City Year New York
Diverse. Fast-Paced. Tough. It’s not always easy to live in New York, but it’s always worth it. City Year New York is helping the city’s students and schools succeed.
Welcome to New York!
An international cultural bastion, New York City draws people from every corner of the world to its doorstep. There is incredible opportunity in New York, but those who want to make the city their home should be aware of the challenges of living here. Budgetary savvy is essential, and a flexible mindset certainly helps.
Whether you’re a native or a transplant to the city, there is always something new to discover in New York. Because of its visibility and the unique diversity of its residents, NYC is an ideal place to make an impact. About 150 City Year AmeriCorps members serve in 17 schools throughout the boroughs, with a focus on improving English language arts, math and socio-emotional skills of their students.
Housing
Finding roommates
If you are hoping to live with another City Year member, the confirmed member pre-service Discord server is the best way to find a roommate. Craigslist is another common source to find roommates in New York City, or apartments with open rooms who are seeking new roommates to join them.
City Year fraternization rules prohibit first-year and senior corps members from living together unless they had a personal relationship prior to joining.
When you identify roommate(s) and begin your housing search, also discuss how you will share expenses (rent, utilities, internet, food) and what common items (furniture, television, kitchen items, etc.) you are each willing to contribute.
The housing search
AmeriCorps members find housing through online posting sites, word of mouth, and sometimes on the City Year pre-service Discord server (current members advertising their apartments). Postings should outline who to contact to learn more about the property, costs, and lease terms.
When renting an apartment, ask about the following fees:
- Broker’s fee — typically one month’s rent or a percentage or the annual lease
- Security deposit — typically one month’s rent, returned at the end of the lease if the property’s condition is maintained
- First month’s rent — typically due upon signing of the lease agreement
- Last month’s rent — may be requested upon signing of the lease agreement
It may be helpful to start looking at postings online (Craigslist, Listings Project, Naked Apartments, NYBits, RentHop, SpareRoom, StreetEasy, Symbi, and Zumper are good places to start your search).
Some utilities are included in the price of rent, so be sure to ask your landlord. When viewing apartments, most landlords or current tenants will gladly tell you the average price of utilities, so don’t be afraid to ask. It is also helpful to ask what utilities the house uses, such as gas or electric heat. Some units and buildings include laundry, for free or a cost, while others are located within walking distance of laundromats.
Living in New York
On average, AmeriCorps members each pay between $800–$1,000/ month and have between four to six roommates. AmeriCorps members typically live in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. The size and diversity in NYC neighborhoods make it possible to find somewhere affordable.
- AmeriCorps members receive a free Unlimited MetroCard. This card lasts 30 days at a time and gives you unlimited access to all NYC subway lines during that time—period.
- AmeriCorps members also receive priority access to SNAP benefits.
This year, about 150 City Year AmeriCorps members will support nearly 9,000 students in 17 New York schools.
Learn what it means to serve in New York.
Learn more about living and serving in New York firsthand.
Helpful links for your City Year in New York
- Take a walk or tour through Central Park
- Visit the Stephen A. Schwartzman Library in Bryant Park (the one with the lions)
- Ride the free Staten Island Ferry to see some great views of the Harbor
- Visit New York museums on free admission days
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art is always free to those who can produce a New York State ID
- Stroll through the New York Botanical Garden for free on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings
- Take the boat to Governors Island for free on Saturdays and Sundays before 11:30 a.m.
- Keep up with local news, festivals, and events via Gothamist
