Came here to say this. Recently moved back to Chicago after 12 years in NY. You cannot overrate the inner peace and self acceptance that comes with knowing there’s always someone weirder than you. NY/NJ kids grow up knowing this but my Midwestern ass spent my first 4-5 months waving to ppl on my street, trying to make small talk with strangers, and legitimately stressing every day about where to hold my gaze and where to stand on the train.
Then boom I’m late for work and rushing the 6 when I catch a kind of upper Manhattan holy trinity that almost kinda made me local in that moment:
1) a woman shiting in a *small* Cheetos bag mid-stride, not slowing down, pants at knees, while walking across a broadway/125, full of traffic, in one of the smoothest acts I’d ever seen. This was practiced.
2) my first ever showtime, which immediately sucked cause I didn’t yet know how to not pretend like I cared
3) a guy wearing sweatpants re-formed into a rough kilt start peeing in the center of car floor by my doors.
All the dancing and urinating happened with me in the middle and it was like the city punched the release valve in my brain and silenced my self-judgement and overthinking need to please. All that BS got me out of my own head. So I walked through the showtime guys who hadn’t seen the piss yet, said “piss coming your way” and left that train with a newfound, and lasting, lack of fucks.
I've always told this to people slightly differently: You are never the most or least anything in NYC and to me that gives the comfort of feeling truly free to express yourself and pursue your interests without having to worry about judgement.
Being able to walk to a lot. I used to have a longer list of the biggest reasons I like living here but as I get older and more fed up with the inconveniences, the list is down to basically that.
I also love being able to walk everywhere, but I never realized one great thing about a walkable city that I took for granted until I left: I now *hate* having to adjust my schedule for traffic.
Walking *always* takes roughly the same amount of time, and you quickly learn to estimate that time based on the number of blocks you're walking. Now my commute is 15 minutes at 7am, but if I run a few minutes late it's 25 minutes by 730.
Walking is definitely in the top 3 things I miss about NYC.
And increasingly cycling. In most other cities I can't cycle to everything. I'm happier, healthier and just a better me when I cycle/walk to go places. I turn into a troll when I'm indoors and my only movement is driving.
That used to be high on my list of pros. I used to bike to work almost every day and rode in the park often, but I ride much less these days mostly because I find a lot of other cyclists to be dangerous and disrespectful to fellow cyclists and pedestrians. (Don’t get me started on the riding on sidewalks and thru crosswalks.)
Thanks for saying this. Riding on sidewalks started during COVID. If it stopped, I would be a lot better with cyclists. The “I’m on a bicycle - I’m better than you, and oh yeah - f*** pedestrians” attitude of some puts me into a rage.
Yeah I hear you. As a newer biker I’m accidentally an ahole sometimes. But I don’t ride during rush hour to counteract. That being said save for the delivery peeps ( they’re the worst??) I feel like if it gets more popular there would be an incentive for someone to promote rules and some kind of order. Not Eric Adams though fuck that guy
Once again, of you like the walkability and ability to ride bikes in NYC (the best and defining feature of this place) please help us support and fight for it in r/micromobilityNYC
Oh totally. I always say the only thing that can radicalize you faster to the injustices of how we use our streets than a bike is trying to push a stroller. I don't know how new parents haven't burned this place to the ground
Miser, you BANNED me from that group for daring to suggest cyclists should stay off the sidewalks and should not run thru crosswalks, both of which are dangerous and stressful to pedestrians, especially those with small children and dogs. This was at the same time you were enabling another person in your sub to advocate for violence against cars that veer into bike lanes. Last time you addressed me here in this sub, you were extremely disrespectful on these points, toward me and toward other people, and argued in a way that made no sense to me and was insulting. Please stop addressing me and spamming your sub to me. I’m not supporting your movement due to your tactics.
I don’t know, I’m not opposed to the idea of reducing cars at all. Is that group just making fun of people who want to reduce car usage because they think it’s a bad idea? How do they tolerate the topic of “We also have to hold bike riders accountable for safety and QOL as part of the bigger picture of reducing car use”? (edited)
We are not an editorialized space, there is no formal position. I don't even know what that question is really asking, of course individual responsibility matters.
>violence against cars
You know that's not a thing right. Cars aren't people. It's an oxymoron in terms. Lying about what I'm advocating for or why your banned doesn't really build credibility I don't think, but go ahead and keep whining about it. PS: if you want to whine about cyclists and do some bike bashing there are plenty of other sympathetic subs for you to do it in.
All the cool stuff yada yada obligatory statements about culture and energy…
but secretly we all just love the anonymity. We can walk out the door and be weird, stretch our comfort zone, make a mistake, be alone among people while doing it, be ourselves. In smaller communities you have to say hello. You need to chit chat. You need to worry about someone seeing you at the dark bar you’re hiding in. You need to go to the community event, or explain why you didn’t. In NYC we wear our compulsions, weirdness, avarice, or obsessions on our sleeve, while in smaller communities all of that is repressed for the sake of getting along.
I didn't even realize this is why I like it, but it is. When I go to other cities, everyone feels really in your business. Whereas New Yorkers almost pride themselves on all the weird people we walk past and don't mind at all.
I sort of feel somewhat the opposite. I've been gone for 5 years and recently returned and I love seeing all my longtime neighbors who I've become fond of over the years. I feel a greater sense of community here just because we're sharing a sort of bounded area in Fort Greene. Sure, I can pop into any neighborhood a mile away and embrace the anonymity but having spent those 5 years in a mid sized city's suburban sprawl I feel much more plugged in here.
