I love New York. It is a place filled with endless opportunities, fascinating people, boundless energy, and history. In a single day you could walk the Highline (my favorite), go to Governor’s Island and ride cruiser bikes, eat African, Chinese, and Malaysian food, or go to the theater. It is a place of movers and shakers and it is often said that if you can make it in NYC you can make it anywhere.
I used to dream of living in the city a la Sex in the City. Looking fashionable, hailing a cab that may or may not pick me up, meeting movers and shakers working on Wall Street and going to posh clubs. In fact, right before The Great Recession I was very seriously looking to move to NYC and try my hand at a life in Big Apple. But plans changed.
I Changed
I’m so glad that I didn’t move. If I had moved right before The Great Recession I would have lost everything. Seriously. I wouldn’t have a home because I would have sold my home to move there. I most likely wouldn’t have job because last hired are always the first fired. And, I still would have found myself starting over but maybe not in the digital content field.
But, more importantly, I realized that while I love New Yorkers sometimes they live life with an intensity that I’m just not interested in taping into. I went to college in New York State and so I’ve spent years living with and being around New Yorkers. I love their zest and passion for life. Until I don’t LOL!
Too Many People
There are too many people in your face all of the time. I love people. I love talking to strangers (love this about New York) but sometimes I just don’t want to deal. Sometimes I need some space. I don’t want to live around so many freaking people all of the time.
Love The Transit…
But, I don’t want to always have to jump on the train to get somewhere. In fact, when I was in Chicago I was amazed by how freaking noisy the trains were. The trains are just as noisy in NYC. I have tinnitus and my ears bother me all of the time when I’m in these towns. Sometimes I just want to ride my bike or walk to get to where I’m going.
Race Relations…
Aren’t as good as you would think they would or should be based on what people tell you. People may work and mingle a lot during the day but people are still very segregated based on race and class (this is my opinion). I think that there is still a lot of work to be done across the U.S. regarding this but people have to buy into the idea.
Housing
I’m sorry (not sorry) I have no desire to live with 4 or 5 people in order to afford housing. What if one of those people doesn’t pay? I don’t mind living with people…but I am just not interested in having roommates anymore. A spouse-yes. Roommates-no. I also want to own where I live.
A Different Option
I don’t want to live in NYC full-time but I could absolutely spend 1-3 months and get a taste for the city without living there permanently. I am very seriously considering doing this in the next 2 years depending on what is going with me personally. I would love to tap into the opportunities, the connections, and eat my weight in food.
I still love New York City but I have no desire to permanently live there in the future and I’m ok with that. But, I would buy a condo there. Just saying.
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I think there was a time when I was in my 20s that I could have lived there, but I’m too mellow of a person to live in that city, and like you I like my space.
I’m too mellow now. I just tense up thinking about living there full-time. I don’t need a lot of space but I like to do what I need to do when I get home and not worry about other people.
I am from New York and currently live right outside of DC. I like city life because I like how fast-paced it is and the fact that I don’t have to drive (a little scared of it, lol). I’ve been considering moving to Chicago where I think it is a little slower. I might move to mid-west when I’m older and more used to driving.
It’s funny because I usually go to big cities when I am on vacation and I enjoy them. I just like having the ability to own my own home and when the slower pace annoys me I just hop on the plane and go somewhere. Chicago is a beautiful city! You could always take public transit-that’s what I do (we have light rail here).
Who doesn’t love NYC? For travel getaway, but living there? I prefer somewhere else. haha! Portland is a good option.
I actually know of people who don’t love it! But, I do and it has so much to offer. I just don’t want to live there full time.
I agree with you. I used to want to live in a big city. But I like the idea of experiencing a city for 3-6 months then going back to my quiet and safe town. My wife an I plan on taking short-term consulting jobs in London and NYC once our kids are both in college. Three more years, then it’s a go!
I am very excited about living somewhere for 3-6 months but that’s it! I’ve already lived in Europe/Asia/and Australia. Now, my next stop will be South America. It’s time to study my Spanish.
The way you feel about New York is the way I feel about Miami Beach. I love that area, but I could never live there. Some old habits such as partying all the time might creep back into play. I’m fine with visiting the city once or twice a year.
I LOVE Miami but I could never live there. I would be completely useless. Everyone would ask “Where’s Michelle?” I would be at the beach, eating somewhere cook, checking out the islands, or exploring the keys. I would not be able to focus and I would be partying-there’s no way around it!