Thomas Wolfe wrote, “One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it in five minutes as in five years.” It’s true. We come from all over the world to settle in its boroughs and fall in love with the city that can be all things to all people. And we pay for it. According to the Huffington Post, New York is the most expensive city in the United States. Below is a short reminder of what we are buying.
1. Rent
The rent in New York is too damn high. Even though Jimmy McMillan is not going to be the next governor, he created a mantra that captured the spirit of most New Yorkers’ housing woes. Mr. McMillan has even come out with an album that features “What is This?”, a song about the challenges of high rent and over crowded living situations that are quintessentially NYC.
2. Groceries
Food is notoriously expensive in New York. Check out this project from WNYC that ask New Yorkers to mark how much it cost for three goods: beer, milk and lettuce. Find out where the price is highest in the city.
3. Kids
Kids are expensive no matter where you raise them but then add NYC transportation, food and rent. Some parents even pay private school tuition. Check out this NY Times Article about a for-profit-elementary school in Manhattan. While most schools are not-for-profit, some schools in NYC are offering a boutique style education with a hefty price tag. Tuition is $33,950 a year.
4. En Suite Sky Garages
You are probably wondering what an En Suite Sky Garage is. And more than likely you will never have one but when I discovered it amongst the NY Daily News’ most expensive things in New York City, I had to include it in this list. An En suite Sky Garage is basically an elevator that will raise your car up to your personal garage adjacent to your apartment. The apartments that have this fancy garage start at 3 million. You want one, don’t you?