I visited NYC for the first time ever a few weeks ago...

[saymyname]

And now I totally want to move there.

I was born in NY state, but I've been living in Montreal for almost 3 years... going to school here. I really like it, but being in NY blew me away. I felt much more at home... I planned on staying in Montreal after I graduate, but I am still not fluent in French, and it'd be hard to find a good job if I'm not fluent by the time I graduate... so that's one issue. Another thing is that everyone talks about how expensive NYC is, but we were staying at a hostel in Brooklyn and from most people we talked to, there's parts of Brooklyn that aren't ghetto and you can find rent for 600/700 a month with a roommate. It's not as cheap as Montreal, but you're 8 stops from Manhattan... so that's enticing. My job opportunities would be way bigger there since I'm actually a citizen there and can speak the main language... I just felt way more at home, way more connected, back in my country, my culture... and I'd be fine living in Brooklyn, considering it is cheaper (if anyone has any advice about that, that would be great). Another thing I noticed that I really liked is that people are WAYYYY more friendly than they are here in Montreal. When I went into a cafe, people are genuinely friendly, talkative, helpful. Even on the street, in the subway. I just didn't see the rudeness or the attitude that most people get from the media stereotype, probably. I also didn't feel unsafe or anything like that. But yeah, people are just way more outgoing, way more friendly... Montreal seems kind of smug in comparison now. It's as if in NY people smiled at me, and in Montreal, people kinda stick their nose up at you. Not all the time, but people aren't overtly friendly.

The only thing is, if I move there, I'll be 23 at the youngest, 24 or 25 at the oldest, depending on how long I wait around here... I still have one more year till I graduate here. I'm not sure if I'd want to move to another city all alone all over again. I did that when I was 19 and that year of adjusting and making friends is a bitch. The other thing is, my boyfriend still has 3 years of school left, and wouldn't be an American citizen if he wanted to come with me. So if I moved there about a year from now, he'd still be here in Montreal with 2 years of school... if I wanted him to come with me, I'd have to wait here 2 years after I graduate... that's 2 years of just working and probably wanting to be somewhere else. I wouldn't mind so much if I knew french by then and could find a decent job, though... but he says he wouldn't want me to wait around for him. But I would hate to leave him and go there alone, too. But maybe he could do summer semesters and finish faster...

So, anyways, if anyone has something to say, about my situation/experience or general advice or things about NY in general, please feel free...

Oh - one last thing - I'd want to move there and work for a few years but eventually go to grad school. That would be the plan.

 

[StationToStation]

I always encourage to move and pursue adventures that most people wouldn't take. In your case it moving to NYC, I really think you should move there, it's already given you a shot in the arm.

NYC is the epic center of the world, you'll have experiences there that are once in a lifetime moments.

 

[swerve]

I don't blame you for wanting to move there...

I grew up ALWAYS being afraid of NYC -- I'm not sure why exactly -- I grew up in a small Southern town and I guess we thought that all the BAD stuff happened up in NYC...

I FINALLY got to go there last summer -- and had the AWESOME opportunity to have knucklehead (a native New Yorker) give me the grand tour...

It didn't take long to fall in LOVE with the city...

What a FANTASTIC TOWN -- I would encourage you to continue looking at your options -- and I DOUBT it would take you long to make GREAT friends up there...

Best of luck...

 

[StationToStation]

manhattan is the gayest island on the planet, no need to be afraid!

 

[saymyname]

Harlem and the rest of Manhattan are also comparable to Brooklyn prices- and with about the same commute.

But hey, if you wanna move to the city, I say do it. I've loved living here.

What do you mean "and the rest" - all I know in terms of geography is the Lowest East Side, Upper West side (Chelsea, I think? Is that also near where Greenwich Village is?), and that general vicinity. So is Harlem just further North, and you're saying it gets cheaper the further North you go, or what?

Thanks for the replies guys.

Station - actually, I'd argue that the ratio of gay people is bigger in Montreal. It's like how there's less gay people in S.F. than in NY, but the ratio is higher in S.F., thus it'll seem like more gay people. I also have to stay true to MTL in that there's way more cute boys here, from what I've seen so far... but again, maybe that's in terms of ratio.

Other things I liked about NY - 24 hour subway, my god! The things that must mean for partying... Montreal's closes at about 1 at the latest, but there's at least night buses... Also, I do tend to make friends pretty quickly, but I don't know if I'd be quite as outgoing as I was at 19. I also wouldn't want to go through the temporary-friend thing again, but who knows, maybe that's an entire life kind of thing and not just a first year of college phenomenon.

 

[FPNY]

um, the further north you go it gets more and more expensive. i live in westchester county, just north of nyc. believe me, we pay for the privilege of being able to commute into the apple.

 

[saymyname]

um, the further north you go it gets more and more expensive. i live in westchester county, just north of nyc. believe me, we pay for the privilege of being able to commute into the apple.

So, instead of being condescending and flaunting your class status, maybe you could have advised me on what the original poster met in regards to geography and price? Knowing where Harlem lies in relation to the areas I mentioned would probably help.

