As the dust settles six months after New York City implemented strict regulations effectively banning short-term rentals, the intended outcomes seem to have missed the mark. 

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How Has The Airbnb Ban Affected The NYC Rental Market?

How can property owners utilize furnished rentals and co-living to mazimize NOI, decrease vacancy and increase the viability of their properties for today's tenants. 

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Maximizing Real Estate Returns: Leveraging Furnished Co-Living for Increased NOI

Living in New York City can be a dream come true, but it can also be a nightmare if you end up with a terrible roommate. But fear not my fellow New Yorkers, I have some tips on how to find the perfect roommate in NYC

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How To Find a Roommate in NYC

Your heart’s made the decision before your mind; you will be the next rising star to take the stage in the world’s biggest theatre: New York City. 


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5 things to know before moving to NYC

It’s no secret why the majority of your Netflix watch list takes place in the world’s biggest powerhouse, New York City. 

Be it the ample opportunity, a soul-searching journey, or the impressive roster of internationally recognized schools, New York ignites a creative and lasting impression on all people who call it home.

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What you should know about co-living

It’s all too easy to get lost in the excitement of creating a moving list, especially for the world’s most exciting destination: New York City. 

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5 must-haves before moving to New York

It’s no secret; picking up and moving to a new city, even one as glamorous as NYC, can be a stressful experience. 

Today, one in five adults struggle with mental health issues; the added strain of finding affordable living spaces with compatible roommates in the big city can be draining when going in unfamiliar. 

So, how does one navigate the beginning of their New York journey while keeping a level head? 

Thousands of newcomers to NYC are embracing co-living, an affordable and accessible solution to finding housing at the outset of their latest adventure. 

Offering flexible leasing terms and close to no moving costs, co-living relieves the biggest burdens of new arrivals. Let’s dive into four of the biggest ways co-living helps ease the mental tension that may come with moving to one of the world’s biggest hot spots: New York City.

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4 mental health benefits of Coliving

Living with roommates is an excellent, cost-efficient way for saving on rent in New York City. Despite ranking as one of the most expensive cities in the world, thousands seek their next adventure in the empire state.

Finding compatible roommates is surprisingly tough in a city of eight million; almost everyone has a horror story of their own to share. Having a difficult roommate is almost a rite of passage when setting out on your own, but it doesn’t have to be.  

Most roommate conflicts are born of a misunderstanding or lack in communication. If you find yourself in a tough spot with your roommates, it’s important to be respectful, communicative, and clear when finding a solution that works for everyone. 

Everyone in New York is on an adventure; navigate yours smoothly with our five tips for dealing with difficult roommates.

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5 tips for dealing with difficult roommates

New York’s latest housing model, co-living, is shattering records in every dimension. From affordable to accessible, co-living is not-so-surprisingly sustainable.

Offering flexible leases in the most attractive neighborhoods, co-living is the best approach for newcomers seeking to make the empire state their home. 

Co-living is driven by collaboration, from roommates celebrating the small wins, to diverse communities sharing their collective experiences, newcomers and seasoned New Yorkers are discovering the city of a thousand dreams while cutting down on carbon emissions, creating a greener environment for New York City.

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4 reasons why Co-Living is environmentally friendly

How to choose the right apartment is a common question for everyone everywhere.

So right before deciding where to live in NYC, remember that there are other questions you need to ask yourself before picking the right apartment.

Let’s jump right into it, here’s everything you need to know before signing the lease and settling in your next apartment:

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Everything you must know before choosing an apartment in NYC

There is no doubt that one of the top things to do in New York in July is to attend the 4th of July event. In addition to the famous Macy’s Fireworks spectacle, there's plenty of other amazing events just waiting for you to see.

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Best way to experience the 4th of July in NYC

Moving to NYC can be a very intense experience, adding a pet to the equation might make it even harder. Moving with pets doesn't have to be a difficult thing if you just follow a few basic principles. Here, we will try and cover the most important things so your move will be a breeze.

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5 things every pet owner must know before moving with animals in NYC 

Yes, there are benefits to living alone. But is the added cost worth it? If you’re trying to determine which option is best for you, here’s what you need to know.

