Another relocating to NYC from UK but would really appreciate advice.

[Pandorasbob]

Hello,
It is possible that DH will take a job in NYC . We currently live in London. It would be approx 2 -3 years. DS is teenaged and will be going to university next September (fingers crossed ) so we do not have to worry about schools. DH would have to go to an office in mid-Manhatten (I think Chelsea - anyhow it is just south of the Empire State building.) Otherwise he would be working at home. He would need good access to an airport.
We were thinking New Jersey. We would be renting not buying.
I have read some previous threads but lots of them talk about schools etc (i.e. people have younger children. )
I see that Hoboken , South Orange , Jersey City amongst others , people like.

Although we currently live in London , I don't need a big city , but would like somewhere with cafes , restaurants , shops and preferably some where you don't always have to drive to get somewhere. Somewhere safe and nice and reasonably priced (so not much !)

Can anyone give me any suggestions ? I would be really grateful. Feel free to ask if I haven't given enough information.

PB

If you don't have to worry about schools, my choice would be the Upper West Side every time. The only thing Honoken has to offer, in comparison, is a decent tax break.

Take a look on craigslist for rents and you can try your luck at finding something without a broker fee on there too. Just be warned the good places all have a broker fee of one months rent.

For UWS don't go above the top of central park. Realtors will try to tell you it is UWS but it isn't and there is a problem with crime at night as you move away from the college area.

Thanks all - really good advice

This is a slightly scary thing for me so really appreciate some views from the ground as it were.

Thank you all - am googling and have estate agents round
really grateful

PB x

My relatives live in Teaneck (which is close to Hoboken) and love it. Sorry I'm not more help! :) Good luck.

Hi
Am so appreciative of all your help - we have been out and about and busy over last day or so but I will read and research.

Cannot thank you all enough for taking the time to help
Really appreciate it

PB x

I don't know much about the East Coast but if you have any general American questions feel free to ask! :)

Realtors in NYC take 15% annual rent, not one month. You need to negotiate (hard) for one month. Learnt that one the hard way!

Yeah you can't neigotiate the broker fee because in this area there are another 10 people willing to rent the place. Also be warned that a move in date of Feb 1st or March 1st will also see you contending with snow. I would hire extra people on the day to get the move done quicker.

Hi, we moved to Downtown Jersey City just over a month ago and have been pleasantly surprised. We lived right next to a PATH station and DH can be at work on 31st (nr Empire State Building) in less than 30mins door-to-door. The area feel safe and there are lots of nice restaurants, cafés etc. the waterfront is also lovely.

I don't know much about rents a DHs company pay ours directly, but I do know that there is a lot of demand on certain properties. We went after several places which had gone within hours of being advertised. This might, however, have been because we were after a 6-month lease, and most properties demand a minimum 12 month lease. We live in one of the modern apartment complexes and it's actually a lot better than I expected, and has proven a great way to meet other people - people often chat in the lift, at the pool etc., so might be worth considering if you're going to be home alone a lot.

So, did the OP decide to join us all?!