why i'm leaving NYC (& where I'm going next)

[@WesleyAnna]

anyway this is all peanuts compared to what's happening in other parts of the world so if you're a U.S. citizen please write to congress and demand a ceasefire! 🍉 bit.ly/4caBfKj

[@ZaoStrength]

Thank you for this, we also need to organize our communities because our congress is not only refusing a ceasefire but directly funding the genocide and supplying missles to Israel . They need more than our letters, they need us to combine our collective strengths and fight back !

[@shawnsh]

Admire your values and courage to stand for humanity. Hats off to everyone involved in your upbringing,

[@AnnaLim]

thank you. ❤

[@breakingdragon22]

I am a native New Yorker born and raised. Grew up in the 70’s and 80’s and had an absolute blast. The specialized Art and Music school I attended was outstanding, getting past the velvet ropes of the clubs at 15 the norm. Graffiti on the train, the Wild West of 42nd street, pearl, paint, unique boutique, independent clothing stores, used book shops, and so much more incredible culture. Traveling without moving, now these places are long gone, and an experience you shall unfortunately never have. This was the real NYC, my rent was $350 for 700sqft in 1990, I worked as an aircraft mechanic and would later become aircrew. I brought a brownstone in downtown Brooklyn in the mid 90’s for a song. With all good positive decisions I have made, the culture of NYC changed drastically and in a bad way. The rents are ridiculous, the corny ass hipsters, $8 doughnuts, the skyline of Brooklyn looks like something from a 30’s Flash Gordon movie. There are no kids playing in the streets the daily routines of Hop-Scotch, Skelly, ring-o- livo , tag, stick ball, two hand touch have disappeared , just no sense of community at all due to the Midwest transplants. You are missing nothing, New York is a shadow of its former self, It might as well be Texas or Wyoming. It’s corny and overrated and overpriced. Good luck with your next adventure in life. Me I moved to Japan and it is another great decision, I have made. I have no desire to return stateside ever again. You came with Sex in the City dreams, dream in New York, get caught slipping and it will eat you alive.

[@adfgfdgs34bt4n]

How did you find yourself in Japan of all places?

[@breakingdragon22]

@@adfgfdgs34bt4n simple come, with a needed viable profession. I work in Aviation, I have flown many sorties around the world, while I loved Europe (especially Spain), Japan was it for me. Working for 30yrs in U.S. Aviation you make connections world wide. I was offered a spot in Japan took it without hesitation. The culture of NYC had dissipated, so I made a move that would best suit me, my life and happiness. I love it here in Japan, and I have no plans of ever returning state side, to live.

[@Dr.Jekyll_]

There's a strong emotional attachment to living in New York City that people can't seem to shake. I can't tell you how many people I've met who live paycheck to paycheck in NYC and refuse to leave. There's nothing practical about living in NYC, especially if you're trying to save money and start a family.

[@WesleyAnna]

“Strong emotional attachment” is so accurate 💀 it’s an incredible place but at the end of the day, still just a place haha

[@Lazuli444_77]

I was a New Yorker until few months ago, and I left NYC completely. I left the city due to my financial/job/mental situation and moved into my family's house. In the beginning, I kinda regret leaving the city, but right now, I'm glad I did. I'm currently healing mentally and physically and overall. So I get you. Good luck to you!

[@Gaby-wg9id]

As a born and raised New Yorker, the city is both magical and draining. I’m glad you’re making the healthiest decision! Excited to see what the West coast brings you.

[@WesleyAnna]

I will forever love (and complain) about my time here :) thanks for stopping by and the kind words!

[@TechSav18]

Hi Wesley, It's okay. I'm also living at home in my late 20s. Is it embarrassing to the outside world? Yes. But for me, it has allowed me to pursue the jobs I truly want without the pressure of just making ends meet, especially after my layoff. stay true to yourself and do you!

[@WesleyAnna]

love how the internet can show us how we're never alone in our struggles 🤝🏼

[@chi2om]

I relate and empathize. The job market is horrendous. Took me 6 months to find a part time job that is not helping much for my savings. Good luck to you and your partner! San Fran seems expensive too but you have a stronger support system there.

