The "Ultimate" Guide to Your New Neighborhood

So, you’ve moved in. You’ve switched your mailing address. You’ve paid the moving guys. You’ve filled the cupboards in the kitchen with your pots and pans. One box at a time, it’s almost starting to feel like home.

Of course, adapting to a new neighborhood is gradual. The customs you were once used to are totally rewritten, and that can be overwhelming at first. But have no fear! Finding your nook is half the fun of moving, especially when there are more online resources than ever before to make your transition as seamless as possible. To save you some trouble, we’ve collected everything you’ll need in one place.

We proudly present our simple how-to guide for getting to know your new neighborhood.

1. Clean It Up
It only takes about two days for your new place to look like your old place. But don’t worry—about half of the New York area is in the same boat. No matter where you live, you can check out start-ups like Handy or GetMaid to book a professional cleaning service at an affordable rate today. They’re like Uber, but for your mess.

2. Pet-Sitters Wanted
So you forgot that you planned a trip to Boston a week after you just moved in—and your usual pet-sitter in Uptown Manhattan can’t make it down to Park Slope for the weekend. Luckily, sites like Rover.com and DogVacay.com are now at your disposal. These sites offer vetted pet-sitters in your neighborhood that cater to your little one’s specific needs (diets, walks, etc...) So, breathe—your pet is in good hands.

3. Don’t Get Locked Out
Like plumbers, the best locksmiths are recommended, not sought after. Ask your neighbor what he or she does when they’re locked out. It’s also a great way to introduce yourself! If you’re shy, check out Yelp (Keyword: Keys & Locksmiths) for nearby suggestions. With reviews and feedback, you’ll be able to hear from people like yourself—a comfort when you’re new to the nabe.

4. Who’s Hungry?
It’s dinnertime on move-in day, and you have no idea where to eat—because, hey, you’ve never lived here before. Most people know about GrubHub and Seamless for delivery, but in the NYC area there are also hyper-local delivery apps like Caviar (for high-end food from some of the city’s best restaurants) and Minibar (for more party beverages delivered pronto).

5. Where am I?
Whatever part of the metro area you’ve moved to, you’ll have to get used to one reality: your new subway line. For what’s happening, MTA.info has the details. Its Weekender and Subway Time apps are essential for any New Yorker: you’ll be able to determine whether or not you’ll be stranded in one borough all weekend, and, if not, what time the next subway leaves. Getting out of the city altogether? Trip Planner + is where’s it at. And if you’re lost, HopStop is your new best friend for getting home.

6. Get Connected!
A definitive characteristic of each neighborhood in New York is who or what Internet provider serves your area, because not all are options everywhere. Finding this out should happen on day one. This information is usually made available by your broker or building management, but if not, you can check out the websites for Time Warner Cable, Verizon, and Optimum to see which are offered in your neighborhood. Then, the choice is yours.

7. The Energy Bill
If utilities are not included in your rent (Check out our story on what questions to ask before signing on the dotted line), you’ll need to know whether you’re working with ConEdison or National Grid for electricity and/or gas. Your landlord or building manager should notify you of this. Whatever it may be, have those numbers handy by checking out their websites so you can get service set up or call them in case of any emergencies.

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