Take a look at the fig forum here in Garden Web. There are many members in NYC and many of them have plants for sale for much cheaper than online ordering. I'd check it out if I were you. Also, fig cuttings are pretty easy to root.

Your fig will easily winter in the garage. Hardy Chicago is probably the best for you, but there are many others!

Good luck!
Suzi

Here is a link that might be useful: A great Fig Forum

This post was edited by desertdance on Thu, Feb 6, 14 at 12:27

Violet de Bordeaux (Negronne) probably fits your criteria as does Petite Negri.Both are smaller than a lot of Figs,especially the Petite Negri and make for good container plants.
Edible Landscaping has both. Brady

Here is a link that might be useful: Edible Landscaping

thanks all. i did post there as well but the responses there are slower than here. they still come out to almost $40 per tree. i will see what i can do about reaching out to someone local that may sell.

I have about 10 fig trees. My favorite is Italian Honey Fig. Why? They're a yellow fig with incredibly sweet meat, but just as important is that the birds can't recognize when they're ripe and therefore don't eat them. Birds will destroy your crop of purple or black figs.

I have two Texas Everbearing Figs in pots in Northern VA. I overwinter them in an unheated garage and they produce quite well. Their growth is somewhat stunted by being in a pot. The figs are purple and very tasty.