Are you thinking about moving to New York City? You thrill seeker, you. There’s no adequate way to describe the way living in New York City feels. The Big Apple casts both shadows and spells and your experience will depend entirely on you.
But there’s also no denying that living in New York City is an extraordinary feat. The city tempts people in hordes and millions of locals are willing to overlook the inconveniences of daily life in NYC because the perks are irresistible.
Read on to learn about my personal list of the HONEST pros and cons of living in New York City after 10 years.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Hi there, I’m Antonina! Love NYC as much as I do? Join my weekly newsletter for fun snippets of daily life in the Big Apple.
Things to Know About Living in New York City
(Table of Contents)
Daily Life in NYC (Table of Contents)
- Things to Know About Living in New York City
- First, Let’s Talk About the Perks of Moving to NYC
- 1. New York City is the Land of Opportunity (Truly)
- 2. New York City is a Safe Place to Live
- 3. Exposure to the Arts (and History)
- 4. New York City is Diverse
- 5. Networking & Social Scene
- 6. There’s (Always) Something to Do
- 7. The Food Scene
- 8. Access to Great Public Parks
- 9. Street Fashion is Exciting
- 10. Top-Notch Public Transportation
- 11. The City (Really) Never Sleeps
- Disadvantages of Living in NYC
- 1. The Rent is Too Damn High
- 2. The Summer Humidity & Winter Weather
- 3. The Daily Cost of Living in NYC is Sky High
- 4. Crowds Become a Part of Daily Life
- 5. New Yorkers are Direct
- 6. Moving to New York City? Apartment Hunting is a Bear
- 7. You’ll be Labeled a Workaholic
- #8. New York City is So Dirty
- #9. Homelessness
- What’s It Like Living in NYC? (FAQ)
- Things to Know Before Living in New York City (Post Summary)
First, Let’s Talk About the Perks of Moving to NYC
“New Yorkers are born all over the country, and then they come to New York City and it hits them: Oh, that’s who I am.”
— Delia Ephron
1. New York City is the Land of Opportunity (Truly)
Cue: “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” New York City is where ambitious idealist go to see if dreams can become reality, and in my experience, this is true in two ways:
- If you’re an entrepreneur (way to go, you!), there’s no better place than NYC to try and make it big. The opportunities and networking connections you make while living in New York City are unparalleled.
- Career-wise, New York City has the biggest names in tech, marketing, apparel, journalism, sports, you name it. So if you can’t follow your entrepreneurial dreams (yet), there’s definitely a job for you. However, I don’t want to paint a false picture, you should definitely have a gig lined up before moving to NYC otherwise you won’t be setting yourself up for success.
New York City is home to the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the world. In terms of finding a job, strive to find a sector that meshes with your lifestyle because the hustle is real, and that often means putting in long hours at the office.
With a population of 8.4 million, competition is fierce. Securing a job and growing a career will require more effort than it does elsewhere. This is a big reason why New Yorkers get billed as workaholics (I’ll cover this in more detail below).
But at the end of the day, one thing is certain: if you’re passionate enough to move to New York City then chances are good you’ll find a way to make it work, one way or another.
This is the city of dreamers and time and again it’s the place where the greatest dream of all, the American dream, has been tested and has triumphed.
Michael Bloomberg
2. New York City is a Safe Place to Live
Contrary to popular belief, living in New York City is quite safe, but it’s easy to see why some folks would assume otherwise (large cities tend to have big issues).
NYC is the most populous city in America, so sensational headlines are bound to ensue. However, relative to size, New York City is considered one of the top 5 safest large cities in America.
After living in NYC for 10+ years, I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I felt uneasy and that’s mostly because I’ve never really been alone on the streets.
There’s so many people exploring the city all hours of the day, so you’re seldom alone (there’s power in numbers!). Stick to the main streets, know which areas to avoid and trust your gut (for example, don’t walk through Central Park after dark).
You Might Enjoy Reading: Where to Live in New York City (Locals Rank the 15 Best Neighborhoods)
3. Exposure to the Arts (and History)
New York City is often described at the cultural capital of the world, but not without reason! Having daily access to world-class museums is one of my favorite things about living in NYC.
