Is it worth it living in NYC?

I have a friend from college who wants to room with me. we’re both done in May and start out jobs July, he’s going to be MM ib analyst and im going to a CRA agency analyst. I was super excited about moving to the city but the more I think about the more stressful it seems. Gonna have to sell my car but need to figure out how to move in (this is obviously not that hard but still I think about it) . I wanted to hear about people who recently moved to NYC or moved out of undergrad to NYC and hear their experience??

19 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, moving to a new city, especially a bustling one like NYC, can indeed be a bit stressful initially. However, it can also be an exciting adventure and a major career-boosting experience.

Selling your car might seem like a big step, but remember, NYC has an excellent public transportation system and most people don't own cars. As for moving in, it might seem daunting at first, but once you start the process, things usually fall into place.

Living in NYC can be a unique experience. It's a city full of opportunities, diverse cultures, and endless things to do. However, it's also a city that can be tough and challenging. It's not uncommon for someone to move there and decide they don't like it after a few months.

But don't let that discourage you. If you're open to new experiences and willing to adapt, you might find living in NYC to be a rewarding experience. Plus, having a friend to room with can make the transition easier.

Remember, it's okay to feel stressed about such a big move. It's a big step, but it's also an opportunity for growth. And if things don't work out, you can always make a change. After all, life is about trying new things and finding out what works best for you.

So, take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and remember, you're not alone in this. There are plenty of people who have been in your shoes and have successfully made the move. Good luck!

Sources: Moving to a new city by yourself? Can anyone share experiences?, How Did You Successfully Find a Job in New York?, Question for Those Who Moved Cities

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

Moved to nyc over ‘23 summer so can share some thoughts.

The city is overall is great, going out is extremely enjoyable (if you go to BK), and vibes are usually high. Setbacks (in my opinion) would be twofold

Expenses: Maybe im one of the lucky few who has free food on seamless 2x a day 7 days a week and a free metro card from my office as well, but even then, between rent and going out it’s easy to spend upwards of $4000 a month without thinking about it.

People: While there’s a lot of new people, it gets lonely at times if you’re not a social butterfly, so if you plan to move I’d recommend roommates.

 

Yeah I’m slated to maybe make 100k tc first year which isn’t bad but compared to IB I think the spending difference will something I have to keep an eye on for sure. Also with the loneliness bit, I’m assuming you don’t have a roommate how do you make friends or meet people outside of work to form real connections(out from partying)?

 

Yes 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Not everyone necessarily spends tens of thousands of dollars on rent and other expenses. 
 

I’m in LIC and rent a place for an affordable rate, plus got 2 months off and free amenity use (includes a gym, lounges, game room and theater). Would recommend it here, lots of new restaurants opened and many working professional types 

 
Arroz con Pollo

How is that commute to manhattan office

LIC is mainly good for a commute to Midtown offices, but I wouldn't want to live there. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

NYC blows…paying upwards ~$40k a year in state and local just to live in a city that looks like a third world country. The migrant situation is going to push it over the edge once the rate of homelessness skyrockets along with the impact it has already had on budgets (NYPD especially).

I have an exit plan that I am looking to move on in next few years. NYC was pretty nice from early 2000s, started to decline leading up to COVID and COVID just destroyed the city. But muh BouNceBack…City has not bounced back and will not.

 
Lester Diamond

NYC blows…paying upwards ~$40k a year in state and local just to live in a city that looks like a third world country. The migrant situation is going to push it over the edge once the rate of homelessness skyrockets along with the impact it has already had on budgets (NYPD especially).

I have an exit plan that I am looking to move on in next few years. NYC was pretty nice from early 2000s, started to decline leading up to COVID and COVID just destroyed the city. But muh BouNceBack…City has not bounced back and will not.

Didn't COVID devastated San Fran as well?   

 

That’s overstated, I interned there this summer and it was pretty nice, though I definitely wouldn’t live downtown, that was kind of a shit hole. The neighborhoods were great though and my office was right on the Embarcadero which was great

 

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