Matt Cary, Founder & Director of Capstone, reflects on his recent trip to New York. 

Reflecting on last week's trip to New York City, I was struck, yet again, by how much has changed since we first started working in the USA. 

In the early days, my network here was almost exclusively made up of fellow British, Scottish, and Irish expats. Fast forward to today, and my calendar is filled with meetings with Americans (a lot of them New Yorkers through and through), giving me an insider’s view on what it really means to live and breathe in this incredible, complex city. 

This shift is evident not only in our client base but also in our candidate pool. Capstone is now deeply embedded in the USA market, and each trip sharpens our ability to support professionals and businesses navigating relocation.

Living in NYC: More Than a Job Move 

If you're considering relocating to the USA, especially to a city like New York, there’s a lot more to think about than just your next role. 

Where do you live? How long is your commute? Why does everyone eat out all the time? What can you actually do on a weekend when you want to escape the noise? 

These are all the practical, everyday things we help people think through, and they matter. For instance, a common notion I heard last week is just how expensive NYC has become, something I can personally vouch for, having spent $12 for a single slice of cheesecake near Central Park! These increasing costs have forced many in their twenties and thirties to move back in with family. 

Beyond just cost, there’s also a broader trend that I've personally noticed. There is a talent migration, with professionals leaving major hubs like New York and San Francisco for more affordable, balanced alternatives, such as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, North Carolina, and Virginia. These places offer vibrant opportunities and a lower cost of living without compromising on career ambition. This trend is likely to increase with the impact of the impending tariff situation on the horizon, which will only exacerbate the cost impact. 

I saw something on LinkedIn recently: “Texas to Oklahoma? It’s happening.” There’s even a name for it, coined by the Dallas Morning News - "Texodus" - and it’s not just a catchy headline. It’s a real, growing shift. 

Industry Insights: Commercial Real Estate, Construction & Data Centres 

Professionally, the trip has offered valuable insights: 

The General Contractor (GC) Reputation Factor 

Reputation can make or break a GC in the U.S., and one of the simplest ways to maintain that reputation is to pay your subcontractors on time. It sounds basic, but in a market where material prices are rising, labour is hard to secure, and margins are thin, late payments can have devastating ripple effects. In some cases, they determine whether a subcontractor stays in business. We’ve even heard horror stories of law enforcement raiding sites due to illegal workers being employed, a stark reminder of how crucial compliance, communication, and trust are in this sector. 

Sector Growth & Momentum 

There’s no doubt that retail, hospitality, and office space are in growth mode again, particularly in New York. What’s really interesting is the rise of office-to-residential conversions, repurposing underused commercial space to meet housing demand. It’s not just a trend; it’s an innovative pivot that reflects changing lifestyles and hybrid working models. On a broader level, data centres remain a massive focus for us at Capstone. While you won’t see many in Manhattan, the demand is exploding in suburban and rural regions. These are highly technical, high-value projects with an urgent need for specialist talent. There’s serious movement in data centres, though these are being built outside of traditional city centres. 

The Commercial Office Comeback 

Despite all the headlines about remote work, commercial leasing in NYC is surging again. Q1 2025 has already broken records, having the highest leasing activity since 2018. Big companies are doubling down on office culture and mandating staff back in. The result? A surge in activity fuelled by large transactions, particularly in Manhattan, where leasing volume has increased significantly and occupancy rates are approaching pre-pandemic levels. It’s a clear sign that NYC remains a global business powerhouse and that costs will continue to rise. 

Delays, RFPs, and the Waiting Game 

There are plenty of opportunities in the pipeline, with General Contractors receiving more Requests For Proposals (RFPs) and planning for a busy second half of the year. But… there’s a caveat. Many projects are being delayed, quarter after quarter. 

The phrase “survive till 2025” keeps coming up, and although there’s real optimism, decision-makers are still holding off. Investors are waiting to pull the trigger, not out of fear, but because of economic caution and the unpredictability of tariff impacts. That said, there is a lot of underlying optimism and more a case of when will investors/developers/owners press the button as opposed to if. 

Personal Reflections from the Ground 

Relationships Are Everything 

One of the best parts of this trip was seeing how supportive our network is. When I’ve asked for introductions to potential clients or partners, the willingness to help has been humbling. These aren't just transactional connections. They’re people who genuinely believe in what Capstone does and want to see us succeed. It’s a reminder that when you build a reputation for excellent service and integrity, your network becomes your most prominent advocate. 

Jet Lag Is Real (and I Missed My Jog!) 

I usually try to hit the ground running, quite literally, with a jog after landing. I didn’t manage it this time, and this week has been a slight struggle because of it. It's not a huge issue, but it's a small personal reminder that self-care matters when travelling, especially when juggling back-to-back meetings and long days.  

The Power of LinkedIn Engagement 

This one made me laugh: I walked into a meeting with a senior figure in the construction world, and the first thing he said was, “How was the jog?” He’d seen a post I made and remembered it. It was a great ice-breaker, and honestly, a reminder of how powerful personal content on LinkedIn can be. I’ve always focused more on client-focused content, but this showed me that even casual posts can build familiarity, connection, and community.

Coffee, WiFi, and the Hustle of NYC  

Manhattan moves fast. Between meetings, I found myself hopping between coffee shops, logging in, sending emails, and buying a latte just for WiFi access. Pro tip for fellow nomadic workers: the New York Public Library is an absolute gem. It is a phenomenal building, quiet, and boasts free WiFi. Perfect if you need to take a break between meetings or reset after a busy morning. 

The Wow Factor Never Fades 

Even after a decade of trips to the USA, New York still takes my breath away. The architecture, the scale, the energy, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. It reminds me why people are willing to endure the chaos, the cost, and the constant hustle. There’s nowhere like it. More than anything, I’m reminded of why we do what we do at Capstone. Relocations aren't just about moving jobs, it's about moving lives. 

Capstone’s Relocation Support 

We’re proud to offer dedicated relocation services for professionals moving to the USA, whether you're heading to New York or exploring new frontiers. From navigating local housing markets and understanding neighbourhood vibes, to helping you settle into your role and local community, we’re with you every step of the way. 

Our relocation services aren’t just about getting you a job. We help you navigate the big picture, the lifestyle, affordability, community, and culture. 

We offer: 

• Local market insights. 
• Relocation support for you and your family. 
• Guidance on suburbs, schools, commuting, and more. 
• Job placements in high-growth markets across the USA. 
• Honest advice on what it’s like to live and work here, from people who’ve done it. 

Whether you're considering a relocation to New York or somewhere a little less popularised, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. We’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions with amazing opportunities in places you may never have thought to look, and that’s the message I want to share: keep an open mind.