Kelly Kreth

Living as a couple in small studio apartment in downtown Brooklyn was doable for native Brooklynite Rachel Kasab and her fiancé—until the pandemic set in. They decided to hunt for a place where they could more easily work from home, landing in nearby Cobble Hill. Here’s Rachel’s story.

Pedro was living with his parents on Long Island when the pandemic hit and realized he had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move to NYC. As the lead project manager for a construction company, he applied his engineering knowledge to his rigorous apartment search, sifting through 200-plus listings and touring 50 places.

For years, Floyd Feather Jr. debated about whether to move to Manhattan, where he worked, or remain on Long Island, where he enjoyed his quiet, residential neighborhood and spent his free time sailing. His breezy lifestyle always won out—until he sold his boat and falling rents lured him to Hell’s Kitchen.

With her daughter attending high school in Midtown Manhattan, native New Yorker Lisa Lugo decided to make a move from Washington Heights. Her priority was finding a place where her 15-year-old could safely gain some independence and have a better commute. They landed in Forest Hills—and are enjoying the amenities of their new building and getting to know their new neighborhood. Here’s her story.

Diana Ramirez found her co-living situation convenient, but the lack of privacy and her one-hour commute was brutal after late nights at her job in the wine industry. Falling rents gave her an incentive to move to her own place, where she will soon welcome someone very special: Her young son, who is coming to live with her. Here’s her story.

Matthew J. Cardish was living in Philadelphia and coming to New York City often for his job with Live Nation. When rents in the NYC dropped substantially during the pandemic, he decided to move here and checked out a total of 25 apartments. A two bedroom in Yorkville came with a big discount and a concession—and his broker negotiated an even better deal. He's already very enamored with NYC living. Here’s his story.