So after many years of saying "im moving to New York" I finally am. People that have only visited are very excited and happy for me, and this encourages me. BUT people that have moved here (I live in Southern Calif) from New York look at me like I am crazy, and then follow up that look with:
Why would you leave the beach? The weather sucks, cockroaches, rats, high rent, you will make no money. The list goes on and on. My question is, is it that hard to move there? Find an OK place to live. Survive the weather? ANy move is scary, and I have moved quite a bit for work. I work in publishing so NY is where I feel I can really learn something.
I don't know what I am looking for here, maybe just some honesty...
Why would you leave the beach? The weather sucks, cockroaches, rats, high rent, you will make no money. The list goes on and on. My question is, is it that hard to move there? Find an OK place to live. Survive the weather? ANy move is scary, and I have moved quite a bit for work. I work in publishing so NY is where I feel I can really learn something.
I don't know what I am looking for here, maybe just some honesty...
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California
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 12:44 PMYou're talking to the assholes we kicked out! Of course they're going to hate it. The rest of us love it here.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 1:06 PMSure, New York is nothing but rats, roaches, cold weather and no money... THAT'S why people write songs about it!
It's not for everyone. But to many of us, it is among the most magical and alive spots on earth. Welcome to the jungle. -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 1:22 PMUmmmmmmmm, I wouldn't exactly call RIDGEWOOD, NJ = "the CITY" . . . Sorry, Babe!!!
Maybe you hangout a bit in Manhattan, but technically you're not a New Yorker.
You get tax breaks on commuting that we don't, cheaper gas, and the benefit of seeing the JETS & GIANTS who are not even NJ teams!!!
No harm intended, just keepin' it real ;-)
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 1:58 PMMeh, I work in the city. And trust me, when I lived in Salisbury Maryland, I was a New Yorker to all. Big loud-mouthed New York Jew all the way. -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 6:37 PM
I see your family is from BKLYN.
Plus a musician . . . OK, you're alright with me ;-)
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 3:13 AMGlad I passed muster. I was really worried. -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 4:09 AMBabyBell..... I have lived here all my 40 years.
Bottom line... nowadays money is the key to this city. Yeah sure theres plenty of good free shyt or stuff u can do/have without it...
But much of the real art, spirit, freedom and uniqueness of the people and scene in this city is GONE or DYING.
But mind u, there have been people saying that since the 1800's..........................................
But as a native, after these last few millionaire/fascist-racist mayors... the entire tone and spirit of this city has changed.....
recently is the first time EVER i've wonder 'WHY THE FUCK DO I STAY.....???"
Best of luck to u... plenty of people come and love it and do well......... -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 8:06 AMi do agree with Sweet to a point. . .
i too am born & raised here
i have a love, love, hate relationship w my home town. . . . .
but i just can not seem to tear myself away from it. . . . she's just so damn pretty. -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 1:01 PM
Sweeney (not Sweet) --
I agree with your political/social views; After living here 1/2 my life (19 years)
I've seen a whole lotta the things I loved about this town virtually disappear before my eyes.
Nowadays, NYC is very much void of it's unique identity that I remember.
Maybe I've changed too (with age) & I'm merely unhappy 'cuz I'm no longer the rebel of yesterday.
I've become lazy... Too lazy to search for what's left of Old New York : - (
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 6:30 PMWith all due respect, quit yer bellyachin'. The city's defining characteristic is _change_. Neighborhoods change, people come here to change their careers, their lives, their very selves. Spare some change? 'T's what it's all about baby. 20 years from now, the city will be completely different, as it will be 40, 60, and 80 years from now.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 6:31 PM
LMAO..... thanks for pointing out the NON-sweetness, Dj Dave O (smile)......lol
But, nah, bro.. That old NY just ISN'T there.................. It can't AFFORD to be........ It now can't even afford to get a FOOTHOLD anywhere anymore...
In ADDITION to us growing up, and realizing what a spiritual, creative and emotional COST it takes to make the FINANCIAL demands of this coupla dozen thousand sqr miles.....
And unfortunately - OR NOT- in all actuality... if ur good..., many times u DO NOT have to be here or STAY here FOREVER to make ur mark.....
I love this place more than any i've ever been, but more and more so..... the luv i'm getting BACK....... is SHRINKING... ......................
So BlueBell, babe...think long and hard... i dont know how thick ur skin is, or what ur willing tp put up with, or for how long.... or what level of comfort in life ur used to......... But... from someone who will say to his dying breath - I LOVE THIS SPARKLING DUNG HEAP - this dung heap - to LIVE IN - also ain't all it's cracked up to be............................
