Hi all, this forum has been very helpful to me in the past, figured it was time to give back. Some background on me: Originally from the South, went to semi-target / target institution depending on who is talking to and where you are applying. I currently work for a middle-market bank covering healthcare in a Southern city (Dallas, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, etc.). I am staying the third year and will be joining a health care-focused private equity firm after. Ask away!
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Well, it is certainly less hustle and bustle than New York. Things just seem... slower and paced down here. I know that's an oxymoron being in IB, but I guess I attribute it to being surrounded by folks who have slower paces of life and are more relaxed in other industries and jobs. Finance mentality doesn't really exist down here and most people think I work in wealth management or something like that. Generally have to explain what my job is to people.
Context for cost of living: I receive street pay and don't have to pay any taxes except federal. I contribute max to 401K every pay period and get about $2,000 bi-monthly. Rent for a 650 square foot apartment with a 5 min walk to work in the middle of urban area is $1400 per month so I really never worry about my spending habits.
It's easier to do outdoorsy stuff since rural areas and hiking are in close proximity. Airport is nicer than the crappy airports up in New York. No ridiculous food costs like NY.
I get the appeal of working in New York. You benefit from a city that has the highest concentration of finance professionals in the world and a nice lively dating scene. If you eliminate the career benefits, I just don't see the attractiveness of living in the city though. The south is quickly outgrowing cities like LA and New York I think purely because of cost of living.
Hope that provides some context.