Feedback from Akay's opinion from Brooklyn plus my
-
10/15/2007
Akay'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.
Laurie | Midtown East, NY