Y'all. I moved from Alabama to New York City around this time last year! I have learned so much by being in the city, so I thought it would be fun to share my opinions on things I wish I had known before moving here. While brainstorming ideas, so many different things came to my head, so make sure to check out my YouTube video for even more of my personal take on moving to a big city!

Summer is the Most Expensive Time to Move

Real estate is BOOMING in NYC during the summer. Therefore, all of the prices are raised, so it is best to move to the city during literally any other season! Moreover, apartments in the city disappear in seconds, so make sure that if you LOVE an apartment, you put in your offer as soon as possible, especially if you need to move in the summer.

When apartment hunting, it is beneficial to use a broker.

I am not saying you must use a broker to get your dream apartment. Brokers are an additional expense to the already hefty price tag of moving to the city, but I found it SO helpful to have someone with connections to the buildings I was interested in living in. My broker got Will and me a more expensive apartment for cheaper than what was listed because of his relationship with the building. Additionally, brokers can help lower or eliminate the cost of extra amenities, which can help cancel out the cost of using one!

Tour more apartments in different areas.

The first time I went apartment hunting, I only toured in one area of Manhattan. While I love where we lived, I didn't get to compare it to other areas more compatible with my lifestyle. I also didn't look around at what grocery stores and shops were close to the apartment, which meant I had some long walks to the places I wanted to go. As Will and I were looking for a new place this year, I made sure all my favorite stops like Target weren't too far away!

Check out the area of your apartment at night.

Apartment scenes during the day can completely change at night. Where I currently live, there are not a lot of lights at night, which did make me feel a little unsafe in the beginning. My best advice when it comes to safety at night in the city is to always Uber if you feel unsafe. I would rather be safe than sorry, especially in areas that are known to be on the riskier side at night. By checking out your potential neighborhood at night, you will be able to eliminate any feelings of worry.

New York winters are on a different level.

When people told me that I wasn't going to survive the winters here, I thought they meant because of how freezing it gets. While I actually enjoyed the weather, what made it hard for me was seasonal depression. After Christmas, the city felt so drab and gloomy, and I felt sadness like I had never experienced before. So, if you come from a place where winter isn't a thing, be prepared to mentally take on winter.

You need an escape from reality.

When you move to the city, you need to find something that gives you joy away from the city life. I've found that biking on the West Side Highway is SO freeing, and it helps me get some fresh air and sunshine that I don't get when I'm cooped up directly in the city. I also love going on picnics, biking in Central Park, or hanging out by the Brooklyn Bridge. You just need something that gets you away from the typical city life!

Get comfortable walking shoes.

Getting new shoes was not something I did when I first moved here. I thought the college shoes I wore walking all over campus would suffice, but I just got a new pair of Hokas, and my life has changed. Walking is inevitable in the city, so don't skimp out on a pair that you're most likely going to be wearing every day to run errands or go to work. While there are times I wear heels around the city, there is no better feeling than putting on my favorite sneakers!

Be alert and put your safety first!

Safety in the city should be your number one priority. Depending on your apartment style, the type of safety precautions you can take differ. I would recommend getting a Ring doorbell if you're in a walk-up building or getting that pole that goes up against your doorknob. When it comes to walking around the city, just always be aware of your surroundings and TRUST your instincts. It is better to feel silly and be safe than put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Get a rolling cart or Hulken bag.

I was convinced that I wasn't going to need anything to help me carry my groceries around, but I was mistaken. Ever since I purchased my rolling cart, my life has been CHANGED. My shopping trips have become so much easier, and my rolling cart allows me to buy more products than I normally would because I knew I wouldn't be able to carry them home. Everyone I know has them, so do yourself a favor and make your shopping trips hassle-free.

Being late is common, so plan accordingly.

With the way city transportation works, it is almost inevitable that you will be late for something. From traffic roadblocks to subways running late, there are so many factors you can't control, so make sure to have a time buffer when it comes to how long you think it is going to take you to get there. And if you're going to be late, don't stress yourself out too much, it's more common in the city than you think!

Mind Ya Business!

Now let me hold your hand when I tell you this: you NEED to mind your business. If you see someone doing something weird or hear a commotion, put your head down and keep walking. Quite honestly, no one in the city cares or looks at anybody else. In the city, we are all just in our own world and are not paying attention to whatever weird things are going on around us. So, mind your business and just keep walking.

Always act like you know where you’re going.

Whether or not you have directions up on your phone, pretend you are walking the city from memory. If you have no idea where you're going, walk with the confidence you could get there with your eyes closed. People will get angry if you're walking slowly or stopping in the middle of the sidewalk, so always make sure you are aware of where you're going, and if you make a wrong turn, just take the next one.

Don’t let the city change you.

There are SO many different types of people in the city, and what I love about the people here is that we are all just chasing something bigger than ourselves. NYC is truly the place for dreamers, so don't be afraid to be who you are. Don't let the city change you, don't let people change you, and don't let anything stop you from being who you want to be. I wear bright pink outfits almost every single day, and I promise no one gives me any extra stares for it. Embrace who you are and let it shine!

When it comes to moving to New York City, everyone has different expectations and opinions on what that experience is like. Obviously, all of these comments are my opinions, but I hope they help you as you make the move to New York!