Home to a whopping 83 museums (including the fifth largest museum in the world), the Big Apple also plays host to some gorgeous libraries too — like the New York Public Library (3rd largest library in the world).
If history is more your speed, why not visit the birthplace of Theodore Roosevelt? Or maybe grab a drink at the bar where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops? Heck, you can even visit Alexander Hamilton’s resting place.
The point is, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more culturally exciting city than New York. Case in point: Our friend starts every weekend at the Met with her kids, at the rate she’s going, her kids will see more world-renowned art by the age of seven than most people do in a lifetime!
If you want to become a real New Yorker, there’s only one rule: You have to believe New York is, has been, and always will be the greatest city on earth. The center of the universe.
– Ellen R. Shapiro
4. New York City is Diverse
With more than 200+ languages spoken on a daily basis, the habits, food and dress reflect the vibrant variety of daily life in New York City, the most diverse city in the country.
As a result, no matter what you do, you’ll always “fit” in. Speaking from personal experience, it feels like there’s zero judgement on the city streets, so I can be whoever I want without pretense.
This realization, and subsequent freedom, makes me more confident and allows me to take risks I normally wouldn’t. Talk about liberating.
For example, within a year of moving to NYC, my wardrobe had unexpectedly changed. Which seems like a little thing but it’s not.
My current closet is a better reflection of my personal taste and, between you and me, I finally have a reason to dress up. All this to say, if you need a fresh start, moving to New York City will make you self-sufficient in no time.
If you’re seriously considering moving to NYC, I suggest reading: 20 Crucial Things to Know Before Moving to New York City.
5. Networking & Social Scene
One of the best things about living in the Big Apple is being in the heart of the action. This is the place where trends are born and million-dollar ideas take root.
In fact, New York City is home to the most billionaires in the world(110 of them, to be exact). And since everyone is hustling to get their piece of the pie, serious connections are much easier to come by.
If you’re open to meeting new people, you’ll find there’s never a shortage of new folks to grab drinks with. I will add, the city’s social atmosphere is downright euphoric.
Personal experience of living in New York City: I’ve changed so much since moving to NYC. I went from hanging out with close friends once a month to grabbing drinks with friends 2-3 times a week. You’ll want to budget social events if you’re considering living in NYC on a budget.
6. There’s (Always) Something to Do
When you live in the Big Apple, it’s hard to justify staying home because there’s ALWAYS something going on. New exhibits at museums, famous musicians playing at the Blue Note, outdoor movies at Bryant Park or five-course meals at Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll never have a reason to be bored.
Even random walks sometimes end on a magical note.
For example, my husband and I took a morning stroll through Central Park and stumbled across Sarah Jessica Parker filming a scene for the Sex and the City reboot. I couldn’t believe it (so cool!).
Long gone are the days of “there’s nothing to do around here” because when you move to New York City, that excuse goes out the window fast.
In the country, there are a few chances of sudden rejuvenation–a shift in weather, perhaps, or something arriving in the mail. But in New York the chances are endless.
E.B. White
7. The Food Scene
We can’t talk about living in New York City without mentioning the food. Oh my goodness! If there’s one thing I love most about daily life in NYC, it’s the incredible food scene.
Home to 71 Michelin-starred restaurants, you’d need a trust fund to try them all. Thankfully, the city’s culinary scene spans the gamut and you can easily find memorable meals at affordable prices.
(If helpful, here’s a roundup of my 20 favorite cheap eats in NYC).
The city is a melting pot and locals are spoiled for choice when it comes to international cuisine. After living in New York City, it’s hard to find other cities that satisfy my cravings for good food.
I mean, let’s get real real, you haven’t lived until you find yourself with a steaming bowl of award-winning ramen at 1am.
You might enjoy reading: The BEST Pizza in New York City & 10 Mouthwatering NYC Bagels
8. Access to Great Public Parks
The sheer number of public parks sprinkled throughout the city is a perk that can’t be overstated. Obviously Central Park takes the cake, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking the other 1,700+ city parks.
In fact, 99% of New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk from a park. Having access to green spaces makes living in NYC easier because you’ll get an essential reprieve from the constant hustle of city living.
