My parents have always instilled this thought in me: You were born and raised in the greatest city in the world.
As I’ve gotten older, moved away for college for four years, and eventually moved back home, this couldn’t be more true: there’s nothing like living in New York City. New York City is my home. I have to thank my parents for really raising me to have that New York State Of Mind. They grew up in Brooklyn and Queens before moving to Staten Island, and eventually settled there. So no, while I didn’t grow up in Manhattan, I like to think I’m a very well-rounded New York City native (Yes, the 5 boroughs are part of New York City…I pay NYC taxes, I can’t make right turns on red, and DID I MENTION I PAY NYC TAXES?!)
Anyway…
Now that I’m almost 26 years old, I started to think about how lucky I am that I get to be in my 20s, living in New York City. The late nights, early mornings, walks through Central Park, and amazing blog shoot locations have really shaped me into the person I am, and made my blog what it is today.
Here’s what I love about living in New York City in my 20s:
Anything, anytime, anywhere
When I was younger (and probably underage…oops), it was so much fun going out in the city. My friends and I would stay out until the sun came up, have a sleepover at someone’s house, and then wake up and piece together our nights. Since we don’t live in the city, we take the ferry to and from the bars/clubs. The ferry is actually so fun because you can get tall boys and that’s your pregame right there;) From Penny Farthing to Hair Of The Dog to Side Bar to any bar with boozy brunches, it’s safe to say that I’ve had my fair share of crazy days and nights.
Now that I’m older and more “mature” (aka just tired), I don’t find myself going out as much, but instead exploring the city. Between Instagram and location scouting, there is just SO much to do in this city. Finding “the next best” thing is always what I’m looking for. Over the last few years, I’ve been really into exploring different neighborhoods…and have obviously fallen in love with the West Village. The quaint corners, perfect photo opportunities, and delicious restaurants have been deciding factors when it comes to my favorite neighborhood.
And then I do love the occasional Sunday Funday or late night. I mean just recently my friends and I were out from 12PM to 10PM and then walked to get pizza at the new Joe & Pat’s location…where we proceeded to get more beer and order FIVE PIES.
Opportunities
I wouldn’t be where I am today if I lived anywhere else. To me, living in New York City is like a cop out. Hear me out. I went to college in Northern Virginia, where my school has a good fashion program (relatively speaking, of course). There were A LOT of students in the fashion program. When I think about all of those people who had dreams of moving to the big city, I can’t think of anyone who has actually done it. Moving to New York City not only takes a lot of money, but also a lot of bravery. I know just how lucky I am that I was able to move back home after college, get on my own two feet, and begin my career in the fashion industry. Because for some people, they just can’t do it.
When it comes to my blog, I am so grateful for the amount of events I get to attend solely because I’m a New York City blogger. A lot of brands want to work with me because I can base so many of my collaborations around New York City and my lifestyle here. And I mean, the prime locations for photo shoots. I can’t get enough of the locations here. I’m also exposed to so much inspiration – the fashion, the architecture, the art – it’s all here.
As a 20-something year old living in New York City, there’s probably no better opportunities to grow and pursue your dreams.
Best of the best
Best bagels? We got ’em. Best manicures? We got ’em. That trendy pop up? We got ’em. It’s not a surprise that New York City seems to get the coolest, latest and greatest restaurants, events, workouts, and pretty much everything first. And when it comes to water, please don’t argue with me because New York City’s tap water is the best. Seriously, don’t @ me;)
The diversity here is also one of the reasons why living in New York City is the best. Italian, Irish, Jewish, Chinese, Korean, African-American, Hispanic…you name it, someone who lives here probably represents it. And to me, New Yorkers are one of a kind. Our tempers may go from 0-100 real quick, but New Yorkers have each other’s backs. I can’t even begin to describe the way New Yorkers came together on September 11, 2001. Those days made me believe that New Yorkers are invincible, and no one can mess with our city and its people. We truly have some of the best of the best here.
So at the end of the day, I don’t think there’s anything better than living in New York City in your 20s. This city has made me who I am today: my sassiness, my confidence, and my strength all come from the streets of this city.
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