Its been about 6 months since I first moved to NYC. All my life, I have wanted to move here. Much of my family lives here. I initially wanted to go to college here. I then wanted to move here after college. It never happened. When I was looking for a job after business school, I made one prerequisite that it had to be in NYC. I realized that if I did not move here now, it would never happen. My interests/profession will naturally pull me to Silicon Valley/Bay Area, given how much I love technology and start-ups, but it was incredibly important to me to resist and try to build my career in NYC. I have no idea if I want to be here for the rest of my life, but I have been enjoying it a lot. NYC is a tricky place and its not for everyone. Here are a couple of things I have learned (with a video for each).
1)Stay away from Murray Hill! Its full of meat heads and tube top girls Here is a special video on Murray Hill (a friend of mine use to date this guy):
2) The melting pot of people is unparalleled. I have met many people from different countries, cultures and perspectives. It is easy to make a diverse group of interesting friends with distinct backgrounds. Everyone is eager to meet new people, be out constantly and know the ever changing social scene here in NYC. The energy in the city cannot be replicated anywhere in the US (I have lived in SF, Boston and LA, and no where has the same energy). There is no city with more compelling people, neighborhoods and things to do:
3) People love speakeasies. In order to make a place cool in NYC it has to be a secret location underneath or above an old store or office complex. These are the best places to get drinks and food in NYC! (I know a clip from Better.tv is girly, but that is all i could find):
4) The boozy brunch is great. I have been to several brunches at restaurants and at people's apartments. It just seems like a much bigger event in NYC. My cousin Mikey came to visit and he claimed that the highlight of his three week stay was brunch. Essex Lounge and Tre are my two favorite spots. Many places offer a meal and all you can drink champagne for around $20. Pretty good deal and a great way to start the day:
5) Start-ups and entrepreneurs thrive! I have been surprised to meet so many people who do consumer internet/technology/digital media work here. As the gap between traditional media and technology closes, New York will grow as a technology hub. Also, I have been impressed to see many people who were bankers or worked in finance in other capacities take there big bonuses and try to start new companies with them. Props to the original Silicon Alley entrepreneur Jason Calacanis:
It has been a great 6 months! A lot of people suffer with the "grass is greener" syndrome when they live in a city. They wonder what it would be like living somewhere else and complain about where they live. I have never been in a situation that I can say with more certainty that the grass on the other side can't nearly be as green. I love this city.
