April 28, 2023 - Manhattanusersguide.com

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Sip in Style: 12 Manhattan’s Best Coffee Shops for Every Taste

Hello, coffee lovers! If you’re anything like me, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee is the ultimate way to start the day. Luckily, Manhattan is home to some of the best coffee shops in the world, and I’ve rounded up my top picks just for you. Whether you’re in Midtown or the Upper West Side, these cafes will satisfy your caffeine cravings and give you a taste of the city’s vibrant coffee culture.

List of Best Coffee Shops in Manhattan in 2023

Abraço

First on our list is Abraço, a cozy cafe tucked away in the East Village. With its rustic charm and tiny size, it’s easy to miss, but trust me, it’s worth the search. Abraço is famous for its perfectly brewed espresso and the velvety texture of its cappuccinos. You’ll also find an ever-changing selection of pastries, including their popular olive oil cake, which is a must-try.

Culture Espresso

Culture Espresso is a popular cafe located in Midtown. The coffee is consistently excellent, and they offer a variety of espresso drinks, as well as drip coffee and pour-overs. The menu also features a selection of pastries and sandwiches. The interior is modern and sleek, with plenty of seating for those who want to work or relax.

Mudspot

Next up is Mudspot, located in the heart of the East Village. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and for good reason. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it the perfect place to catch up with friends or get some work done. The coffee is excellent, and the menu offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Don’t miss their famous breakfast burrito, which is sure to fuel your day.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a Portland-based coffee chain located in the Ace Hotel in Midtown. The coffee is excellent, and the menu offers a variety of espresso drinks, as well as drip coffee and pour-overs. The interior is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating for those who want to stay awhile. They also offer a small selection of pastries and snacks.

Felix Roasting Co.

If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a unique atmosphere, head to Felix Roasting Co. in Midtown. The decor is inspired by the 1920s, with plush seating and plenty of natural light. But the real star of the show is the coffee. Felix Roasting Co. is known for its sustainable and ethically-sourced beans, which are roasted on-site. Don’t miss their signature drink, the Felix Espresso Tonic, which combines espresso, tonic water, and a splash of grapefruit.

East One Coffee Roasters

For a taste of Brooklyn in Manhattan, visit East One Coffee Roasters in the West Village. The cafe is housed in a former carriage house, and the interior is filled with rustic charm. The coffee is roasted on-site, and you can watch the roasting process through a window in the back of the cafe. They offer a variety of single-origin coffees, as well as espresso drinks and pastries.

Read Also: “Central Park Beyond the Basics: 12 Unique Attractions for Repeat Visitors“

Teranga

Teranga is a coffee shop with a cause. Located in Harlem, the cafe sources its beans from women-owned cooperatives in Africa, supporting women’s economic empowerment. The coffee is excellent, and the menu offers a variety of West African-inspired pastries and snacks. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you’ll often find live music performances in the evenings.

Birch Coffee

Birch Coffee is a local chain with several locations throughout Manhattan. The cafe is known for its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on eco-friendly practices and ethically-sourced beans. The coffee is consistently excellent, and the menu offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to relax and enjoy your coffee.

Grace Street

If you’re a fan of Korean-style coffee, head to Grace Street in Koreatown. The cafe offers a variety of unique drinks, including the popular Brown Sugar Latte and the Black Sesame Latte. The interior is modern and sleek, and there’s plenty of seating for those who want to stay awhile. They also offer a small selection of pastries and sandwiches.

Bluestone Lane Coffee

Bluestone Lane Coffee is an Australian-inspired cafe with locations throughout Manhattan. The decor is minimalist and modern, and the coffee is consistently excellent. They offer a variety of espresso drinks, as well as drip coffee and pour-overs. The menu also features a selection of healthy breakfast and lunch options, including avocado toast and grain bowls.

Read Also: “Discover the Secrets of South Street Seaport – Manhattan’s Premier Waterfront Destination!“

Little Collins

Little Collins is a charming Australian-style cafe located in Midtown East. The coffee is excellent, and the menu offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including the famous Brekkie Roll and the Vegemite and Cheddar Toastie. The interior is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating for those who want to stay awhile.

Ground Central Coffee Company

Last but not least is Ground Central Coffee Company, a cozy cafe located in Midtown East. The coffee is consistently excellent, and they offer a variety of espresso drinks, as well as drip coffee and pour-overs. The menu also features a selection of pastries and sandwiches. The interior is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating for those who want to work or relax.

In conclusion, Manhattan is home to some of the best coffee shops in the world, and this list is just the tip of the iceberg. No matter what your coffee preferences are, there’s a cafe in Manhattan that will satisfy your cravings. So go ahead and sip in style at one of these amazing coffee shops!

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

How New Yorkers Can Save Money Every Day

New York City is famous for its high living costs, with many residents struggling to afford rent in even the most modest rooms. New York City has even been named the most expensive city in the world in 2022 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, tied with Singapore.

