43 Pros And Cons Of Living In New York City in 2024

Wondering about the pros and cons of living in New York? What is it like living in New York?

New York is the most populous city in the United States. It’s glitzy and glamorous, fast-paced, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. 

I grew up in a big city, so I know that although living in the city is a dream come true for many people, it can also have its downsides. 

Sure, New York has great nightlife, arts, culture, and many job opportunities, but it is also expensive, dirty, and overwhelming. I’ve been to New York 12 times, and even though visiting is great, living there is a whole other experience. 

If you want to move to New York, then you need to know how to survive in New York! Take the time to weigh all the pros and cons of living in New York City before moving to the city. 

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Pros And Cons Of Living In New York City

1. Pro: Excellent Job Opportunities

One of the biggest advantages of living in New York is that there is plenty of excellent job opportunities. Over 1 million businesses are operating in New York City across a diverse range of industries. 

There are also loads of opportunities for start-ups and side hustles in New York. The possibilities are truly endless!

2. Con: High Competition For Jobs 

When weighing up the Pros and cons of NYC, consider that despite the abundance of jobs available in NYC, there is also extremely high competition for jobs.

8.47 million people live in New York. That’s a lot of people who need employment! 

Competition is fierce, so you need to bring your A-game if you plan to find a job in New York City, especially if you dream of landing a job on wall street. 

3. Pro: Great Nightlife, Arts, And Culture

You will never be bored living in New York! There is always something to do. 

New York is ‘the city that never sleeps’ and boasts some of the best nightlife in the world. If you are a party animal, then New York is a dream come true. 

As well as the many nightclubs and party venues, there are also tons of late-night restaurants, cocktail bars, and after-hours sports and recreation.

4. Con: High Cost Of Living

One of the biggest disadvantages of living in New York is the high cost of living. Yes, there are a lot of things to see and do in New York, but it’s going to cost you! 

Everything in New York is expensive due to its economy and the large number of high-paying jobs available in the city. Rent, food, and recreational activities will all cost you a premium in New York. 

Owning a New York City home is also difficult as real estate prices in NYC are higher than the national average, especially in areas like the upper west side. 

5. Pro: Incredible Food

New York is well known for being a foodie paradise. 

The city is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures, so you can find incredible food from all around the world in New York. 

Whether you are looking for Japanese sushi, Moroccan tagine, Vietnamese pho, or Eritrean tsebhi, you can find it in New York. 

🍔 I recommend taking this food tour to sink your teeth into New York’s foodie scene

6. Con: Dirty

A big downside to life in New York City is that it is really dirty. New York is actually ranked the second dirtiest city in the world (Rome is the first). 

It’s a big city with a lot of people packed into small spaces, so of course, there is a lot of waste! Residents report issues with trash piling up and even rat infestations. 

7. Pro: Good Public Transportation System

New York City has an extensive public transport system that includes buses, trains, ferries, taxis, and the subway system. 

Getting around New York is easy as public transport is generally inexpensive with frequent departures. Many public transport options run overnight, so you’ll never be stranded without a way home. 

8. Con: Subway Can Be Unreliable 

Despite being known for having one of the best subway systems in the world, New Yorkers still report that the subway can be unreliable with canceled trains, worker strikes, and scheduling issues. 

9. Pro: Networking Opportunities

If you are very career driven, one of the best pros of living in New York is the abundance of networking opportunities. 

Many well-known companies have their headquarters in New York City, so it’s also a great place for networking and moving up the career ladder. 

10. Con: Fast-paced And Overwhelming

New York City is a fast-paced and action-packed place. It is called ‘the city that never sleeps’ after all!  

If you have never lived in a big city, then you can easily get overwhelmed in New York. If you ask yourself, “Is New York a good place to live?” the answer could depend on what kind of lifestyle you are hoping for. 

11. Pro: Community 

One of the biggest pros of living in New York is the sense of a strong community. 

New York is a very diverse and inclusive place. It is also a very progressive city, so you are sure to be welcomed into a community of like-minded people no matter who you are. 

🤝 Meet like-minded people in New York City with MeetUp!

12. Con: New Yorkers Can Seem Rude

One of the biggest stereotypes about New York is that New Yorkers are rude. 

New Yorkers can seem rude due to the fast-paced nature of city life. Locals don’t have much time to stop and engage in small talk! 

13. Pro: It Is Safe

Many people ask, “Is New York safe to live in?” and the answer is yes, New York is actually a very safe city. It often gets a bad reputation, but in reality, crime rates in New York were reduced dramatically in the 1990s, and it has remained relatively safe. 

