AWNY Mums & Dads Update, February​ 2019

My friend and fellow expat blogger, America Josh wrote a blog about useful apps that you will need when arriving in New York. I thought I would expand on that idea and look into the apps (and websites) every Aussie family in New York needs to survive in the concrete jungle!

Renting an Apartment
Whether you have just arrived or have been here for a few years, there always seems to be a need for a real estate app. Most expats are renting and will probably move several times whilst they are here. My go-to app and website is StreetEasy.

Getting Around
Getting around NYC is completely daunting when you first arrive, especially if you have kids and a stroller! Since day one I have used the app NextStop for subway maps,  train lines, alerts, delays. It is easy to follow and a great map of the 5 boroughs. The MTA bus app is also pretty reliable. Then you also have your ride-sharing apps: Uber, Lyft, Via & Curb – the taxi app.

Grocery Shopping
Shopping for groceries, especially heavy items including diapers, formula, trash bags, cleaning products etc requires a delivery service. Your best options are Amazon, FreshDirect, Instacart. Then you also have the special meal delivery services which will deliver a weeks worth of food that you have pre-selected from their menus. A few of the well-known ones include BlueApron, helloFresh, Plated & Dinnerly. These meal delivery services always offer first-time deals and discounts on their app or website.

Eating In
My go-to savior and favorite food app is Seamless, an online takeout food delivery service! I have definitely kept them in business over the past 9 years!

Eating Out
For eating out, OpenTable or Resy are a must for booking reservations. I also really like The Infatuation, a food/restaurant review site that is relatable and has fun searches like “places to take your parents” or “places to eat on a first date”. You get the idea.

Keeping Kids Happy (and Parents Sane)
For kids’ activities, I love MommyPoppins, Mommy Nearest and TimeOut Kids. The NYC Parks website is a must to navigate all the fantastic kids’ playgrounds around NYC. For extra intel on playgrounds in Central Park, check out this extensive review by former AWNY Mums and Dads Lead, Helen McWilliam.

Hopefully, these tips might make life a bit easier for you in the Big Apple.

On a separate note, thanks to all the lovely Mums who came out on a cold February day to enjoy a midweek brunch at Charley St cafe on LES.  We had a great turn out including a lot of new Mums who have recently arrived in NYC and are looking to connect with fellow Aussies. It was nice to also chat with Dan Churchill, the Aussie cafe owner who is kicking big goals in the US with a cafe, cookbook and new fitness collaboration with actor Chris Hemsworth.

We look forward to seeing you all at our next event, a wine and cheese night on March 28th in the West Village from 630pm. Further details are on the AWNY Mums & Dads Facebook page.