I never published this article, wrote it years ago and wanted to get it out. It’s unfinished.

I’ve been living in NYC for a little over a year! I moved here from Washington, DC, where I was going to school. I grew up outside Boston, MA.

1. People exaggerate the cost of living.

When I first talked about how I wanted to move to NYC, the number one comment I received was how expensive it is to live in NYC in terms of rent and food.

“You’re not going to find a place for less than $1,200 a month”

This is complete B.S. Generally, you will find what your standards permit. When I came to NYC, I made a decision that I wasn’t going to pay over $800 a month for rent in a longterm place, and I haven’t! The cheapest place I’ve lived in was $700 per month and I have friends who have lived in even cheaper places.

It all comes down to whether or not you’re willing to hunt down those opportunities and how picky you are about where you live. If you’re willing to live in Washington Heights, East Harlem, Brooklyn, or Long Island City, then you’re set. I even found a place in the better section of Harlem for $900 a month (short-term stay).

With regards to food, dollar pizza, subway, mcdonalds, and groceries are your friend! Also, a lot of places have cheap food and drinks. You just have to learn about them.

2. Most People Have Multiple Jobs

Many of the people I’ve met last year have serious hustle! They are waitressing and also pursuing a career in acting. They are management consultants, but they really want to be doing a startup and are working on a side project.

Where in other areas of the country, most people stick to one career path, in NYC, people are less afraid to branch out. Just last night I met a woman who was a photographer, actress, model, and documentary filmmaker.

This isn’t necessarily a good or bad thing. It’s just a different lifestyle.