Further Reading: 15 Enchanting & Iconic Parks in New York City (Locals Love)
9. Street Fashion is Exciting
For the most part, New Yorkers dress very well, especially when compared to other US cities. Now, I’m not saying we hold ourselves to European standards, but close enough.
There’s something exciting about living in a city where people take pride in the way they dress. It makes you want to put your best foot forward, too. I mean, being exposed to the newest trends on a daily basis definitely changes a person’s relationship with clothes.
I definitely noticed this change in myself. As mentioned earlier, my wardrobe has substantially changed since moving to New York City (for the better, I hope!).
There’s no pressure to dress any particular way, which means everything is fair game. I’m taking more risks with my outfits and it’s been really fun to finally have occasions worth dressing up for.
10. Top-Notch Public Transportation
Everyone likes to hate on their city’s public transportation, but New York City’s subway is actually super efficient. We chose to move to NYC without a car, which turned out to be the right move because street parking is a nightmare.
Honestly, I can’t imagine the headache of owning a car while living in NYC. Better still, we don’t pay for gas and maintenance, not to mention the savings on car insurance.
While not perfect, the subway mostly runs on time and gets you where needed within a reasonable time. But don’t just take my word for it, more than 3.6 million people ride the subway daily.
The only time the subway really sucks is during the holiday season when trains are packed to the brim. All this to say, if you’re planning on moving to New York City with a car, think twice because it won’t be necessary.
11. The City (Really) Never Sleeps
You may not realize how big of a perk this is until you move out of New York City and that infamous 2am craving strikes. There’s something lively going on all hours of the day (and night). It’s not hard to find something fun to do after work (even if you get off after 9pm, hustle baby, hustle.).
Award-winning cocktails bars, world-class jazz clubs, romantic restaurants, you name it and it’s at your fingertips well into the evening. Seriously, this perk of living in NYC can’t be overstated because it makes daily life so enjoyable.
We recently hosted some friends from Portland and found ourselves out until 2am. We wanted to cap the night with a slice and found six restaurants open within a three block radius.
And New York is the most beautiful city in the world? It is not far from it. No urban night is like the night there…. Squares after squares of flame, set up, and cut into the aether. Here is our poetry, for we have pulled down the stars to our will.
Ezra Pound
Disadvantages of Living in NYC
1. The Rent is Too Damn High
The astronomical cost of living in New York City is not realistic for most people. I fell in love with the city after my first visit (in college!) and dreamed of moving here, but the price tag made it feel impossible.
However, there was no denying that the city made me feel alive and I was determined to make that feeling last, so I spent the next five years of my career pinching pennies for a dream.
Turns out I’m not the only one. The high cost of housing is why so many people live with roommates or find themselves commuting an hour to work.
If helpful, our current rent for a 420-square foot apartment on the Upper West Side is $3,000 per month. It’s charming but tiny! The bathroom door doesn’t open all the way because of a small trash can, it’s hilarious and sad at the same time. Oh, and we added a baby to the mix last August.
At the end of the day, living in NYC isn’t even in the same time zone as affordable. But as most New Yorkers will tell you, you pay for access, not space.
Anyway, I’ll post photos of our apartment soon and will send an update through the newsletter, if you’re interested.
2. The Summer Humidity & Winter Weather
There’s a handful of New York City living essentials you’ll need to sort out before the move. Mainly, you’re going to need a good air conditioner (here’s the one we use) because the summer humidity is no joke.
From July through September, the city is muggy and stinky (the street-side garbage pickup doesn’t help). Average summer temperatures hover around 90°F but humidity amplifies discomfort.
The winter weather sits on the other end of the spectrum. A brutal bone-chilling cold awaits you from December through March, so make sure your tiny closet is full of quality coats and wool socks.
Here’s my roundup on: What to Wear in New York City in the Winter (+Packing List).
Need help getting through the winter? Don’t move to NYC without getting this super handy device first, it helps drastically with the dark gray winter skies. My therapist recommended it and I use it daily, I can’t recommend it enough.
3. The Daily Cost of Living in NYC is Sky High
Understatement of the century, right? But bear with me. New York City is the 3rd most expensive city in the world. Let that sink in.
I guess this goes hand-in-hand with atrocious rent prices but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Expect everyday expenses like haircuts, groceries and experiences, to be way more expensive while living in New York.
