Reviews & Comments
New York, NY
re: Save yourself, visit maybe but don't live
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3/18/2020I too have lived here for the past 20 years also. It has changed tremendously!! Everywhere in the US has changed a LOT. I lived in San Fran before. Huge HUGE changes. NOT the same city as the 80's and 90's era. SF has been ruined by over development, homelessness and home prices astronomically priced. The middle class cannot survive in SF. To say NYC has not changed is laughable. All the cities everywhere are changing.
Crime is not crazy here. It exists but I am never afraid and have never encountered a problem and I live in Harlem, Hamilton Heights and work in Tribeca.
What has changed are big major retailers who have moved in and replaced mom and pop stores. We never before had, Bed Bath and Beyond, Crate and Barrel and so on. The building of the Time Warner Building in Columbus Circle is a shopping mall for the rich and solid middle class. That created huge HUGE changes in that area adding three entertainment areas, multiple retail space including Whole Foods, restaurants, bars and health clubs. All right at the foot of Central Park.
The Harlem area, Washington Heights neighborhood and Inwood have totally changed and gentrified in the past 20 years. These areas are now the go to areas to live for young arrivals and yes many young couples starting families. White folk never NEVER moved up here and now they are the primary people moving in because its the last affordable area, couples are looking to buy not rent so its affordable and incredibly charming, authentic and friendly. Each area is like its own small town.
Other changes the High Line was built. A huge draw to visit. The Whitey museum relocated from the upper east side to a magnificent location by the High Line. The meet packing district has been totally transformed. Sorry but you must have been living behind 4 walls and never ventured out to say something so ridiculous that NYC has not changed.
Other changes, finding affordable housing is challenging. Instead of 1 roommate people have 2, 3 or 4 and with 1 bathroom. Salaries have gone down since 2008. Most jobs are contracts offering no health insurance, no paid vacation no benefits at all and that's even for those with great degrees and experience. I worked at Citi Bank in the Ventures area. Of course right now with the virus we are all impacted.
Big picture after 20 years weighing all the options, and I have lived in San Fran, Colorado, Delaware, NYC, Italy, Paris and Japan, I feel NYC offers the best opportunities IF you can afford to get settled here which is challenging now because of the housing costs and limited good paying jobs.
Santa Fe, NM
re: Middle Class stay away -
6/12/2018I've never been. Getting ready to visit. Live in Manhattan. So I have no idea if what you say is true but, it probably is. Those with wealth always see things differently because they literally are seeing a different NYC, Paris, San Fran, Santa Fe. They are isolated into their little corner of wealth. I thought your piece was well written and funny as hell. I'm sure its all quite true. The part about the "type of art". Haven't been was I was thinking the same thing. Except for Georgia O'Keefe... I mean ....I live in NYC so of course I see the best art so when I hear Santa Fe boast about all their great art I'm thinking I'll have to see it to believe it. But that say I'm sure there's some excellent work, just not in abundance. Like Art Basel in Miami a lot of expensive trash for people with lots of new money, and no taste.
So funny, loved what you wrote just how you expressed your frustration.
Funny.
Gainesville, FL
re: Gainesville is not such a great place to live. -
2/20/2016I am sorry for your circumstances. But let's face it, bad mouthing Gainesville or anywhere because you are the working poor is only YOUR experience because of your financial situation. Being a working poor citiizen is not a good situation to be in NO MATTER where you live. Same on the US for not replacing manufacturing jobs, and not increasing the hourly wages. It takes a certain amount of money to be comfortable, secure and safe. Life always looks different when you have money. Seems you dont even have a car? Of COURSE you cant enjoy Florida. You MUST have a car. Bus system in Florida! Ha! Of COURSE there isnt public transport. Everyone knows that. Each area of the US has its own special strong and weak points. You must assess what works for you based on your personal economic situation. Sounds like you would do better in NYC. I live in Manhattan and go to Florida often. I love both places. I wish you all good things in getting settled into a situation that will support you.