[@Sam-lous-world]

Sorry to hear you've been struggling. Sounds like the right decision and I'll be interested to see where this takes you ❤

[@WesleyAnna]

thanks for the kind words, i appreciate it 🥹

[@sunshinemindset8497]

Sorry to hear that you have been struggling 😢 I totally get it and have been in similar situations at various times in my life. I admire you for recognising that the right thing for you to do right now is to leave NYC. With regard to what content I’d like to see as one of your subscribers, I’d love to see anything that fulfils your creative needs. Whatever you are passionate about will come across and we will love seeing your passion. For me personally, I’d love to see any vlogs about your new life on the West Coast; daily/weekly/chatty vlogs; wedding prep; videos about ADHD in whatever form you think others might find helpful; funny vlogs with Alby in. And I love a moving series! You could do a vlog detailing your drive across country. Wishing you all the best and lots of luck in this next chapter and looking forward to seeing your next videos xxx

[@WesleyAnna]

Thank you for all the suggestions!! I sincerely appreciate it 🙏🏼

[@sunshinemindset8497]

@@WesleyAnna you’re very welcome! ☺️

[@BluHound51]

Ms. Wes, I must say I'm very proud of you. I relate a lot to your situation in making the extremely difficult decision to move. For me, it led to a major fall out with someone I considered my best friend, but it was the best decision I could have made. For my mental, physical, and emotional health. I'm excited for your next adventure. Whether that includes continuing content creation or not. I'm I'm rooting for you. 🖤

[@Bravenatured]

I’m sure that I’m speaking for a lot of your subscribers here when I say that I watch your content for YOU not for where you are living. I love how raw you are and have related to you many times through your videos. Especially this one. Keep shining your light and keeping it real it’s a breath of fresh air. Sending so much love ❤

[@WesleyAnna]

🥹🥹🥹🫶🏻

[@yes_JD]

Thanks for expressing thoughts which are similar for many of us. We appreciate your honesty. As a CA tech worker, laid off 3 time in 5 years, due to a fragile economy and churn corporation employers: I can confirm that Cali is still expensive and ... remote working is the way forward. I save 40% on car energy and mental energy combined. I work in NY remotely, living in CA. As you know, CA weather makes up for a lot. Go to a small liberal town in Northern CA. Avoid City expenses like commuting? Visit SF at the weekend. Just an idea.

[@esikazemese]

I'm routing for you! You made a good decision, the change of place will have a good impact on you. Good luck with both of your carreers!

[@WesleyAnna]

thank you!!

[@TheKoffeeVerse]

I've enjoyed your content in all it's different forms. Whatever keeps you wanting to create is good with me. Good luck in your move and I'm excited to see what's in store for you.

[@WesleyAnna]

I appreciate it, thank you!

[@hothotheat3000]

There’s no shame in leaving a situation that doesn’t work for you. You have made the right choice. Put it like this, I went to high school with a girl who was determined to live that Carrie Bradshaw life and went to NYC. Her parents warned her. I warned her. But she was stubborn. She didn’t want to admit that she was making a mistake. She ended up in a small apartment with multiple other people just to be able to afford rent. She couldn’t do any leisure activities. She wasn’t enjoying the city. She was deeply depressed. She saw her friends buying homes while she was trapped in that city. She finally decided to leave. She still feels like a failure because she couldn’t last in the city. That city is not made for middle class and below. You have to be FABULOUSLY wealthy, like you need to be able to light stacks on FIRE.

[@JosieMichelleDavis]

Thank you so much for sharing! I can definitely relate to a lot of these feelings (although I don’t live in NYC). I lost my job last year and it’s been such a roller coaster since. Sending you all the good vibes and hope you find so much happiness wherever you land next!

[@WesleyAnna]

Wishing you happiness as well 🥺

[@celenysaurusrex]

i especially love the explanation about the arc of knowing when you've hit a peak of experience, and that delaying moving towards a more fitting path just becomes a decline of self/growth. i just made a decision to do the same (just finishing up 2 years here) and i'm ready to get leave as well

[@WesleyAnna]

It's so hard to embrace change but rewarding in the end!

[@jh7100]

I’m happy for you! Wishing you well on your next move. I would love to see vlogs on you rediscovering San Francisco. What you want to check out or do. Take care!

[@gileneusz]

I'm quite sure that the obvious reason your applications are being rejected is that you are not sending CVs with your radish plush toy in the background.

