New York Living, USA
Airing Date: May 17th, 2004
If you really want to get to know Manhattan like a New Yorker, rent an apartment in the centre of town. It's a great way of blending in with the locals and getting to know the area.
New York is divided into five boroughs; Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx and Manhattan Island, which is in the heart of it all. This ethnically diverse city operates around the clock and is home to some of the world's finest architecture, museums and restaurants.
Discovering the city can be an amazing experience, yet trying to find reasonably priced accommodation can be a challenge. Spaces are often small and prices can be high, but with a bit of research you can find yourself the perfect renting pad and still pay less than you would at a hotel.
One night's accommodation in a hotel can cost around US$100, which is the same as renting a one bedroom apartment, double the size, in Greenwich Village. The difference is you don't have to worry about buying meals three times a day, because all the necessary amenities are provided in the flat.
There are plenty of places to rent in Greenwich Village and you won't find many tourists there, which means you'll be eating, living and sleeping like a New Yorker.
Renting in a foreign country may seem a bit daunting, but the internet has made it possible to find a place quite easily. Websites like 'New York Habitat' are as simple as filling out an online application stating where you would like to stay, how much you're willing to pay and how many bedrooms you need. There are 2000 apartments on the books, so with a little luck you should be able to find something that suits your requirements.
There's often a three night minimum when booking through New York Habitat, but you can get some really good deals. How about this? An apartment two blocks down from Time Square sleeps six and is only $50 a night! That's what you'd pay roughing it as a backpacker.
If you'd like someone else to do the hunting for you, agents are available to find you an apartment in the Big Apple, but be prepared to pay the agent's fee. Either way, it's a great way to get to know the city and blend in like you've been there all your life!
The facts
United Airlines flies to New York. A return ticket starts at $2395 from the east coast and $3201 from the west.
United Airlines
Tel: 13 17 77
New York Habitat
Tel: 0011 212 255 8018
Prices correct at 17/05/04
