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The city that never sleeps. It is a cliché that there’s nowhere else in the world like New York. And it is true. It is one of the most iconic cities globally, and many people dream of moving here. However, you can’t have the good without the bad, so we discuss New York City’s pros and cons to decipher for yourself.
New York can be a tough place to live. Not everyone can tough it out. But for those who can, it can be a great place to live. If you dream of making a life in NYC one day, you must keep your expectations proportionately. There are pros and cons to living here, so weigh them carefully before looking for an apartment.
Regardless of what you think makes a city livable, you can’t deny the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to New York City, all of which make the Big Apple one of the most livable cities in the world.
New York City ProsNew York City Pros
24-hour lifestyle24-hour lifestyle
Manhattan is mainly known as “The City that Never Sleeps” for a good reason. Whether you have a craving for a steak dinner, a dry martini, or a desperate need of a French manicure, you can do almost anything in New York City around the clock. From late-night movies to taverns and nightclubs, night owls will feel at home in Gotham. And if you happen to be up at 3 am, you can also go grocery shopping at one of the many all-night supermarkets or grab necessities at one of the 24-hour Duane Reade locations.
You can walk everywhere.You can walk everywhere.
The city is walkable, particularly in Manhattan, but even in many areas of all five boroughs. Wide sidewalks, crossing signals at intersections, and strategically placed train stations make NYC one of the most pedestrian-friendly towns you’ll find on the planet. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
DiversityDiversity
New York is one of the most diverse places on the globe. Often referred to as a “melting pot,” the city’s people hail from countries worldwide and collectively speak more than 800 languages. Being exposed to a variety of cultures only enhances the lives of the city’s residents. Children are raised with more tolerance and naturally accept the differences from one culture to another. Riding the subway is a terrific way to understand the city’s diversity. Scan a single car and take note of the uniqueness of each passenger.
Food is amazingFood is amazing
The food is one of the best things about living in New York City. The diversity of it means there’s always something there for someone. Hands-down.
Whether it’s the Neapolitan pizza at Motorino Pizza in East Village, the Black Label Burger in Minetta Tavern, Rigatoni Pitti at Bar Pitti in the west village, the ramen noodles in Ivan Ramen, or just one of those monster oatmeal cookies at LeVain Bakery, you’re sure to find many things to love.
Always something to doAlways something to do
People move to New York to find something new. There’s always something to do; even just walking through Lower Manhattan always has surprises in store. There are museums to almost everything, most of which offer student discounts. And let’s not forget shows on Broadway, flea markets, and bustling nightlife in East village or the numerous annual events held yearly.
Best public transit in the countryBest public transit in the country
New York City’s subway system is the largest globally, with 232 miles of routes and the highest stations. By ridership, the NYC subway is the busiest in the United States and the seventh most active globally, averaging 5.5 billion weekly rides. Trains operate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Buses are also an integral part of the city’s transit system. With a daily ridership of 2.2 million, some New Yorkers prefer to commute above ground even if their commute times are longer. The option of riding the bus or subway and taking taxis, and now the increasingly popular CitiBike, make New York an even more livable city in the new millennium.
You don’t have to drive anywhere.You don’t have to drive anywhere.
You sure can if you want to, but why go through the stress. The subway can take you all over the city, and a taxi or Uber is never far away. It’s also easy to walk everywhere; you learn what the city is all about when walking.
The city is walkable, particularly in Manhattan, but even in many areas of all five boroughs. Wide sidewalks, crossing signals at intersections, and strategically placed train stations make NYC one of the most pedestrian-friendly towns you’ll find on the planet. Just don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes.
Access to public parksAccess to public parks
New York may be far from rural, but the city’s parks offer a beautiful getaway and reprieve from the hustle and bustle. Spending time in parts of Central Park, Riverside Park, Fort Tryon, and many green spaces in the outer boroughs might leave you wondering if you’re in the city at all.
Plenty of career opportunitiesPlenty of career opportunities
Whatever your career path, you’ll find endless possibilities in NYC. This is the place to come if you want to make a career in technology, finance, fashion, modeling, advertising, PR, and marketing.
New York City offers many options, no matter the demographic. The endless possibilities continue to make New York one of the greatest and most desirable cities.
New York City ConsNew York City Cons
It’s an expensive place to live.It’s an expensive place to live.
Renting and buying an apartment is expensive, which goes for many things in NYC. Whether it’s the morning coffee, taxi ride, or evening meal, the cost of living in New York City can eat up your funds fast. It’s always money, money, money.
Lack of quiet and personal spaceLack of quiet and personal space
NYC can be very noisy with aggressive traffic, and personal space is at a premium. It can take a while for new arrivals to get used to sharing living space with people.
It can be drainingIt can be draining
You’ll need thick skin to live in New York. The sheer act of living there absorbs your energy as you’re always walking somewhere, being aware of your surroundings, and working most of the day. New Yorkers have a reputation for being rude and aggressive. You won’t make it if you don’t learn how to deal with the stress or develop a thick skin.
Winters are coldWinters are cold
While the summers can be hot and humid, the winters are bitterly cold. Also, rain and the city don’t go well together, so if you see dark clouds on the horizon, bring an umbrella.
Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts
More US citizens want to live in or near New York City than any other city. Besides the excitement, pedestrian-friendly streets, an array of public parks, various things to do, and the advanced public transit system, people come to New York for career opportunities.
New York City offers many options, no matter the demographic. The endless possibilities continue to make New York one of the greatest and most desirable cities.