Living in New York City was always one of my biggest dreams. I grew up around the west coast, so New York seemed like it was worlds away. Over the past few years I have really found my place in the city. But I have to be honest with you when I say that two years in, the reality has begun to sink in. While I wouldn’t change my decision to move to the city, there are a few things I wish I could. So keep reading for what I think are the five best and worst things about living in the city that never sleeps!
Worst
- Traffic
You can always count on gridlock. I mean on one hand Uber is great because you can get a car usually in less than five minutes and don’t have to deal with the subway, but it will always take you at least twice as long as you thought. And don’t even try to take the subway during rush hour, you probably won’t even fit in.
- Weather
More specifically January through March. The snow can be cute through the holidays but trust me when I say that you’ll get over it pretty fast. This is something everyone told me before I moved here but I swore I would love it forever. But blizzards during spring break isn’t ideal. Plus, the transition to spring isn’t very smooth. One day itll be 34 and the next 75.
- Wind on avenues
Like I said before, the weather is all over the place. But the winter wind gets its own category. Wind chill is real. The temperature will drop like there’s no tomorrow. You’ll turn a corner to walk down fifth avenue and basically get blown off your feet.
- Expensive!
I’m sure you know this but just a reminder. You’ll pay three times as much for almost everything than you’d pay anywhere else. Once I paid $10 for a carton of strawberries. And don’t even get me started on rent.

Now for the positives..
- Food
You literally have unlimited food options all within 10 minutes of your front door. You can find whatever you’re in the mood for no more than a couple blocks away. Plus, New York pizza really is the best. (ps. 2 Bros is the spot for the BEST dollar pizza of all time)
- Convenience
Going off of food, anything you need is 15 minutes away or can be delivered right to your door. There are so many options for doing so like amazon 2-hour delivery or UberEATS! Did you know you can Postmates Sephora?
- Spring and Summer
When they finally come around, they are absolutely beautiful. The cherry blossoms bloom, the grass turns green and you feel like it’s a whole new city. There’s a reason everyone goes to central park when the sun comes out.
- Diversity
There really is a place for everyone here. Every borough, every neighborhood, every block has its own vibe. This city draws in people from all across the globe and one of the best parts is getting to explore it all.
- Inspiring
Last but definitely not least, you’ll never find a lack of inspiration. Even on your worst days you can walk outside and immediately realize how lucky you are to be in the middle of New York City. It really is a place where all of your dreams can come true, mine sure have.
With all of that said, if you’re thinking of moving to the city or even visiting, just do it. There really is no place like it. This city has the power to shape you as a person and give you the energy to do it.

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