Why I moved to NYC from Brazil: I relocated for work and reunited with friends I made 15 years ago

When Laura had the opportunity to relocate from her native São Paulo to NYC and join her boyfriend here, she took the leap. She searched Queens and Manhattan, landing in bustling Inwood. Here is her story as told to Kelly Kreth.

I was born in Pindamonhangaba, which is in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and raised in Vinhedo. Most recently I was living in São Paulo with my dog Jack in a one bedroom of around 600 square feet. It had two balconies, laundry, free parking, an outdoor pool and a small barbecue area.

The rent in Brazil does not compare to New York City. I used to pay 5,000 Brazilian reais per month, which is about $900. That may not seem like a lot but 5,000 BRL is very expensive for an apartment in Brazil.

[Editor’s note: Brick Underground’s series The Newcomers features first-person accounts about why a renter or buyer decided to take a chance on NYC.]

I liked that my place was in a safe location on a dead-end street so it was very calm and quiet even though I lived in a busy part of the city. I disliked that my building was old and the apartment layout was a bit weird: The kitchen was in a corner, so when I cooked I couldn’t see the rest of the apartment and there was no window. As a result I rarely cooked; I ate out every day or ordered in since that was cheaper.

The area has lots of bars and restaurants but everything is very expensive. It is also a business area so on weekends the streets were empty.

I am a data team leader for a financial tech company and my office was about an eight-minute walk from my apartment.

I enjoyed taking my dog to the Ibirapuera Park and taking spin classes at Spin’n Soul, gathering with friends for barbecues (weather in São Paulo is nice all year), going on beach and park outings, and joining my family for Sunday lunch.

Why she decided to move

In May 2024 I was offered a job in our company’s NYC office. I donated all my stuff and sold my car. I only brought a few items, since I was hoping to buy everything I’d need in NYC.

I moved in November and was put in temporary housing in Midtown in a one bedroom with a very nice view of the East River. The building had a good gym.

I started looking on StreetEasy for a rental. I visited 12 apartments in three weeks in Long Island City, Astoria, and on the Upper East Side. But they weren’t close to parks and few of them had in-unit laundry, which was a priority for me.

Wanted: A one bedroom for $3,500

My budget was $3,500 for a one bedroom with in-unit laundry and an elevator. I was fine with Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens. I wanted a gym and parking, but neither were a deal-breaker.

The rental process in NYC is quite different from Brazil. There are more available units in NYC but if you don’t make an offer immediately they are gone. I also liked that I could do everything online without using a broker. The process was easy and the background and credit checks were fast.

Where she landed

I ended up in a one bedroom in Inwood with in-unit laundry with a rent at exactly what I was looking to spend. I like that it has an open floor plan, lots of natural light from huge windows in both the living room and bedroom, and great amenities, including a gym, outdoor space with games and a barbecue area, and a co-working space. It has parking for a fee as well.

There are a lot of Latin American restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, and some parts are very busy but other parts are very calm. I like that I am close to nature thanks to Fort Tryon and Inwood Park, have very nice views of the Hudson River. There’s also a very vibrant nightlife scene. 

I bought a car but it is impossible to find street parking on weekends. I also dislike that many streets are dirty. And even though my building has parking, it is quite expensive.

I go to Fort Tryon Park every day with my dog Jack; we love walking around and going to the Sir William’s Dog Run. I also enjoy The Met Cloisters and going to Sunday mass at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Roman Catholic Church.

Food shopping is easier and cheaper here; I enjoy seafood and here it’s very cheap compared to Brazil. 

I take the subway to work now; I’m by the A and E lines and it’s 50 minutes door-to-door.

I have not made new friends yet but it’s because I haven’t tried. I have friends in the area thanks to an exchange program I did about 15 years; I kept in touch with many who now live in NYC and surrounding areas. And my boyfriend is here. He moved from Brazil to NYC before I did so now we are here together. 

I’m enjoying my life in NYC but I am unsure if I will stay.