As with any big city, it is still wise to be aware of your surroundings and avoid certain areas at night. Of course, some areas are going to be safer than others.

14. Con: Rising Crime Rate

Even though New York is still much safer than it once was, crime has risen since the 2020 pandemic. 

The overall crime rate in 2023 is up by 1% compared with pre-pandemic levels, mainly due to a shortage of police. 

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15. Pro: Diversity

New York is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. You’ll find cultures from all over living side by side in the city. This makes New York unique and vibrant. 

You can find areas such as Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown, Little Dominican Republic, Little Poland, Little Odessa, Little Guyana, Little India, and more! 

It’s worth learning how to say some basic phrases in a few different languages, as you will surely hear more than just English in New York. 

16. Con: Crowded

New York has a problem with overcrowding. The average rate of overcrowding in New York City is 11%, and in some areas, it is as high as 25%. 

Overcrowding disproportionately affects lower-income families and working-class people. In some situations, multiple generations and families have to share living spaces due to the high rent prices and housing availability in New York. 

17. Pro: Always Something To Do

Living in New York means you will never be bored. There is always something to do here! You can catch a Broadway show or explore the many museums, galleries, and parks. 

There are also plenty of pubs, bars, and clubs to enjoy in the evenings. 

You can also take a weekend trip out of the city to explore New York State, which has some beautiful scenery.

18. Con: FOMO 

FOMO, the fear of missing out, can be one of the downsides to living in New York. You’ll never be able to see and do everything the city offers, but this can be hard to accept when you desire to experience it all. 

There is so much going on in New York, so you have to be ok with missing out on some of it.  

19. Pro: Parks And Green Spaces 

One of the best things about living in NYC is the abundance of world-class parks and green spaces. 

Central Park is the most well-known park in New York, but there are plenty of smaller parks dotted throughout the city. 

Some of these parks have amazing public art installations and sculptures, playgrounds for children, and outdoor gyms for adults.

20. Con: Construction Everywhere

The massive amount of construction work is one of the reasons why some people think living in NYC is depressing. 

The city is overpopulated and ever-expanding, meaning constant construction work is happening wherever you go. Construction causes noise, power and water disruptions, and route diversions that can be extremely frustrating to locals.. 

21. Pro: Paradise For Fashion Lovers 

If you are a fashion lover, living in New York will be like living in paradise. 

The city is home to some of the world’s biggest fashion designers and stores. And, of course, there is the annual New York fashion week, which attracts fashionistas worldwide. 

You’ll also find plenty of thrift shopping opportunities and bargain sales in neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Queens. 

22. Con: Laundry 

Most New York buildings do not allow washing machines because New York’s buildings are old, and the plumbing infrastructure simply can’t handle washing machines. 

Frequent visits to the launderette will become part of your daily life in New York, which can be inconvenient in a big city.

23. Pro: Plenty Of Famous Landmarks

New York is home to many world-famous landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Grand Central Station. 

If you’ve grown up seeing these famous places on TV, then moving to New York City will make you feel like you have stepped into one of your favorite shows! 

🚁 To get the most unique experience of these iconic landmarks, I recommend taking this private helicopter tour – Renting a helicopter is a little pricey but It’s definitely worth treating yourself for this incredible bucket list experience!

24. Con: Rat Infestation

Rats are a big problem in New York and have become one of the most negative aspects of New York City life. 

One study estimated that there are around 2 million rats in NYC. The rats can be a nuisance, chewing through electrical cables and making a mess in the garbage, but they can also be vicious and bite. 

This is something to consider if you’re asking yourself, “is living in New York worth it?”

25. Pro: Broadway

One of the Perks of living in NYC is having access to some of the best Broadway shows in the world. From comedies to world-famous musicals, there is more than enough to keep you entertained. 

Some of the most popular Broadway shows are Hamilton, The Lion King, Wicked, and Chicago, with many more up and coming. 

🦁 One of my favorite Broadway shows is The Lion King – It’s a fantastic show that will entertain both kids and adults!

26. Con: Noise Pollution

New York City is a noisy place! After all, it is the city that never sleeps! From car horns to shouting, finding peace and quiet in New York can be difficult. 

Some areas of the city are much noisier than others, so if you’re looking for a quieter place to live, it’s best to research the area before moving.

27. Pro: Beautiful Scenery Upstate 

New York State has some gorgeous scenery, especially in the fall when the leaves start to change color. 

Many people from the city take weekend trips upstate to get away from the hustle and bustle. You can find rolling hills, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Hudson River Valley.

28. Con: Weather

The weather in New York City isn’t always ideal. It’s freezing cold in the winter, and in the summer, it can be really hot and humid. 

