14 Reasons Why I Love New York City

Aug 4

I'm a lifelong New Yorker—a rarity these days. My childhood revolved around St. Marks Place, raiding Search and Destroy with my best friend Steph for unnecessary, overpriced t-shirts.

Most people are surprised to hear I've lived here my whole life. New York is undeniably challenging; everything feels 30% harder than it ought to be. Yet, 8.5 million people call this place home, proving it's possible to not just survive, but thrive, amidst the slow walkers, questionable Uber drivers, and persistent pests.

Perhaps we're all a little mad, but enduring this wildly unpredictable, endlessly captivating city fosters a unique kind of wisdom. Here are some of the reasons I believe New York is the greatest city in the world.

1. The Diversity

This city is a huge melting pot of different people from all walks of life- I adore that.

2. The Energy

It’s the only place I can consistently function on less than 6 hours of sleep a night and I attribute that to the energy of this crazy city.

3. The Culture

From the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wall Street, fashion, street art, Central Park, 5th Avenue... Need I say more?

4. The Entertainment

From museums, concerts, comedy shows, classes, workshops- we have it all here. There is literally no excuse to ever be bored.

5. The Convenience

Living in NYC, everything, literally, everything, is right outside your door.

6. The Grit/Grind

This city has the potential to harden people a bit but I know for a fact that that same hustle and get-shit-done attitude is the very thing that allows you to stand out anywhere else you go.

7. The Food

Any cuisine, at all hours of the day and night. From the dumplings in Chinatown to fine dining on the upper west side at Jean-Georges- this city has it all.

8. That Skyline

Whether you’re in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, or the Bronx- you can still appreciate the view of the epic NYC skyline and always catch a killer sunrise and/or sunset if you know where to look.

9. Public Transportation

You could navigate your entire way around all five boroughs on one metro card, without using a car- if the MTA has their shit together on that particular day.

10. Career Opportunities

From startups to the Stock Exchange, whatever your career aspirations may be, you can accomplish them in this city – and you’ll meet plenty of people along the way to help you get there.

11. The Opportunities in General

From your career to making new friends, discovering new passions, taking a new class, to forming new relationships- the opportunities in this city are endless.

12. The People

So many people from so many walks of life all compiled here in this concrete jungle. And the beautiful thing? You can learn something from everyone.

13. The Music and Nightlife

This city is the only place you can walk out your door at 12 am to begin your night out. And you’ll always be able to find what you want to hear- house music, hip hop, jazz, swing, it’s all here.

14. The Bodegas

Gotta love your local bodegas. Trust me- not only will they be clutch to satisfy your late-night snack cravings, but they’re usually open 24/7 which means the people behind the counter will most likely be the ones to see you at your worst— like when you’re stumbling home alone at 2 am, in dire need of a Rice Krispie treat and someone to help unzip the back of your dress at least a quarter of the way down.