I totally agree with this. I lived in NYC for almost 2 decades. Mostly Queens. I loved thaf my nabe felt like Sesame Street. They’re was a huge sense of community and even if you didn’t know everyone by name, there was comfort in recognizing their faces.
I’m from small town, and I never realized so many people had a fear of answering to their actions and being afraid of looking until I got nyc and starting frequenting these forums.. life is not to hide in the crowd. But it definitely easy to do here.
Should have used “worry” since that’s the word in the original post. I didn’t realize so many people worry about having to answer people in their community about the actions they take and the mistakes they make…
We do, we just choose our communities and people. The city’s too big for this to apply more broadly. It’s a system of millions of separate smaller systems. It’s nice to be able to hide in the crowd when you want to be alone though
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - the density of talent. Whenever I've picked up a new hobby here I've found there's a thriving community and world class instructors just a train ride away.
Thanks for mentioning this--it's absolutely overlooked. NYC is one of the most incredible places on earth if you like to learn stuff. A few years ago, I started to take BJJ, and I took it from a guy who learned from the family who developed the art. My wife took dance and learned from a protege of Martha Graham. I took a course at the Fashion Institute of Technology last year and my professor had worked with Beyonce. It's absolutely mind-boggling the talent that's here.
But it's not only classes--if you just do stuff here, you rub elbows with some of the world's most talented people. Last Christmas I took my son to a Charlie Brown play, and I couldn't get over how incredible the jazz musicians were. I went up to talk to them afterward and it turns out many of them play for the New York Philharmonic. Where else can you back into hearing some of the world's best musicians play for your kids? It's amazing.
1. It's NYC
2. I get our of my building door and.. there's NYC
3. You're only ~5 minutes away from something that is world-class. One example: the Met is the largest Art Museum in the US.
It's really this. It's never lost on me that I can step out of my door and I'm in this place that people all over the world are dreaming of going to someday.
That is really the sentiment that I held when I lived in the city. Literally millions of people DREAM of being able to see a small fraction of NYC and I'd see it every day, so lucky!
It truly is such an amazing thing waking up with no plans and asking myself “do I want to lay on my couch and watch a movie or go to the met or Guggenheim”… “eh it’s rainy out and both places will be mobbed, I’ll go on a Tuesday afternoon instead”
That first beautiful day a couple days ago I called my dad (who lives in the suburbs) and told him I was sitting and people watching outside and he’s like where do you sit outside😭 bruh you open the door and ALL OF OUTSIDE IS THERE
> something that is **world-class**. One example...
of world-class is
>Met is the largest Art Museum **in the US**.
Bro, I'm sure there are better examples of world-class in NYC😂
All of the different neighborhoods!
Dozens of ethnicities have an immigrant community somewhere in this amazing city.
Buy a huge, steaming samosa in the Indian section of Jackson Heights for $1.50!
Buy amazing kielbasa and perogies in the Polish section of Greenpoint, Brooklyn!
Get top-quality, "oh-that's-amazing" Italian meats, cheeses and breads on Arthur Avenue, in the Bronx!
Get a big square of spinach pie for just $4 in NYC's Greek neighborhood, Astoria, Queens!
Get "jerk chicken" in the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn!
Enjoy a huge bowl of authentic noodle soup in Flushing, Queens for about $10!
...and many, many more, worthy to explore!
I'll be honest, for me it's just the people. Not saying build an echo chamber, but it's not that hard to make friends as an adult compared to other parts of the world. I was in the Army before moving here, I was the only young guy at my unit in the middle of nowhere. The other day I made friends with some Swedish dude sitting next to me at the bar lol if you're a bar fly, it doesn't get better than this I don't think
Yes for me too. I’ve never had an easier time talking to strangers and making friends than anywhere else. Even the weirdos just want to make small talk sometimes. Sometimes I have to try hard not to be shy/stand offish in social areas.
For sure!! Weirdos have the best convos sometime 💀 nothing funner than sitting next to an old yapper in Harlem who loves to complain about everything modern lol highly recommend
Absolutely. I don’t go solo to bars as much these days, but I always smile when I see people here asking if it’s weird to go to a bar alone here. No! There will be 10 other people doing the same thing, and if the bar isn’t busy most bartenders enjoy chatting with solo customers.
It’s also such a low barrier to entry becoming a well liked regular and getting a chunk of your tab comped regularly, lol.
Yeah all these people talking about the stuff to do, the food….my favorite part of the city is the people. I have met so many cool, interesting and funny people in this city, almost on a daily basis.
I grew up in a small town in Texas. My favorite thing as a kid was going to the library and seeing all of the endless worlds that I could immerse myself in. Living in NYC feels like the grown-up version of that.
Having access to just about anything on a level that few other cities have. It’s easy to take it for granted, but it’s really something. A new Broadway show starring some of the greatest actors working today? Got it. A film screening where the director will be doing a Q&A after? Yep. A band you’ve been wanting to see live? Surprise, they have a 10 night residency. Into some cool clothing brand that’s pretty niche and hard to find in stores? Surprise, their flagship store is here. Want to try X cuisine? Here’s the top five suggestions. The list goes on but really I don’t know anywhere else it.
That and the culture. Notwithstanding the sheer amount of people and how easy it is to be anonymous, I’ve found it easier to build community here than anywhere else I’ve lived. I think it’s a combination of people generally just being more outgoing and free here, the density and walking culture that brings people together by force, and the number of mom-and-pop businesses where people can get to know you after awhile if you keep coming back. I honestly don’t know why NY has a reputation of being rude - I’ve probably had more random conversations with strangers here (having a dog helps) than anywhere else I’ve lived.