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Just moved to NYC? Here’s why shared living trumps living alone

If you’ve been living under a rock, let me remind you that New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world. With that being said, it is important as a New Yorker, that you take time to create a monthly budget. A budget allows for you to evaluate your monthly income, and set money aside towards your expenses. This way, you don’t start panicking when rent is due, and bills start coming in.


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How to create a realistic monthly budget as a New Yorker

So you’ve finally found the perfect apartment and signed your lease, now what? If you’re new to the city, chances are you’ll be moving into a near empty apartment. Furnishing your new space can be overwhelming, not to mention, PRICEY! And while we’d all love to live out our fantasy of being interior decorators, HGTV doesn’t paint the most realistic picture. With that being said, there are still ways to source out cheap, quality, furniture on a budget.

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9 affordable furniture brands that won’t break the bank

Bottom line, rent in New York is expensive, no matter what borough you choose to live in. However, even within the borough of Manhattan itself, prices can range drastically. If you’re set on living in this area, it’s important to compare rental prices, and find a neighborhood and apartment that is best suited for you.

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What you should expect to pay for rent in Manhattan by neighborhood

So you just moved to New York, and you haven’t been able to find an apartment yet. You’ve searched through endless listings on Street Easy, checked out every link on apartments.com, and nothing has seemed to catch your eye. Or maybe you just prefer apartment hunting in person. Whatever your unique situation, you find yourself in need of short-term housing.

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Inexpensive short-term housing options to consider while apartment hunting

Apartment hunting can be both an overwhelming and frustrating ordeal. If you’re in the beginning stages of the process, here are some important things you might want to consider.

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8 thing to consider during your apartment search

There's no way to completely avoid stress while apartment hunting. But there are a few ways you can help yourself best prepare for the move, to avoid the whole process becoming totally overwhelming. 

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How to best avoid stress during your apartment search

At the height of the pandemic, rent negotiation seemed more feasible. New Yorkers were fleeing to the Suburbs, and landlords were left with more empty properties than usual. 

Being that it was truly a renters market, landlords seemed willing to accept offers that may have otherwise been unthinkable.

But hope is not lost, here are a few ways you may be able to negotiate a successful rent decrease with your perspective landlord.

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Tips to negotiating rent with your perspective landlord

For many of us, it seems that the height of the pandemic, that included both binge watching and binge eating, is for the most part, over. We are no longer restricted to our homes, and businesses are beginning to open up at full capacity.

So that begs the questions, are New York City covid restrictions still in place?

While it feels like life may be “getting back to normal”, there are still a few ways we are reminded that Covid-19 is far from a thing of the past.

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How covid restrictions and mandates have affected New Yorkers

First and foremost, let me say congratulations! You’ve managed to rent an NYC apartment, be approved, and allocate a budget to paying rent every month. That in itself is a big deal.

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So you found the perfect NYC apartment. Now what?

We all know finding an apartment is difficult, but with real estate sites and companies offering weekly rooms for rent, you’re bound to find a place that is perfectly suited for you.

What people think about far less often, is their roommates. Sharing an apartment isn’t always the most ideal option, but with rental costs in NYC being what they are, sometimes you are left without a choice.

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4 tips for finding a roommate that is right for you

If you’ve ever wondered how big Brooklyn is, it currently stands as the most populated borough in all of New York. It spans over 70 neighborhoods, and has one of the most culturally diverse demographics of people.

In an effort to celebrate that cultural diversity, I’m going to highlight African American and Caribbean influences when it comes to food and restaurants around Brooklyn.

Here are just a few of the many incredible, delicious, Instagram worthy, black owned restaurants Brooklyn has to offer.

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12 black owned Brooklyn restaurants you need to visit

Historically, Manhattan rent boasted higher price points, driving New Yorkers to venture across the bridge for more affordable housing options. But more recently, Brooklyn has become somewhat of a “hot” destination for renters. Couple that with gentrification, and some neighborhoods in Brooklyn are becoming even more expensive than those in Manhattan.

So with all that being said, which is cheaper, Brooklyn or Manhattan?

