I've lived in two apartments in New York so far in my life, and I feel like I've won the lottery with this second one. So here are some tips to help you hit the jackpot with your next NYC apartment.
1. Windows are important! Sunlight cheers you up and makes you feel like you're not in a small square box. Windows are hard to come by, but I have three in my little one bedroom place, and it makes a difference. Just compare the two photos below:
2. Take subway stops into account. Being close to a subway line makes life infinitely easier. Last summer, the trek to my closest subway line was riddled with catcalling men, creepy abandoned lots, and busy highways. I have to admit that I didn't always look forward to the journey and that occasionally impacted my decisions to go out or stay in. My new apartment is a beautiful seven minute walk from the subway. I actually look forward to my commute to work.
3. Don't get cable. College students and recent grads, rejoice! You heard me right: you should not get cable. Get a smart TV, or a Roku. That is really all you need. I bought a TV with Roku built in and have been so happy with it. I hooked up HBO, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and Spotify with ease. These are all subscriptions you probably already have anyway. A smart TV is the easiest and most affordable way to use these services to their fullest. Here's the TV I bought:
4. Tupperware is huge. It doesn't sound exciting, but when you get a box of all those little clear squares that fit together so snugly you get a surprising pleasure out of it. And if you're cooking for yourself (which you should because money), having a way to store your leftovers makes the food you cook go the extra mile. Leftovers are king. Tupperware is even better if you have your shit together and you cook for the week in advance.
5. You're going to want to wear new, fancy shoes. Don't. I wore an innocent looking pair of flats to my first day of work. They were even from Clarks, the supposed king of comfort shoes. But they rubbed my heels raw and I limped home from my first day of work, making me feel like a dejected and very unsuccessful New Yorker. So wear sneakers. Sneakers reign as the uncontested top shoe of NYC and don't challenge their authority. A sleek pair of kicks will fit in at most offices, running errands, normal running, maybe light jogging, Trader Joe's, shopping, bars, and most anywhere else. Just look how fashionable this woman is!
6. Say hello to people. New Yorkers are notoriously cranky, but I've found that as long as you're not trying to strike up chatter with someone running to catch their train, people are pretty friendly. If you're waiting in line, talk to your neighbor. They usually open up, and these small conversations brighten my day every time. Talk to your regular neighbors, too. Don't stay anonymous. If you're having a bad day and you walk up to your building, being able to exchange a wave and a greeting with the people you encounter, instead of reserved closed-mouth smiles, can cheer you up. While you're at it, say hi to the people who work at your local bodega, or your UPS guy, or that lady you always pass on your way to the train. Yesterday, on my way home from work, a woman was sweeping her steps and looked at me as I passed. I ignored her and kept walking. This morning I passed the same woman, but I smiled. She joked with me that I'd be late for work and told me to have a blessed day. I hope I see her again on my way home today. These small interactions can build something that feels like a community. Plus, you never know when you might be in need of a friendly face. Like if you get locked out of your apartment, for example.
It's a big place. Be nice to each other.
Photo sources: http://assets.fodors.com/destinations/1128/skyline-manhattan-new-york-city-new-york-usa_main.jpg, https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3o3eXTuo1J81vOpzza1KzQov4acb8SoZAvfzPbDuMZX2QS8b2OXV5k6NNp-3fTlH2GmGYWe-LF13s-p6J9ww6gyywrPmkf-a9Lo8Ya3FFtsluH_3EmnaA3dKhZ3VN_Fd6ktYIoHwKM6c/s1600/sneakers-street-style-fall-2014-3.jpg, http://www.dvo.com/newsletter/monthly/2014/november/images/article_img_storing_leftovers.jpg, http://www.bestbuy.com/site/tcl-32-class-31-5-diag--led-720p-smart-hdtv-roku-tv-black/4235000.p?id=1219711487221&skuId=4235000&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=9aef5722-e85e-471b-8071-288fc43e34c4&ksprof_id=16&ksaffcode=pg58621&ksdevice=c&gclid=CjwKEAjwp-S6BRDj4Z7z2IWUhG8SJAAbqbF3iZKwz0Xmdw_rJCvDuh_rzdAILfB-8bCCiyMCsPItDBoCHg_w_wcB, http://www.mappery.com/maps/New-York-City-Subway-Map-2.gif, http://cdn.home-designing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/sunny-apartment.jpg, https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiKrruhs5vNAhXGdT4KHe-PBdcQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F358317714073667901%2F&psig=AFQjCNF1S-hV2qGtDTa5mVhOQOVE634wLg&ust=1465576747728630,
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