[@WesleyAnna]

the way I was nearly triggered from the first half of this sentence 😂

[@kimlam1015]

I love the curve theory - it helps with accepting change when you're not quite ready to let go, like for me when I got laid off 6 months ago, and now I have a greater opportunity within reach that fills me with purpose like never before. Also - I've been a passive youtube watcher since forever, I often come back to the same creators to watch their content without subscribing, but after watching just a few videos of yours, I subscribed b/c it felt like every video of yours was worth my time in terms of value delivered and also just because each of your videos is like a work of art. Your design background really comes thru in these videos even if you don't work in design in an official capacity. I love the videos and insights you share. Excited to follow you on this journey - keep up the great work!

[@WesleyAnna]

Omg made my day ty 🙈 I hope I can keep living up to these expectations hehe. And glad to hear that you’ve been feeling better about your situation lately!!

[@Cheri94]

What a great video, and I think alby is absolutely correct, letting go of what we were, and dreams we had, is a sign of growth in most cases, this is one!! Best of luck, and keep the videos coming, I’m a new subscriber ❤️

[@alyssiachelsea]

As someone who’s always wanted to live in a place like San Fran (but never will) would love to see San Francisco vlogs 🥰

[@8fleetfeet]

Yes, would love to see California-based posts and visuals.

[@olgadeandres]

Hi Anna! Im from Madrid (Spain) and Ive been following you for two years. I came to your channel because another spanish creator put your channel as an example of edition. Since that ive been following lot of your videos and youre totally inspiring. I wanna thank you for being so honest💖i can imagine is not easy to admit that. Im sure youre going to rock it because your potential its amazing💞

[@WesleyAnna]

I appreciate you following along and taking the time to comment! 🥹 Espero volver a España algún día y mejorar mi español!! (I hope that was right lol)

[@raiha1425]

WOW! I have been dealing with the same thing. Moved back home temporarily from NYC because the job market is *rough* and I just can't afford the city tbh. But I am so so so conflicted and you put it perfectly! It's the emotional attachment. But also all the possibility - the people you could meet, the things you could do, etc etc. I also feel like I haven't hit my NYC peak and am wondering what all the hard work of moving and surviving in the city was all for if I don't "make it."

[@LillithElaina]

I totally understand. Literally just turned 30 in the last few months and everyone says "once you hit 30, it's just different, you'll want different things, etc" and I never believed them because how could an age dictate that? But I think it's not so much age, it's the things you've done, the things you've tried, the things you wanted versus the things you want now instead. It's just a milestone that makes you think about where you are and where you've been and where you want to be and what truly matters. I spent my teens and 20s trying everything out, and now, I'm just ready to not. I still want to try some new things, but I want to cultivate what I already enjoy instead. I'd rather enjoy this moment rather than strive for the next moment to be better. I'd rather have some stability while working on creative projects than work on creative projects and put pressure on them to succeed so I can survive. It's the balance and the focusing on the present. Going forward, would love to see more of your experiences and opinions and life lessons you want to share. What matters to you? Why? What have you tried and liked? What advice would you give others who are searching for something? etc. Or anything creative you're trying or working on or having fun with! I think this video was awesome. It was candid and real and interesting. I really liked the way you talked about the waves of life and the momentum and feeling stuck when you don't listen to your intuition, I've definitely felt that too many times before and you put it into words in a way I wouldn't have thought about. Also more about ADHD and living and finding the best ways to navigate that (that you've found to be true for you). Like how to prepare for a move with ADHD or how to keep up with family and friends, or anything else you feel is helpful. I didn't follow you because of NYC, I followed you because of YOU 😊

[@WesleyAnna]

"Cultivate what I already enjoy" is such a great way to put it. I think sometimes we reject the idea of "settling down" when we're younger because many people get so comfortable that they end up settling-but like you said, many others slow down intentionally because they learn to value different things. Thank you for all the content suggestions! Sometimes I feel the urge to just sit down and talk about life, but psych myself out of it because it's not "creative" enough for a video. Just some perfectionist tendencies I need to move past I suppose. 🥲

[@nikkimea]

Thank you for this video! Absolute truth regarding growth and seasons of life.

[@margaritagraciariris2191]

It’s totally okay, girl. I would still love to see your contents more and knowing your daily life on SF later! Keep inspiring ❤

[@SarsonaMan]

can you share more about the dream life journaling exercise you did?