Hunteo - Thanks for the positive reinforcement!

 

[swerve]

So, instead of being condescending and flaunting your class status, maybe you could have advised me on what the original poster met in regards to geography and price?

Ummmm....

MAYBE you WILL have difficulty in making friends...

 

[StationToStation]

All the Hipsters live in Williamsburg, if you're into that, you'd be at the right age too!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfGxx6Qh4FE&feature=related[/ame]

 

[saymyname]

Harlem is in the northern area of Manhattan island. Even further up than 'uptown'.

That's what I figured. That's why I thought maybe he meant further north it gets cheaper... but then that guy from the suburbs chimed in...

 

[saymyname]

All the Hipsters live in Williamsburg, if you're into that, you'd be at the right age too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfGxx6Qh4FE&feature=related

I'm so sick of the hipster thing. That book came out in 2000. There are more interesting things to talk about. I saw Williamsburg when I was there and it didn't strike me as any more "hipster" than certain parts of Montreal. Anyway, I don't have a trust fund, and the rents there are expensive from what I've heard. I'd probably go further on the L line, like in Bushwick/east williamsburg, etc.

 

[Under-taken]

New York and Los Angeles, do want to go there at some point!

 

[saymyname]

Kal - thanks so much for all in the info! Do you live there? That was very nice of you to compile all of that, I wouldn't have known where to start.

Rent for 600/700? You're not going to find anything in a good neighborhood for that cheap, trust me.

Also, before you decide to move(if that is your decision), please please please visit some more times.

This city is tough.. and it's very very tough to live here unless you're made of money or unless you have a support system.

The past 2 years I've seen more kids(young adults) homeless on the street. It's really sad.

Plus, you're going to meet A LOT of rude people here and you will meet A LOT of nice people here. But you have to be able to handle a lot of assholes. You have to be able to handle the pace..the prices(everything is more expensive here).

It's also VERY impersonal here.... people won't treat you like a tourist once you move here. If you can find your own niche, that's great...having a comfort zone allows you to find a group of friends and a welcome community. Maybe try to make a few friends before moving(again if you decide to do that) b/c the city can be a cold place.

There are a bunch of New Yorkers here on JUB. I know a bit about the ins and outs of the city, maybe not as much as other people but I'd be glad to help with any info I can provide.

Your first point, about rent... I spoke too numerous people who live in Bushwick and other parts of Brooklyn, live with a roommate or two, and that's how much they pay. I'm not talking about studio apartment lofts in Manhattan. I'm talking about Bushwick, which from the looks of it, is a cool little 'hood that is very dispersed and not that expensive.

I'm visiting again in the summer, and I can't fucking wait! Staying for 5 nights in a Brooklyn hostel again, with a few friends. I plan on visiting a few more times after that too before I'd make any moving decision, so don't worry.

I understand that it is probably tough, most cities are. But I mean... I live very cheaply as it is here in Montreal. I'm good at that. I also have a lot of work experience in different areas and I'd be coming with a B.A. Honours, and possibly know two languages (although unfortunately not spanish). I don't think I'd be on the street... I also work...

As for your other warnings, I've been living in a city for a few years... I appreciate your caution but I know how it can be. You could say what you just said for any other major city too... that's all.

Any suggestions on affordable neighborhoods to visit next time around would be cool. I think when people are talking about how expensive rent is, they're talking Manhattan and living alone... I could live with up to 3 other people. I've done it before and I could do it again.

 

[BabiGayPimp]

I love visiting New York. The vibe and energy make me feel very much at home when I'm there. But the money thing just doesn't add up to me. Never has. Except for a select group of highly compensated professionals, the somewhat higher than average salaries for everyone else still don't seem to be enough to live comfortably and save effectively?? But maybe there's some part of the money equation I'm overlooking. And I think the OP's comment about living with 3-4 other people could be it. I'm thinking in terms of he single man making it alone on one salary.

 

[PolterGUYst]

I would really love to live in the city someday. It would be pretty cool if I could make it into a college like Pratt in Brooklyn and be one of those artsy guys living in a loft, but that's pretty unrealistic for me lol.

I love going into Manhatten though, which is suprising since I have anxiety about places with so many people. It's obviously far from the perfect place on earth, but there is just a certain feeling I get when walking through the streets. It's expensive, even to live where I do (about 20 minutes outside of NYC in NJ), but I don't think I could imagine myself ever living in a place where I couldn't say "let's go into the city tomorrow."

 

[Centexfarmer]

I LOVE NYC!

But in my experience there lucky7 pretty much nails it:

Rent for 600/700? You're not going to find anything in a good neighborhood for that cheap, trust me.

A best buddy of mine from Puerto Rico lived on the fifth floor of a "walk up" near Coney Island Brooklyn and was paying nearly $1,200 a month for less than 300 square feet apartment.

So don't be to snobby and overlook what's available in Queens.

Also, before you decide to move(if that is your decision), please please please visit some more times.

He's sharing that advice with you because "the city" is different and the opportunities by neighborhood.

