I always knew I’d live in New York City, and when the time came, I made the most of it. During my three years in the city, I experienced world-class entertainment, explored hidden gems in every borough, and built my dream career as a writer.
But last year, when I decided I was ready to start a family and (finally) save money, there was only one place I considered moving to: Rochester, my hometown in Upstate New York.
Do I ever catch myself wishing I could walk through Central Park on my way to a Broadway show? Of course. But do I also remember why I left when I load groceries into my car instead of schlepping them 10 blocks in the freezing rain? Absolutely.
Here’s what I miss the most — and the least — about life in the Big Apple.
I miss New York City’s walkability and convenient public transit.
On my first day of work in Manhattan, I decided to walk an hour from my apartment on the Upper East Side to my office in the Flatiron neighborhood, simply because I could.
On weekends, I’d amble aimlessly from street to street and avenue to avenue. I’d window shop in Midtown, photograph the brownstones in the West Village, and stroll through community gardens on the Upper West Side.
And when I wanted to explore boroughs farther away, there was the subway. For $2.90, I could try a new Greek restaurant in Astoria, take a trip to Coney Island, or enjoy an award-winning mochi doughnut in Williamsburg.
Today, I drive wherever I need to go. But in NYC, a swipe of my Metrocard was like a portal to another world.
I miss NYC’s world-class experiences.
There’s nothing quite like knowing the best food, culture, and entertainment are right outside your apartment door.
The city could satisfy whatever I was craving, whether it was hand-pulled noodles or delectable chocolate chip cookies.
When I needed to fill my night with unbridled laughter, I’d buy a last-minute ticket to the Comedy Cellar. For a quiet moment to read and write, I’d visit my favorite third place, the New York Public Library.
If I felt like being transported back in time, I’d snag a seat and a cocktail at one of many iconic jazz clubs, like Village Vanguard.
And all the world-renowned art museums, musicals, and talks at bookstores and cultural centers, like the 92nd Street Y, made my ridiculously high rent worth it.
I miss the abundance of career opportunities.
In my opinion, New York City is the mecca of creative careers, and as a writer chasing a variety of opportunities, I knew living there would set me up for success.
The steady stream of job listings proved that my dreams weren’t so far-fetched — in fact, they were in demand. As an advertising and media hub, I thought it was the perfect place to pursue copywriting and journalism roles. And I knew that if I ever wanted to transfer my skills to another industry, I could do that, too.
Although Rochester boasts a growing startup scene, along with several marketing agencies, I plan to continue working remotely for global brands based in NYC for now.
On the other hand, I don’t miss the pricey mixed drinks (and all other expenses).
As someone who believes they deserve a little treat every day, I know how quickly these “luxuries” can add up, especially in the city, which ranked as the 10th most expensive place to live in the US in 2025-2026 by US News & World Report.
For example, a cold brew from my favorite neighborhood café in the city costs $7.50 before tip — now it costs me just $4. Plus, a cocktail with a view of Lower Manhattan could easily come with a $32 price tag.
I also found that everything from a grocery run to a standard haircut costs more in New York City.
I’m happy to have left the small living spaces behind.
When I moved to Manhattan, I was lucky to score a beautiful apartment in a pre-war building — but what I didn’t take into consideration was the massive rent increases each year.
With a large dog and plans to start a family, I knew it was time to trade our one-bedroom unit for a four-bedroom house.
Now, I have a backyard, a nursery for my baby, a dedicated office, and a spacious kitchen to cook and entertain — all while spending approximately $1,500 less each month.
I don’t miss the hustle culture.
In my experience, a thriving career in NYC came with a cost: a lack of work-life balance.
Success required sacrifice — I found that long, often stressful hours were expected in order to climb the corporate ladder. As passionate as I am about my career, I want to work to live, not live to work — and my current role allows me to do so.
Although my employer is based in Manhattan, I work from the comfort of my own home, enjoying all the flexibility this brings.
Overall, the unforgettable years I spent in NYC brought me where I am today. There’s no city like New York City, but there’s no home like a hometown.
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