In summary........... Hope to beat u out of a seat on the L train someday, little lady.................................. wink
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 6:38 PM
>as it will be 40, 60, and 80 years from now. < granted. But what were talking about IS NOW. The specific changes that are going on NOW.
And those changes are very much FINANCIALLY motivated nowadays..., and it has spread into areas that for MANY MANY years were somewhat of a relief or a haven.................. THOSE are changes that probably will not be undone, and lead to some devastating inequalities and narrowing of existance for MANY different types of people.....
That, mi 'amigo', is a bit more than 'bellyaching'...................
There are articles from papers published in the 1700's that decry the 'unsavory' changes of the Greenwich Village area.... so yeh, change is the only constant...u aint saying nuffin'............
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 6:33 PMNot hard. Weather's charming! You don't need a car!! I would respond with:
why would anyone want to brave earthquakes, mudslides, wildfires, and Schwarzenegger for what, the shore? We've got shore here, too.
Come join us!
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, January 23, 2008 - 7:47 PMMost everyone has a NY story of how they moved here and what they went through to "make it" (where "make it" means be able to pay rent and afford booze, without going to your roommate bartenders bar). That's what i love about this town is the stories - seems like everyone has one. Whether it is "This old town aint what she used to be" or "you would never believe what i saw today..." or just the random conversations overheard "if it wasn't for my horse, i never would have spent that year in college" (borrowed from Lewis Black for effect). When i moved west i really missed the stories and the pride people take in telling a good one. Not that i didn't love 80 degrees sunny and breezy every day, but i missed those stories. It may be rough, it may be a dingy apartment, it may something you never thought in a million years you would go through - but there'll be something that you'll talk about for a long, long time. I live here, i love it. I loved the west coast equally but very differently. Lose the car, get on the subway, and forget about your personal space. You will have stories for a lifetime.
With that said, if you want insight about anything - drop a line. I'll try to help you out with whatever i know...and some things i just pretend to know. Good fortune!
b
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Re: Moving to NYC
Thu, January 24, 2008 - 5:06 PMI am also (similarly after many years of swearing to) moving to NYC by the end of this year. Unlike other moves which were done in haste or desperation, I want to be able to march into the city with a job in hand and plenty of disaster cash. However from what I have read, it seems like as at least an initial residence, the best strategy is to find a compatible roomy and go from there. Is this wildly off the mark? -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Sun, January 27, 2008 - 2:39 PM>> it seems like as at least an initial residence, the best strategy is to find a compatible roomy and go from there. Is this wildly off the mark? <<
Not wildly!
But a shitty roommate randomly picked from Craig's List (eg: gothamist.com/2008/01/17/...azy_peop.php ) can make your first residence here a living hell. Not trying to scare you, but I'd like to instill a note of caution.
Wherever you're from, it's a different culture here filled with people from yet more exotic cultures, and your roommate may have different operating assumptions from you about how to behave properly, some of which you take for granted and may not even be aware are assumptions until someone violates them.
If you can, move here with a friend or even someone from your extended circle of acquaintances. Call everyone you know even peripherally. It really helps to have someone from home, going through the same culture shock. -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Mon, January 28, 2008 - 1:50 PMOh I have run that idea into the ground. Almost had one friend and former roomate sold on the idea till a friend of his literally gave him a house. Kinda hard to compete with that. I am bracing myself for any culture shock, but I've been the black sheep in many other places where I've lived so I'm hoping I'm just overcompensating for it.
One big reason why I'm not doing this overnight is to avoid the psycho-stranger-roomate problem. Be able to get to know the people and ask around before I just throw a dart at the wall so to speak. -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, January 29, 2008 - 12:23 PMTry subletting an apartment for a month or two. That way you have time to get to know people and your way around.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Mon, February 4, 2008 - 4:08 PMI'd have to say the housing is the hardest part...the employment tends to be a little easier. If you're really in deep, you can always be a hired hand to help people move (craigslist); or some other more intellectual idea than i had that will earn quick cash. Subletting is a good plan to get a foothaold and find out where you should live, that way even if it is terrible - you have an exit. If it is a "take over for someone that is moving", you might end up re-leasing the apartment if you get along. Craigslist reading for roommates wanted tends to be an acquired skill. Not that all ny'ers are crazy, but some definitely are. There are alot of subtle indicators, if you read that link above - these places exist (seen them and lived in one the first time i moved here); that is one mistake i won't ever make again. Cozy=small as hell, perfect for a professional=you pay more of the rent than i do, eat in kitchen= kitchen is in living room, great offer=you're f'ed, typing in all caps=they're wayyy too uptight, if they don't tell you anything about themself=they're not interested in you either, just the rent check. I'm sure you have your own dealbreakers. It is really tough to find a good place from out of town. Anyone who thinks anything of their roommates will want to meet you, or their roommates to meet you. If they don't want to meet you, there's a good chance you wouldn't like them if you did. Definitely plan a weekend or two of being here and line up a bunch of places to see. There are affordable ways of staying...St Mark's hotel is a shithole, but cheap. People leave town for weekends and are willing to rent you their places for less than hotels charge. There's alot on craigslist.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Fri, January 25, 2008 - 6:41 AMIf you work in publishing you will enjoy living in a city where people know how to read.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, February 5, 2008 - 9:31 PMGood Luck with the move. I'm always up for making new friends :) -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Mon, February 11, 2008 - 11:22 AMThanks to ALL for you help.
