Living in Times Square is a bold choice that many veteran New Yorkers would consider ill-advised. That being said, those who choose to live here enjoy some major benefits that cannot be found elsewhere. Here are some considerations.
Benefits of Living in Times Square Manhattan
Location, Location, Location
New York City can feel like the center of the universe at times. If that’s true, then Times Square is the center of the New York City universe. It is absolutely the most centrally-located neighborhood in the entire city. The central location and access to the rest of the city just cannot be beat. Residents have walkable access to most of Manhattan. Not to mention, there is no better place to live for Subway access. From Times Square, residents can access the 1, 2, 3, 7, A ,B, C, D, E, F, M, N, Q, R, and S lines.
If You Want to Wake Up In a City That Never Sleeps, Live in Times Square
As Frank Sinatra used to sing, “I want to wake up in a city That never sleeps And find I’m king of the hill Top of the heap” There is no neighborhood that embodies the grandiosity of New York like Times Square. The lofty high-minded ambitions and dreams can be felt when roaming around this grandiose neighborhood. If you want to wake up in a city that never sleeps, living in Times Square might be the move.
Food Scene is Unmatched in the Northeastern US
Some New Yorkers will argue that while it is true that New York’s food scene is unmatched, there are better neighborhoods in the city for food. The thing is, even if they’re right, Times Square is still centrally-located within those neighborhoods, and has unrivaled access to the foodie hot spots of other boroughs due to the abundant transportation options. All that being said, Times Square is a food hotspot in and of itself. First of all, chef Eric Rippert’s Michelin-starred Le Bernardin is in the neighborhood. If you’re looking for tasty street fare, Los Tacos No. 1 are some of the best in the city. There are simply too many good options to list, but Manhattan’s best food can be found either directly in the neighborhood or close-by in an adjacent neighborhood.
Entertainment Is Unrivaled
Something that cannot be overlooked about Times Square is the sheer entertainment factor of the neighborhood. Every single day is truly a new adventure here. From the Naked Cowboy, to parades and festivals, to the Theater District and Broadway, to the Empire State Building and more, the neighborhood is absolutely inundated with a wide variety of truly top-notch, world-class entertainment options. Something that should also be considered is just how entertaining it can be to be a local in the neighborhood. Tourists from all over the world flock in droves to this part of town. Sit down at a neighborhood bar or cafe, and you’re bound to strike up some interesting and unconventional conversations that you may not find elsewhere in the city. The best part is that you’re the cool local who knows everything about the city in their eyes. It can give you a real sense of belonging and pride in your city.
Drawbacks of Living in Times Square
Constantly Flooded with People
Nearly half a million people walk through Times Square every single day. While it can be exciting at first, and is always extremely entertaining, it can also wear you down if you’re in a rush or feel like you need space.
The hundreds of thousands of people who visit Times Square are mesmerized by the scope and grandiosity of the neighborhood. This means pedestrian congestion that is especially slow moving. This can be frustrating and cause you to get a little worn down over time.
Expensive
It’s no secret that living in New York is extremely expensive. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world, second behind San Francisco in the US. The average rent for a one bedroom in Times Square is over $3,600 according to rentcafe. Unless you’re bringing in a substantially above-average income, it will significantly impact your finances and may cause you to have to go out less, which is never a fun compromise when you live in New York.
Hectic Lifestyle
Times Square is best for people that want to live in the center of the universe and don’t mind a lack of serenity or green space. While the Hudson River and Central Park are very close-by, the neighborhood itself offers little in the way of green space or peace. You have to be the type of person who doesn’t mind this lifestyle to thrive in TImes Square. Thankfully, there are neighborhoods within Manhattan like Inwood, Washington Heights, and the Upper East Side where serenity can still be found in the city (and borough) that never sleeps. That being said, it could be worth it to experience living in Times Square, even if it’s just for one year.
Engulfed with Light Pollution
Light pollution is a problem all over New York City. If it causes sleeping issues, those can usually be fixed with blackout curtains. However, Times Square takes light pollution to a whole new level. The lights here aren’t just radiant, they are absolutely BEAMING most hours of the night. If this is something that blackout curtains cannot fix for you, be particular about the direction of your apartment’s windows, and you might still be able to pull it off living in Times Square.
Times Square Manhattan Movers
If you find yourself fantasizing about making Times Square your new home, you’ll need to start planning as soon as possible. You’ll need a team of professional, reliable movers to get you there. Metropolis Moving has gained the reputation of being one of New York City’s most courteous, careful, and friendly professional moving services. Get a quote today and you’ll be on your way to living the life you envision for yourself in Times Square Manhattan.
