Moving to New York City is a one-of-a-kind experience in any borough. With over 800 languages spoken, this city is widely known as the quintessential melting pot of America. In fact, it was revealed by the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs that almost 50% of the city's population is made up of people who were born outside of the United States. Despite its massive diversity, some non-locals are still showing high levels of concern with regards to the safety and other inevitable cons of living in NYC. So read through this short compilation of safety tips to help ease any newbies or aspiring NYC residents through the transition.
Adjust To NYC Transportation
With taxis, subways, and buses, there are never-ending supplies of public transportation systems in New York City to choose from. The crowded streets and massive scope of the city may seem intimidating at first, but new or aspiring NYC residents can easily navigate them like a pro using these transportation systems. One helpful tip is to invest in several pairs of comfortable walking shoes because walking a couple of miles is part of every New Yorker's daily routine. The traffic can also be terrible so most locals either opt for walking across streets, taking bus services, or riding subway stations to get around. On the flip side, cities like Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens are poised for a major expansion and are expected to improve their modes of transit in the next few years.
Learn About Emergency Hotlines
From personal injuries toroad accidents, unpreparedness spells disaster especially for newly-arrived residents in New York. For critical situations that require prompt attention, locals may call on several emergency hotlines like 911 or (800) 273-8255 so help can arrive at the most immediate time. Keeping a copy of each of the important emergency hotlines will come in handy when the need arises. Another helpful resource for emergency preparedness would be the New York State Department of Health to reduce the risks in any type of emergency—may it be a bad storm, terrorism attack, flu outbreak, or chemical spill. It is also advisable to keep a New York personal injury lawyer as part of the emergency contacts to help level the playing field and receive adequate legal assistance when accidents occur. New residents can tap into their expertise and get the settlement they deserve for their injuries.
Pick The Right Neighborhood
With over 8.4 million residents, New York is one of the top five safest large cities to live in America, according to the research conducted by MyMove. Some residents may prefer neighborhoods that are close to subway hubs, while others are keeping tabs on studio apartments located in cities with the lowest crime rates. A recent report published by Safewise can serve as a guide for aspiring residents as it reveals the top three (3) safest cities within New York, namely Lewisboro Town (0% crime rate), Highlands Town (0.8% crime rate), and Northport Village (1% crime rate). The beauty of living in New York is that newcomers can almost certainly be able to find a neighborhood that fits their needs and priorities. After choosing a neighborhood that checks all the boxes, new residents may consider finding friends who need a roommate to split the cost of rent and to serve as an added layer of security for anyone who is concerned about their safety.
From bag snatching to outright violence, there's a dark side to New York City that is enough to make any newcomer feel uneasy on their first few days. However, despite its potential for crimes, new residents should be safe once they do some research and familiarize themselves with the city's hazards to ensure peace of mind.
