<human>: Can you condense the text into three sentences or less?

I'm planning to move to New York in several months. I am using the time I have until then to continue working (and saving up for the move), complete the seven-month kung fu program I joined, and gather as much information about the boroughs, neighborhoods, living arrangements, and culture New York City has to offer.

I have visited the city many times throughout my life and enjoy all aspects I have encountered during the time I've spent there. I would like to gain more knowledge, preferably from a resident, in order to make a better transition and be somewhat prepared when I move.

Once I'm ready to move, I will fly up and stay at a hostel for a few weeks while I search for a job and find an apartment. In the mean time, I've been Google'ing everything I can about apartments, culture, nightlife, neighborhoods, and so on, but it's difficult to find a crash course in safe neighborhoods, living conditions, and realistic experiences without hearing it from a New Yorker directly.

Any suggestions on websites to check out, neighborhoods, apartment buildings, or agencies you could recommend, or even advice to help prepare me for the transition would be appreciated.

Also, I've heard rent started around $2,000/month. While looking at apartments online, I found studio apartments as low as $900/month and one-bedroom apartments as low as $1,000/month. They look like decent apartments, so part of me is wondering if they're legit or a scam.
<bot>: I want to move to New York City, but don't know enough about the city. Don't want to move into an unsafe neighborhood or get taken advantage of. Asking for any advice.