20 THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY
After living in New York City for 4.5 years now, I have learned a thing or two when it comes to everyday life in the city. Overall, I’ve had pretty good luck here. But that’s not to say that there hasn’t been hard days in between. Living in New York City requires you to accept the good with the bad. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Prior to moving to New York City, I read countless articles and blogs about what to expect when living in the city. And I even got some advice from my best friend. Although I did find some of my research to be helpful. It’s one of those things where some people will only share the lows living in New York and others will ONLY share the highs. But the reality is, nothing can prepare you more than experiencing it for yourself.
So, if you’re considering making the move to NYC, or maybe just curious about what it’s REALLY like to call this city home. Here is some insight on living in New York City.
Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative
Your apartment will NOT be like the ones you’ve seen on tv shows. It will be small, very small. Think full size bed up against a wall, small.
You will always be running 15 mins late. Train traffic is a real thing.
During your commute, you’ll learn how to master walking, texting & eating a meal all at the same time. You will master ‘on the go’ life.
Everyday is an adventure on the Subway. Whether it’s a homeless person begging for money, Showtime performers or drunk people yelling at you. Honestly, some days you don’t even notice it as much.
Summer in the city is hot, humid and sometimes smelly. But we embrace it anyway because we have waterfront views, rooftop cocktails and beaches galore to cool off at.
Even in a city of 8.6 million people, there will often be times you feel extremely lonely and isolated. Everyone experiences this at some point and time.
You will fall in love with the city over and over again when you least expect it.
Doing your laundry is no longer a luxury, but rather a chore. And requires lots of quarters.
Living in a walk-up apartment is fine until you have to go grocery shopping or carry your laundry, or move In/Out. Actually it’s not fine, it’s a lot of stairs and heavy breathing mostly.
You will cry on the Subway at least once. Some people will even say that you’re NOT a real New Yorker until this happens.
You’ll know you’ve made it when you have an elevator, doorman and laundry in your building.
Dating in New York is like playing the lottery. But hey, just think of all the fun stories you can tell your friends and FREE drinks you can consume.
Nothing will get you more excited than finding out the NEW Trader Joe’s is opening up in your neighborhood.
Friendships are harder to maintain in the city and often revolve around meeting up for brunch or cocktails. Everyone is constantly busy, therefore it takes a little more effort to hang out in person regularly.
You will jump at the opportunity to escape the city at any given chance. However, you will be even more excited to return.
Friends and family will frequently give their unsolicited opinion on how they could NEVER live in New York City. But you better believe they will want to stay with you when they come to visit.
The Subway is the best way to get around New York. Unless it’s late night, spend the extra money on the cab or Uber.
In New York, it’s all about WHO you know. Never turn down an opportunity to network or meet new people. You never know when you might need to utilize that contact.
Only in New York, can you feel like you’ve traveled the world by just visiting a new neighborhood or a different borough.
NYC will constantly remind you just how expensive it is to live here. (Hello ridiculous rent, overpriced cocktails and expensive groceries) But you’ll do it anyway. Why?! Because you live in the greatest city of all, that’s why.
Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative
Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative
I hope this helps gives a little more insight on everyday life in the city. Living in New York really is an experience like non other. Even on the hard days, you’ll look up at the skyline and immediately feel like it’s all worth it, just to call this place home.
"Once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough." — John Steinbeck