23 Signs You’ve Lived in New York City Too Long
Most New Yorkers consider the date of their move here more of an anniversary than their own wedding date. With May 31st fast approaching, I have started to take the time to look around and make myself feel like I did as a 1st year New Yorker and not a 9th year. I remember having a different pep in my step and getting out with a smile more often than not. I still hold doors open, but my increased apathy has made my friends back home question whether I’m the spawn of Satan.
Nine years ago, the air smelled different. My curiosity blossomed and I was always eager to meet new people. Today, my indifference is palpable and I don’t look for new things but instead I cherish the old.
I am currently leaving my apartment of 4 years and looking forward to a new chapter of my life in New York City. I have been re-introduced to the amazing task of visiting potential new apartments. As you may or may not know, I moved 5 times the first year I lived here. Those moves are actually what inspired me to write this blog in the first place. I wanted to be able to tell the story of my life here and reflect on how I came to be who I am through those experiences.
I’ve got to say, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed the apartment hunt. It forces you to meet new people and gives you a glimpse into how others live and what they come home to every night. I have seen some amazing places and have already made new friends in the process. I just met one of the most badass people yet. Let’s call her Ms. Badass. She has this incredible living loft space in the Flatiron district. She is an incredible designer who has dressed Lady Gaga among others. Her apartment is full of her collection which makes amazing art. She and her husband built this design brand and have created an international tour called Style Wars. It is in the process of becoming a TV show.
On top of looking at sublets, I am looking at studios or one bedrooms which range anywhere from $1600-$3600 depending on lots of variables. So New Yorkers have a wish list and a deal breaker list when searching for real estate. My wish list: affordable, doorman/elevator, close to public transportation, laundry in the building, anywhere below UES/UWS and a sizeable space. My deal breaker list: so far off the beaten path that I might as well live in an outer borough, a space the size of my office (that would fit a bed and a dresser), something that will break my bank. Other than that, I would sacrifice a brutal walk-up 5 floors and I could deal with a short walk to convenient transportation or a laundromat.
Carrie once said, “ln New York, you’re always looking for a job, a boyfriend or an apartment. Let’s say you have two out of three and they’re fabulous. Why do we let the thing we don’t have affect how we feel about all the things we do have? Why does one minus a plus one feel like it adds up to zero?”
The truth is, having two out of three still makes you a winner in this city.
Well, I’m once again searching for the perfect apartment and as arduous as it is, I am determined to get back to my 1st year roots. Although I may not ultimately live with Ms. Badass, just knowing her makes my life here richer.
Real Estate Royalty – Ms. Badass is truly living the life in the city.
First and Ninth 