This city is tough.. and it's very very tough to live here unless you're made of money or unless you have a support system.

It's kind of like L.A. and Hollywood. The city will either embrace you, or chew you up and spit you out.

The past 2 years I've seen more kids(young adults) homeless on the street. It's really sad.

Plus, you're going to meet A LOT of rude people here and you will meet A LOT of nice people here. But you have to be able to handle a lot of assholes. You have to be able to handle the pace..the prices(everything is more expensive here).

It's also VERY impersonal here.... people won't treat you like a tourist once you move here. If you can find your own niche, that's great...having a comfort zone allows you to find a group of friends and a welcome community. Maybe try to make a few friends before moving(again if you decide to do that) b/c the city can be a cold place.

I was a lot like Swerve during my first visit to NYC.

What I discovered though is that NYC is really made up of a lot of small "neighborhoods."

It was easier for me to look at NYC from that perspective than to try to deal with it as a whole.

Some neighborhoods are friendly and inviting, others...not so much.

I found that every New Yorker has advice for the "newbies," and every New Yorker gained that ability to share that advice through personal experience; "Don't take the A train after 10PM, never make eye contact in Times Square with Strangers unless you want to buy something, the Jews have a Mafia of their own, don't question the origins of Kosher Pizza on 7th Avenue, shut the fuck up and keep walking."

Did I mention that I love New York?

Out in the boroughs they call it "the city," and believe it or not you'll find some people who've never been there!

There are a bunch of New Yorkers here on JUB. I know a bit about the ins and outs of the city, maybe not as much as other people but I'd be glad to help with any info I can provide.

^ Proof right that that New Yorkers are some of the friendliest people that you'll ever meet, but if you deviate from their advice, then you're on your own.

Seriously if you're considering moving there, I'd visit a few more times, stay in various sections, and imagine what your life would truly be like if you could afford to stay there.

 

[frankfrank]

It's very easy to fall in love with New York City, and your experiences are similar to mine. Generally I got along with the people well. Yeah I met assholes and unfriendly people there, but you meet them in Kansas City or Seattle as well, and I never got the impression (in person) that they're any more common in "nyny."

If one lives in New York City and can't find activities to keep them busy if they choose to be kept busy, well...you may not be human, LOL.

 

[saymyname]

Centex - for the 3rd time... I personally KNOW people paying that cheap of rent (600/700). Read BabiGayPimp's post. There's different kinds of living situation. P.S. BabiGay - I think you also have to consider that jobs in NY generally pay more, and most people don't drive. Maybe that should be part of the equation too? Not sure.

Polter - I'm thinking of Pratt too, but god that school is expensive. I'm also really interested in The New School (okay, in love with it) and Brooklyn College, but not sure if they have MFA or MA programs.

 

[PolterGUYst]

Polter - I'm thinking of Pratt too, but god that school is expensive. I'm also really interested in The New School (okay, in love with it) and Brooklyn College, but not sure if they have MFA or MA programs.

It sure is expensive, but who knows? It could happen, we just need to chant "I believe in fairies."

Parsons has MFA.
So what art field are you looking into?

 

[saymyname]

ok, I was just warning you b/c people come here saying exactly what you're saying and find it way too hard or get eaten up and spit out. My ex and my best friend were forced to move b/c living here was too tough.

And rent is expensive even if you're not living alone... my ex lived with a roommate in East Harlem(read ghetto) and was paying $1,000.

And if your friends are paying $600/700 they're either living with several other roommates or they're in one of the poorer neighborhoods in Brooklyn(Bushwick, Bedstuy, East New York, etc.) Williamsburg, Park Slope, etc. are going to cost you a lot more.

Don't underestimate it here.. that's the biggest mistake you could possibly make. Im not trying to scare you.. i'm trying to keep it real.
You've visited the city once.. I was born here and have been in the metro area for all of my 22 years of living.

And another point, you mention your degree, but please secure a job before moving here. It's HARD to find a job here. Unemployment rate sucks for the US but it's harder when 8 million people in one of the most densely populated areas of the country are all fighting for jobs.

I get your realness, but I think I mentioned that the rents I was talking about were in Bushwick, and I stayed in Bushwick when I visited. It didn't seem "poor" or dangerous, just not totally gentrified, still had a working class character to it. I'd be fine with living somewhere like that. I've lived in 'hoods in Montreal like that and I can handle it fine. I don't plan on living in Manhattan or expensive parts of Brooklyn. Seriously, 700/m rent or so, that's my limit. It can happen. I actually quite liked Bushwick, anyways. I also have a lot of experience living with roommates so if I had to live with a couple other people again, I could handle that too. And yes, I would try to secure a job before moving, or at least have some money saved up so I could take the time to find one, at least.

Polter - yeah, the MFA program I'm into at The New School is just part of The New School, I don't think it's associated with Parsons... from what I've understood, isn't Parsons just for design? Anyways, I'd want to do an MFA in Creative Writing. That's what my B.A. is in. I know, I know, the job opportunities will be huge...