Should I buy or rent a home in New York?

If you have not spent a lot of time in New York, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...

Other Questions:

•  What do I need to know before retiring in New York?
•  How do I meet people in New York?
•  What is life like in New York?
•  Is there a lot of crime in New York?
•  Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in New York accepting of differences?
•  What are the schools in New York like?
•  Is the cost of living in New York high?
•  What advice do you have for expats having a baby in New York?
•  What are healthcare services like in New York?
•  Is the cost of living in New York high?
•  What type of recreational facilities are in New York?
•  What is the weather like in New York?
•  Are there good restaurants in New York?
•  Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in New York?
•  What are the visa & residency requirements in New York?
•  Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in New York?
•  What do I need to know when buying property in New York?
•  Are foreigners allowed to own property in New York?
•  What appliances are typically included in a rental?