Streetlight poles covered with various rental announcements are common for anyone who comes to Chinatown. But little do most visitors know that more and more out-of-state Chinese immigrants who long for a stable residence in New York rely on these announcements to find a place to call home. Although Chinese immigrants will often stake out a small space to stay while visiting relatives or shopping in New York, they grow tired of hotels and long for that “coming home” feeling.

“Home-in-a-hotel” has been the standard for many in Chinatown. But more out-of-state Chinese are starting to put down roots, or at least acquiring his or her own roof.

Chinese immigrants who work outside New York State feel that Manhattan is a place they visit for the Chinese New Year or during their days off. For many, New York City was their first stop in the United States and this is where their homes are. They long for a space of their own, even if they cannot stay permanently.

Apartments around East Broadway, those only large enough for a bed and a desk, are going for $300 to $500 a month. Temporary bed space costs about $100 a month. Those who want to stay in a family hotel pay about $10 to $20 a night.

Mr. Li, who sublets one of his two-bedroom apartments, charges $450 a month. His tenants are a young couple from Changle, in China, and now work in Michigan. On average, they stay in New York two days a week.

Most of the landlords prefer renting out their rooms to married couples, women or sisters. They usually reject single males because of safety concerns. According to the landlords, single males have a reputation for socializing in bad company.

There are practical reasons that Chinese landlords prefer taking in out-of-state immigrants. Since tenants do not come to New York often, landlords practically have the home to themselves most of the time, saving on gas and electricity, as well as all the fuss that comes with tenants.

Guan Chen, a laborer who usually works out-of-state but keeps a bed on Henry Street, said that New York is a transit hub for new immigrants. Every time he gets a new job, he needs to haul his luggage to New York before moving on to a new place. He often worries of the danger of staying in a cheap hotel. Today, co-renting space with his friend, he feels that it is safer to leave his belongings without fear of theft. New York is finally his home.

Some young couples that work in different states also like to have a place to stay when they are in New York. With a place of their own they can embark on all sorts of new experiences. Having a baby, for example, is no longer a headache but a reason to stay and make long-term plans.

Besides Chinatown, some out-of-state immigrants choose residency in Brooklyn because of cheaper rents and larger accommodations.

After six years of moving constantly, Li is finally happy that he has a place he can call home.