With average cocktails clocking in at $18-22, pre-tip (ouch), living in New York City on a budget won’t be easy. In fact, the high cost of living was the hardest adjustment for my husband and me.
We had some serious talks about reigning in our finances shortly after moving to NYC because it became clear that our previous budget wouldn’t cut it.
We mentioned this to 15-year local who surmised that when people first move to New York City, daily life feels like vacation. I couldn’t agree more.
So many cool restaurants to try, world-class museums museums, new attractions, it’s all so exciting! So it takes a while to adjust to a more disciplined way of daily life in New York.
Additionally, I can only speak for myself (and I’m slightly embarrassed to admit this) but living in New York City has made me more materialistic.
There’s something in the atmosphere that makes me more interested in buying things (in a way I never cared to before). It sucks to admit, but I want to be honest here.
4. Crowds Become a Part of Daily Life
Do you enjoy standing in line? Great, you’re going to LOVE it here. Jokes aside, expect crowds, long lines and impossible wait-lists for the hottest restaurants in town. Waiting becomes an Olympic sport while living in New York City,
You anticipate this as a tourist, but as a local, it’s different. The constant crowds get old fast but it comes with the territory, I guess.
I feel like all first dates in NYC should go something like this: Name, occupation, longest wait time. Because nothing proves commitment like a 2 hour wait for ramen. That’s marriage material.
5. New Yorkers are Direct
Whether this is a perk or disadvantage is up to you, but New Yorkers are notoriously blunt. Don’t expect slow salutation or sugarcoated advice, locals are busy and they don’t like to waste time.
You can tell this by how fast they walk … everywhere. They have places to be and people to see. It’s just the way things are. I can try to explain it away, but why bother? It is what it is so don’t take it personally because it’s not. Everyone’s eager to make a dream come true.
6. Moving to New York City? Apartment Hunting is a Bear
One of the biggest disadvantages of moving to New York City is finding an apartment. The competition is intense and you’ll need to budget a mind-boggling broker fee (equivalent to 15% of your annual rent) to score an apartment.
It’s an expensive (and frustrating) endeavor you won’t believe until you go through it firsthand. Here’s my roundup of tips for living in a small New York City apartment.
7. You’ll be Labeled a Workaholic
New York City is full of stalwart locals. 40-hour work week? Sounds like a fever dream. Living in NYC is not for the faint of heart, people move here to make a name for themselves and it shows.
For example, both of our long-term NYC friends work until 10pm on a daily basis. It’s not uncommon to find them answering emails on the weekends or checking the phone during happy hour. Anxiety is a second language around here.
Some work 80+ hours a week, others have 2-3 jobs to scrape by. Whatever you do, secure a job before moving to New York City.
#8. New York City is So Dirty
I know some people like to call New York City “grungy” because it sounds cuter, but let’s get real: the city is dirty. I mean, in 2018, New York City ranked the dirtiest city in the country. My biggest pet peeve is that we toss trash bags on the street, hard to believe that such an innovative city hasn’t thought of a better solution.
“When you leave New York, you are astonished at how clean the rest of the world is. Clean is not enough.”
Fran Lebowitz
#9. Homelessness
When people ask what’s it’s really like to live in New York City, I can’t help but mention the dire homeless situation. In recent years homelessness in New York City has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression. Homelessness will become a part of your daily life and while it won’t necessarily make you feel unsafe, it’s palpable.
What’s It Like Living in NYC? (FAQ)
Is NYC a good city to live in?
Living in New York City will definitely change you one way or another. The city offers a unique living experience that’s both exhilarating and challenging. With a population of over 8 million people, it’s a melting pot of cultures which comes with a lot of perks.
But the high cost of living and overall daily stress (career pressure, anyone?) can take a toll. So, deciding if New York City is a good place to live is dependent entirely on you. I hope this list was helpful in guiding you in the right direction.
How Many People Live in New York City?
As of 2024, the population of New York City is 8.468 million, making it the most populous city in the country and the 11th most populated city in the world. So yeah, let your hair down. You’ll always fit in here.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in NYC?
