NYC is one of the most vibrant cities in the world –so it’s no surprise that newcomers can find themselves overwhelmed by the many options. From transport to finding your new apartment, there are countless apps that will make it easier to get settled and make the most of life in New York. Here’s a list of the must-have apps to download when you’re packing up and moving to the Big Apple.
Transportation Apps
Movement around the city doesn’t have to be difficult. Thanks to a range of transportation apps, getting around NYC is easier than ever.
- Citymapper
Citymapper is one of the most comprehensive public transit apps in NYC. It offers detailed overview of route times, helps you explore diverse neighborhoods, and includes tips for using bike-sharing services.
- MTA eTix
MTA eTix makes it easy to pay for your MTA Long Island Rail Rail Ticket even if you don’t have cash on you. The app allows you to scan tickets, store payment information and view ticket history all from your phone.
- Uber/Lyft
Ubers and Lyft are two of the most popular rideshare apps in NYC. Uber famously pioneered the rideshare industry, while Lyft has been gaining ever-greater numbers of users as they hit the streets. Both apps offer a variety of ride options, allowing you to select the difficulty of your journey and the ride that’s right for you.
Food Apps
A major element to any move is exploring the food scene. From classic New York favorites to international cuisine, NYC’s huge variety of restaurants is only a few taps away.
- Uber Eats/DoorDash
Why spend the night scouring the city for a restaurant that meets your fancy? With Uber Eats and DoorDash, you can receive food from hundreds of popular restaurants without setting foot outside.
- New Fork City
Created by the same people behind New York Magazine’s Grub Street, this app is a celebration of NYC’s food culture. New Fork City guides familiarize users with the best spots in town, combining the user ratings and experiences of seasoned regulars.
- Seamless
Seamless does exactly what it says on the tin. The leading food delivery app not only delivers hundreds of restaurants to your door, but it also manages the payment process and keeps your order history.
Apps to Find a New Apartment
Not all moves are pre-planned. Whether you’re looking for a temporary arrangement or a permanent home, these apps make finding a place to stay in NYC easy.
- StreetEasy
Easily the most popular real estate app in the city, StreetEasy makes house hunting a breeze. With comprehensive MLS listings, neighborhood scouting features, street views and neighborhood maps, the app is an invaluable tool.
- Naked Apartments
Naked Apartments allows you to browse thousands of currently-listed NYC apartments, read reviews of building and neighborhoods, and contact landlords through the app. Plus, it includes sale and rental market reports for the latest insight into NYC’s real estate market.
- Craigslist
Craigslist is still a great source of prospective apartments. All listings are simply laid out to give you all the info you need, like whether it’s a sublease, the location, and whether it’s a studio or one-bed.
Explore NYC Apps
Living in NYC means never having enough time to explore it all. These apps help you make the most of your time in the city and find experiences you’ll never forget.
- Time Out New York
Time Out New York is a one-stop shop for discovering the right places to eat and drink, what’s buzzing in the wider entertainment scene, as well as pop-up art exhibitions and hidden gems.
- New York Culture Guide
Discover hidden gems within NYC’s art, culture, and retail worlds. New York Culture Guides offers specialized walking tours, personalized itineraries, and curated events to get the best out of art galleries, theater, independent fashion and more.
- Eventbrite
This is your go-to guide to see what’s happening across the city. Eventbrite lets you search for events across different categories –think music, education, business and health. You can even add events to your personal calendar.
Networking Apps
Networking can be tricky in a huge city like New York, so these apps make it easier to meet people.
- Meetup
From fitness groups to business meetups, Meetup is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals. Simply type in your search and you’ll be able to join a variety of clubs or communities based on your interests and location.
- CloseFive
Whether you’re looking for new friends or wanna reach out to other professionals, CloseFive provides the answer. It allows you to create events and invites people to join, or join events that are nearby and relevant to your interests.
While personal networking is important, don’t forget about digital networking. LinkedIn is an amazing tool for connecting with coworkers and bosses, as well as other people in your industry.
Essentials Apps
Finally, these apps are the must-haves for all newbies to the city.
- Find My Friends
Chances are this is already pre-installed on your phone if you have an iPhone, but Find My Friends is great for locating your mates, or meeting up at spots like bars with multiple exits!
- Yelp
Whether you’re looking for a great brunch spot or shopping mall, Yelp is the perfect go-to app as it relies on real reviews and expert advice.
- Walc
Walc curates the best routes through the city –so if you’re keen to find the fastest and safest way to any destination, it’s a great way to find the best routes without getting lost.
Packing up and moving to the Big Apple can be intimidating, but these must-have apps make sure you’re prepared for your transition. Having these apps at your fingertips means you can easily explore new neighborhoods in the city, sample the many culinary wonders, and find new places to call home. Once you have these essentials apps under your belt, there’s no limit to discovering the very best of New York.