I am trying to no avail to line up places to sublet. I have heard a few time (from this thread as well) to sublet for a few months so thta I may get a lay of the land.
Is Craigslist a shame at this point? I have also been looking at Sublet.com?
If anyone knows people that are subletting, please point them in my direction.
Again, Thank you!
Lisamarie
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, February 13, 2008 - 11:34 PM>> Is Craigslist a shame at this point? <<
Not at all! You can find great deals on Craigslist.
Don't fall for scams: gothamist.com/2008/02/11/...ge_2br_f.php
or krizays: gothamist.com/2008/01/21/...ndowless.php
Just be cautious and meet the people and check the apartment before giving up your money.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Wed, February 13, 2008 - 8:30 PMAre you going to let others tell u how you’ll feel about moving to NY?
So they went to rehab?
They’ll be back
Just like the rest of us
WHY?
Because they are addicted
And Yes! It’s hard but what isn’t?
I would rather be poor in one of the most exciting cities in the world,
Than to be rich in a small town
Where everyone thinks I am different,
Because they are all the same
New York is a drug*
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Re: Moving to NYC
Fri, February 15, 2008 - 4:36 AMIt's worth giving it a try; you can always move back right?
Compared to southern CA, the weather will suck for you. But you get real seasons and some people like that.
Publishing is a tough field because of low pay (unless you're in another career in publishing like accounting or web design). And low pay in NYC can lead to unhappiness.
Check out this blog written by someone who moved to NYC from North Carolina about 2 years ago: becoming-a-new-yorker.blogspot.com/ The earlier entries are interesting about finding a job and apartment.
There's no place like it in the world and although it can be tough, it can be worth it.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Sat, March 22, 2008 - 6:05 AMI'm back for a second time...........Yeah, it's dirty,loud,chaotic,harsh............I fit right in:) It can be one of the hardest places to live but the benefits are there too. It has an energy that you won't find anywhere else.A friend of mine discribes it as the most expensive third world country...........
I had to use brokers this time to get an apt. and after encountering the typical sharks I found a really good one with integrity. His name and number is Adam (718)491-4900 (office). Contact me and I'll pass along his cell number.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Sun, March 23, 2008 - 12:24 PMBabyBell, you might wish to check out Webster Apartments, which offers very reasonably priced short-term housing for women working or studying in the city: www.websterapartments.org/index.htm. Might be a good temporary solution as you gain a foothold in the city while looking for something more permanent.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Sun, March 23, 2008 - 6:19 PMI'm moving to NYC TOO! I'm way nervous, but I'm more excited. That is the main reason I'm on here, I need to learn about New York as much as I can before I go. I'm moving with 2 maybe 3 other people but honestly we have no idea what we're doing. Everything is good to go like where we are working, school, ETC. Everything is okay EXCEPT where we are going to live! IT's scary.
When are you moving?
I'm going at the end of june/ beginning of july.
Honestly if you her of anything amazing please let me know.
It would be much appreciated!
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, March 25, 2008 - 7:46 AMAnnika...where will you be working/going to school?
You might as well look to live somewhere that's convenient at least for some of that.
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, March 25, 2008 - 8:05 AMBabyBell, I moved to NYC from rural PA a few years ago. It's not easy. You're fortunate to be on tribe, I recommend holding onto that community and trying as hard as possible to build it. My good friend Mycho made the move from SF to NYC last year, and left after about 9 mos. Truthfully, I don't think everyone can make it here. It takes a certain type of person to really be happy in NYC. But trying it totally worth it! It's an adventure, and even if it doesn't work out, you'll have a great time and no shortage of stories that begin with "There was this CRAAAZY time in NYC when..." Feel free to hit me up on Tribe if you come out here and need a friend! -
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Re: Moving to NYC
Tue, March 25, 2008 - 8:25 AMAnd, Craigslist can be great. You have to be careful not to get screwed or dragged into some sort of stupid scheme/spam, but I found my current apartment and two current really chill room mates on CL. If it sounds too good to be true...check it out anyway, you might get lucky!
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