It depends on your lifestyle and the sacrifices you’re willing to make. But I won’t lie to you, living in NYC on a budget isn’t easy. OK with roommates? Living in NYC just got more affordable. Value your independence? One-bedroom apartments aren’t cheap.
Theoretically you can live in NYC with a salary of 60K a year. You’ll have roommates (probably more than one) and won’t be eating out at sit-down restaurants often. Broadway shows and rooftop bars will be reserved for (very) special occasions.
A salary of 80K+ a year in New York City will afford you a more comfortable social life but you’ll still need a roommate to get by.
If you’re making a salary of 150K+ per year in NYC you’ll enjoy the best of what the city has to offer. Getting drinks with friends after work, celebrating special occasions with a fancy dinners, attending the latest shows, and strolling down SOHO more than once a week (if you know, you know).
Things to Know Before Living in New York City (Post Summary)
In sum these are the pros and cons of living in New York City
- New York City is a safe city
- Land of opportunity
- Rich history and culture
- The food scene in New York City
- Social scene/networking
- You can be anyone here
- Central Park
- Fashion scene
- Everything is open well into the night
- Efficient transportation
- There’s always something to do
- High rent prices
- NYC is expensive
- Work culture
- Rude locals
- Apartment hunting
- NYC is dirty
- Summer and winter weather
- Homelessness
- Crowds
Looking for the Best Things to Do in New York City?
- How to Spend 4 EPIC Days in New York City
- 30 Best Things to Do in New York City (For First Time Visitors)
- The 10 Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Manhattan (First Time Visitors Guide)
- 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in the Financial District (Local’s Guide)
- 15 Helpful Tips For Visiting NYC on a Budget (From a Local)
- 20 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Moving to New York City (Firsthand Account)
- 15 Best Places to Live in New York State (Helpful Guide)
And there you have it, my friends. These are the honest pros and cons of living in New York City. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Always happy to help!
Cheers!
NYC ❤️
The best!
I just left NYC was living in West Chelsea since 2014. It was convenient with my Whole Foods a 4 minute walk from my apartment and Walgreens downstairs plus I was right next door to the Hudson Yards and the Highline. I had the best life and my rent was only 30% of my income so I was able to save up enough to buy a house in the Suburbs. I had fun while I was there. It will be missed. But I was happy to leave when I did because the pandemic nearly destroyed the City from what it used to be. There’s too much unprovoked crime, mentally Ill homeless on the streets and subways. I was lucky enough to ride the City Bike to work it was a 4 mile ride one way to Wall Street. I started doing it at the beginning of the Pandemic because I refused to go into the subways then I started working from home and I decided to leave. There’s nothing but empty offices and store fronts in the City. It’s struggling for tax revenue I’m sure. But each year the kids keep coming. Oh and I also didn’t like the fact that everywhere you walk now it smells like skunky marijuana. It’s just trashy…
New York City is the fastest and most energetic city and life there is a marathon.
Couldn’t agree more!
Ok not sure when this was written but having watching the news about crime waves that began peaking in 2020-are you still claiming NYC is safe?
Hey Cindy, unfortunately it seems crime is on the rise nationwide and is not unique to NYC. As someone who currently lives in NYC I believe so long as you follow general common sense and are aware of your surroundings New York City is still an enjoyable and safe place to visit.
Great share. Enjoyed reading. Thanks for your time and efforts you took for writing this piece of content.
Of course, it was my pleasure!
Overall your article rings true. The clothes thing, never being bored, always people around which is why I also love this city. Great article!
Hey Shan, thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the article and found it true! Cheers!
Great share. NYC has been always one of the favorite city. Just Love it.
I couldn’t agree more, Jennifer! It’s a very special place.
@Antonina, hey my is David and I am 50 and I am thinking of moving to NY. i need a change and I currentlty live in San Francisco.
i am working on my real estate lice and working on getting a gig out there too.
im single live a minimal life any advise for me before i make the jump? Looking for roomates, Co-living etc.
Hey David, congrats on working toward your real estate license! I live with my husband in NYC, so I haven’t gone the roommate route personally. A few of our friends have found roommates through facebook groups, the roomi app and Gypsy Housing NYC.
