how long have you lived in nyc?? i've wanted to for almost my entire life but then i look at the prices of rent and realize it will always be just a dream.
you can do it if you want to. when i first moved there, i was working a full time minimum wage job, living near ocean ave / church ave in brooklyn for $600 a month. it was only mildly dangerous. as long as you know karate you'll be fine