Day 10 of 31: the 10 best things about living in NYC

Yesterday I shared the 9 worst things about living in New York City, so today we’re turning over a new leaf and chatting about the BEST things about living here. So go ahead and throw optimism in there, for honorable mention.

Honestly, I could write a novel about how wonderful it is to live in New York. I’ve been here for 8 1/2 years, so obviously it has struck all the right chords with me. But if I had to go with just 10 highlights…

the 10 best things about living in new york city

1. The “New York City moments”. If there’s anything I’ve learned about living here, it’s to expect the unexpected. Every day here is an adventure, even if in the smallest sense. The people you meet, the funny happenings that leave you laughing until you cry, wandering from neighborhood to neighborhood, romantic gestures engrained in your mind forever, even subway performances that move you to tears.
2. The bond of New Yorkers. We are people on a mission. Whether it’s professionally or for other reasons, most people who live here are passionate people seeking a fullness of life. Even if you don’t necessarily like someone, it’s like there’s this unspoken common bond that we’ve all experienced the lowest of lows but also the highest of highs. That if you can make it here, you truly can make it anywhere.
3. It’s convenient. Practically speaking, New York City is a very convenient place to live. Food on every corner, places open 24/7, public transportation, up-keep of just an apartment rather than a home, and it’s so easy to travel most places. Here’s that NYC snob in me showing, but, it really does feel like living in the center of the world.
4. It’s the ultimate Melting Pot. In this city you’ll find just about every culture and people from all walks of life. I’m so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and interact with people who have completely different backgrounds and lives than I do.
5. You can’t not experience personal growth. If you’re thinking about moving here, get ready to go wayyyy out of your comfort zone. This city toughens you up, and sometimes it can be painful, but it’s so worth it. The lessons and experiences here will teach you things about yourself and about life in general more than most other places ever could.
6. The culture. This city is so welcoming of and packed with creativity. It’s a safe place to embrace and be yourself. The art, fashion and music scenes are always bustling and keeps this city from being anything but boring.
7. The food scene. On that note, how could I not include the food scene in New York?! Sometimes it’s almost stressful wanting to hit every great/new restaurant because there are just so many of them. Not only is the food itself (from every cuisine imaginable) incredible, but the experience of dining out with friends…whether it’s a classic Saturday brunch or 10pm on a Monday…is for sure my favorite pass time.
8. It’s always changing. There are aspects of this city that never change, but then there are always new buildings, restaurants, people…even brand new neighborhoods somehow constructed (helloooo Hudson Yards). And of course you’ll often find yourself changing as a person. So even after living here for a while, it can feel like you’re living completely different lifetimes.
9. Christmas time. Do I even have to say it?? New York City during the holidays is THEE most magical place in the world. Even more so than the movies portray. BRB, crying.
10. The energy. There’s truly just nothing like it, and there’s no best way to describe it. The energy in this city must be experienced, and it must be experienced over time. It’s messy/beautiful/exciting/scary/addicting, and it will stay with you for a lifetime. So I predict, at least.