{{ shop my look }}
I was lucky enough to grow up just about an hour outside of New York City, and so it’s a special feeling that I now get to call this city one of my homes. There is a reason that every real estate agent upper west side is constantly busy given the amount of people who are desperate to move here. There is so much to do and see in New York, and while I do have a love/hate relationship with actually living here (more on that at a later date. If you’re really curious, you can read this post), there does not exist a city in the world with as much LIFE as New York City.
So, today I’ve made a list of my personal top 10 reasons I love NYC. Keep reading to see them all…which ones do you agree with??
10 Reasons I love NYC
The energy
The energy and vibe of New York City is unlike any other. The 24-hour buzz of traffic, the creative spirits that roam the streets, the non-stop nightlife. Being a natural night-owl I love the fact that I can do and see plenty of things in the midnight hour, without it feeling like Sleepytown USA.
And not to mention the secondhand buzz you’ll get from the daily hustle and bustle, more traffic than you can imagine, and endless things to see and do day in and day out. The first time I visited NYC and felt the energy, I immediately looked on a website like https://imhonyc.com/best-time-to-move-in-nyc/ to learn more about what it would be like to live here. I’m so glad I moved to New York. I LOVE it!
The Tourists
Ok ok, so I don’t LOVE the tourists, per se. But let me explain.
It’s an amazing feeling being able to walk out your front door and see families, couples, whoever, navigating around the city and speaking in their native language. It makes me think about all the cities I’ve visited around the world and makes me reflect upon the feeling I get when I’m somewhere new and exciting, trying to figure it out for the first time and just take it all in. I love seeing that each and every day and knowing that so many people around the world are getting to experience the one and only NYC right in front of my eyes. NYC is a great place for tourists, there are some stunning hotels near Times Square which I would definitely stay in if I didn’t live so close to NYC! There’s so much to do here, making it the perfect place for tourism.
The food
You can literally get any type of food you like at any hour of the day in NYC. The fact that you can either visit a downtown restaurant, for example, or just pop into the nearest bakery and find pretty good food is just one aspect that makes this city one to visit! New York City is home to some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, but my personal favorite is a good NY bagel.
If you’re looking for a local “secret” bagel joint, try Jumbo Bagels on 2nd Ave. They are the BEST bagels in the city (no matter what anyone else tells you – this is a very heated debate amongst New Yorkers). Crispy on the outer edges, but soft and warm on the inside. They actually supply bagels to tons of restaurants and delis across the city, so even if you think the bagel you just had is the best, there’s a chance it’s from Jumbo. Trust me, I’ve seen plenty of those giant paper bags overflowing with bagels and lined up at 4am, ready to get delivered to all those bakeries before they open. (I promise this isn’t an ad for Jumbo, I just really think they’re the best! Ha)
New Yorkers
There’s nothing like native New Yorkers. And trust me, you’ll know one when you see one. Or should I say, when you talk to one. No matter what borough you come from, a New York accent is very distinct and that New York attitude frame of mind cannot be mistaken.
But contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are some of the most friendly people around! New Yorkers have a real sense of community and a tendency to ban together when disaster strikes. Seeing how people react in these types of events is a strangely comforting feeling.
Just don’t try to overcharge them for that bagel or try to cut them in line at checkout.
The Sports
New York is the only city in all of North America that plays host to 9 professional sports teams. So no matter what season it is, there is a sporting event to be watched. It’s great way to entertain clients, an excuse for getting together with friends, and also particularly good for all you jersey chasing ladies out there. But you didn’t hear that from me!
You can literally wear anything
Since New Yorkers are always on the run, and going back to your apartment to change after work for Happy Hour drinks is usually not an option, you will literally see people wearing everything when you go out at night.
In my opinion “Happy Hour” doesn’t start until about 7pm in the city, since everyone works so late! (See #10 below). And because it starts so late, Happy Hour very easily slides into the midnight hour. So it’s not uncommon for men in suits and women in business casual attire to blend right in with even the most casual bar goers and the most scantily clad ladies in the nightclubs. Any outfit goes in NYC!
You also never have to worry about being overdressed because New York is one of the few places you can go to a black tie gala affair, and then hit up the neighborhood dive bar for a drink without feeling out of place in your tux & gown. New Yorkers are used to seeing ALL the fashion all the time, so you never have to worry about what you’re wearing.
The architecture
New York City offers a ton of iconic architecture in it’s famous skyline views. You can be sure to visit all the buildings everyone’s heard of, but the best part about the city is that it’s such a melting pot of architectural styles.
The architecture is so diverse in the city, you can literally stumble upon a modern office building, a cute brownstone, a contemporary skyscraper, a walk up apartment, a bodega, and a historic museum all in one block.
Endless Activities
As you might imagine, New York City is an endless opportunity of things to do. Museums, broadway shows, parks, historical landmarks, shopping, bars, restaurants, sightseeing, concerts, street fairs, sporting events, even just chilling out and doing some people watching. You can literally live here your whole entire life and not be able to do everything this city has to offer.
CHRISTMAS
Ok, there is nothing more magical than New York City at Christmas. There, I said it. Don’t try to fight me on this one because I have two words for you: The Rockettes.
For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. As a little girl I always wanted to be a Rockette, and even today I watch the show every year, practically fighting back tears because I am so moved by it and it is just that good. If you visit NYC at Christmas time and don’t see this show, I’m not sure we can be friends anymore. Ha – kidding! (Kind of.)
And, it sounds so cliche, but there is definitely a feeling in the air in NYC at Christmas time. It’s the one time of year I actually allow myself to be touristy and do all the things people come to NY to do. See the tree, browse the windows at Saks, ice skate in Rockefeller Center (ok, I’ve never actually done this, but it’s on my list!), and just roam around in the crisp cold air of the city in a fairy tale of twinkling white lights and Christmas carols. Just magical, I tell ya.
Get it done
I don’t think there is any city on earth with as much motivation and drive as NYC. New York is a grind. If you accept a job in New York City, expect to work your little tail off, pretty much until you make partner, and especially if you work in the field of finance, law, medical, marketing, PR, ok…really any field! And if you’re an intern or first-year? You weren’t thinking about sleeping, were you? It’s not uncommon to pull all-nighters in the office and drink endless amounts of caffeine (amongst other things) to keep it together.
But the hustlers gonna hustle and people got things to do. New Yorkers are busy. They just want to get everything done in the most efficient way possible. So don’t get in their way on the sidewalks, or you just might get run over. This might sound intimidating, but it’s kind of refreshing, especially after visiting other cities and seeing how inefficiently they function, it’s nice to come back to a place where everyone knows how to get ‘er done!
So, have you ever been to New York City? What are some of your favorite things about the best city on Earth? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you liked this post, be sure to subscribe to the Quartz & Leisure newsletter or follow me on: Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest! ?
Thanks for reading!
Xx