Moo G wrote:
Very expensive everywhere your gf wants to live. The rent alone is pretty bad. The areas with high rent also have groceries and restaurants that are also expensive. Since you probably won't have a car, you will end up shopping in the nearby area. Also don't get or bring a car unless you can afford a garage if living in Manhattan. Don't get sucked into the myth that outer borough will be cheaper. Again, parts of BK she might want to live is almost as expensive as Manhattan. $10K raise won't cover the higher cost of living here for sure unless you're coming SF. You also have to remember NYC income tax is also one of the highest in the country. I would possibly suggest Forest Hills, Queens, where it's kind of like living in Manhattan but your gf might not be up for that. It's also at least 25 minutes subway ride into the city during rush hours. But the rent and cost of living will be lower. At least you will get a much nicer and bigger apartment for the same price. Maybe Astoria/LIC, Queens is an option. Quick subway trip into the city. But the apartments in that areas have high rents also. Also, Jersey City right across the water is an option.
I live in Forest Hills. It's a great place to live- close to airports, highways, public transportation (30 minutes on the subway, 18 minutes on the LIRR to mid Manhattan) with good restaurants and bars but no clubs. You can get a 2 bedroom for 2,400 a month. But it's not the Manhattan experience.