[@WesleyAnna]

Great future video idea 👀

[@anastaciagreen434]

I just have to say that I find you to be the most inspiring person that I follow on youtube. And it isn’t because of the fact that you live in New York or that you appear to live an interesting and idealistic life with your wonderful man and all your amazing friends. It’s because of the authentic, intelligent, and refreshingly honest person that you are. You inspire me to be my authentic self and speak my truth regardless of the way others might receive it. More people understand and feel the way you feel than you think!! You’re a lovely human and girl you’re so valid in how you feel. I will thoroughly enjoy watching whatever content you choose to create in whatever city you choose to live in, for however long you choose to make content. Just thought you deserved some uplifting right now, don’t stop believing in yourself and what you’re doing! It matters more than you think. You’re amazing 💝

[@WesleyAnna]

@@anastaciagreen434 oh wow I so so appreciate you taking the time to write this! Absolutely made my day. ☺️ My biggest mission in life has always been encouraging others to live a life true to them, and I’m happy to hear that effort is seen here. This is also a great reminder of all the things I take for granted-sometimes I feels like I don’t have much going for me but I forget how special it is just to have supportive loved ones around me. Thank you!

[@anastaciagreen434]

Anytime love! It is definitely seen💛

[@AJ-Tivol]

I was always pragmatic and I never took a risk like that and I regret it so much. I realize that it caused you a lot of pain but I admire you so much for trying. And, yes, your metaphor makes sense. It helped me put some things in perspective for me -- like the time it took a pandemic to get me to stop being stubborn enough to leave a part-time job that was sucking the life out of me. Thank you.

[@mysweetlouisvillehome]

I was in my 30s when my husband and I made the decision to move from Chicago to Louisville, Kentucky, knowing we could go back to Chicago whenever we wanted to. 5 years later, we know we never will. We love the slower pace and higher quality of life with a substantially lower cost of living. I’ve realized the hustle culture just is not for me, and that’s ok.

[@kyungwooky]

I'm sorry you had to go through all the struggle :( Hopefully everything will get better and you will be back to NYC!!

[@tiffanymayumi9725]

Loving your content

[@WesleyAnna]

It's such a strange time for everyone it seems! I hope you're coping with change okay and taking time for yourself

[@error95-06]

Absolutely loved this video Anna! I am in the same season as you. In my 30s, unemployed, hopeless, but I am staying true to myself among all this. Trying my best to make sure I am mentally healthy and overall maintaining a reasonable sense of wellbeing, given the circumstances. I wish you luck

[@WesleyAnna]

Best of luck to you too my friend! We got this 🤝🏼

[@j355p23]

Hey Wes. I’m 28 and have lived in NYC since I was 24. Also going through a similar thought process and thinking about the best way to move forward. Everything you said made a lot of sense, it was nice to hear someone say it out loud. Wishing you the best of luck in the Bay. 🤍

[@iamdorito]

You will be missed friend. NYC will always be here!! 💖The market has been so rough

[@caricari3444]

Props to you for taking a hard step and seeing where this new phase of live takes you! Excited to see anything you create in the future :)

[@graceyloufb]

I'm going through a similar life change and going home. It's tough, but I'm sure you'll land on your feet! Best of luck!

[@WesleyAnna]

Thanks! And good luck to you too :)

[@ironwelder480]

Move to Tempe, Arizona. We have TSMC from Tawain. We have Intel, Godaddy, WayMo, Carvana, and many more startups companies here. Multi-Billionaire companies. Summers are hot but winters are the best. We are the 5th largest city in US. Lucid is here and Nissan just build a huge plant here too. One bedroom apartment is like 1.5K monthly and they are 2x size of NYC apartments.

[@marccolomayt82094]

Enjoying this & happy for you, Wesley! ❤

[@WesleyAnna]

Thanks so much!!

[@janellemaramag2505]

i love you guys!! ❤ always will be my fave NY couple ever

[@WesleyAnna]

😘😘😘

[@LyslScentedLife]

Wow! Your story about the two people you saw at the train station, almost brought me to tears. Sometimes the big flashy cities may not give you all that you want... or even what you truly want. Being in my mid twenties I feel this so hard. It hasn't been even a year since I moved to the current big flashy city that I live in, and honestly I dont really know what I'm even doing here 💔

[@WesleyAnna]

I was trying not to cry when telling it 😧 and don’t worry-charge is always difficult, be patient with yourself! You never know if you’ll find a better and unexpected version of you waiting around the corner 🫶🏻

[@joyfullencounters]

:") i hope you feel better!! thank you for sharing this. i also left nyc this month to save money and live at home with my parents. i didn't want to move back home as well but it has been very comforting to be around friends and family, and for me it is realizing that i am loved for who i am and not my output (which is paradoxically what makes me more productive haha).