As for advice, the best way to set yourself up for success (in my opinion) is to save like wild before making the move. NYC has a way of draining bank accounts (even with a minimal life). I’m pretty minimal myself, but dang — I joke that sometimes simply waking up in NYC will run you $200. All this to save, save as much as you can so that you can enjoy the city more.
I wish you the best of luck, congratulations on the big life change — so exciting!
I met my wife in NYC 20 years ago next to the Empire State Building and we went back last year for a reunion. We love the city but the poverty, homelessness, and dirt was much higher than just 5 years ago from our previous visit. We’ve thought about moving there but frankly we’re spoiled. We live in Zurich and all the things you said that are great about NYC are somewhat true as well here but on a smaller scale….with the exception of the high cost of living. Clean (they even polish the outdoor trash cans), safe, efficient, but the energy is nothing like NYC. I think we’ll have to stick to visiting. BTW we don’t stay in mid-town, we much prefer the residential feel of the upper west side and stay at the Beacon. Cheers!
I agree about the homelessness and poverty, it’s gut-wrenching. I visited Zurich a few years ago (jaw-dropping beauty), seems like you’re definitly making a decision that feels right for you! And yes, I currently live in the Upper West Side and love the neighborhood (and often recommend the Beacon to visiting family and friends). Cheers to you!
Love this thanks for writing it! My wife and I have been living in different cities all our careers, now that the children are all out in universities, my wife and i decided to try and live in NYC. We currently live in the EU. We purchased an apartment in 2019 ready to give it a go however the pandemic happened and put those plans in the back burner. Luckily somebody leased our place whilst waiting for the US to open up.
The lease of our tenant had ended late last year and we are again playing with the idea of trying to live in NYC!
Wanted to ask you a few questions but perhaps not in this public space.
Keep the articles coming I personally enjoy these very much!
Hi Ramon, your comment made my day, thank you so much for the kind words! Writing about NYC is such a joy, I’m so happy to hear that you are enjoying our articles. Hopefully moving to NYC works out for you and your wife (my fingers are crossed!).
It should be very easy to find a job in New York, no matter what job you’re looking for. When I was living in Chicago, every time I wanted a temporary job in a fast food restaurant, took me anywhere between 3 days and 3 weeks to find one! and then, after I started working, three or five more places would call and say they’ll hire me, but I already had a job. And that was before the internet, and I walked from one Mcdonald’s to another, or to Burger King, whatever. Should be faster to send a resume online.
New York is also by the ocean, so there must be pretty nice beaches to take your dog for a walk, or jog, or swim.
But I heard there’s a problem with cockroaches. I drove through New York once on a Grayhound bus. The sidewalks were covered with sandwiches wrappers, paper cups, newspapers, plastic bags, you name it…
Maybe it was just a bad part of the city. I don’t know because I didn’t stay.
Totally agree about trash on the street, so strange (there has to be a better way). However, finding a job isn’t very easy because competition is so steep. Cheers!
Hey there,
I’ve never been to NYC (someday!) but I have been jobhunting in the days of the internet, and let me tell you: it is so much harder. Yes, it’s fast and esay to send a resume. But what that means is companies are inundated with hundreds, thousands of resumes, and have put resume scanning software in place to filter them. You have to hack your resume for every application to make it get past the computer scanner and in front of someone’s eyeballs. If you don’t have enough of the perfect keywords, or you have one spelling error, or you don’t tickle the software just right, you’re hooped.
Pounding the pavement still works, if you know where to look, but not with most restaurants. You go in and they refuse to even look at you if you haven’t applied online. And since low-wage entry-level jobs have so much competition, even if they do see your resume, you’re unlikely to rouse their interest unless you have fifteen years of experience (and then you’re in danger of age discrimination or overqualification).
It’s possible, but the internet has done nothing but flood the market with resumes, thereby crashing your resume’s market value.
Thanks for reading my little epistle.
For anyone considering a move to New York City, this can be a valuable resource that can help inform their decision and prepare them for what to expect. While the city may not be for everyone, it’s clear that for many people, the energy, excitement, and endless possibilities of New York make it a truly special and unique place to call home.
Hey Kelley, thanks for the kind words!
Thanks so much!
My pleasure, Alexander! Love sharing NYC with everyone!