New York, NY
re: Living in Brooklyn, NY - 9/2/2014 -
9/17/2014I hate to admit it (by the way I wrote the review just below his dated 9/2/2014 titled: "Update of my previous review dated 9/2/2014 from Laurie of NYC". I totally agree with every word NAT of Columbus Ohio said from 9/2/2014. I'm sorry folks but... its ALL true. And like he said if you live in Manhattan, you dont know the whole true picture of life in NYC because Manhattan is maintained better much MUCH better than Brooklyn, the Bronx or Queens. The mayor prioritizes city dollars to go to Manhattan to attract tourists ( to make a nice impression so they will be happy and spend their dollars here) and to keep the super wealthy happy. There are neighborhoods that have "come up" in the past few years in Brooklyn, the ones very close to Manhattan, Williamsburg among others that aren't bad, nice in fact.... (except the subway commute into Manhattan during rush hour will be hell) ...and people with money are flocking there.....so beware.....the rents and real estate prices there are MORE expensive than NYC now. In fact I have been told by realtors, if you need a mortgage, you cant afford Williamsburg. They have all cash offers there of 1Million plus. Lots of wealthy foreign buyers investing there.
All of NYC has become VERY crowded since 2010 and gets more so every year. People are frustrated and lash out much more than 5 years ago. The subway behavior can get nasty. Incomes are stagnant, jobs still hard to get, competition fierce and taxes very high.
That said people still want to try. I say fine if you are single, young and want the experience. NYC can have the highest highs, its fun, exciting, the energy in the air inspiring, .... until it isnt ...and nasty experiences begin to pile up and you say "what the "f" is this"!!! It's NYC.
As I said in my review, if you are tough, motivated, have lots of energy and are strong willed and/or have a top degree, top grades from a top school, have great connections before you come, or a killer resume and money in the bank... no problem. Money can buffer you from the harshness.
People who have been here 10+ years had it easier. They bought their places at a great price so they have a buffer. They are not paying current prices. The newcomers will be paying the current prices which is something you have to keep in mind also. So when someone who has lived here a long time says "oh its just great!"... ask them how much their mortgage is (yup we ask that stuff here LOL) or rent and what interest rate they are paying... 3 and 1/4 percent??? Those were they days.
Hope this helps.
Best,
Laurie
New York, NY
Update from my review of NYC written 11/20/2012 ab -
9/2/2014I just reviewed my review of NYC from 11/20/2012. Here it is 2 years later and can honestly say my review was "right on". Your experience of NYC depends of course on YOUR personality, your situation in life, and what is most important to you. NYC is for a certain type of person, a certain situation.
If you are a middle class family with 2 kids, I would NOT recommend NYC (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or Bronx) . If you have in income of at least $500,000 a year.. you might find Manhattan or Williamsburg (Brooklyn) interesting.
If you are single and young, you'll love it. Will open your eyes, your world, and when you are young, you can just squeeze into tiny places and share with 4 people LOL. By 26 though you will be sick of that arrangement. I do hear so so many young people complaining and discouraged about work opportunities and these are attractive, educated young people so this saddens me. Then there are the lucky ones to get something.
If you care most about personal space, and owning space, and being the king of your world and not interacting much with people except close old friends and family that will "affirm" you are loveable and special...NYC is probably NOT your place unless you have Millions. In NYC you have to prove yourself... again and again. It takes a very strong willed individual with a passion to achieve and surive in NYC to get what they want or at least something of what they want. You have to push relentlessly to get what you want. It may not be worth to you, but for some they NEED this rich environment of culture, music, the arts, innovative ideas and an atmosphere of creative. For some the just MUST have this kind of environment despite the hardships. I am one of those.
That said, yes, the job market is STILL tough. The competition is fierce but I am not sure the work environment is GREAT.... anywhere:( We are still in touch times for work opportunities.
Also housing has gotten more expensive than ever. This is a big change from 5 years ago. People are moving to West Harlem, Washington Heights and Innwood to try and escape the high rents. They were always high in NYC, but now it is much worse... and yet not much job opportunity.
Since I last wrote in 2012, the city has gotten much more crowded, job opportunities are a little better but companies, even big finace companies STILL want to hire consultants, temps to save themselves money. Terrible.