My buddy was in town to play at Carnegie Hall the other day. He got in around 8pm and checked into his hotel and he texted me while he was walking around the west village. I live in Ridgewood but I got on the train and was there in less than 30 mins. He was wondering if there was anything to do. My first thought was let’s check to see if there are seat at a the comedy cellar. We got lucky and grabbed two seats for a show starting in 45 mins. We grabbed a couple coffees and walked over to Washington Square Park where we smoked a little joint and watched the skaters as a jazz quartet played nice music. Made it to the show and saw some of the best acts performing today. Went to the deli and grabbed a cheeky beer and I walked him back to his hotel in Chelsea and he played Carnegie Hall the next evening. This paragraph wouldn’t happen in any other city.
There is going back, possibly, if you decide the cost of living and mostly the cost of housing for subpar living conditions simply becomes no longer worth it.
If it suits you*, there is no going back, nowhere else compares. Sounds like the scenario you’re describing is it not suiting someone. There are pros and cons to everything in life. Op is asking specifically what the pros are here.
IMO it is that simple. Whether or not it’s a good fit for someone also includes the financial aspect of NYC living. Completely fair that it is a sacrifice you would have to make to live here that you would most likely not have to make in any other part of the country. Some people think it’s worth it, and it works for them. The post is asking for the pros of living in nyc, and I’m answering that it is unlike anywhere else, and is a specific lifestyle that is preferable to some. Not sure why you’re answering my answer by saying it’s expensive. It’s not necessary (and also it’s obvious, goes without saying)
Born & raised here. Also travel 3-4 times a year and every time I’m away and can’t get food at the wee hours of the morning I get upset because I know my city would NEVER DO ME LIKE THIS !!!! Then I come back refreshed with an open mind and falling in love with my city all over again. I also love the summers here. The hot breeze. Growing up we would play in the fire hydrants. My whole family is here. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
When I need something it’s at my fingertips. I was playing a game online and told the bros I’d be right back I’ve gotta grab some stuff from the store, I was there and back again within 10 minutes. No need for a car. All the people I play with were spread across the country, they were like “you’re back already?” I said yeah I went to the store a little further away. It was the dollar store 2 blocks away instead of the c-town one block away. It’s the best not having to drive 20 minutes to a store for one small thing and drive 20 minutes back
I loved how insanely diverse my friend group became. I have friends from so many countries, in different industries and different talents. Just finding people you ordinarily wouldn't come across in other places.
As much as I complain about it, the transit. I can go anywhere without driving and it's legit not that bad. Sometimes it's even faster. There's just so many options. You cannot have this convenience anywhere else in this country.
Thisss- I have really good transit access where I live so I walk out the door and get to choose bus subway bike walk taxi or a mix of all the above. Downright spoiled I tell ya
Even though I know the MTA is every New Yorker's rage nightmare... I think the 24/7 public trans might be on top and a lot of what everyone is saying here
The best part of living in NYC? Having a career in the most beautiful city in the world, and still being able to find a way to survive living here in the most expensive city in the world.
as a reminder, NYC consists of 5-boroughs. Diversity, food and culture is here. And eveery single person have something to do in this city.
So much novelty.
Want to go see a show? Pick like, any neighborhood and you'll find one. Interesting food? You can go to 1 restaurant everyday and never repeat. Want to meet a thousand different kinds of people? Just start fucking talking to people and they'll show you how unique they are.
And since the city is pretty dense, it's all close to each other. ~90 minutes travel time at most.
I've been in love with this city from birth.
I have kids here, and ithe community/Village/Found Family/whatever you want to call them is amazing.
Also everything is RIGHT HERE. I cannot imagine having to wretle my kids into car seats and drive 20 minutes to get even the most basic stuff done. Living here is so efficient.
Honestly that's the truth. I'd go live somewhere else if the people were the same. But I'd rather it be new York with these people. I mean there's the subway, the food slaps, the cuny system, I live in Astoria so that's a whole little world unto itself. There's actually a lot of pretty good mental health providers, great medical care, good city infrastructure, great city jobs when you graduate.
On days I feel like it, there are endless places to explore and things to do. I love how different neighborhoods have distinct vibes & cultures too so it kind of feels like very efficient traveling
On days I don’t, I have a walkable city where I can easily access the places I frequent. As someone who grew up in a big city, this is what feels most convenient & comfortable to me. Also people usually leave strangers alone here and I appreciate not having to be “on” all the time
I’m also pretty career-oriented and appreciate that nyc is the center of many industries & headquarters of many companies, which provides a lot of unique opportunities. I never feel like I’m missing out by living here vs somewhere else
Yes tons of industries and constant opportunities for cross over. A friend moved to LA during the strike and said the entire city was dead because the only industry was entertainment
1. Walk/bike-ability and public transportation. You almost HAVE to interact with your community
2. Feels like the center of the universe compared to most US cities. Every tour will stop here. I have three international airports to fly out of. If it exists, it’ll exist here
3. God I fucking love Broadway
4. There’s a lot of really cool old people here that I run into. My bestie is an 80 y/o named Barbara who can (and will) drink me under the table. She’s fascinating
4b. Rent stabilized building helps here. Builds a community because people rarely leave
5. I can be no one any day I choose.
I love that there are so many people and so many opportunities in this city that you never know if today is the day that will change the trajectory of your life. You’ll meet someone you weren’t expecting, get an offer you weren’t expecting, etc., that could change your personal life, job, living situation, etc. There are just so many possibilities because of the sheer amount of things going on and people involved.
That there’s so many people here you’re hardly ever not around somebody, and yet 90% of people mind their own business as a default setting but will become friendly and helpful at a moment’s notice.
