It may not be easy to find an affordable apartment or housing in New York City, but it is not impossible. You will find Outpost Club offers online which are regularly updated. 

Moving to a new place can be scary and even intimidating, especially if you are moving from another state or country. The key is to do some research and keep your eye on real estate.

Three surprising ways the NYC renting market works

1. Things move quickly – everyone knows that the houses in the NYC market move fast so if you see one that you like, you will have to move fast. If you are planning to move with a few friends, then it may be impossible to view the place when all of you are free as they may be gone by that time. 

2. You may not find something appealing without extra fees – New York housing is expensive and so are the apartments but if you are willing to pay certain fees like broker fees, cleaning fees and fees for extra amenities, you will find something worthwhile. 

3. If you are on a budget, be creative – you may have heard that space is limited in NYC apartments and if you want to live in a nice area, you may find that you have to compromise on the space. This is why it is beneficial to make a list of your needs and wants. Be creative in your room rental, try to get furniture that double up in their uses, don’t be too fancy, rather opt for being practical. 

Tips to help you choose homes

1. Join community forums and groups on social media like Facebook – these can be very useful, especially when looking for a place to rent. Many people will put adverts on the Facebook groups for roommates. Frequent Craigslist and SpareRoom to help you find housing as well. Remember that no advert should be asking for a deposit so if you find one that does, don’t pursue it. 

2. Explore commute routes – there are so many ways that you can get to work in NYC. You can even consider ferries as a viable transportation option, or walking, if your destination is close enough. 

3. Try looking outside New York City – Boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens offer many affordable housing options which are alternatives to Manhattan. However, New Jersey is a quick commute to NYC. Many people choose to live in New Jersey and travel for work, as New Jersey is quieter than NYC. However, if you love the hustle and bustle then Jersey isn’t the place for you. 

Find affordable housing in NYC

You may feel crazy for hoping to find affordable housing in New York City, but it is doable. You need to be aware of what your goals are and be willing to compromise on a few wants. You will definitely find the right apartment if you are willing to compromise on a few unimportant things.