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Cost of living comparison: Brooklyn Vs Manhattan

Typically, everyone associates Rooftop bars with the summer. There is an immediate visual that accompanies an NYC rooftop, including poolside lounging, panoramic views and boozy cocktails. Living in a place that experiences cold weather 6 months out of the year, its unfortunate that many rooftops aren’t able to keep their doors open past the early fall.

But, in the city that never sleeps, more and more establishments are accommodating guests year round. Thankfully, with new solutions to combat the winter, rooftop festivities are no longer limited to just the summertime months.

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Year-round rooftop bars in the city that never sleep

There are many reasons people decide to move; you may have gotten a job offer in a new city, decided to relocate for a long-distance partner, or maybe you’re just looking for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should consider before making the decision final. New York is home to many, but is it the right place for you?

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How to best prepare for your move to the Big Apple

When it comes to the New York City rental market, there are so many options to choose from. And each comes with its own set of added benefits for the price. Some offer money off rent for a longer lease, utilities included in the price of the unit, free wifi, and others even come fully furnished! It’s important to decide which amenities on your checklist are non-negotiable, and weigh the value of the unit to the price attached.

Both co-living and traditional apartment rentals have their own unique perks. Keep reading if you’re interested in comparing the two and learning more about each.

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Exploring the differences and similarities between co-living and traditional apartment rentals

It is an unfortunate reality, that women are more likely to fall victim to sexual assault. There have been countless incidents in the media, of women being attacked walking down the street, in the subway, getting into their cars, or even in their own homes!

As much as we wish things like this didn’t happen, it’s important to be aware of how we can better protect ourselves. No matter where you live, women have to take precautions to ensure their safety; but here are some tips for staying safe as a female residing in NYC.

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5 tips for staying safe as a woman living in NYC

Frankly, the pandemic put several people’s jobs in jeopardy, and months later, many of us have still not recovered. It forced restaurants to close, businesses to shut down, and those of us that remained employed had to work from home. During this time, numerous individuals began relocating as well. Many moved from the city to the suburbs or even went as far as starting over across the country. Whatever the reason, relocation was occurring, whether people were employed or not. This goes to show, that although stressful, moving without having a job is possible!

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Helpful strategies for relocating while unemployed

College is both a scary, and exciting experience, for many students who will be away from home for the first time. And while you have a lot to look forward to, you also need to think about things like tuition, buying textbooks, school supplies, and more importantly, housing!

Living on-campus can be beneficial to some students. One of the advantages is not having to commute to and from campus. Commuting can be tiring, especially If your schedule calls for you to be on campus daily. New students may also appreciate how easily you can make friends in resident halls, as well as being able to engage in student activities and other school events. On the other hand, on-campus housing is typically more expensive than off-campus options. There is also a lack of privacy, and all students living on-campus must strictly abide by school policies.

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4 off-campus housing options for college students

If you’re looking to save on rental costs, it’s recommended that you stay away from neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg, Upper East Side, and other NYC neighborhoods that are known for having a higher price point.

If you’re trying not to burn a hole in your wallet paying rent every month, aim to explore neighborhoods that may be lesser-known. Contrary to popular belief, you can still find great deals on apartments in New York, with reasonable commute times to Mid and Lower Manhattan.

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Looking to save on rent? These are some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New York

Every year, as part of our New Years' resolution, we vow to finally start our fitness journey. And every year, we spend the first week working out, and they were back to sitting on the couch, devouring a whole packet of chips.

Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. As many people begin to lack motivation or frankly, just don’t know where to start. Joining a gym makes it easier to stick to your goals. You have to option of working out solo, with a trainer, or joining group classes. Whatever your preferred method of breaking a sweat, the gym makes it easier to stay on track.

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Want to get in shape this new year? These are the best gyms health clubs in NYC

So, you’ve finally fulfilled your dream of moving to NYC. After unpacking the last of your boxes, and settling in, you now realize that when they said New York City was one of the most expensive cities in the world, it was no joke. Budgeting for rent, food, transportation, and still being able to go out for dinner and drinks with friends, can be overwhelming, to say the least. But not all New Yorkers are millionaires. Although hard to believe, it is possible to live in this city on a modest salary.