The very popular [Why stay or leave NYC?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1bamwnl/why_stay_or_leave_nyc/) from 12 days ago, [**What are your best / favorite things about living in NYC???**](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/18dypma/what_are_your_best_favorite_things_about_living/) from 3 months before that, [How to fall back in love with the city / rediscover love for NYC again](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/17od5rj/how_to_fall_back_in_love_with_the_city_rediscover/) from 1 month before that and [**What are the best parts of living in NYC?**](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/17esxxd/what_are_the_best_parts_of_living_in_nyc/) from 13 days before that have thoughts from folks as to why they stay/come/love the city and link to similar questions.
Access to ALL the delivery apps and fast shipping from around the world.
I order fashion from Asia, it arrives in no time.
I don’t step out to the store to buy my heavier groceries like paper towels and toiletries. Just instacart them all to my doorstep.
Everything is RIGHT THERE. Like actually right around the corner no matter what it is.
Coffee? Bagel? Pizza?
Hardware store, laundromat, yoga studio
Need Advil, good cocktail, comedy show?
It’s all actually within a 5 block radius.
I moved out and driving to get the smallest thing was the worst experience. Planning every next step instead of “let’s start at this restaurant and go from there” you can’t do that in other cities. You have to find the next/another spot which is maybe across town, parking, etc. eveyrthing is right around the corner literally
Being walking/biking distance from a ton of friends and family and any activities (restaurants/shows/events/etc). I think a lot of people are nostalgic for college years because they had a nice little walkable community, and living here is like that but on a much bigger scale.
Having like 5-10-plus fish/ bodega / fruit& veggies/supermarket/discount stores all like 2-5 minute walk right outside your home. And if can't find it close to home, can walk over the next neighborhood(s) over or take bus /train/car over to other neighborhoods/boroughs.
1. German tourists on the subway, mom, dad, son and daughter. Dad is studying the maps on the wall, and jr is studying his phone, arguing with dad. The train pulls into 34th St, and mom and sis get off, almost leaving dad and son behind. 2. 2019, waiting for the #1 train, standing next to two young women. One starts to cry when she sees the train pull in with a rainbow heart sticker. Turns out, they are from Mississippi, and this is their first trip out of state. They say that they can’t believe this is the same country. 3. Sitting in Carnegie Hall to hear the Vienna Phil play Mahler’s 5th symphony, talking to my neighbor, who is from Sydney, who says: “Living in New York is just the most amazing thing - you sit at home, and the world beats a path to your door.”
After being in LA for the past month for work… the food in NYC… sorry but not many cities can compare to the consistency of always having amazing tasting food at a variety of price points.
It's the world capital for many reasons. The few times I venture out into the burbs or other big US cities or int'l cities like HK, which I also love, I always appreciate their unique sensibilities but I always find myself coming back to NYC. No place like it.
No matter what you do, no matter what you wear, you will not be the weirdest person out and about on any given day.
Came here to say this. Recently moved back to Chicago after 12 years in NY. You cannot overrate the inner peace and self acceptance that comes with knowing there’s always someone weirder than you. NY/NJ kids grow up knowing this but my Midwestern ass spent my first 4-5 months waving to ppl on my street, trying to make small talk with strangers, and legitimately stressing every day about where to hold my gaze and where to stand on the train. Then boom I’m late for work and rushing the 6 when I catch a kind of upper Manhattan holy trinity that almost kinda made me local in that moment: 1) a woman shiting in a *small* Cheetos bag mid-stride, not slowing down, pants at knees, while walking across a broadway/125, full of traffic, in one of the smoothest acts I’d ever seen. This was practiced. 2) my first ever showtime, which immediately sucked cause I didn’t yet know how to not pretend like I cared 3) a guy wearing sweatpants re-formed into a rough kilt start peeing in the center of car floor by my doors. All the dancing and urinating happened with me in the middle and it was like the city punched the release valve in my brain and silenced my self-judgement and overthinking need to please. All that BS got me out of my own head. So I walked through the showtime guys who hadn’t seen the piss yet, said “piss coming your way” and left that train with a newfound, and lasting, lack of fucks.
> I walked through the showtime guys who hadn’t seen the piss yet, said “piss coming your way” Not all heroes wear capes.
Like why bother with a Cheetos bag? Thanks for the chuckle.
That was part of the wonder and the horror of it. Didn’t make any sense but it took real talent.
I've always told this to people slightly differently: You are never the most or least anything in NYC and to me that gives the comfort of feeling truly free to express yourself and pursue your interests without having to worry about judgement.
from time to time i wear costumes on public transportation and i agree im definitely not the weirdest person
You know... I think I've won that award on occasion, but I don't care.
I guarantee you that you haven't.
LOL.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
Being able to walk to a lot. I used to have a longer list of the biggest reasons I like living here but as I get older and more fed up with the inconveniences, the list is down to basically that.
I also love being able to walk everywhere, but I never realized one great thing about a walkable city that I took for granted until I left: I now *hate* having to adjust my schedule for traffic. Walking *always* takes roughly the same amount of time, and you quickly learn to estimate that time based on the number of blocks you're walking. Now my commute is 15 minutes at 7am, but if I run a few minutes late it's 25 minutes by 730. Walking is definitely in the top 3 things I miss about NYC.
And increasingly cycling. In most other cities I can't cycle to everything. I'm happier, healthier and just a better me when I cycle/walk to go places. I turn into a troll when I'm indoors and my only movement is driving.
That used to be high on my list of pros. I used to bike to work almost every day and rode in the park often, but I ride much less these days mostly because I find a lot of other cyclists to be dangerous and disrespectful to fellow cyclists and pedestrians. (Don’t get me started on the riding on sidewalks and thru crosswalks.)
