Moving to New York City in 2023? What to ACTUALLY expect.

This is what no one tells you about what living in NYC in 2023 if you're just an average person like me. If you're going to move here this year, LISTEN TO THIS ADVICE. The city has changed since the pandemic and not for the better, but we talk about good things about the living in NYC too :) Good luck with your move!

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[OfCourseitsJulie]

When I moved here, I was told that moving to NYC is like joining the Marines. You get torn apart and then rebuilt stronger. I got through some of my toughest times by feeling proud about how strong I was.

[jcnlaw]

Native New Yorker here. Safety tip: don’t flash jewelry or lots of cash. Don’t walk around with an expensive designer handbag (even a fake one). Always be aware of your surroundings (a.k.a. “situational awareness”). A vast majority of New Yorkers are really good people.

NYC is like any other large city. Be smart, blend in, and you should be fine.

[rosalinasantos]

If someone is trying to move to nyc cuz they think it’ll make them the person they want to be or they’re trying to run away from their past just remember you’re still gonna have to live with yourself now and the city can only change you so much especially if you’re not the type of person to make the effort to integrate into the community. New Yorkers are very community driven and people are always busy hustling to stop and be your friend. Come here with a passion and something to offer tbh. That’s my advice cuz when the going gets tough you’re gonna need someone’s couch to sleep on as you go through the waves. And learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. You’re gonna meet the absolute best people ever and the worst mfs in the galaxy here.

[Latigo]

I lived in NYC in the mid 70s until the late 80's, NY was on fire then there was so much going on it was an affordable city for 'Anyone' a waitress could have afforded a great apartment just being a waitress at a diner, the art scene was off the charts, the combination of people was so vast, yes the city was somehow downtrodden but that only added to the backdrop it was an incredible time. I lived all over lower east side, Soho (when barely anyone lived there) finally to the West Village on lovely Christopher st. by the late 80's I moved to Europe and made my home there. Then in 2010 I moved back to NY to the East Village on East 10th st. There were several reasons I moved back, but bottom line it was a great disappointment on so many levels. My rent was outrageous for what the apartment was, criminal, still I hung in there hoping I'd find a way...I am of a certain age but had some means and the abilty to have a life there, but somehow NY just doesnt really let you have a life, unless you are a millionaire or maybe multimillionaire...The energy of the city is all about making money, the hustle of life..For a young person it can be exciting but with the cost of rents I think it is more damaging to the spirit. The energy of the street is so different, there's a dead shift or something like it...I like change when change is good, but the change in NYC is not a good one, and now with more crime whats the point? The sad thing is where to go? For a young person what other city can offer a future? I feel for young people today...I lived through the hurricane in NY, then I was in NY throughout covid and finally in 2021 moved back to Europe...No place is perfect, that is for sure, but somehow Europe has a quality of life and it is more affordable...Good luck to anyone who tries to take a bit out of the Big Apple.

[juancarballo]

“You deserve a chance to recreate yourself “ that got me. It’s what I needed to hear today. Thank you

[tobioyadiran]

Chelsea, have to say, I love the realistic POV of what moving to this city entails. I think it’s refreshing and very well needed on this platform as often times the glamourised videos are rewarded with most the engagement.

It’s a blessing that I stumbled upon this before I move to NYC from Europe in the next few months. Appreciate all the advice you’ve shared!

[jameshicks]

Theis video presents a lot of good advice. I moved here 18 months ago. I was lucky to have a good job with a good income. But even so, I had to really adjust my standards of living. But I knew that would be the case. I managed my expectations before moving here, really tried to imagine the reality of living here, and told myself to give myself the time to adjust. New York isn’t Disneyland. But it does offer incredible experiences, as this video states. So just know that you need to make some sacrifices but that, hopefully, what you gain will absolutely be worth it.

[b-sidecharley]

Love your realness. I live in LA and miss visiting NYC; used to visit a lot pre-pandemic. Will get back there this year. Keep it up, ‘23 your year!

[Booky]

This video helped clear my head a bit. I've been wanting to move to Brooklyn and follow just one crazy dream in my life, even if it's short-term. I appreciate your realistic perspective. My parents were born and raised in NYC and this was basically their experience, too.

[eerinoneil]

I'm doing a "test run" of living in NYC for this month and this was really helpful to watch in advance of my mini move! Thank you!!

[seaour]

This was an incredibly genuine video. I appreciate the “tough love” aspect.

[jukestaposition]

Thank you! Moved here last year and been having a tough time finding my crowd and making new friends but the thought of transformation always puts me at ease whenever I question whether this city is for me or not, whether I belong or not. Anyway, great advice. I appreciate it and so glad I stumbled upon your video.

[scurry]

Whow! This is an experience for me being a native New Yorker, to hear a perspective from someone who decided to give this city a try. Just to state in advance " I love New York!". All of my life when I have traveled to other cities and a few other countries of always asked myself at the time could I leave home and move here. The answer has always been no. After living in New York it's difficult to live other places. This city is a place of some much art, culture and information that you don't have go looking for it just comes right at you all the time. People here are so industrious and creative. It's so energizing to be around people who are always planning and moving with their next project. That brings about an quiet respect for the artistry in all of us. Sorry to say I just don't get the suburban way of existing; to me that's not getting the most out of life. I don't complain about those things non-natives complain about because I find it just as unsafe in non urban areas. Life threatening car accidents from driving at high speeds after a night of drinking at social events and being in sparsely inhabited neighborhoods at night by myself is scary to me. I am use to the protection of many people being around. The slow pace of retail service is such a downer for me and the uninformed dialogue amongst people in general leaves me socially distant. I like people who are want to make things happen and who seek creative ways to live an engaged life. So I truly feel blessed that my parents chose to move here and give me the opportunity to have an exciting life! So, to all who think that this might work for you, Welcome to New York! There's a lot of of Love for life here!

