If you live in NYC there are thousands of New York
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11/20/2012
Depending on who you are, you can really create your own New York. There is everything here. The one issue though is, and you have heard it a thousand times, it is expensive. The cost of housing is really going to cut into your budget. Young people are sharing more than ever, 2 in a studio now. Unheard of 5 years ago. I have spoken to many young professionals to have told me they are sharing 4 in a one bedroom! There are plenty of young people though who have affluent parents who have bought them apartments and fund their life here.
You have heard it before and I will say it again, NYC can be the best and worst of all worlds. To enjoy the best of it you need to be strong willed; have a lot of energy, be adventurous, have a thick skin, and be street smart; be very independent, have some base of support because making those connections and friendships is sadly difficult once you are here (unless you are under 25). That subject is a book in itself.
I have lived in SFran, Milan Italy, Colorado, Delaware, Japan, South America and now NYC for 14 years so thats my basis of comparison. Moving forward, it is the most open minded society of all. Culturally it has everything. If you are culturally curious and into the arts..this is the place. Weekends I'll hit 2 museums, go to an opening of a film festival, walk thru Central Park, go to a great organic market and pick up some fabric in one of hundreds of fabric shops to make a dress. There is something new, exciting every day. I get excited just going to Whole Foods to buy toilet paper. You will always see interesting people. Also I am over 40 and single so forget about just the young set. I....love..it...and am not rich but...a clever survialist. I bought a coop 10 years ago cheap so that saved me. I work, I am very healthy and every weekend feels so exciting as I go online to see whats going on.
NYC is for the curious, the inspired, the adventurous. There are people who want lots of their own personal space around them. This is NOT for them obviously. I love how I can start chatting with anyone here and they know what I am talking about. It's like a tribe here. You share a lot of the same experiences. The subway for example. Since 2008.... life has gotten tougher.
HEre's the catch....hate to admit it but...as everywhere it is harder in these years no doubt. Getting a job....ugh!!! Painful. You are one of many. The reality of this economy is really the deal breaker. So I end my piece by saying we are in different times. As exciting and inspiring as NYC is, though I am set up here and will stay... in these times, it may not be the best choice. One has to be practical in life unless you have plenty of money. Opportunity is NOT everywhere in NYC as it was even 8 years ago. These are different times, and following your passion is not the motto in these years. You have to weigh was is going on in the economy, you personal situation and common sense. Best to everyone.
Laurie | Midtown East, NY