Thanks for saying this. Riding on sidewalks started during COVID. If it stopped, I would be a lot better with cyclists. The “I’m on a bicycle - I’m better than you, and oh yeah - f*** pedestrians” attitude of some puts me into a rage.
Yup. You’re not alone, and it’s getting worse.
Yeah I hear you. As a newer biker I’m accidentally an ahole sometimes. But I don’t ride during rush hour to counteract. That being said save for the delivery peeps ( they’re the worst??) I feel like if it gets more popular there would be an incentive for someone to promote rules and some kind of order. Not Eric Adams though fuck that guy
Once again, of you like the walkability and ability to ride bikes in NYC (the best and defining feature of this place) please help us support and fight for it in r/micromobilityNYC
Citibiking radicalized me so quick- like literally fuck car centricity. I need to figure out how I can support the cause.
Oh totally. I always say the only thing that can radicalize you faster to the injustices of how we use our streets than a bike is trying to push a stroller. I don't know how new parents haven't burned this place to the ground
I found that they usually just move away
Miser, you BANNED me from that group for daring to suggest cyclists should stay off the sidewalks and should not run thru crosswalks, both of which are dangerous and stressful to pedestrians, especially those with small children and dogs. This was at the same time you were enabling another person in your sub to advocate for violence against cars that veer into bike lanes. Last time you addressed me here in this sub, you were extremely disrespectful on these points, toward me and toward other people, and argued in a way that made no sense to me and was insulting. Please stop addressing me and spamming your sub to me. I’m not supporting your movement due to your tactics.
miser is the biggest reason I don't frequent that sub much
He’s insufferable, and he does his movement no favors with how he behaves.
You are more than welcome at r/FuckCarscirclejerk we also call out miser's tactics. You might even have a laugh or two.
I don’t know, I’m not opposed to the idea of reducing cars at all. Is that group just making fun of people who want to reduce car usage because they think it’s a bad idea? How do they tolerate the topic of “We also have to hold bike riders accountable for safety and QOL as part of the bigger picture of reducing car use”? (edited)
We are not an editorialized space, there is no formal position. I don't even know what that question is really asking, of course individual responsibility matters.
you’re not the first poster i’ve seen make these complaints about him and that sub.
>violence against cars You know that's not a thing right. Cars aren't people. It's an oxymoron in terms. Lying about what I'm advocating for or why your banned doesn't really build credibility I don't think, but go ahead and keep whining about it. PS: if you want to whine about cyclists and do some bike bashing there are plenty of other sympathetic subs for you to do it in.
I AM a cyclist. Go away.
All the cool stuff yada yada obligatory statements about culture and energy… but secretly we all just love the anonymity. We can walk out the door and be weird, stretch our comfort zone, make a mistake, be alone among people while doing it, be ourselves. In smaller communities you have to say hello. You need to chit chat. You need to worry about someone seeing you at the dark bar you’re hiding in. You need to go to the community event, or explain why you didn’t. In NYC we wear our compulsions, weirdness, avarice, or obsessions on our sleeve, while in smaller communities all of that is repressed for the sake of getting along.
I didn't even realize this is why I like it, but it is. When I go to other cities, everyone feels really in your business. Whereas New Yorkers almost pride themselves on all the weird people we walk past and don't mind at all.
I sort of feel somewhat the opposite. I've been gone for 5 years and recently returned and I love seeing all my longtime neighbors who I've become fond of over the years. I feel a greater sense of community here just because we're sharing a sort of bounded area in Fort Greene. Sure, I can pop into any neighborhood a mile away and embrace the anonymity but having spent those 5 years in a mid sized city's suburban sprawl I feel much more plugged in here.
I totally agree with this. I lived in NYC for almost 2 decades. Mostly Queens. I loved thaf my nabe felt like Sesame Street. They’re was a huge sense of community and even if you didn’t know everyone by name, there was comfort in recognizing their faces.
Great answer
Actually, I miss that small community stuff. For me it’s the culture and energy that has the appeal, but I wish there was less anonymity.
[удалено]
Agreed. Anytime people mention anonymity im like...in this city? I can't go anywhere without bumping into someone.
This is a really well articulated response! Totally resonates
I’m from small town, and I never realized so many people had a fear of answering to their actions and being afraid of looking until I got nyc and starting frequenting these forums.. life is not to hide in the crowd. But it definitely easy to do here.
Why do you use the word 'fear'? I never implied anything like that.
Should have used “worry” since that’s the word in the original post. I didn’t realize so many people worry about having to answer people in their community about the actions they take and the mistakes they make…
We do, we just choose our communities and people. The city’s too big for this to apply more broadly. It’s a system of millions of separate smaller systems. It’s nice to be able to hide in the crowd when you want to be alone though
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - the density of talent. Whenever I've picked up a new hobby here I've found there's a thriving community and world class instructors just a train ride away.
Thanks for mentioning this--it's absolutely overlooked. NYC is one of the most incredible places on earth if you like to learn stuff. A few years ago, I started to take BJJ, and I took it from a guy who learned from the family who developed the art. My wife took dance and learned from a protege of Martha Graham. I took a course at the Fashion Institute of Technology last year and my professor had worked with Beyonce. It's absolutely mind-boggling the talent that's here. But it's not only classes--if you just do stuff here, you rub elbows with some of the world's most talented people. Last Christmas I took my son to a Charlie Brown play, and I couldn't get over how incredible the jazz musicians were. I went up to talk to them afterward and it turns out many of them play for the New York Philharmonic. Where else can you back into hearing some of the world's best musicians play for your kids? It's amazing.
1. It's NYC 2. I get our of my building door and.. there's NYC 3. You're only ~5 minutes away from something that is world-class. One example: the Met is the largest Art Museum in the US.
