NYC RELOCATION
Leaving the city? Plan the move like a deal.
I did the commute from New York City, and I moved to Nassau County for more balance and a backyard. Twenty years on Wall Street taught me how to run a process under pressure. I bring both to your move: a clear plan, real numbers and honest advice.
START HERE
Four numbers to settle before you tour anything
1. Your all-in monthly number
Mortgage or maintenance, property taxes and commuting, added up the same way for every home you consider.
2. Your real commute
Which days you will travel, which terminal you need and what it costs. The official fares are in the table below.
3. How much space you need
Home office, outdoor space, bedrooms. Decide what is essential before you fall for a house.
4. Your timeline
Lease end, school-year timing and how long you can comfortably carry two homes.
THE COMMUTE
What the Long Island Rail Road costs
These are the official LIRR fares between New York City terminals and Nassau stations, effective January 4, 2026. Fares depend on your station’s zone, so look up your station on the MTA fare chart first.
| Ticket (to or from NYC) | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way, peak | $7.25 | $13.50 | $15.25 |
| One-way, off-peak | $5.25 | $10.00 | $11.25 |
| Weekly | $81.50 | $94.00 | $106.50 |
| Monthly | $207.00 | $264.25 | $299.75 |
| Bought onboard, peak one-way | $15.00 | $22.00 | $23.00 |
A quick way to think about it: from a Zone 4 station, paying peak one-way fares in both directions costs $27.00 per round trip, so a monthly ticket pays for itself at about 10 commuting days a month. Buying onboard costs more, so buy ahead in the MTA TrainTime app.
PROPERTY TAXES
Taxes vary by school district, so ask for the actual bill
Nassau County has 71 school districts, and school tax is the largest piece of most property tax bills, often cited at 60 to 70 percent. Your bill also reflects your town, any village and special districts. Two homes at the same price can carry very different annual taxes.
I build the most recent tax bill for every home you are considering into your monthly number. I do not rank districts or tell you where to live. I show you the facts and the sources, and you decide.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Co-op, condo or single-family?
- Co-op: you buy shares in a corporation. Most co-ops require board approval, and the monthly maintenance typically includes the building’s property taxes.
- Condo: you own your unit outright and pay property taxes separately, plus monthly common charges.
- Single-family: you own the house and land, and you pay taxes and upkeep directly.
Let’s map your move.
Tell me where you are coming from, when your lease ends and what you want your days to feel like. I will come back with a plan.