However, with some simple strategies and lifestyle changes, New Yorkers can save money every day and alleviate some of the financial stress. From cutting food costs to finding affordable housing options, this article will explore various ways to save money each day in New York City.

Rent Outside the City

One way to save money in New York City is to consider renting outside the city. Although living in the city has its perks, such as proximity to work and social venues, it can also be very expensive. By renting outside the city, you can find more affordable housing options while still being within commuting distance.

Some popular areas for renting outside the city include Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City. These areas offer a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles with lower rents than many parts of Manhattan. You can also find more space and amenities for your money, such as larger apartments, yards, and parking.

Cook at Home

Cooking at home is one of the most effective ways to save money on food. However, it can be challenging to find the time and motivation to cook after a long day at work or school. Here are some tips to make cooking at home more manageable:

Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan and shopping list to help you stay organized and avoid buying unnecessary ingredients.
Shop in bulk: Buying in bulk can be more cost-effective than buying individual items. You can buy bulk items such as rice, beans, flour, and pasta to use in multiple meals.
Use a slow cooker: Slow cookers and Instant Pots are great tools for making easy and healthy meals. You can throw your ingredients into the pot in the morning and have a hot meal waiting for you when you get home.

Walk or Bike

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to get around New York City is to walk or bike. Walking is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise at the same time. Many neighborhoods are easily walkable, especially in the safety of daylight. If you prefer to bike, you can use the city’s bike-share program, Citi Bike, or have a look on Facebook Marketplace for cheap second-hand bikes.

Meal Prep

Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money on food, especially given the high cost of eating out in New York City. By preparing your meals in advance, you can avoid the temptation to eat out or order takeout. Use the weekends to prep your meals for the week ahead.

Choose meals that can be prepared in bulk. For example, soups, stews, and casseroles are great options for meal prepping because they can be easily portioned out and reheated. Putting each portion into a container will prevent your food from getting soggy or mixing together.

Make Packed Lunches

Packing your own lunch is another great way to save money, especially if you usually spend a large chunk of your budget on food. It can be tempting to grab a quick meal from a deli or food truck, but packing your own lunch is a healthier and more affordable option. Here are some tips for packing your own lunch:

Prep on the weekend: You can fill some tupperware boxes with portions of food on the weekend and store them in the freezer.
Make extra for dinner: When cooking dinner, make extra portions to use for your lunch the next day.
Pack snacks: Bring healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts, and yogurt to keep you satisfied throughout the day

Use Public Transportation

New York City has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. Using public transportation is a cost-effective way to get around the city, especially if you buy a weekly or monthly unlimited pass. You can also use mobile apps such as Transit or Citymapper to make sure you never miss a stop.

Read Also: “Manhattan Has the Highest Cost per Living in the US“

If you plan on using public transportation frequently, consider using a travel card such as a MetroCard or an OMNY card. These cards allow you to add value or purchase unlimited passes for the subway, buses, and trains. You can also use the cards to pay for other modes of transportation, such as the Staten Island Ferry or the Roosevelt Island Tramway.

Use Coupons

Using coupons and deals is a great way to save money on food in New York City. For example, you can try the following tips to find discounts:

Use coupon apps: There are many apps that offer coupons and deals for restaurants and grocery stores, such as Groupon.
Sign up for email lists: Many restaurants and food delivery services offer 10-20% discounts to customers who sign up for their email lists.
Use credit card rewards: Some credit cards offer rewards points or cash back for purchases at grocery stores and restaurants.

Carpool or Share Rides

If you prefer not to use public transportation, consider carpooling or sharing rides with friends or coworkers. You can also use ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft to split the cost of a ride with others going in the same direction, or you could use car-sharing services such as Zipcar, which allows you to rent a car by the hour or day.

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Manhattan Has the Highest Cost per Living in the US

Manhattan has been a hub of commerce and culture since the Dutch first established the colony of New Amsterdam in the 17th century. Over time, Manhattan became a center for finance, media, and the arts, attracting talented individuals and businesses from around the world, with more than 70,000 residents per square mile. Its status as a cultural and economic center coupled with its limited space has made Manhattan the location with the highest cost of living in the entire United States.

The cost of living in Manhattan in 2023 is so high that it is considered to be 127.7% above the national average. Many of its inhabitants are struggling to afford basic daily necessities such as food and rent, but are unable to leave due to the sheer number of jobs available in Manhattan. Manhattan’s median household income is on par with the national average, yet the cost of living is way over it.

One of the primary factors driving the high cost of living in Manhattan is the housing market. Housing prices in Manhattan have soared since the 1990s, driven by a combination of rising incomes, low interest rates, and a sluggish supply of apartment buildings. While the demand for housing in Manhattan is certainly high, the main reason for the high prices appears to be land use restrictions and regulation, which limit the supply of housing.

Read Also: “Maximize Your Productivity With These 4 Methods“

In a market dominated by high-rises, more housing could theoretically be provided by adding an extra floor to any new building. However, despite the fact that home building is a highly competitive industry with almost no natural barriers to entry, prices in Manhattan currently appear to be more than twice their supply costs. This suggests that land use restrictions and regulation could be the reason for this gap.