Hi,
I’m thinking of coming to New York and staying about two weeks.
Also thinking to come after I retire within one year so I can stay longer.
I have experience as an ESL teacher.
I was there around Christmas and stayed at a hotel in Korea town,
How are air B & Bs there?
I also love Philly but am concerned about the increase in crime there
Hey Linda, longterm Airbnbs (30+ days) are fair game, but I think there’s some new rule where the landlord must also be staying in the same building (so you’ll have a private room, I think). Definitely read up on this if you plan to go that route!
As for Philly, such a fun place to visit but completely different vibe from NYC.:)
Hi!
I lived in Manhattan from 1966 to 2016 and I’m writing a book on my experience during that half a century. But I’m writing to say that this posting is excellent and a good guideline for folks considering moving to NYC.
Bravo!
A. E. Hunter
Hi Angelina, thank you for the kind words! Always nice to hear that another local agrees! 🙂
Very enlightening and heartening. I also liked that you were so close to where I live right now ❤️ Thank you
I’m glad you found it helpful, Chrystal! The Pacific Northwest is incredible!
Thank you so much.
It was very interesting and helpful.
I hope to visit NY one day.
Born Melbourne Australia, living on the Red Sea Egypt.
Hi Lucy, I’m so happy you found this helpful! I hope you make it out to visit too, it’s a magical place.
New York is busting at the seems with it’s growing population. Endless gentrification and displacement issues. Affordability is no joke! People pay up to half their income or more for a roof over their heads. The cost of bridges and tunnels, including mass transit continue to rise. Insurance of any kind, utilities, food, will cost you dearly. And finally Crime is rising all over the city, endless gun violence, subway assaults, intense racial problems. there is no respect for anyone. And yes I’m a native New Yorker born and raised here.
Hey Clark, thanks for adding your insight, I bet other readers will find it helpful. I agree with you on a lot of these points, but there really is a lot to love about NYC too. 🙂
@Antonina, I forgot to mention……New York has gotten itself in a big hurry! I for one am forced to leave soon because the cost of everything here is ridiculous My pension and SS aren’t enough to survive on. And to be clear…….I will always Love New York !!!……
Oh man, I moved out of NYC 2 years ago (because of the pandemic) and I miss it every single day. Your website brought back so many good memories, thanks for sharing these awesome photos, I’m excited to follow along a bit more — hopefully you have daily updates on this website, I’d love to see daily life in NYC through your eyes.
Hey John, I’m so happy to hear that the website was a pleasant stroll down memory lane! NYC is such a special place! I’m trying to branch out more in terms of sharing daily life stuff, not sure on the best way to do it, but definitely something I’m open to trying. Thank you again for the kind words!
Super expensive, filthy, overrun with homeless zombies…NYC is just a gross, abusive experience.
I also find your idea of “safe” a bit of fantasy. And of course, there’s the noxious politics common in all big American cities.
NYC is like Los Angeles. The only reason to live in LA is if you have a career in the entertainment industry and must be there. The only reasons to live in NYC is if you work in the financial sector, or if you are Jewish.
Otherwise…why would anyone want to live there? You can fly in and visit the museums if you must. Living outside NYC, I wager I can go see them MORE often than people who live there because I’m not paying $5,550 for a 1bdrm apartment and my drinks don’t cost $22 each.
NYC is a nightmare. And it is only going to get worse.
I lived in NYC for 23 years. I found it an exciting place to be when I was in my 20s. The scene, the clubs, the arts, the music, the restaurants, the vibe, the never sleep atmosphere totally enthralled me. By the time I was in my 30s, I had done everything and been everywhere and I was beginning to get tired of the scene. By the time I hit my 40s, I was done! I was not going to grow old there and resemble those fearful old folks who are there because they have no other choice. I left and have not looked back, except for an occasional pit stop visit to catch off off Broadway plays and go to the museums. Unless you have tons of money, which allow you to escape the city for Long Island or the Hamptons in the summer and on weekends, NYC is not a city for older people. This is a city for the young and aspiring artists, entrepreneurs and dreamers who will put up with living in expensive tiny apartments while they are waiting for fame, glory and fortune! And certainly no place to raise children, unless you have tons of money.