My month in Brooklyn is officially up. And it’s safe to say, she’s a Brooklyn girl now. No I’m not moving, yet. But I absolutely loved staying in this borough and getting to explore it. While I did visit Manhattan quite a bit for meetings, lunches and dinners with friends, and even to see a Broadway show, I feel like I really spent the bulk of my time in Brooklyn. And I just loved it.
My Airbnb was tucked into Cobble Hill which is situated between Carrol Gardens and Brooklyn Heights. There were so many wonderful restaurants, shops and parks. I just loved walking around with nowhere to go. The brownstones, the quiet streets, and all the little parks made me just so happy.
While I’m from New York, the suburbs, and have been back many times in my lifetime, I have never spent this long in the city. I think the longest I stayed was close to a week. I packed in meetings, events, lunches and hangout sessions. It was exhausting. But I always loved it.
This month allowed me to slow down a bit. I knew I wanted to try living, and not so much hustling. I worked from my Airbnb just like I do at home. Cooked several meals and did lots of laundry in the building next door.
I truly feel like I lived the NYC life. Even down to schlepping 3 suitcases up and down 2 flights of stairs in 90 degree heat all to be screwed over by your Airbnb hosts.
The true New York Experience if you will. Plus, a couple of rat sightings.
But truth be told, NYC is the fucking best. And this is what I loved most about my month away.
What I Loved Most About NYC
The Walkability
The simple fact that I just step outside and I’m in it all, is what I love so much. I’m a walkable city person and if I see something is a .8 miles away, I’m walking. This is my favorite thing about New York.
It’s even nice if you just need to get out of the house for a bit. The fact that walking out of your door is instantly an experience and adventure is what I enjoy most.
The Subway
There is nothing better than hopping on a subway, listening to your favorite podcast, and 25 minutes later you’re in an entirely different part of town. It’s reliable, it’s easy, I love it.
Plus, recently the MTA made a really great update and you can now just use your Apple Pay to get on the train. You don’t even need to pull up Apple Pay, it just knows your phone is there and charges you the $2.75 fare. It also knows how many times you have ridden so it maxes out at $33/week. Which is how much the unlimited price plan is.
Easily update this in your wallet settings if you’re visiting NYC. It is a total game-changer. No more loading a Metro Card and realizing last minute you need to wait in line to add funds to your card.
The Bagel and Bodega Culture
I don’t know why this can’t be replicated anywhere else in America. But the bagel and bodega culture is simply the best.
The bagels are top-notch here. It’s something in the water. They just do it differently. Same with the pizza. There’s a bagel spot on every corner and you can’t go wrong.
Plus, bodegas are so incredible and convenient. Some have tons of great food options too like a great sandwich or salad, or hey, a bagel!
Walkable cities usually have better options like this such as D.C. or Boston and Chicago. But there’s just something about the vibe that is so quintessentially New York that I feel like you simply can’t find it anywhere else but here.
The Networking
As an influencer and blogger, networking here has been crucial for me. There are so many influencers here that I wanted to connect with and I’m so glad I can now call so many of them “influencer” friends. Plus, there are the brands and agencies that I have been working with over the years, it was so nice to get to meet them face-to-face.
I felt like every conversation I had was better than the next. My mind is spinning with ideas on what to do next with my business. And I feel like I have a Rolodex of new people I can count on.
The Ferry
I need to thank my friend Meghan for this one. I didn’t even THINK to take the ferry to get to where I needed to be. But living just a few blocks from a pier made it really easy to get to specific places like Williamsburg or Seaport on the ferry versus the train.
For just $4, you can ride to where you need to go. All while taking in the incredible views of NYC. Plus, you can grab yourself a coffee, beer or canned wine while you soak it in. Hot tip, pack a hairtie so you can enjoy the views and fresh air on the top deck.
Being On The Water
I’m noticing all my favorite cities have water. A river, a lake, some sort of body of water. I just love the water and it brings me instant joy. When I needed a pick me up, I just headed to the Brooklyn Promenade, or Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 to sit and take it all in. It’s truly a form of therapy for me.
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Things I Did Not Love About NYC
Let’s be real here. NYC is hard. It’s exhausting, draining, over stimulating. It’s also so fucking expensive. NYC has always been expensive, but I definitely noticed a significant increase in absolutely everything.
There are a few things I did not love about NYC, yet I will still tell you, this is the best damn place on earth. Which I think is exactly how you know, you’re a New Yorker at heart. It breaks you down hard, but it also lifts you up oh so high.
The Smell Of Trash
Some days were HOT while I was there. And there’s just simply nothing like the smell of hot fire garbage while you’re strolling along and having a nice conversation with a friend, or listening to your favorite audiobook.
My $45 Lunch, And My $55 Lunch, And Yes, My $65 Lunch
It feels like the second you leave your apartment in NYC, you’re bound to spend $100 within 4 hours. Truly was mind blown by how expensive some casual restaurants have become. Or even just a latte.
I’m all for spending money on a nice meal here and there (although it’s actually my least favorite way to spend my money). But I’m telling you, something has shifted even more in the costs of NYC living recently. Lunch was simply outrageous for what it was.
Even just a bagel with all the fixings somehow came out to over $16. If you’re visiting anytime soon, be aware. I feel like for a few days of visiting, it feels fine to splurge because you’re on vacation. But spending a whole month here definitely felt like I was throwing money out the window. Especially since my goal was to network and meet up with as many people as possible. It felt more pricy than normal for me.
Truth be told, this is why I am so hesitant to make the move permanent. Not only is rent more expensive, but simply living and breathing seems to add up quickly!
but at the end of the day
Even with some major downfalls of NYC, this city still is one I cherish and love so much. Every time I’m here, I just feel like I finally fit in. Like I belong. Something I just don’t feel back home in Atlanta. As someone who was born in New York, and raised by true New Yorkers, it’s no surprise that the South doesn’t feel like “me”.
