So I made a decision a few weeks ago that by this time next year I"d like to move to NYC. I made the decision for a whole buncha reasons, some of which I'd be happy to share if asked.

But the thing is ... I've been to NYC 2x in my life. Fell in love with it as a tourist, but obviously know very little about it as a potential resident. I have a friend who lives across the river in NJ and he's given me some good tips and advice, but he's never lived in the city either.

So .. HELP!

Any NYC chicks ... I'd love your thoughts on where to live and why. What's your favorite part of the city. What parts should I avoid at all costs when looking for a place to live? What can I reasonably expect to pay for an apartment to rent? Anything that's particularly unique to NYC living that I should watch out for?

I'd appreciate any advice, thoughts, tips, whatever, as I try to plan for this huge change in my life.

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One of my buddies lived there when he interned at "Newsweek". He worked in Manhattan, but all he could find was a garage apartment about an hour away. I believed he paid $800 a month. This was 3-4 years ago. He also gave up his car--way to expensive to keep. Good luck!