Trying to find parking in NYC can reduce the hippest, coolest New Yorker to tears. It can make the most emotionally distant person crouch into a corner, mumbling phrases like “alternate side of the street,” “bear claw,” and “between 7 a.m. and midnight.” Seems like most people know that when you decide to drive in Manhattan, don’t. Hop onto the subway; take a green or yellow taxi; or summon Uber or Lyft.

There are those times, though, when driving in the city is a necessity. You may have to cart around several kids for after-school or weekend classes, or you have to do your weekend errands. You may have to spend a million hours picking up fabric for your pop-up boutique. Or you have to make several trips back and forth to the home improvement store. Whatever your reasons, when you need to drive, you’ll need to park. The following tips can help you save your sanity.

Metered Street Parking

Deciding between metered street parking and indoor parking is a personal choice and really depends on your circumstances when trying to find parking. Metered parking rates in the city differ according to neighborhood, and range from one dollar an hour in the Bronx, Manhattan (above 110th Street), Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens, to $1.50 an hour between 96th Street and 110th, to $3.50 an hour below 96th Street. Depending on where you park, you can park for as little as one to as many as twelve hours at a time.

Paid Indoor Parking

Some people prefer indoor parking for various reasons, including safety and convenience, but you’ll pay for the privilege. It’s always cheaper to pay monthly rates for indoor parking, with payments ranging anywhere from $200 to as much as $400 or $500 per month. If you’re looking for real-time parking prices, the Parkwhiz app can give you up-to-the minute pricing on parking lots throughout the city.

Parking In a Specific Neighborhood

If you’re looking for general information about parking in specific NYC neighborhoods, you’ll want to check out Parkopedia. This app actually covers the parking situation in over 75 countries, but it gives good general information about specific neighborhoods in each city.

Other Cool Parking Apps

In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are some great parking apps that will help take the stress out of finding parking in the city.

SpotHero is perfect for people who are looking for real-time parking garage information. Simply type in your destination, and the app will pull up all indoor parking garage options available in the area at that moment. You can book a space right through the app. If you need to cancel your reservation, you have up to 24 hours before arrival to do so.

The ParkMe app is perfect for people who want to find free and paid street parking. Simply input your destination into the app or on the website, and you’ll instantly see a grid showcasing where the free and street parking is located in the area. Finding free street parking is like finding the holy grail, especially since people who score these spots come and go at a moment’s notice. At least you’ll know where the free parking spaces are and can plan accordingly.

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