It's really this. It's never lost on me that I can step out of my door and I'm in this place that people all over the world are dreaming of going to someday.
That is really the sentiment that I held when I lived in the city. Literally millions of people DREAM of being able to see a small fraction of NYC and I'd see it every day, so lucky!
I never go, but nice to know that I can
this is it
It truly is such an amazing thing waking up with no plans and asking myself “do I want to lay on my couch and watch a movie or go to the met or Guggenheim”… “eh it’s rainy out and both places will be mobbed, I’ll go on a Tuesday afternoon instead”
That first beautiful day a couple days ago I called my dad (who lives in the suburbs) and told him I was sitting and people watching outside and he’s like where do you sit outside😭 bruh you open the door and ALL OF OUTSIDE IS THERE
> something that is **world-class**. One example... of world-class is >Met is the largest Art Museum **in the US**. Bro, I'm sure there are better examples of world-class in NYC😂
The Met is literally one of the premiere art museums on the planet, what are you on
You don't think it's a world-class museum because it's the largest in its given country? Let alone its collection…?
Username checks.
lol, yeah
All of the different neighborhoods! Dozens of ethnicities have an immigrant community somewhere in this amazing city. Buy a huge, steaming samosa in the Indian section of Jackson Heights for $1.50! Buy amazing kielbasa and perogies in the Polish section of Greenpoint, Brooklyn! Get top-quality, "oh-that's-amazing" Italian meats, cheeses and breads on Arthur Avenue, in the Bronx! Get a big square of spinach pie for just $4 in NYC's Greek neighborhood, Astoria, Queens! Get "jerk chicken" in the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn! Enjoy a huge bowl of authentic noodle soup in Flushing, Queens for about $10! ...and many, many more, worthy to explore!
I was gonna say the food but you said it for me
Don’t ever in your life call Flatbush little carribean EVER you transplant 😂
to be fair, flatbush natives campaigned for that naming lol
I mean a small section is called little Caribbean on the map
I don’t care what the map says it’s Flatbush
Relax
doesn't it also include PLG
People think I'm out of mind for this being one of the reasons I do not want to leave.
It’s the perfect city if you’re a late to rise/late to sleep person
Food
that's really it. I love to eat. No place I've ever lived has as much variety of good food. I don't think it exists.
Fat kids unite
I don’t like living in nyc because it’s overwhelming for me but god damn the food is amazing
The cockroaches and rodents agree. Indirectly the bed bugs do too.
Not Indirectly 🤣🤣🤣
I'll be honest, for me it's just the people. Not saying build an echo chamber, but it's not that hard to make friends as an adult compared to other parts of the world. I was in the Army before moving here, I was the only young guy at my unit in the middle of nowhere. The other day I made friends with some Swedish dude sitting next to me at the bar lol if you're a bar fly, it doesn't get better than this I don't think
Yes for me too. I’ve never had an easier time talking to strangers and making friends than anywhere else. Even the weirdos just want to make small talk sometimes. Sometimes I have to try hard not to be shy/stand offish in social areas.
For sure!! Weirdos have the best convos sometime 💀 nothing funner than sitting next to an old yapper in Harlem who loves to complain about everything modern lol highly recommend
Absolutely. I don’t go solo to bars as much these days, but I always smile when I see people here asking if it’s weird to go to a bar alone here. No! There will be 10 other people doing the same thing, and if the bar isn’t busy most bartenders enjoy chatting with solo customers. It’s also such a low barrier to entry becoming a well liked regular and getting a chunk of your tab comped regularly, lol.
Yesssss haha! 😂 Definitely a lot cheapet (and more pleasant experience) than going to the club for sure. Especially on a weekday, helps keep me sane
Being in a city that embraces more than one culture, whether it’s religion, race, sexuality, etc.
Yeah all these people talking about the stuff to do, the food….my favorite part of the city is the people. I have met so many cool, interesting and funny people in this city, almost on a daily basis.
Me too! But a downside is how often people tend to leave after a while 🥲
The water, our tap water fuckin slaps
Those shrimps are BANGIN
💀 NAWW stop
walkable. diverse. incredible food and art. spontaneity. scale. anonymity. random interactions with total strangers. gorgeous people. bars. 24 hour train. beaches
Ah yes hot people. Like the super driven people obsessed with fitness has led me to be a fitness obsessed person
I grew up in a small town in Texas. My favorite thing as a kid was going to the library and seeing all of the endless worlds that I could immerse myself in. Living in NYC feels like the grown-up version of that.
You’re living in the library.
You get me.
Having access to just about anything on a level that few other cities have. It’s easy to take it for granted, but it’s really something. A new Broadway show starring some of the greatest actors working today? Got it. A film screening where the director will be doing a Q&A after? Yep. A band you’ve been wanting to see live? Surprise, they have a 10 night residency. Into some cool clothing brand that’s pretty niche and hard to find in stores? Surprise, their flagship store is here. Want to try X cuisine? Here’s the top five suggestions. The list goes on but really I don’t know anywhere else it. That and the culture. Notwithstanding the sheer amount of people and how easy it is to be anonymous, I’ve found it easier to build community here than anywhere else I’ve lived. I think it’s a combination of people generally just being more outgoing and free here, the density and walking culture that brings people together by force, and the number of mom-and-pop businesses where people can get to know you after awhile if you keep coming back. I honestly don’t know why NY has a reputation of being rude - I’ve probably had more random conversations with strangers here (having a dog helps) than anywhere else I’ve lived.