Note that you can commute from Long Island which is sooooooo charming. I LOVE Long Island and there are adorable communites, with nice friendly, family oriented people everywhere. The beach is close by. You can get a home or apt, literally across from the train stop. Easy commute, not expensive. So THAT is an option. You get the best of both worlds. Most middle class families commute from NJ and Long Island. These communities are close knit, very East Coast mentality, and friendly people.
I have sort of rambled all over the place but the summary is this:
NYC is very tough to get settled and get what you want. It can take 3-4 years to feel settled and get a job you'll be ok with.... but when you DO get the great place to live and great job with good salary... its the best place in the world for those to whom those things I mentioned above, culture etc, are important. For people who want MORE than just....being.....comfortable, NYC is rich.
New York, NY
If you live in NYC there are thousands of New York -
11/20/2012Depending 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.
New York, NY
Feedback from Akay's opinion from Brooklyn plus my -
10/15/2007Akay's views unfortunately are "right on". I have a love, and "not so loving" view of what NYC offers in terms of the “human connections”.
Akay's views about a lack of "legitimate relationships" and "lack of accountability" with personal relationships are right on.
Read Akay of Brooklyn’s entire review, it is excellent regarding the interpersonal aspects of life in the city.
To that I would add that NYC like everywhere is going through very stressful times because of the mortgage mess and the terrible impact that this is having on jobs now here. NYC has a huge percentage of its jobs vested in finance/Wall Street and those industries that support then.
I have been here 14years. I am East Coast but lived in Italy 5 yrs and San Fran 5 yrs. Before 2000 NYC was really fun, upbeat and positive. People felt opportunity was abundant. But then came the tech. stock market crash and then 9/11, then the war, and now the mortgage fiasco. All have changed life significantly but for the very rich. Tax law has even changed the “private equity” firms which were smaller, more fun and “hipper” than the larger firms and provided great perks and bonuses. All that has changed. Real estate up to 4 years ago was abundant and affordable. There were tons of studios in the best neighborhoods for $220,000. I saw a fabulous one with a private terrace for $175,000 across the street from Central Park. It sold in 2 days but...it existed. And these low prices were at 5.5 % interest rates.
Now, you are looking to spend $330 for the same studio with an mortgage rate of at least 6.5 which adds approx. $300 to your monthly mortgage payment in a job market that is depressed and wages have dropped rapidly since May 2007. In addition workers are being asked to take on more work and work longer hours than ever. But just try getting a job.
Unless you have a very special expertise, you are a superstar in your field or you have LOTS of extra cash and dont really need to work....wait a few years before moving to NYC unless you can live for free with someone. This is NOT the time to move here. This is a low period for the city. Everything goes through cycles and this is a low one and NYC is a tough place to be when times are tough. Additionally our mayor Bloomberg stated that due to the anticipated reduction in tax revenues due to Wall Streets woes and the the volume of Real Estate sales plummeting, the city will have less money to run it and therefore he has stated he will cut back on spending. NYC is NOT fun when a mayor stops spending on services. This affects transportation, street cleaning and lots of things that you will feel over time.
Overall, NYC is interesting, stimulating and there is a lot of opportunity. The trick is to move in when times are good and be well settled by the time bad times hit so you can ride it out with minimum pain.
Even in down times, if you are financially stable there’s lots to do for free. It’s not a “party” atmosphere now but the museums are great for beauty and introspection and perspective. The weather now is great for biking and walking. Did Central Park on the bike this Sunday. The leaves are starting to change and the park was full of people enjoying the changing of the seasons. The west side along the Hudson from Wall St. up to 150 street is full of bike paths, restaurants, cafe’s and natural beauty. Very San Fran. “like” by the water. NYC is hundreds of small little “villages” so just doing food shopping is fun. You feel connected to your neighborhood, you run into neighbors and chat, pat their dog, play with their baby then finish your shopping. That “village” life is what is so special about NYC. Also it is always best enjoyed with a partner. Being single except for the very young, 20-26, is not much fun at all. You want someone to enjoy and share things with and there lots to share and enjoy in NYC.