[@iyanavee2632]

I just moved here to NYC to get some healthcare certificates done super fast because this is definitely the place to get your education in record time. After only 3 weeks I realized I couldn't live here longer than max 2 years 😂 it's just waaay too insanely expensive. The taxes/rent are too crazy. I love the metro , I love vibe of the city it's truly an amazing place but the economy is too bad to live here long term and it hardens you into callousness 😢 But no matter what NYC will always have my heart, and I'll always come back for a couple weeks to enjoy it ❤

[@l0mette]

This was really insightful, thank you for sharing 🥰

[@d.den_6]

wesley im proud of you! as a 24 almost 25 year old woman i really admire your honesty and courage, you've been going through a lot of changes and i think its normal to not feel -so good-, but it will get better! trust me, change is inevitable and you're doing great :) sometimes we need to let go certain things/ideas to be open for new ones, sending u a big hug

[@WesleyAnna]

Absolutely, change is always tough no matter if it’s positive or negative 🥲

[@Shanze-M]

Girlie, you don't have to explain your decision in a pragmatic way :( Living in New York was your dream, and dreams aren't meant to be practical or logical!! The great thing is that you achieved it. That little girl in you that considered herself to be a New Yorker has become one!! It's the end of an exciting chapter and the start of an even more exciting one - best of luck! :)

[@WesleyAnna]

"dreams aren't meant to be practical or logical" I love that 🥺 thank you for the kind words!

[@thecosycat]

it's always the best to do what feels right! I keep my fingers crossed for your future and hope you'll show us :)

[@WesleyAnna]

🥹🥹

[@enwang4846]

so excited for this new chapter of your life!!

[@raihana.onfilm]

Change is inevitable but you both got this!!! 🧡

[@DinaLu]

Really enjoyed this sit down video! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@WesleyAnna]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Hehe

[@TheRobocop32]

It's been a year since I left NYC best decision, I made don't look back forget about it

[@loganq]

@ 4:01 What made you conclude San Francisco was much cheaper than NYC?

[@WesleyAnna]

I don't have to pay rent in SF LOL

[@loganq]

​@@WesleyAnna😂😂😂

[@danielsowa8209]

8:30 was spot on, that shit was inspirational! And the sine curve metaphor totally worked, I'm gonna use that myself :P

[@Lilacs95]

Feeling the same about Paris right now..... made a last minute decision to move home

[@WesleyAnna]

🫶🏼

[@alanabcd]

love your videos, good luck to you!

[@dylinquent]

Wait, isn’t SF insanely expensive, too, or will you be living with parents/family for a while/indefinitely

[@WesleyAnna]

@@dylinquent living with family!

[@monicaong4313]

Sorry you guys had to move but excited for potential SF vlogs!

[@monicakauzeni]

Hi Wes, I don't think your video was dramatic at all. I bring the same intensity to all of my life experiences. Whether that's basking in a beautiful sunny day, being obsessed with a tree I see in a park, or the 1000s of clouds I've got in my camera roll. What you do anywhere you do everywhere. So, the same care and intention you put into your creativity also comes out in your life choices. It's what made me love your channel and Substack newsletter. All the best with the move to the West Coast (cue the dramatic Lana Del Rey background music). Only good things await you 🎉

[@WesleyAnna]

Thank you for understanding and always supporting. I truly appreciate it! 🥹✊🏻

[@wuhaotian866]

One good thing abt NYC: whenever you come back, you can always call it home :)

[@WesleyAnna]

Omg ur gonna make me cry

[@8fleetfeet]

You're clearly making the right decision to go back to CA. There, you can figure out what's most important to you now, what your next steps should be, and it's entirely possible that you'll end up someplace else, somewhere you've not yet thought of and that meets your needs in ways that NYC couldn't--or comes close without so many of the drawbacks. Someday, someone might ask you a question like "How did you come to live in Stockholm?" And you'll say something like "Actually, it started with a move to San Francisco."

[@WesleyAnna]

Such a great perspective! It can be hard to accept change when we don't know what's around the corner, but sometimes that's what keeps life interesting. :)

[@jd5175]

Sorry to hear... welcome back to the Bay though!

