So, is New York City worth it? Personally, for me, my answer is no.
Why? Well, you’re just going to have to read this post to find out!
Hey there, I’m Peter Wins, and I moved to NYC from Long Island back in mid-May. I lived in the city for about four and a half months in total—starting from May to late August, then back again in November to December, right before Christmas. So I experienced the spring, summer, and a little bit of the fall before heading into the holiday season.
Now, let me be blunt: New York City is only really worth it if you’ve got money. Doesn’t matter where it comes from—Bitcoin, family trust funds, a high-paying job, whatever—you need money to enjoy living in New York City. I knew this going in. Personally, I’m a very middle-class guy, and let me tell you, NYC is not a middle-class city anymore. Maybe 30 or 40 years ago, it was a different story, but now? It’s a capitalist haven, and capitalism is in your face every second of the day.
You’ll see it in extremes. For example, you’ve got people stepping out of $1,000-a-night hotels, hopping into limos, or strolling into the Louis Vuitton or Chanel stores on 5th Avenue, looking like they’re made of money. On the other side of things, you’ve also got a huge homeless problem. The difference between the haves and the have-nots is on full display in New York, and it’s raw capitalism at its finest.
That means you’ll be exposed to things you might not normally see—especially if you’re relying on public transportation. I’m talking about homeless people living on the streets, people clearly on drugs, and yes, some strange sights and sounds that you’ll only experience in a city like this. If you’re okay with that, New York is still a fun, wild place. But you need to prepare yourself for the reality of it.
The Most Important Thing: Pricing
I’m going to be brutally honest here—money is by far the most important thing when it comes to New York City.
Housing is insane here. During my time in the city, I lived in an apartment in East Village (on Avenue B), which I found on Craigslist. The original tenant paid $2,000, but they charged me $2,200 for a furnished, short-term stay. And it wasn’t even a nice place. It was a ground-floor studio apartment that was tiny—just enough space for a bed, a small desk, and a tiny kitchen. It was pretty cramped, but for the price, I couldn’t complain too much.
If you’re looking to get a decent apartment, expect to pay at least $3,000 for a bare-bones one-bedroom. If you want something nicer, like in the West Village or Soho, you’re looking at $4,000 to $5,000 for a one-bedroom—if you’re lucky.
And let’s not even get started on the grocery prices. A trip to Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s is going to set you back. The grocery prices are higher, but it’s expected in New York. On average, I’d spend around $600 to $700 for a weekly grocery run at Whole Foods—sometimes more, depending on what I was buying.
So yeah, to enjoy New York City, you need money. If you have it, life’s a bit easier. You can Uber everywhere, have a nice apartment, and avoid the chaos on the streets. But if you’re living on a tight budget, prepare for a different experience.
Public Transportation
New York City’s public transportation is often touted as one of the best in the U.S., and for the most part, I agree. The subway costs $2.75 for a ride no matter how long your journey is. Whether you’re going one stop or twenty stops, it’s the same price. The subway runs often enough, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a train with air conditioning. That’s the dream.
However, the subway is also a bit of a mixed bag. While it’s relatively fast and gets you where you need to go, it can be a little confusing for newcomers. You’ve got to get used to the different lines and figure out where you’re going—whether it’s uptown, downtown, or across town. But after a week or two, you’ll get the hang of it.
And then there’s the issue of safety. I’ve never had a serious problem in the subway, but you do have to keep your wits about you. There are always some strange characters, and yes, sometimes bad things happen. Just be aware of your surroundings and try not to make eye contact with anyone who looks a little off.
Safety / Danger
Is New York City dangerous? Well, it depends on how you look at it. Of course, it’s easy to find videos and headlines that make the city look like a warzone, but in my experience, that’s often exaggerated for views and clicks. Yes, crime does happen, but the reality is, New York has actually become a lot safer over the years. Even with everything going on, I felt pretty safe most of the time.
If you ask me, the most dangerous time isn’t actually at night—it’s early in the morning, between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. That’s when the real craziness seems to come out. One morning in Soho, at 8:00 AM, I was actually chased by someone—luckily, nothing happened. But that’s the reality of living in a big city. You’ve got to stay alert and not let your guard down.
Food
Now, let’s talk about food. New York is famous for its culinary scene, but I’ll be honest—I didn’t think the pizza lived up to the hype. Pizza in New York is good, don’t get me wrong. It’s just not life-changing. It’s essentially just bread, sauce, and cheese—there’s only so much you can do with that. Sure, there are some great pizzerias around, but they didn’t blow me away. For me, pizza’s just pizza.
On the other hand, fine dining in New York can be amazing if you’ve got the budget for it. With the right amount of cash, you can get into Michelin-star restaurants and experience food that’ll knock your socks off. But most of us aren’t living that lifestyle, right? So, I mostly stuck to affordable places that gave me the best bang for my buck.
For groceries, you’ll have Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and some smaller markets. Just know you’re going to pay a premium for everything, but it’s part of the experience.
Weather / Climate
Weather in New York is a bit of a rollercoaster. Spring and fall? Great. Perfect weather. You can walk around in a light jacket, maybe a sweater, and feel comfortable. But winter? Oof. January and February were brutal. I’m from Long Island, so I’m no stranger to the cold, but New York’s concrete jungle makes it feel even colder. The wind is relentless, and once the temperature drops, it’s not a place you want to be walking around for too long.
But the upside? New York at Christmas time is magical. The city just comes alive with lights and decorations. I’ll admit, I found it hard to stay grumpy in the middle of all that Christmas cheer.
Neighborhoods / Where to Live
Now, let’s talk about neighborhoods. New York City is made up of five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—and where you live is going to make a big difference in your experience.
- Manhattan: The iconic borough. The heart of the city. But living here is expensive as hell. If you can afford it, you’ll be close to everything—Times Square, Broadway, Central Park. But be ready to pay a premium for it.
- Brooklyn: Where things get a little more relaxed but still very trendy. Williamsburg and DUMBO are prime spots, but they can be pricey. Lower Brooklyn like Bushwick is more affordable but a bit edgier.
- Queens: You get more space for your money here, but you’re further from the action. Good for families or those who don’t mind the commute.
- The Bronx: Definitely the least expensive of the five boroughs, but you’re further removed from the city’s main attractions.
Each neighborhood has its own vibe, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle and budget.
Nightlife
Manhattan nightlife isn’t what it used to be. In the 80s and 90s, the city was the place for nightlife. Now, it’s a bit of a different story. You’ll find some decent spots in Lower Manhattan (East Village, Greenwich Village, West Village), but the real party scene has moved to Brooklyn. Bushwick has the warehouse parties, but it’s far from the city center.
In Manhattan, Lower East Side and West Village are the best for nightlife, with a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues. But if you’re looking for a high-energy, late-night scene, expect to head out to Brooklyn.
Dating
When it comes to online dating, New York is a goldmine. With over 8 million people in the city, you’re bound to meet someone. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are huge here, and the good news is that no one’s really concerned about running into you because it’s so big. The downside? It can be exhausting. Everyone’s busy, everyone’s looking for something different, and there are a lot of options—so it can feel like a never-ending carousel.
Final Thoughts: Would I Live Here?
Would I ever live in New York again? Honestly, I don’t know. For all its excitement, it’s a tough city to love when you’re just trying to get by. The weather can be brutal, the rent can bankrupt you, and the crowds can drive you insane. But, there’s also a lot of life here—energy, diversity, culture, opportunity. If you’re willing to live on a tight budget, the challenge might be worth it. But don’t let the charm of the city fool you—it’ll chew you up and spit you out if you’re not prepared.
