From Commuter Benefits to Beating Traffic: What to Know About Commuting to NYC

Living in or around New York City offers unmatched career access and cultural buzz, but that doesn’t mean you have to live in Manhattan to enjoy it. More students, professionals, and hybrid workers are choosing to live outside the city and commute in, drawn by better affordability and quality of life. 

Whether you’re eyeing another borough, a different city in New York, or even neighboring states, this guide is packed with tips for navigating the commuter lifestyle, including how to furnish your space without stress.

Why So Many Are Choosing the Commuter Life

Commuting to NYC from nearby cities and suburbs gives you the best of both worlds: access to Manhattan’s job market and nightlife without the sky-high rent. From Westchester to Jersey City, many towns offer more living space, quieter streets, and great schools. With remote and hybrid roles still popular, living outside the city continues to be appealing.

Your Quick Guide to Commuting

Not all commutes are created equal. Here’s what to know before picking your path.

Best Cities to Commute to NYC From

If you’re looking for the best commuter cities to NYC, consider these hotspots:

• Hoboken, NJ: Fast PATH access to Midtown and Downtown
• Yonkers, NY: A Metro-North ride to Grand Central in under 30 minutes
• Stamford, CT: Quick Amtrak and Metro-North access
• Jersey City, NJ: A favorite among working professionals for its affordability and culture
• New Rochelle, NY: Charming neighborhoods and easy train access
• Forest Hills, Queens: Express subway lines and a charming residential feel

Each area offers a unique mix of price, space, and proximity. Do your research based on where you’ll work and how often you’ll need to go in to align your choice with your lifestyle. 

Smartest Ways to Commute

You have tons of options when it comes to how you commute, including public transit and driving yourself. Depending on where you live, your best bet might be:

• Regional Rail (Metro-North, NJ Transit, LIRR): Ideal for consistent, longer-distance commutes from suburbs. You’ll pay more than the subway, but gain speed, comfort, and reliability.
• Subway: Best for city dwellers and outer borough commuters. Runs 24/7, but plan for delays and crowding during rush hours.
• PATH: Great for commuters from Hoboken, Jersey City, and Newark. Connects directly to Manhattan’s west side.
• Bus or Ferry: Ferries offer scenic routes from New Jersey and parts of Brooklyn/Queens. Buses work well from areas with fewer train options.
• Driving: Not for the faint of heart, but workable with flexible hours or if you’re reverse commuting. Check for park-and-ride lots and HOV lanes.

Pair your commute method with real-time transit apps to stay ahead of delays and find your best route.

Don’t Leave Commuter Benefits on the Table

What are commuter benefits? These employer-sponsored perks can cover parking, transit passes, or vanpooling costs using pre-tax dollars, which can save you hundreds of dollars each year. Check if your company offers commuter benefits and learn how to sign up. Some programs also allow you to roll over unused funds from month to month.

Even if you’re only commuting a few days a week, pre-tax savings on train passes, parking, or ferry costs can help offset NYC’s higher cost of living. With monthly commuting expenses typically ranging from $100 to $600, depending on distance and method, commuter benefits can mean real monthly savings.

How to Make Your Commute More Bearable

If you have a longer commute, you don’t have to waste hours staring into space. You can turn it into a productive or peaceful time:

• Queue up an audiobook or favorite podcast
• Use a meditation app to de-stress
• Plan your day or review tasks
• Catch up on reading or the news

A great pair of noise-canceling headphones and a good routine can make even a 90-minute trip feel like less of a drag.

Create a Home That Works as Hard as You Do

After a long day navigating city streets or packed trains, your home should be a place to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re in a studio, sharing a space in the suburbs, or balancing time between homebase and a pied-à-terre, how you set up your home can impact your day-to-day comfort, especially if you commute often or work hybrid.

Invest in Multipurpose Furniture for Small Apartments

Many commuter-friendly apartments are compact, so every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep. Look for multifunctional options like ottomans with storage, fold-down desks, or dining tables that double as workspaces. Choosing versatile pieces can help you maximize square footage without feeling cramped.

Create a Home Office That Actually Works

If your role is hybrid, setting up a dedicated workspace can boost focus and productivity. Even a small nook with a comfortable chair and good lighting can make a big difference. No room for an office? Think creatively with corner desks, rolling carts, or room dividers to carve out space where you can.

When Rental Furniture Makes More Sense

If you’re on a short-term assignment or just not ready to commit to life in the city quite yet, renting can save you time and money. Furniture rental services like CORT offer flexible, professionally styled packages that let you move in fast and adapt as your needs change — without shopping for all new furniture up front or dealing with the hassle of reselling later.

This is especially helpful if you’re relocating temporarily or moving to NYC for an internship, when buying and transporting furniture simply doesn’t make sense.

Make Your Transition to NYC Smooth with CORT Furniture Rental

Making the move to New York City? Whether you’re renting a studio in Manhattan or commuting in from the suburbs, CORT Furniture Rental makes it easy to get settled fast. With flexible packages, quick delivery, and no long-term commitment, you can furnish your apartment in style without the upfront cost. Start online or stop by your local CORT showroom today to create your NYC home with ease.