Everyday Things That Become Luxuries in NYC

Taking cabs becomes a luxury when you live in NYC. {credit}

By now, most people are aware that living in New York City isn’t exactly the same as living anywhere else in the US. Even if you’ve lived in a large, cosmopolitan city such as London, settling down in NYC will still be a relatively big adjustment. Rent prices and the fast-paced lifestyle may not come as a shock, but it’s funny how some of the most mundane, everyday things that become luxuries in NYC, because most people aren’t privileged enough to have them. In other words, moving to NYC often makes you appreciate the little things in life – namely, these five amenities.

Laundry facilities in your apartment or building
A large fraction of New Yorkers has to schlep their clothes to and from the laundromat on a weekly basis, as many apartment buildings don’t have any laundry facilities on the premises. Simply being able to take the elevator down to the basement of a building that has washers and dryers set up is a huge bonus. And if you’re one of the fortunate few to have a washer/dryer in your own unit, then you can pretty much consider yourself part of the everyday elite.

Not all buildings have laundry facilities, so going to the laundromat becomes the norm. {credit}

Elevators
Pre-war buildings and old brownstones are absolutely beautiful, quintessentially New York, and a wonderful example of the city’s architectural history. But living at the top of a six-story walk-up is a completely different story. Sure, it makes for a great workout, but who wants to climb several flights of stairs repeatedly after a 12-hour workday? Not to mention, it can be a nightmare when moving in and out.

Fortunately, most newer buildings come equipped with elevators. If you’ve moved to the city recently or have a smaller budget, however, a walk-up may be more within your price range.

Living on the top floor of a walk-up comes with a daily workout. {credit}

A Dishwasher
Not everyone grew up with a dishwasher, so it’s not exactly a crisis if an apartment’s kitchen doesn’t include one. But in NYC, every little bit of extra convenience counts. And having a dishwasher makes the hectic lifestyle here just a tad bit easier.

If only all NYC kitchens looked like this one. {via Houzz}

Outdoor Space
This isn’t suburbia – a proper yard doesn’t exist in Manhattan, and not everyone lives on the ground floor with their own little patio. Some locals even live in converted apartments, confined to a bedroom with no windows. So it’s no wonder why a balcony or terrace is often on people’s must-have list when apartment hunting, even though those units can be pricey.

A small balcony or fire escape landing makes a significant difference, just because you have the ability to take a step outside, even if you live on the 15th floor. Just a few square feet of outdoor space can make a tiny apartment feel larger.

Although it’s far from a backyard, a fire escape can almost feel like an outdoor space in New York City. {credit}

Taxis and Cars
The average New Yorker relies heavily on public transportation to get around the city – plus, it’s the most affordable option for commuting to work. So those rare occasions when you hail a cab, whether going to a special event or coming home from a night out, are a nice treat. You don’t have to worry about cramming into a crowded subway, or a stranger vomiting on the 4 train at 2 a.m.

And cars? Those are the ultimate luxury. If you’re single in the city, it’s almost hilarious how the whole car factor is like high school – it’s a pretty big deal if you’re dating someone with his or her own set of wheels.