I was born and raised in NYC, so maybe it is time for me to leave. I lived here until college, when I moved to Philadelphia. During that time, I experienced a love-hate relationship with my hometown.
In Philly, I saw a different kind of city. It is not a place that people are clamoring to get into, living on top of each other, and making huge sacrifices to remain in. During Christmas & Summer breaks, I'd go back to NYC, and while I loved the energy of the city, I hated the rush-hour subway commutes. I also didn't like the fact that all the friends I had known growing up were still living with their parents, because they could not afford rent.
After graduation, I decided to move back home after much deliberation. The main reason for my move back was because I was seeking a good job in my field, exhibit/industrial design. It seemed like there were far more opportunities in NYC for that.
The other two reasons were personal; my boyfriend of a year lived in NYC (where we met), my (single) mom wanted me close.
Why are you leaving NYC?
I have slowly been realizing that I do not need to live in NYC. I never found a full time, steady job, in fact I stopped looking for one. While the city did provide many professional opportunities for me, I have channeled them into developing a business. And of course, owning a business brings a new set of considerations. Money, time, efficiency, were suddenly at the forefront of my mind.
Also, NYC has gotten TOO popular and crowded for my tastes. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I am tired of all the trendsetting young professionals, brunching on Sunday and at a club or bar every night of the week. Now, people don't look where they are walking, they will stand in a group across the sidewalk, blankly staring at you speeding towards them while you look for an opening.
When I was younger (early 90's) NYC still had an edge. That meant people were cautious on the subway, hid their valuables, but still were friendly with their neighbors. I remember thinking, as a 12 year old, that New Yorkers really were nice, despite everyone's suspicions. But now, I have no interest in meeting most of the people who call themselves New Yorkers.
My boyfriend lives in a building on the LES, and it is home to two different types of residents. The first is Chinese families, who have lived in the building for generations, have 4-5 individuals in one apartment, often only the younger ones speaking English. The second group of people are young professionals, probably not native NYers, but who have come here to make it big in their career and have a ridiculously fun social life in the process. Strangely enough, I barely ever get a hello or nod from the 2nd group, yet even the Chinese grandfathers who do not speak English are incredibly friendly and jovial with me. It's an odd feeling to be alienated from the neighbors who I have more in common with.
I have slowly been realizing that NYC is ideal for the wealthy. If you have money, you can live comfortably, in a large apartment with a view, chauffer, and fine dining. This lets you escape the drudgery that most of us face on a daily basis. I think that most people can put up with all the negatives of NYC for a while, but eventually, the city wears them down and weens us out.
I have slowly been realizing that I do not need to live in NYC. I never found a full time, steady job, in fact I stopped looking for one. While the city did provide many professional opportunities for me, I have channeled them into developing a business. And of course, owning a business brings a new set of considerations. Money, time, efficiency, were suddenly at the forefront of my mind.
Also, NYC has gotten TOO popular and crowded for my tastes. At the risk of sounding pretentious, I am tired of all the trendsetting young professionals, brunching on Sunday and at a club or bar every night of the week. Now, people don't look where they are walking, they will stand in a group across the sidewalk, blankly staring at you speeding towards them while you look for an opening.
When I was younger (early 90's) NYC still had an edge. That meant people were cautious on the subway, hid their valuables, but still were friendly with their neighbors. I remember thinking, as a 12 year old, that New Yorkers really were nice, despite everyone's suspicions. But now, I have no interest in meeting most of the people who call themselves New Yorkers.
My boyfriend lives in a building on the LES, and it is home to two different types of residents. The first is Chinese families, who have lived in the building for generations, have 4-5 individuals in one apartment, often only the younger ones speaking English. The second group of people are young professionals, probably not native NYers, but who have come here to make it big in their career and have a ridiculously fun social life in the process. Strangely enough, I barely ever get a hello or nod from the 2nd group, yet even the Chinese grandfathers who do not speak English are incredibly friendly and jovial with me. It's an odd feeling to be alienated from the neighbors who I have more in common with.
I have slowly been realizing that NYC is ideal for the wealthy. If you have money, you can live comfortably, in a large apartment with a view, chauffer, and fine dining. This lets you escape the drudgery that most of us face on a daily basis. I think that most people can put up with all the negatives of NYC for a while, but eventually, the city wears them down and weens us out.
Where are you moving to?
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Why did you choose that location?
My work requires space. I've tried to circumvent it, I've tried to decrease clutter. But the fact is, I need power tools, materials, and a stock of items I can access for work. The artist loft that I could rent in NYC is $4,000 a month, would be in Philly for $1,200. Of course, there's a reason for that. NYC is where most people want to be, and Philly is not. But I don't need an impressive address to get clients. I tried moving to Jersey City for less rent and more space, but it still wasn't enough. After I saw several homes of friends in Philly and the benefits of so much space, it was a quick decision to move there.
There is also a huge artist community in Philly. It is legitimately cheap (not Williamsburg cheap) and many people see resources there that NYC has already depleted.
I really look forward to having a backyard, more space than I need, and the opportunity to eventually own property.
My work requires space. I've tried to circumvent it, I've tried to decrease clutter. But the fact is, I need power tools, materials, and a stock of items I can access for work. The artist loft that I could rent in NYC is $4,000 a month, would be in Philly for $1,200. Of course, there's a reason for that. NYC is where most people want to be, and Philly is not. But I don't need an impressive address to get clients. I tried moving to Jersey City for less rent and more space, but it still wasn't enough. After I saw several homes of friends in Philly and the benefits of so much space, it was a quick decision to move there.
There is also a huge artist community in Philly. It is legitimately cheap (not Williamsburg cheap) and many people see resources there that NYC has already depleted.
I really look forward to having a backyard, more space than I need, and the opportunity to eventually own property.
What will you miss LEAST about NYC?
Rent, lack of space, overcrowding and the subway's heat during summer
Rent, lack of space, overcrowding and the subway's heat during summer
What will you miss MOST about NYC?
Several great food options a stone's throw away, seeing people whenever I walk out the door, and 24 hour subway service
All Images, Courtesy of the Artist - please visit www.spacecakenyc.com for more information.
Several great food options a stone's throw away, seeing people whenever I walk out the door, and 24 hour subway service
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