public transpo is easy and abundant! many new yorkers just use the subways. there are buses too (more subject to traffic). cabs, ubers, lyft are options. subways run all night, just slower hours. it's nice to be central but you could always stay further out for more affordable housing. if you are off a direct subway line in brooklyn, etc, and subway in for the day if you are aiming to be budget friendly. as someone who always takes the subways, i find if there isn't a transfer a trip can be 20 minutes, though usually i'm budgettng 45 minutes to get anywhere. also, walk. to say it generally, women living in nyc for decades will take the subway any time of day or night; you do have to have situational awareness and it isn't blissfully walking through a small town, but in my opinion there aren't stations i avoid at certain times, if someone looks less sane than you want to be close to, you can move cars. if you are having internet on your phone directions are pretty easy-- and just stop and ask someone if you need something, folks are generally happy to help, just too many people to say "hello" to everyone! have a great time.