[ohwelldone]

Currently binge watching your videos and as someone in their early 40s who lived there in their 20s, all this advice is super real. There are a lot of things about NYC that are indicative of living in a big city (I was born and raised in Chicago and live here now but was in NY for almost 10 years). However, there are certain things about NYC where if you’re not super rich or grew up there, it’s true that you’re going to just have to adjust your lifestyle and expectations in order to stay happy and sane. Money will always be an issue - this is also why i see a lot of couple shacking up to save on rent and have double income (even when it’s a terrible idea). You’re going to have to get used to seeing the occasional rat in the subway or a mouse in your apartment or a roach, unless your apartment is brand new. NYC doesn’t have alleys so you’re gonna walk by mountains of trash on the sidewalk. It is what it is. And the process of getting an apartment will test your patience, your speed and your resources (money, guarantors, time). I felt like a pioneer running to the nearest plot to stick my flag down before anyone else got to it. The amount of times I’d go to open houses or showings and a person is already there writing a check with a smug ass face…

I do agree that the trade-off is worth it, though. Living there has changed me - it’s made me even more street smart and aware, which has helped me and friends out in weird situations here in Chicago. The amount of culture and creativity around is legit, even the street fashion in downtown Manhattan or Brooklyn is awesome. Art is everywhere. There’s a ton of stuff you can do for free. And it forces you to really get to know your neighborhood, your neighbors, the dude who runs the corner store, etc.

I will push against the Midwest Nice thing that a couple of people have mentioned in the comments. I think Midwest Nice is like Southern Hospitality: it can be nice, but it can also be SOOOO backhanded and fake. I never thought NY folks were mean. I just think they don’t fuck around or bullshit you, which I appreciate WAY more than “niceness”. Because in Chicago I’ve had my chain ripped off me and nobody did anything, but in NY a similar thing happened and 10 strangers ran after the guy. They can be “harsh” but they’ll also have your back when you’re in a bad spot. I would rather have that than a warm hello or whatever.

[AndrewDickinson]

I have been living here about 20 years and I really couldn’t agree more with your perspective. I really appreciate your authenticity in all your videos. Yes yes yes to everything you brought up. I moved here alone in 2001 and can relate to so much. Now I’m married but being alone and reinventing myself multiple times in this city has taught me a lot. 9/11 happened right after I moved here and it was equally as traumatic as the COVID lockdown.

[debbiephillips]

I was born in NY but my mom was overwhelmed there when I was a kid, so she moved us to MD which is where I live now with my own family, but I just love your videos! Keep up the great work. ❤

[Hi_Zie]

I was not at all raised anywhere near nyc but I always dreamed of going there and being able to restart and become the person I’ve always wanted to be and I thought as I’ve learned more about it even without living there I understand this video totally helped to like, realistically, set my mind this is how I always expected it to be, but like to hear that you can restart and it’s a good place, even with all the struggles and terrible things that happen in New York It’s really nice because most of the time I constantly see people moving away from there and I totally understand why they wouldn’t wanna live there but for me I understand all the horrible things that are going on there and for me I think it would be totally worth it to just go out there and at least try for a little bit, so yeah I think everything you put in the video was amazing and great advice . Thank you, thank you so much for sharing your perspective.

[ifyogu]

moved here by myself some months back, and its been tough, even with knowing a handful of people that already lived here before i showed up. community building is hard, living comfortably is heinously expensive and meeting your basic needs is inconvenient if you don’t make a lot of money. but i will say i’ve had the opportunity and inspiration to pursue new hobbies and old passions, and have met lots of new people. and i feel like i’ve only barely scratched the surface.

[deee]

I’ve been here for 18 years. I came to the city for college and stayed through the recession. The ups and the downs. I definitely missed the beat when I should have left: 2008/2009 or 2014/2015. If you are not a native New Yorker with insanely cheap rent or a rich kid/neppo baby, or someone lucky enough to make $130k, then you will struggle.

Years of multiple jobs and running yourself ragged is going to wear you down. It will. You won’t notice (as I didn’t), but you will be worse for your wares. Before you come here, make a list of all of the things you want to see and experience. Actively start crossing off those items. When you are finished with them all, look at your savings account and career prospects. Did you marry someone who makes more than $150k? No? Then move. Spending $2400-$2800 monthly on a room, studio, 1 bd with utilities at less than $100k gross income is going to bankrupt you. Retirement? Forget it. So… thank yourself for surviving and doing all things on your list and move out of the city. Tell yourself that you made it (because you did) and save your future self. So many people are edging closer to 40 and have absolutely nothing. No amazing memories and vacations. Missing time with family and chosen family. Don’t be us. Full discloser: I make $100k. My apartment is $2000. It’s not tenable without being extremely cost efficient. I remember the comfort and ease of being middle class elsewhere. City kids don’t know that feeling. We do. It’s our advantage (IMO). When I leave, my apartment will sky rocket to $4000 a month. Consider that.

[yoraerae]

I discovered your channel a few days ago and you are officially my favorite youtuber!!!! I am binging your videos. Your content is amazing, thank you! Taking my first solo trip to NYC at the end of this month and your videos have been extremely helpful.