Where to live with young family in NYC?

Hi Neil,

Firstly, the fact that your wife doesn't drive won't be a problem at all. Public transport in New York is excellent and much faster than driving anywhere. 

If you live outside Manhatten you will find more family friendly accomodation options and prices will be more reasonable. Just be aware that the subway which is lies at the heart of New York's public transport system is more limited to the East of Manhatten and commuters in Brooklyn and Queens are experience regular delays due to maintenance, although this is mainly at weekends.

If you are only planning on being in the city 2/3 days a week, it might be an idea to explore living options in New Jersey. You'll find that lots of people with famillies commute from New Jersey to New York City on a daily basis. This will give you more spacious accomodation options at just a fraction of the price you would pay in New York.

Just be aware that finiding a home in New York isn't easy for expats and enlisting the help of a real estate agent will definatley reduce some of the stress.

I recommend you read our page on Accommodation in New York for more information.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the move.

Thanks for the advise - Im sure I will have more questions.

Yep another question. I will need easy access to the airport. Are airport connections OK from New Jersey?

Hi Neil,

Depending on which part of New Jersey you live in you'll have access to either Atlantic City Airport or Newark Airport, both of which are international.

However, New York's major airport is JFK International. If this is the airport you are required to fly from you'll find that there are a number of shuttles that serve both tourists and business travellers in the New Jersey area. 

Once you know how frquently you'll be expected to fly and from which airport, it'll be easier to work out whether it is worth your while living in New Jersey or whether you should rather stay closer to New York City.

Please feel free to ask if you have more questions. 

Hi Neil, we've recently uploaded our new page on Areas and Suburbs in New York City to our New York expat guide, which gives an overview of the different neighbourhoods in the city, so please go check it out for more info!

It really depends on the age of the kids and which school you picked. But whith a baby and no car i would recommend to stay in the city if it's ok with your budget. However, most of the families with kids live in the Upper east/upper west side ( if they choose to stay in Manhattan). Near central park, near the best private and public school in the city. Out of the city, i would recommend the westchester where most of the good day care and public school are located, but the housing is less expensive than in the city. Good luck for everything!! Caroline

Hi Neil, New Jersey can be much cheaper than New York but mostly you will need a car to get around in the 'burbs. However, Brooklyn and Queens are great alternatives. If you are looking at Brooklyn, Park Slope and Carroll Gardens are nice alternatives with great schools and also kindergarten education. It is an easy commute into Manhattan, making it a great compromise and family-friendly. -Laura