc etc any advice please?!

I have no idea either but I would jump at the chance.

It all depends... I hate NYC and wouldn't want to live there again. It's incredibly expensive to live in Manhattan so most families live on the outskirts and the commutes can be huge (I know people who do 2 hrs each way, over an hour is considered normal). So salary/relocating costs are a big factor, where would you expect to live and would you want your dh home before the dc go to bed etc.

The length of the assignment is also important. Is this move forever or is it a couple of years? Is the move going to help your partner's career massively or is it a similar level job?

I hate NYC but I'd still go if my DH was offered a big promotion and it was only for a couple of years. My family relocated there when I was 9 (my sibling were 11, 3 & 2) and it was an amazing experience, I'd love to give that to my dc at some point.

All depends on £££
I love NYC but accommodation is even smaller than London centrally so you'd be probably looking at a commute circle for Dh
How long for?
If short term then back for schools go for it
If longer and tbc then schooling etc is more complex to later fit back into uk system should you choose
Weather is tough and January will be Baltic so you'd need great accom paid for then because you will not want to track about looking for places
As a just incase open an mbna credit card now to start building credit history
Think HSBC or metro do a similar back account
Get all kids jabs in
Look v v seriously at works provision if medical cover
Enjoy!

I would go for it providing I had excellent health care for all the family.Its vital really as the states is not somewhere to get sick without it.
You need to do your sums on rent/cost of living.But thats the same anywhere.
See what package your DH is offered first.
A good relocation package can cut costs.Good luck !!

Thanks all. It's likely to be a 2 year deal as we both want our kids to go to school here and so far Brooklyn looks most sensible (he'd be based on Wall Street). Rents are silly money and I'm most worried about being stuck in a tiny apartment day in day out miles from anything for the kids to do. I'm also worried about not meeting people as I won't be working. Part of me thinks we should grab the chance whilst the timing works but another part of me is slightly unsure about leaving everyone we know. The package isn't amazing but equally it's not bad and we're in the process of checking health insurance. There is so much to consider its a bit overwhelming!

Check the financials. Check with the wise people on the "Living Overseas" section, to see if it is enough. Consider living in the Suburbs or New Jersey for a better standard of life.
But in your situation I'd probably go for it - but you might need to negotiate hard.

Will you not get a relocation package? Help with rent, living costs ect. I ask because my brother was relocated to hong Kong and got a pretty nice relocation deal.

What a great adventure, for your family!

Oh, it's a fantastic opportunity for two years.