New York City offers some of the most varied housing options anywhere; as a result, you have many excellent options. Thus, it is important to focus in on some specifics in order to make your search as productive as possible. Some of the key items that you should resolve early on are as follows:

Your budget. For obvious reasons, this is probably the single most important factor. The price of an apartment depends on a variety of factors - size, location, condition and features, among others - so it is critical that you determine your budget at the outset. As a general guideline, studios typically cost $1,800 to $2,500 per month; one bedrooms are from $2,250 to $3,750 per month; two bedrooms are from $3,500 to $6,500 per month and three bedrooms range from $4,500 to $10,000 per month.

Neighborhoods of interest. Manhattan has dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and personality. A number of factors can effect where you live: you might want to be close to work or your children's schools; maybe being close to a park is important; perhaps being close to great restaurants and cafes is key. The good news is that New York offers something for everyone - if you are not that familiar with the city, please review our neighborhood guide.

Apartment size and features. Do you need a one or two bedroom apartment? A large living area? A maid's room or a home office? Are great views important? While determining which features are important, always keep in mind that there is a price for each one and therefore prioritize them based on how much you are willing to pay for each.