[@frankrusso5351]

At least home is San Francisco (in my honest opinion SF>NY in terms of living a more balanced life). Going back home could have been Bakersfield.

[@WesleyAnna]

I agree! I love NYC but SF is a very close second if I had to pick a plan B

[@loveline2100]

unrelated but have you told that train story before somewhere else? it sounds so familiar omg

[@WesleyAnna]

I haven’t but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a common experience :0

[@carenwebb9044]

Isnt california more expensive then nyc

[@WesleyAnna]

not when you live with family heh

[@vanillacupcake6790]

you're not melodramatizing? (what's the word? haha) and as for what content you should post - post anything you wanna share! i think it's nice to just hear your little life updates even if it isn't going to be nyc content still. wishing you the best with the move and your next steps.

[@GlobalVoicesPalestine]

Get close to nature - no not centre park but real nature and family. If you can please go back and spend time with the loved ones. Cities like NY or London makes you the rates of the rate race. Life is too short to just run after money. Bali and Malaysia have nomad visas that is another option if you want quality of life on a very low price like $2000 living like a queen plus work on content and enjoy life. Constant competition / constant networking and constant being away from nature and not grounding yourself is very very bad. I moved from London to a small town in Scotland and have not regretted it a minute. Nature, Quality of life, value of quality vs how much you pay for it is key and above all connection with loved ones and eventually connection with the writer of your life story is paramount. Thanks for making this video...hope you read this!!! xxx

[@bakerstreet101]

There seem to be a spate of "I'm leaving New York" vlogs. I hope this means rents will be going down.

[@jeanmeizel8895]

San Francisco is probably more expensive!

[@nvarj.1088]

Anna why don’t you start posting short form content like on youtube and tiktok? That way you can reach a much greater audience ❤

[@WesleyAnna]

I’ve done it in the past but found myself spreading too thin 😅 maybe once I feel more comfy with my YT schedule I’ll give it a go again!

[@damiadebayo6634]

In the same boat, difference is I owe a 7-month rent so I'm gonna run away

[@WesleyAnna]

@@damiadebayo6634 also works 🐒

[@My.Latest.Obsession]

I definitely empathize! Starting over is scary and things are always scarier when you’re in the middle of it but everything always have a way of working out. My husband and I also may have to move in a few months and although we’re not in NYC, shits expensive AF out there and it’s such a pain in the ass lol. Good luck on your move and I hope the lifestyle change is better for your mental health!

[@maddscientist3170]

bottom has fell out of the 'market' in tech across the country, not just NYC...good luck on the west coast

[@ZaoStrength]

Capitalism really do be like that ! Glad you’re able to fight back for your time

[@kaimon123]

Radish!

[@WesleyAnna]

👀

[@TheRobocop32]

queens

[@meesbees]

Still just as expensive.

[@mondo9308]

Young people today casually travel the world because they can make money online. There was no such thing just 10 or 20 years ago. So now we have these spoiled babies who don't know anything about life infecting the most beautiful locations. Bali used to be a jewel and now it's overcrowded with kids and their cameras

[@850mph]

Why do millennials (and younger) think anybody gives a damn about their lives? Grow up, get a REAL job. This ain't the Truman Show.

[@katricerichardspj2975]

Please don't equate your lack of personality or human compassion at that moment with living in NYC. That's disrespectful to people who live here.

[@WesleyAnna]

I’ve lived all over the country and I can tell you with absolute certainty that your environment affects who you become. And I never said that NYC affects everyone in the same way, so not sure why you’re implying that. It’s disrespectful to dismiss someone’s personal experiences just because you haven’t experienced the same.

[@kayflip2233]

NYC is a "mild" lifestyle upgrade from SF? 🤣 SF is not remotely close to NY. Please don't insult NY.

[@WesleyAnna]

Haha don’t get me wrong, I left SF for a reason-but for the things that are important to me (diversity, food, walkability, career opportunities) it’s not that far behind, especially when you compare it to literally any other city in America (LA comes close but then you’re dealing with traffic and general ugliness). Also, the gap is closing more and more as NY is starting to suffer from a lot of the same issues that SF did in the 2010s: rapid gentrification, safety issues, and an increasingly present monoculture after living costs have pushed out long time residents. My main point in the video was that, if you’re a homebody like I am and don’t have any ties to the city, then you really are paying for what I would consider to be non-critical life upgrades. And if you can no longer afford it, it’s probably not worth fighting for (at least in my case).