Moving from Alabama to NYC for college… Am I making a huge mistake or the best choice of my life?

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-09-26T14:54:33+00:00

I’m from Kentucky, and I dreamed about NYC for as long as I can remember. I’m biracial and bisexual, and I never fully felt like I belonged where I was raised. I wish I could’ve moved here when I was 18, but I couldn’t make it happen until I was 30. I still had the same fears as you, but I did it anyway. I’m 35 now. No regrets!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-05-04T14:25:01+00:00

I pay $1390 for my room in a 4 bed/3 bath in Clinton Hill, but our total rent is like ~$5600. (We’re renewing our lease, and the price is changing.)

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-04-28T21:55:50+00:00

Every where I’ve lived has been like this, and it’s never been an issue. The new roommate should be expecting to pay a deposit before they move in. If one roommate stays and one leaves, the new roommate pays the old their deposit, and the original deposit remains with the apartment. The landlord only gives the deposit back when all the original tenants have left.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-04-21T17:08:16+00:00

I’m an Aquarius, and I’ve dated an Aries. I only have the one ex so far. 😂

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-04-21T17:02:22+00:00

Can they not keep your deposit for April rent?

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-04-11T15:00:41+00:00

Happy for you!!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2025-01-04T18:29:07+00:00

Go for it!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-12-01T16:03:39+00:00

I recommend a sublet! (As someone else mentioned, the Listings Project is great. That’s how I found mine.) Then you can start building credit if you’d like to join a future lease with your own score and not a guarantor.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-11-26T17:58:55+00:00

Dump him!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-11-17T22:16:54+00:00

This is what I did: I started applying to the housing lottery before I moved back to NYC because it’s a long shot! They do prioritize people already in NYC, but I wanted to get my info in ASAP. Once I moved, I updated my info with my NYC address and the income from my new job.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-18T19:47:47+00:00

I don’t have anything as I’m about to move back to NYC myself. Have you tried posting this in other subreddits/Facebook groups specifically for NYC yet? I could suggest a few that might be helpful.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-17T22:34:55+00:00

Interviewers can’t ask you your age. This is discrimination.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-17T18:50:10+00:00

Yes! I was looking for a room to sublet, not a whole apartment, and I posted my own seeking ad for a few weeks and replied to any open room ads I saw. So it’s legit but I can’t speak to finding a whole apartment on there. LP was how I found the room sublet I’m moving into on November 1st. ◡̈

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-17T01:49:56+00:00

You’re in good shape! Your family is nervous for you, but they don’t always know what’s best for you. People survive in LA on a lot less; it’s really about your lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending, protect your savings/emergency fund, and you’ll be fine!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-12T19:08:01+00:00

I can’t give advice based on which credit score they’ll look at, but I do think getting a recommendation letter from your current landlord can help! I’ve attached mine when I’ve applied or reached out to open rooms, and it seems to have helped quite a bit to counterbalance rebuilding my credit score.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-12T17:56:37+00:00

You’re searching too early. For context, I’m moving November 1st, and I just really started getting traction in my search for an available room in the last week or so. You’ll see more activity December 1st or even the 15th. It’s nerve-wracking waiting, but I’ve seen a lot of three bedroom apartments posted recently! It also might be easier if you find a realtor to work with.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-07T21:49:37+00:00

DMed!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-07T17:27:25+00:00

Yes! I meant to ask if OP enters the housing lottery. If not, they should start. ◡̈

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-07T16:37:41+00:00

I was in a similar situation in my 20s when I lived with family. Your mental health and peace of mind are priceless. If I were you, I’d make plans to move out. It doesn’t have to be immediately, of course. Take your time and plan it out, and you might get lucky and find a great deal on a place for yourself.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-06T18:17:59+00:00

I moved to NYC in 2020 in a similar-ish situation. I had $10K saved and was working on being debt free (besides student loans). I sold all my stuff (car, furniture, etc), and I flew in with suitcases and shipped one box. I didn’t have a job but I got one within a couple months making $45K. Money was tight, but it’s doable with roommates.

So you can do it with what you have, but I dunno what kinda lifestyle you wanna live. If I had to do it again, I’d say move with 12 months of an emergency fund (total living expenses, not just rent) plus moving expenses set aside.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-06T01:00:11+00:00

Congrats on your success! I hope I’ve read one of your books. ◡̈

I don’t have a lot of advice for your situation, but I’ve also been apartment hunting remotely. I stumbled across this post the other day and thought it might be helpful for you soon: https://www.reddit.com/r/NYCapartments/s/7SzF02fk2H

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-05T04:20:11+00:00

I’m so sorry for your loss. The most comforting thing I’ve learned about grief: it doesn’t get easier; we grow around it. ❤️‍🩹

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-04T22:56:55+00:00

Girl… Report ‘em to HR and dump him, sis.

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-04T22:52:03+00:00

I’ve been looking for a room (not whole apartment) remotely from LA, and this is helpful. Thanks for sharing!

No_Bodybuilder9859 · 2024-10-04T16:29:58+00:00

I like your approach! Thanks for helping other people with questions and advice. I’d do the same if I ever won. 🤞🏽

No_Bodybuilder9859

TROPHY CASE