When I first moved to Flushing, there was so much I didn't know. Looking back, there were definitely some things I wish I had known in advance.

For those considering a move to Flushing or who have just made the decision, I'll put together a practical checklist!

The first thing to consider when choosing a residence is the accessibility to the 7 subway line. Flushing Main Street station is the terminus, and it connects directly to Manhattan. The closer you are to this station, the higher the rent, but the more convenient the transportation. Conversely, if you're willing to walk a bit, you can save on rent. The area around Main Street can be noisy and crowded, so if you prefer a quieter environment, it might be better to look for housing that is a 10-15 minute walk from the station. Rent prices typically range from $1,700 to $2,200 for studios and $2,000 to $2,800 for one-bedrooms, but there can be significant variations between listings.

It's a good idea to set up utilities like electricity, gas, and internet before moving in. You can open an account with Con Edison for electricity and gas, and choose between Spectrum or Verizon Fios for internet. In New York City, some apartments include utilities in the rent while others do not, so it's important to carefully check the lease. Also, be aware that New York City has strict rules for recycling, so familiarize yourself with those in advance.

Connecting with the community network is also more important than you might think. There are several Korean KakaoTalk open chat rooms and Naver cafes in the Flushing area where you can share everything from rental information to second-hand goods, local restaurants, and lifestyle tips. When you first move, there's so much to learn, but joining these communities can help you settle in much faster. Korean churches or religious communities can also provide helpful networks for initial settlement. If you have children to send to school, check the NYC Department of Education (NYC DOE) website to find out which schools are assigned based on your residence address, and prepare the enrollment documents in advance. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but you can adapt more quickly than you think!