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8 tips on how to live affordably in NYC

Renting your first NYC apartment can be both a thrilling and stressful experience. If you find a listing you like, it’s important to move quickly, as someone else might snatch it up before you have a chance to send in your paperwork. But with that being said, there are some critical questions you should ask your prospective landlord before making such a huge commitment. Asking these questions before your lease signing, ensures you don’t make a regretful decision you can’t get out of.

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Questions you should ask when renting your first NYC apartment

When living and working in NYC, only one word comes to mind, stress. New York is a wonderful city, but the constant demands of work, school, relationships, bills, all while trying to maintain some form of social life, can often feel like too much. If you’re beginning to feel overwhelmed, you may want to consider incorporating some form of self-care. Self-care may be intimidating for those who don’t know where to start, but making even the smallest changes to your everyday routine can cause big changes to your overall wellbeing.

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Easy ways to incorporate self care into your daily routine

As the weather begins to get colder, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking to settle down. No, seriously. Urban dictionary has dubbed this phenomenon “cuffing season”, but experts agree, there is a stronger desire for commitment during the winter months. With that being said, cuffing season is approaching and you’re ready to find a cuddle buddy. But how?

Living in New York, which is home to over 8 million people, you’d think that the possibilities of finding love would be endless. Unfortunately, dating in the city means a lot of right swipes, and not so many second dates.

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Looking for love? Here are 6 ways to meet people in NYC

NYC is home to many secrets, underground bars, that if you’re not in the know, well, you just miss out. However, I’m here to blow the whistle on a few you may recognize, and others you’ve never heard before.

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Secret bars in NYC you must visit now

International students are individuals who gain entry into the United States by way of an F1 visa. An F1 visa holder is strictly in the US to get an education, but there are opportunities for part-time employment. As an international student interested in employment, you must be aware of all the restrictions and requirements of your visa.

There are a few categories of employment you can look into as an international student, the most simplistic and available of which is on-campus employment.

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Legal employment opportunities for international students living in NYC

Harlem is a neighborhood located in Upper Manhattan and is considered to be the best of both worlds. You can find more quiet residential areas, and still explore the many restaurants, live music, and cultural events that happen throughout the year. Those living in Harlem, appreciate the rich sense of culture and history offered here.

More specifically, young professionals. Harlem is a vibrant community with a booming social scene. Young professionals can enjoy reasonable rental prices, easy commutes, as well as shopping, food, and music, all available right in their backyard.

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Find out why more young professionals are moving to Harlem

Living with a roommate can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. Sharing a living space with someone means compromising and communicating effectively. Whether you're moving in with a friend or a stranger, here are 11 things you can do to be a better roommate.

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11 Things You Can Do To Be a Better Roommate

Throughout the years, Brooklyn has transformed into one of the hottest boroughs in New York City. When most outsiders think about life in the city, they usually default to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. When in actuality, more families and young professionals are choosing to take up residence in Brooklyn. But because Brooklyn is the most densely populated borough, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what neighborhood is right for you. In this article, we're going to explore 10 different Brooklyn neighborhoods, and figure out what makes them unique.

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Exploring different Brooklyn neighborhoods

Let’s face it, living in New York comes with smaller spaces to work with when it comes to decorating your apartment. Many times, bedrooms that can accommodate a queen-size bed, leave little to no room for anything else. With that being said, don’t get discouraged. There are many things you can do to customize your room, even if you have less space.

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How to customize your small bedroom space

There are several different things that people consider when apartment hunting. Some of which include price, layout, location, fees, space, etc. However, there’s less talk about the variety of apartment styles that exist throughout NYC. Whether you’re looking to downsize, upgrade from your current place, or just want to find more permanent housing; there is an apartment-style out there that will fit your needs perfectly.

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Common apartment styles found in New York City

If you choose to live in New York, you should be aware that the cost of living is very high. Especially if you decide to ditch roommates, and take on all the expenses on your own. But similar to shared living, living alone requires above all else, budgeting. Map out all your expenses, analyze your monthly income, and decide how much money you can put towards things like rent, utilities, etc. Ultimately, your lifestyle will be a reflection of your income, and how well you can budget that income.