The impact of these restrictions can be seen in the average home prices and rents in Manhattan. According to 2023 data, the average home price in Manhattan is $2,434,977, which is more than five times what the average American pays for a home. The average monthly rent in Manhattan is $4,569, which is also significantly higher than the national average of $1,369.

These high housing costs have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in Manhattan. In addition to housing costs, residents of Manhattan also face higher prices for groceries, transportation, and other basic necessities. For example, the cost of a half-gallon of milk in Manhattan is $3.04, compared to the national average of $2.43.

	National Average	Manhattan
Median Household Income	$70,784	$70,663
Average Home Price	$452,510	$2,434,977
Average Monthly Rent	$1,369	$4,569
Unemployment Rate	3.50%	4.30%
Poverty Rate	11.60%	17%
Cost of a Gallon of Milk	$2.43	$3.04

Table 1: Cost of living in Manhattan vs. the national average cost of living. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and The Council For Community and Quicken Loans

“Manhattan is an island, which means that transportation costs can be high,” explains Dan Kettle of money platform, Pheabs.

“The cost of gas is typically higher in Manhattan than in other parts of the country due to the additional costs associated with transporting fuel to the island.”

“The tolls for crossing the bridges and tunnels into Manhattan can be an additional expense that people in other cities might find surprisingly high. For example, the cash toll for the George Washington Bridge is currently $16.00 for passenger cars during peak hours. Public transportation, such as the subway or bus, is often the most cost-effective way to get around Manhattan, but the fare can add up quickly if you are commuting every day.”

Despite these high costs, Manhattan remains an attractive place to live for many people. Its vibrant culture, diverse population, and numerous amenities continue to draw people from all over the world. However, the high cost of living in Manhattan also poses significant challenges for many residents, particularly those with lower incomes.

For those who cannot afford the high cost of living in Manhattan, there are some alternatives that provide a slightly cheaper cost of living without sacrificing too much in terms of quality of life. For example, Brooklyn is the most populous borough of New York City and has a thriving cultural scene. It offers a wide range of affordable housing options and a diverse population, making it an attractive alternative to Manhattan.

The average home price in Brooklyn is $947,622, which is still very high but significantly less expensive than Manhattan. The cost of living in Brooklyn is also lower than Manhattan, including the price of groceries and rent.

Read Also: “10 Best Hotels in Manhattan with a View: Experience Luxury and Scenic Views“

Located just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, Jersey City offers a far more affordable cost of living while still being close to the city. The average home price in Jersey City is $553,300 according to bestplaces.net, significantly less expensive than Manhattan. Jersey City also has a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as numerous parks and outdoor spaces.

April 28, 2023May 19, 2023

Why Does The State of New York Have a Price Cap For Financial Products?

The state of New York is one of the 15 other states in the US that has a price cap on personal loans, credit cards and financial products. So if you were in an emergency and needed money quickly from a high street lender or bank, the maximum you could ever be charged is 36% APR, which has advantages and drawbacks – and today we delve a little deeper to explain why.

Understanding usury laws

For those looking for payday loans or personal loans in the state of New York, the maximum you can be charged is 36% APR, which is capped by the Consumer Federation of America and is significantly less than the states of Nevada and Texas which allow usury rates over 600% APR.

Such caps have been put into place to avoid predatory lending and for citizens of New York to avoid over-reliance on high cost loans, especially in areas such as Manhattan where the living costs are the highest in the country.

If we look back as recently as 10 years ago, we will find a number of high street lenders charging exorbitant rates of interest, often leaving those looking for an original $300 loan with thousands of dollars worth of debt, revolving credit and dependence on multiple loans. It wasn’t until 2015 that a huge $5.2 million settlement was distributed to more than 14,000 New Yorkers who had taken out their online loans, with some burned borrowers receiving more than $4,000.

So if you are applying for payday loans or similar in New York, you should never be charged more than 36%, even though there are around 150 online lenders who are able to slip through the cracks.

Usury in New York is Illegal

“People living in New York shouldn’t be able to access high cost loans that range in the 200% APR, and that’s just for people with good credit,” explains Justine Gray of loans finder, Dollar Hand.

“Any lenders working in this jurisdiction should know that it is a Class C felony that can lead to a maximum sentence of 15 years.”

“Having multiple payday loans is very unhealthy and that is why a lot of US states have caps and rules in place to limit this to just one loan per customer, period.”

“This is a great thing to protect consumers, however, there is also a gap in the market for people who need emergency funds. With rates as low as 36% APR for those with very bad credit, it means that less and less people are approved and therefore there are likely to be millions of people that need such a product but they simply cannot get it from a bank or high street lender and it questions: where do they get it from?”

Read Also: “The 6 Most Dangerous Jobs In New York“

“It is important to remember the alternatives,” Gray concludes, “such as using credit unions where possible and always repaying your credit cards early to avoid building up debt that you cannot afford and always having an emergency fund available.”