There’s also a lot of rain in New York, so truly be prepared for all kinds of weather.

29. Pro: Well Connected

New York is a major transport hub well connected to many international destinations, so visiting your friends and family back home will be relatively easy no matter where you are moving from. 

JFK airport connects to 189 destinations, by over 90 different airlines. 

30. Con: Bad Traffic

New York City is notorious for its bad traffic. 

The roads are always busy, and getting from one place to another can take a long time. 

If you plan to commute regularly, it’s best to look into public transportation options like the subway or bus. These can be much faster and more efficient. 

31. Pro: Celebrities 

Living in New York City means you might bump into a celebrity or two! It seems like the city is filled with famous faces. 

Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Robert De Niro, Alec Balwin, and Gigi Hadid all live in New York City. 

32. Con: Bad Internet Service

New York has famously bad internet service, and they even did a sketch about it on SNL! 

27% of homes in New York City don’t have broadband access. This seems to disproportionately affect poorer neighborhoods such as the Bronx. In other areas, the internet can be excruciatingly slow. 

33. Pro: Higher Salaries

One of the pros of living in New York is the high salaries that are available in the city. 

Many people come to New York for job opportunities, and you can make more money in some fields than in other states. This is especially true for those in the financial or tech industries. 

34. Con: Finding An Apartment Can Be Difficult 

Finding an apartment in New York can be difficult. The city is full of competition for housing, and finding the perfect place to live can be tough. 

The rent prices of apartments in New York are notoriously high and can be out of reach, and many people have to resort to living with multiple roommates. 

35. Pro: Most Walkable City In The US

One of the good things about living in New York is that it is very walkable. 

Many cities in the US are not pedestrian friendly, but luckily this isn’t the case in New York. It’s more convenient to walk or take public transport than it is to drive in New York. 

If you are moving here from Europe and are used to being able to walk everywhere, then New York is perfect! 

36. Con: Difficult To Own A Car

It’s not easy to own a car in New York. The streets are always crowded, the traffic is bad, and parking is extremely limited. 

The cost of owning a car in New York can also be high since you have to pay for insurance, gas, and tolls.

37. Pro: Bodegas Open 24/7

One of the best things about the New York lifestyle is that you can get anything you need at any time of the day. 

Need a lightbulb at 4 am? No problem! Many bodegas and other stores are open around the clock. 

38. Con: Buildings Are Old 

When deciding, Is New York City a good place to live, one thing to consider is that the buildings are very old.

The average age of buildings in New York City is 90 years old, which can cause all kinds of problems. Some buildings have poor plumbing and bad electrical wiring, and others can even pose health risks due to the presence of lead paint and asbestos! 

39. Pro: Progressive 

New York is a very progressive city, mainly due to its rich diversity. 

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the local community and participate in social justice movements. It’s a great place for those who want to make a difference and work towards a world of equality.

40. Con: High Taxes 

Living in New York comes with a hefty price tag. New York has some of the highest income tax rates in the USA.

Before deciding to move to New York, it’s important to consider the cost of living and make sure you can afford it.

41. Pro: LGBTQ+ Friendly

New York also has some of the most progressive laws in the country related to rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

There’s a large LGBTQ+ community in New York, and the city hosts one of the biggest and most well-known pride events in the world. 

🤝 Meet like-minded people in New York City with MeetUp!

42. Con: It’s Big

New York is a big city. Getting from one place to another can often take longer than expected due to the sheer size of the city. 

It is also densely populated, so many people are always around wherever you go. If you are used to small-town life, New York City may be a culture shock for you! 

43. Pro: The City Is Beautiful

New York is a beautiful place with an iconic skyline, charming old buildings, stunning parks, and landmarks. There is no doubt that New York is a gorgeous city. 

It’s also constantly changing and growing, so you will always have something to enjoy.

FAQs: Pros And Cons Of Living In New York City

Final Thoughts: Pros And Cons Of Living In New York City

If you have been wondering, “Should I live in New York City?” then researching the Pros and cons of living in NYC will help you make the best decision for you. 

Living in New York can be an amazing experience and open up new experiences. 

There are plenty of high-paying job options, great food, a diverse community, and a never-ending list of things to see and do. However, it is important to be realistic and remember that living in a big city has downsides like bad traffic, noise, higher taxes, and rats. 

Overall, whether or not you should move to NYC comes down to what kind of lifestyle you want and whether the pros outweigh the cons. 

If you are considering moving to New York from abroad, check out my list of pros and cons of moving to the USA and read about some of the challenges of moving to a new country.