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The cost of living alone in NYC

For most people, living in New York City means bunking up with a roommate or two. Due to the high cost of living, sharing an apartment with someone else makes overall costs cheaper. Of course, everyone's situation is different, but living with a roommate can make for a very fun and rewarding experience. Besides, there are things you can do to help avoid conflict and cohabitation issues.

Keep reading to uncover a few tips and tricks to help you get along with your roommates better.

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A guide to getting along with your roommates

A large part of being a good roommate is to be considerate. That includes things like washing up your dishes, not playing loud music when your roommate is trying to sleep, and making sure your significant other doesn’t overstay their welcome. The topic of roommate etiquette when it comes to partners can be a sensitive one to discuss, but it’s important to set boundaries with roommates to avoid a hostile living arrangement. 

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Setting boundaries with roommates about partners

Living with a roommate can be one of the best experiences or the absolute worst. There is no way to ensure that you and your roommate will get along, but there are certain things you can do to reduce possible conflict. One of which is establishing boundaries. But how exactly do you go about doing that?

Keep reading to find out how to set boundaries with your roommate, and help keep the peace.

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How to set boundaries with your roommate

One of the things you need to consider when moving into a new place is whether or not you’re going to live with roommates. Due to the high cost of living in New York, many people opt for shared living to bring down the price of rent per person. But ultimately, there are both positives and negatives to having a roommate.

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The pros and cons of living with a roommate

Sometimes we can focus on the drawbacks to city life, but the reality is, there are so many advantages to calling New York home. From job opportunities to culture, or nightlife, below is a list that highlights the best things about living in New York City.

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The best things about living in New York City

So you’re getting a little older and maybe asking yourself, “At what age do people move out”? Quite honestly, there’s no right answer. The most important thing is that you’ve saved up enough money to cover expenses.

If you’ve been thinking that now might be the right time, keep reading for tips on how to successfully move out of your parent’s house.

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9 tips on how to move out of your parent's house

Living in New York, it’s easy to become disconnected from one another. Everyone is so busy dealing with their own lives, they sometimes forget to interact with the people around them. Since the world has gone through a pandemic, and social distancing was enforced, it has become even more difficult.

This lack of socialization does not exclude neighbors. Experts have listed some of the reasons for lack of connection with our neighbors as being less stay-at-home parents, the use of social media, and lack of involvement in community organizations and outreach. With that being said, there are a lot of benefits to getting to know your neighbors.

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Why you should get to know your neighbors

So you’ve done all you can to be a good roommate, yet you still seem to be getting into arguments with the people that you live with. Luckily, this is very common and somewhat inevitable. Although there are things you can do to minimize conflict and make sure you all get along, things happen. So if you find yourself in a disagreement with a roommate, and are wondering how you can solve it, keep reading.

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5 ways to solve roommate conflicts

If you’ve never heard the term before, you may be asking yourself, well what exactly is co-living? Co-living is a form of shared living, in which an individual has a private room and shares common spaces (including things like living room, kitchen, bathrooms, etc). Perks to co-living include flexible lease terms, fully furnished apartments, monthly cleaning services, etc. Co-living is popular in major cities due to its affordability and sense of community. This is especially attractive to students, people who recently moved to the city, nomads, and individuals who want to relocate. In fact, pretty much everyone can benefit from co-living!

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What is Co-Living?

Living with roommates is not always easy, especially when there are disagreements surrounding cleaning. If you’re feeling frustrated with your roommate's cleaning habits (or lack thereof), try incorporating a cleaning schedule. Having a cleaning schedule or chore chart, clearly outlines what chores each person is responsible for. This makes it less likely that one person will end up having to do all the work, and will help you get along better in the long run

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How to create a roommate cleaning schedule

For many of us, the last New Year’s Eve countdown was somewhat of a bummer. Still dealing with the effects of lockdown and covid restrictions, it didn’t feel like there was much to celebrate. So this year, whether you’re looking to have a crazy night out, or want to keep things more laid back, we’ve got some great suggestions for you