It’s February 2020, and tomorrow marks the five-month anniversary of my move to New York City, so today I am sharing what I have learned so far, plus what has been difficult to adjust to. With time we’ll see how my feelings of living in this city evolve!
My Transition to New York City
Many of you remember that I lived in Miami Beach for the last 9 years, and in Barcelona, Spain, two years before that. I also lived in Paris, France, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. I have moved around quite a bit, yet my transition to New York City was still not easy.
Let’s start with the weather, when I moved from tropical Miami Beach to New York City in September, right before winter started – my wardrobe was not ready. Looking back, I wish someone had told me to buy this, this, and this upon arrival.
Also, New York City is extremely fast-paced, unlike Miami Beach, where life often feels like an eternal vacation. While walking on the street, you will quickly learn to keep up with everyone’s pace! Competition is fierce, there are thousands, or millions, looking for the same job positions, apartments, and everything else just like you.
Why did I Move to New York City?
Moving to New York City was not a lifelong dream of mine, but when my fiancé got a job offer in the city and suggested that I join, I said yes, after many months of hesitation.
My younger brother had been living in NYC for four years, and I had stayed with him for a week in May 2015, so perhaps that helped, although spending time with him was not the easiest due to his work schedule.
If you are trying to break into an industry that is based here, i.e., health care, finance, fashion, or mass media, then living in New York City is an excellent idea.
How to find an Apartment in New York City
During one of my trips to the city, we spent a full day looking at apartments that we found on Streeteasy. I remember that we took several breaks, and had ice cream inside Chelsea Market.
Streeteasy is a real estate search engine for apartments in Manhattan. Walking around the city’s neighborhoods, and checking out available units helped me learn that ‘quieter’ living areas do exist in the city.
If you are planning to move to New York City, start browsing apartments on Streeteasy, it’s the best website to familiarize yourself with pricing, sizes, and neighborhoods.
My Arrival in New York City
September was my first month in New York City and the only one that was a breeze. Fall in New York City has lovely temperatures so we walked around with our dogs, went apple picking in Warwick, grabbed pizza outdoors in DUMBO, Brooklyn, and drove to New Jersey (Wegman’s trips, check-ups at the VET, and visits to his family).
October and November were eye-opening for me. By mid-October, I realized I would need a heavy jacket, similar to those worn on previous family ski trips. I suddenly missed my car (the comfort & privacy it offers), was tired of overcrowded subways, did not like freezing rainy days, and was feeling homesick. By November we were engaged, two months after Hurricane Dorian intervened with his original plan of proposing in September.
Before I knew it, December was here, and it brought the first snow of the month! The city dressed up for a new holiday season, and we decided to spend it here instead of driving to Florida for Christmas in fear of him losing his new job. By mid-December, New York City experienced a snow squall, a record-breaking windstorm with heavy snowfalls and strong surface winds.
It’s February now, and earlier this week we had a few ‘warmer’ days so I explored around (it’s easier when it is 50 degrees as opposed to 30 degrees). I surprised myself feeling content while walking along the east side of Central Park, realizing that I was starting to feel a little more steady.
New York City – Things I’ve Learned:
- New York City is the center of the world.
- The subway takes you anywhere.
- New York City has everything you could ever need.
- New York City is incredibly fast-paced.
- People are rather nice, just in a hurry.
- There are tons of free things to do.
A final note:
Adjusting to a new city is a big process. A generally positive outlook will always help you. Having my two rescue dogs with me made it easier, at least for me. I love dogs – they make everything better, don’t they?
We are enjoying our engagement, looking forward to Spring, and planning our wedding for next Fall. Five months into my new life in New York City, I finally feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be!
Have you ever moved to a city you did not intend to live in? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Stay tuned for more updates! Talk soon! xx
MY ESSENTIALS FOR NYC WINTER
