Hi I'm Diana Barnes and I'm Gander’s local guide for Harlem and Washington Heights. What I love about being a local guide in NYC is that as a native New Yorker, I know so many great bars, restaurants and hidden gems that only locals would know and I really enjoy sharing them with the newcomers.

Also I own and manage airbnbs so I know exactly what to check for in rentals to make sure there are no red flags. I really love that I can share my knowledge to help newcomers not get scammed.I think Harlem and Upper Manhattan are great areas to rent in because it's true what they say, you will get more bang for your buck, UpTown Baby!

I’ve lived in NYC for 10 years plus now, meaning I got my unofficial New Yorker title just recently. I’ve lived on the UES for most of my time, and I consider it one of the best neighborhoods to live in Manhattan for a multitude of reasons: price, transportation, park access, safety, cuisine, neighborhood vibe, and Randall’s Island close by, which is an oasis of peace in non-stop NYC.

I enjoy being a local tour guide for Gander because it gives me the opportunity to assist people go through the NYC rental experience. I went at it alone, and although I did ok, I definitely did not have the experience to check all the details. There is so much to factor into an apartment, and NYC rentals are not without their booby traps. It’s also a great side-hustle with a great minority woman leader, which aligns with my values in who I would want to work for and support.

Hi, I'm Wendy!  I grew up in a suburb of New York City. Moving into my first NYC apartment brought about lots of challenges. Simply put, I was tired of getting screwed over…and then I got tired of watching it happen to my friends.

NYC is nomadic. People love to move, especially within the city. You may not stay in the apartment forever but my goal is to ensure you aren't leaving it because of a terrible experience.