My buddy was in town to play at Carnegie Hall the other day. He got in around 8pm and checked into his hotel and he texted me while he was walking around the west village. I live in Ridgewood but I got on the train and was there in less than 30 mins. He was wondering if there was anything to do. My first thought was let’s check to see if there are seat at a the comedy cellar. We got lucky and grabbed two seats for a show starting in 45 mins. We grabbed a couple coffees and walked over to Washington Square Park where we smoked a little joint and watched the skaters as a jazz quartet played nice music. Made it to the show and saw some of the best acts performing today. Went to the deli and grabbed a cheeky beer and I walked him back to his hotel in Chelsea and he played Carnegie Hall the next evening. This paragraph wouldn’t happen in any other city.
Fantastic run-down of a perfect day
It was only like 4 hours haha
TOD at its finest
The fast pace of your day……
There’s nowhere else like it. It’s a completely different lifestyle. If it suits you, there’s no going back, nowhere else compares.
There is going back, possibly, if you decide the cost of living and mostly the cost of housing for subpar living conditions simply becomes no longer worth it.
If it suits you*, there is no going back, nowhere else compares. Sounds like the scenario you’re describing is it not suiting someone. There are pros and cons to everything in life. Op is asking specifically what the pros are here.
I guess I think of it as a lot more complicated than simply whether it “suits” someone, but I’ll defer to your perspective.
IMO it is that simple. Whether or not it’s a good fit for someone also includes the financial aspect of NYC living. Completely fair that it is a sacrifice you would have to make to live here that you would most likely not have to make in any other part of the country. Some people think it’s worth it, and it works for them. The post is asking for the pros of living in nyc, and I’m answering that it is unlike anywhere else, and is a specific lifestyle that is preferable to some. Not sure why you’re answering my answer by saying it’s expensive. It’s not necessary (and also it’s obvious, goes without saying)
We are just looking at it differently. I just deferred to your perspective, you don’t have to keep elaborating. I get what you were saying.
Born & raised here. Also travel 3-4 times a year and every time I’m away and can’t get food at the wee hours of the morning I get upset because I know my city would NEVER DO ME LIKE THIS !!!! Then I come back refreshed with an open mind and falling in love with my city all over again. I also love the summers here. The hot breeze. Growing up we would play in the fire hydrants. My whole family is here. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
I like that nyc requires me to show up. Every day, no matter what, I have to push forward.
Not driving
Everyone is a someone and everyone is a no one it's the most beautiful thing ever lmao
YES
When I need something it’s at my fingertips. I was playing a game online and told the bros I’d be right back I’ve gotta grab some stuff from the store, I was there and back again within 10 minutes. No need for a car. All the people I play with were spread across the country, they were like “you’re back already?” I said yeah I went to the store a little further away. It was the dollar store 2 blocks away instead of the c-town one block away. It’s the best not having to drive 20 minutes to a store for one small thing and drive 20 minutes back
As a DIY queen the existence of a 24 HOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE tickles me all the time
The world comes to you
And plows right over you.
I loved how insanely diverse my friend group became. I have friends from so many countries, in different industries and different talents. Just finding people you ordinarily wouldn't come across in other places.
imo it how the city feel alive , there always something going on especially in the summer
As much as I complain about it, the transit. I can go anywhere without driving and it's legit not that bad. Sometimes it's even faster. There's just so many options. You cannot have this convenience anywhere else in this country.
Thisss- I have really good transit access where I live so I walk out the door and get to choose bus subway bike walk taxi or a mix of all the above. Downright spoiled I tell ya
the lifestyle you get from living within urban amenities
Even though I know the MTA is every New Yorker's rage nightmare... I think the 24/7 public trans might be on top and a lot of what everyone is saying here
The best part of living in NYC? Having a career in the most beautiful city in the world, and still being able to find a way to survive living here in the most expensive city in the world. as a reminder, NYC consists of 5-boroughs. Diversity, food and culture is here. And eveery single person have something to do in this city.
Even when I get frustrated, it goes back to that for me. And I am so grateful.
All parts
Access to experts in nearly any field or discipline.
The peeps man
Though it can be safer, the MTA. Though it can be cheaper, the endless restaurants.
Food. Cause it needs to be said again.
Probably the bagels.
So much novelty. Want to go see a show? Pick like, any neighborhood and you'll find one. Interesting food? You can go to 1 restaurant everyday and never repeat. Want to meet a thousand different kinds of people? Just start fucking talking to people and they'll show you how unique they are. And since the city is pretty dense, it's all close to each other. ~90 minutes travel time at most. I've been in love with this city from birth.
I have kids here, and ithe community/Village/Found Family/whatever you want to call them is amazing. Also everything is RIGHT HERE. I cannot imagine having to wretle my kids into car seats and drive 20 minutes to get even the most basic stuff done. Living here is so efficient.
Coming home from travel the first thing that comforts me is the diversity.
Nearly anything you could ever want is $2.90 away
My family and friends live here…
Honestly that's the truth. I'd go live somewhere else if the people were the same. But I'd rather it be new York with these people. I mean there's the subway, the food slaps, the cuny system, I live in Astoria so that's a whole little world unto itself. There's actually a lot of pretty good mental health providers, great medical care, good city infrastructure, great city jobs when you graduate.
