NY City Living: 10 Years Later + What I Wish I Knew

Truthfully, I meant to write this post months ago but I was too busy moving out of the city to share! Now that the dust has settled as best as it can I thought I'd share my thoughts on living in the city for 10 years. When I first moved in, I lived in a gorgeous apartment with one of my best friends and we really lived it up! Then I blinked and two apartments + two roommates later I found myself living it up again, but in a slightly different way. I moved into a fabulous alcove studio in a neighborhood I dreamed of living in for quite some time, and then in 2021 I abruptly moved to Florida. As I closed the chapter on my last apartment, I couldn't help but reflect on my decade in The City and what I wish I had thought of for each apartment chapter. Below are a few of my biggest takeaways and tips for those just moving in. 

Don't buy everything for the apartment immediately - Seriously, don't! Buy the essentials, like a mattress, but hold off on expensive furniture until you find exactly what you love. Lucky for me I had absolutely gotten my money's worth of everything I've bought for my first apartment, but in hindsight I wish I had thought about what I wanted a bit more so I could get exactly what I wanted. Don't forget - tastes change! Thrift stores and auction sites like Hayloft are your friend. 

Walk around different neighborhoods at different times during the day and week - This little task had me confident in my last apartment location. I didn't doubt my neighborhood choice for a minute and knew the pros and cons right off the bat. 

Two in an apartment is the perfect roommate situation - I was lucky enough to have two fabulous roommates, one in each apartment, before venturing out on my own. Every 'unhappy' roommate situation I heard of included three or more roommates. My sister was the only one to have a positive experience! Seriously. 

You can get to know your neighbors, but it may just take some effort - Do I wish I had known this when Keenan from SNL was my neighbor? Yes. But you can bet that I learned this lesson at my next apartment. Luckily my roommate and I got to know our neighbor before an emergency happened (there were may tragedies in a short few months). Having relationships with your neighbors is so important and something I worked hard at when I moved into my studio. In case you were wondering, no, it didn't take a pandemic to get to know my neighbors! 

Location isn't everything, but proximity to public transportation is - If you aren't in what is deemed a fashionable or fun neighborhood it's OK. You will survive! If you can easily hop on the subway or bus to get where you want to go, you'll be there in almost no time...even better if it's walking distance. Don't overpay on rent just so you can be right in the mix at all times. You may even find you can get sick of it.

Live it up and enjoy every moment - I loved my time in New York. It felt like it ended before I was ready but that's another story for a different time. However, I can honestly say that I took advantage of my time in NY. I went to every museum show and gallery opening I could, I hosted an annual gala at The Bowery, I went to trendy restaurants and danced the night away at dives bars. I cheered on my favorites sports teams, hit up the tourists spots and spent my days working for an auction house (my dream job). Can you tell I took advantage of the city? You should too - You live in the best city in the world. Find something you are passionate about, visit the galleries and museums, wear the party dress and have at least one fancy dinner a year. 

Missing NY, 

ARS xx

S U B S C R I B E

NY Moment: Famous Townhouses and Apartments

Living in NY is never a dull moment, especially when you're just walking around as much as I do! CMJR is one of my fave walking companions because she is the best at pointing out notable townhouses and famous spots! Hopefully you'll be inspired by this post to take your own walk around the city and find your favorite "as seen on TV and the big screen" spots.

When walking around the UES, be sure to check out the townhouse where Breakfast at Tiffany's was filmed.

I always forget about the Sex and the City townhouse in the West Village (amybe because Carrie was supposed to live uptown), so it's always nice when it's pointed out to me.

Also downtown, in Greenwich Village, is the building where Friend's was filmed. What a fun spot to be in!

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NY Moment: Street Art Walks

Being the ultimate multitasking New Yorker, I recently gave up my metrocard in the hopes of saving money and getting in shape. So far so good, especially because it gives me the opportunity to take the long way home and to explore the city a bit more. To give you an idea of what just one afternoon stroll can find, check out my pictures below. 

Banksy street art (AHHHH!) 

OK so I'm an art nerd and he's one of my favorite street artists, so I'm super pumped that he's in town for the next month and I can't wait to see what he's doing. 

The Getty Station Exhibit 

Conveniently nearby the first Banksy work I saw, I checked this off my list of street art to see. Totally cool and worth it if you have the time to see. 

A really fun stairway 

Umm if I could come home to this every day I would be so happy. Based off the stairway, I totally want to meet these people. 

NY Moment: Visting the Flower District

Between the towering topiaries and exotic plants and leaves it's easy to get lost in this concrete jungle! I love walking around in the morning when people are running around setting up shop or buying the best flowers.

NY Moment: Samples Sales

It's sample sale season again ladies (and gentlemen). They come and go, and unfortunately don't last forever! Whenever I walk home from work I always like to pass by a few of my favorite sample sale spots. I'm also subscribed to multiple sample sale email lists to know when the best ones are happening - like any other good NY girl.

NY Moment: Fashion Week

Fashion Week has a bad habit of sneaking up on me, especially this time around. I usually realize it's fashion week when I see the models with their long legs and perfectly messy hair strolling about in SOHO and the West Village. Other indications? The amazing articles in the papers and PR girls running around the city adding to the already frantic energy.

NY Moment: Move In Day

Anyone who has moved into a new apartment in New York can relate to the frustration one feels while moving. This past weekend it was move in day for NYU, and I am lucky enough to live across the street from one. While watching parents and kids scurrying about, I recalled my (relatively) easy move in - there were only 2 fights, not multiple!

NY Moment: Restaurant Week

It's Restaurant Week in NY, which I'm obviously excited about! This is the one week (actually, a little over two now) where I can indulge and go to new and old faves for a fraction of the price. YUM!

Note to self: find cute elastic waistband options.