NY is flooded with girls looking for shidduchim and probably jobs. Those who have jobs are disappointed that they are not getting paid what they thought they would. The girls who moved to the upper West Side (the in thing to do) are having a great time living on their own and making friends but they aren’t really moving as far as the shidduch scene is concerned.
My advice to you is find a job first that pays nicely. Then look for an apartment NOT in the city. Look for an apartment in a Frum neighborhood in Brooklyn or Queens where you can get to know the people, the Rabbonim, the neighbors and let them get to know you so you have a network of people that will look out for your best interest and have you in mind in regard to shidduchim. They will recommend you and they will be your references. Hatzlocha.