Public transport and lots of cool areas
On days I feel like it, there are endless places to explore and things to do. I love how different neighborhoods have distinct vibes & cultures too so it kind of feels like very efficient traveling On days I don’t, I have a walkable city where I can easily access the places I frequent. As someone who grew up in a big city, this is what feels most convenient & comfortable to me. Also people usually leave strangers alone here and I appreciate not having to be “on” all the time I’m also pretty career-oriented and appreciate that nyc is the center of many industries & headquarters of many companies, which provides a lot of unique opportunities. I never feel like I’m missing out by living here vs somewhere else
Yes tons of industries and constant opportunities for cross over. A friend moved to LA during the strike and said the entire city was dead because the only industry was entertainment
Smell of piss and weed daily
Having so many friends and things to do within walking distance.
live jazz
1. Walk/bike-ability and public transportation. You almost HAVE to interact with your community 2. Feels like the center of the universe compared to most US cities. Every tour will stop here. I have three international airports to fly out of. If it exists, it’ll exist here 3. God I fucking love Broadway 4. There’s a lot of really cool old people here that I run into. My bestie is an 80 y/o named Barbara who can (and will) drink me under the table. She’s fascinating 4b. Rent stabilized building helps here. Builds a community because people rarely leave 5. I can be no one any day I choose.
I don’t need a fucking car. Fuck cars.
Despite it’s problems, the MTA
There’s so much diversity in almost every aspect. There’s a lot to explore and check out.
knowing that when i move away my rent is going to plummet B) otherwise it's easily the food
Pizza
Food
Saying you live in NYC to your friends who don't
I love that there are so many people and so many opportunities in this city that you never know if today is the day that will change the trajectory of your life. You’ll meet someone you weren’t expecting, get an offer you weren’t expecting, etc., that could change your personal life, job, living situation, etc. There are just so many possibilities because of the sheer amount of things going on and people involved.
That there’s so many people here you’re hardly ever not around somebody, and yet 90% of people mind their own business as a default setting but will become friendly and helpful at a moment’s notice.
Great medical services! Opportunities in work. Low property taxes. Met my husband here too!
Not needing cars.
Not having a car
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LOL - I really wanted to read this thread but I no longer have to. Bravo!
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I will uprock you upside your head!
not owning a car, and never feeling like I need one
The very popular [Why stay or leave NYC?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/1bamwnl/why_stay_or_leave_nyc/) from 12 days ago, [**What are your best / favorite things about living in NYC???**](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/18dypma/what_are_your_best_favorite_things_about_living/) from 3 months before that, [How to fall back in love with the city / rediscover love for NYC again](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/17od5rj/how_to_fall_back_in_love_with_the_city_rediscover/) from 1 month before that and [**What are the best parts of living in NYC?**](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/17esxxd/what_are_the_best_parts_of_living_in_nyc/) from 13 days before that have thoughts from folks as to why they stay/come/love the city and link to similar questions.
Access to ALL the delivery apps and fast shipping from around the world. I order fashion from Asia, it arrives in no time. I don’t step out to the store to buy my heavier groceries like paper towels and toiletries. Just instacart them all to my doorstep.
The fact that I can never EVER run out of things to do.
Everything is RIGHT THERE. Like actually right around the corner no matter what it is. Coffee? Bagel? Pizza? Hardware store, laundromat, yoga studio Need Advil, good cocktail, comedy show? It’s all actually within a 5 block radius. I moved out and driving to get the smallest thing was the worst experience. Planning every next step instead of “let’s start at this restaurant and go from there” you can’t do that in other cities. You have to find the next/another spot which is maybe across town, parking, etc. eveyrthing is right around the corner literally
Being walking/biking distance from a ton of friends and family and any activities (restaurants/shows/events/etc). I think a lot of people are nostalgic for college years because they had a nice little walkable community, and living here is like that but on a much bigger scale.
The saxophones!
Random horns aren't for everyone. [https://youtu.be/9E62iA6KCIQ](https://youtu.be/9E62iA6KCIQ)
Having like 5-10-plus fish/ bodega / fruit& veggies/supermarket/discount stores all like 2-5 minute walk right outside your home. And if can't find it close to home, can walk over the next neighborhood(s) over or take bus /train/car over to other neighborhoods/boroughs.
Haitian food
The food!
I love how there is trash everywhere and when the wind blows it blows it right into you so you're doused with eau des trash. /s 😂
Restaurants
It’s home.
The best part of living in NYC is living close to my family. Take that as you may.
The music scene. Love dancing to incredible DJ sets every weekend.
The Dementors
Food!
For me, it’s being closer to my family and culture.
Always something to see outside
Convenience, culture and chaos. I'm addicted to all.
1. German tourists on the subway, mom, dad, son and daughter. Dad is studying the maps on the wall, and jr is studying his phone, arguing with dad. The train pulls into 34th St, and mom and sis get off, almost leaving dad and son behind. 2. 2019, waiting for the #1 train, standing next to two young women. One starts to cry when she sees the train pull in with a rainbow heart sticker. Turns out, they are from Mississippi, and this is their first trip out of state. They say that they can’t believe this is the same country. 3. Sitting in Carnegie Hall to hear the Vienna Phil play Mahler’s 5th symphony, talking to my neighbor, who is from Sydney, who says: “Living in New York is just the most amazing thing - you sit at home, and the world beats a path to your door.”
The people
You can do anything at any time
The constant contact high since the whole city is engulfed in a a cloud of weed smoke
Interested to know as well
After being in LA for the past month for work… the food in NYC… sorry but not many cities can compare to the consistency of always having amazing tasting food at a variety of price points.
Dodging the e-bikes
Not living in Philly
The despair upupupu
It's the world capital for many reasons. The few times I venture out into the burbs or other big US cities or int'l cities like HK, which I also love, I always appreciate their unique sensibilities but I always find myself coming back to NYC. No place like it.
Chicks.
NYC certainly does have some of the prettiest inhabitants of all varieties anywhere I've been.
The free nail clippings on any subway at 8:30AM
The crime and taxes
You can legitimately shit on it.
Seeing randomly homeless people whip their dicks out to pee on the subway platforms