The time I moved to New York City alone and broke (it was rough) | MY STORY | Pros & Cons

I give you a STORYTIME (yay) of the time I moved to New York City without money (broke), and totally alone (don't rub it in). Spoiler Alert! It was awful and it was rough. This is my story so hopefully others had a better experience 🤫 I also break down all the Pros & Cons of living in New York City if you were curious about moving here. Can't believe it's already been 4 Years though... the time has flown. Watch to find out if my leap of faith in moving to NYC paid off!
0:00 Intro
1:22 Storytime
10:59 Pros & Cons of Living in NYC
15:58 Reflection
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➣Instagram: / chel.call
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I moved to NYC on my own. Moving out of state alone can be terrifying, so I encourage you to take the big leap if you can! New York City life is wild, it's adventurous, it's dangerous at times (I got robbed lol), but if you plan smart, us new york city rats will welcome you with open arms 😉
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this video is not sponsored
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#movingtonycalone #storytime #movingtonewyorkwithnomoney

[@ChelseaCallahan]

If you liked this video, check out my NYC Advice playlist (tips to help you move here & live here in general)! I am always adding to it. Thanks everyone! 🍎🗽 kzbin.info/aero/PLuR-6QF6WOR06JeJtuJr84nV_RmqZ-Kgr

[@Cityheart221]

New York can be an amazing city. We hear a lot of the good stuff. Thank you for sharing your story so people who move to it will have an idea of the pros and cons. Keep in mind there are pros and cons to anywhere you move. Some of these require budgeting. I use to get on the trains about 90 minutes before I had to be at work. One thing people may know but sometimes forget is the crowds. If you move to New York be prepared for the large number of people that are also trying to get to work, go to the beach, get to the Broadway show, etc. Take precautions with safety of your self and your home. Alarms, cameras, loud whistles, speed dial 911. Our home was broken into twice, then we obtained a really good and loud alarm system (which prevented the next attempt). You can leave a light on or a timer that turns the light on and off. It makes it look like someone is home. Don't store valuables in obvious places. If you can afford it, have renter's insurance that covers what's inside your home/apartment. Combat roach killing gel worked wonders to rid of cockroaches. If you can afford it you can also pay for someone to go through your home every quarter for insects and mice. Rarely some landlords do this. Cleaning with products that have a citrus smell also helps deter roaches. Hope you find a safer and good place to live.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thank you for this!! You have some really great tips in here I think people will find very useful! I'm taking notes myself ✍🏻*buying combat roach gel asap

[@SonshineLady7]

@@ChelseaCallahan Roaches are native to FL as well - there is a variety called Palmetto Bugs that are huge. One of the best roach killers I've found (and what was recommended when my family first moved to Miami from Ohio when I was 13) is Harris Famous Roach Tablets. They were sold everywhere in S. FL but couldn't find them anywhere here in Central FL. Finally found them on Amazon - they are in a bright yellow box. I just saw they make a gel also. With the tablets, only have to put 2 in drawers, under the refrigerator, under the sink and it seriously clears up the roach issue. The apt. I have now is modular; materials used in mobile homes but turned into apartments; no concrete slab underneath & open places galore where roaches can crawl in - the Harris Tablets were a Godsend here.

[@brendadrew834]

Here, this should cheer you up! I paid only $90 dollars a month for a one bedroom , one bath, large eat in kitchen , living room apt on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the early 1970s when I was single and working as a fashion illustrator, and that was rent controlled, an old brownstone! With two roomates that was $30 dollars each! Then I rented a brand new studio apt. when I moved to the suburbs, with AC, a full walk in closet, huge linen closet, galley kitchen, one bath with tub along with swimming pool/tennis courts for just $162 a month! That same apt on the Upper East Side, now renovated goes for $2500 - 3000 a month for one person! Used to pay just 10 dollars a month for food and next to nothing for utilities! Subway fare was 35 cents a ride, movies were $1.25, a drink at a single's bar was around 2 -3 dollars! A bounced check was just $3.00!! What are the skyrocketed prices today! And we thought inflation was bad in the 1970s?? HA!! I wouldn't pay any of the exhorbitant prices today that have gone through the stratosphere since then, just shows you just how GREEDY people have gotten these days and everything keeps on going up and up..the landlords, real estate, property taxes, home insurance, the greedy banks with their outlandish fees!

[@CarlHarbaran]

it is quite expensive. but it pushes you to strive for more. trust worthy friends are essential here ! once you have good friends you wont be alone. happy you are much better now !

[@ChelseaCallahan]

I love what you said “but it pushes you to strive for more.” So so true! And yes, good friends are everything 🙂

[@CarlHarbaran]

@@ChelseaCallahan how’s it going so far ?usually people find the stronger better part of themselves as we usually are a bit tougher 🥶. We’re you happy with your move ?

[@martyjewell5683]

Helluva dissertation. Glad you're doin' well. I grew up in 1950's/60's Bush Terminal, Brooklyn. A poor, mostly Puerto Rican run down neighborhood. I could never fathom why anyone would purposefully move to Fun City. On the lam, I get it. Subway rides in 1950's cost fifteen cents for a token (one ride). In 1974 after military service I settled in Bay Ridge where my first apartment was a studio with use of back yard and rent was $90/month with gas and electric included. Rent increased but I stayed there till movin' out in 1989. Very little "gentrification" occurred in the old days. You knew where you were accepted and where you weren't. You seem to have lived in the crappier (?) neighborhoods. Brooklyn's best were; Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Garden, Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst , Midwood, Brighton and Garretson Beach. Worst were; Ocean Hill/Brownsville, Ft. Greene, Bedford Stuyvesant, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Williamsburg and worst was East New York. But I suppose it's one big gentrified happy freakin' family now. I wish you luck, kid. Your honesty is refreshing. NYC? A bad place to live once retired, ain't no doubt about it.

[@stephb3321]

I think at your age, everyone should experience living in a big city once in their lifetime. For me, I lived in Seattle for many years, moving from the ‘burbs where I grew up. It’s not NYC, I know, but there’s something about living among tall buildings, lots of traffic, and lots of people. It’s exhilarating and you feel alive. I get your struggles, working many jobs, living frugally, but it will be part of your history and a fun story to tell later in life. You’ve done well!

[@joymae]

Could listen to you talk about anything! I love living in New York City it’s the best experience. I didn’t have many friends when I moved here and it was hard but you push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and it does work out.

[@samanthawho9591]

Rats are so cute, visited New York 4 times just to get a feel on whether I can imagine living in New York. I always felt like I belong in New York. Amazing place.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Yes! Good on you for visiting so much. I get a heart attack every time I see a rat on the subway tracks with a train coming... somehow they always survive 🙏🏻💖

[@marinamerch]

😂😂😂

[@samanthawho9591]

@@ChelseaCallahan haha 😂

[@MrCuckoohead]

you are amazing! I have traveled to nyc a lot and I get your mind set! Ive been planning on spending a few months next year just to trip out in a palpable way... i think my approach to it is educated because i am, like you! what a story you share.. you fn rock!

[@letterbox203]

Hi Chelsea, this episode is super enlightening, honest, and personal. It provided much valuable insight on how difficult and expensive NYC. Basically I had always thought this was so, and now you confirmed it. I live close enough to travel in on weekends but i didn't do so too much. I had friends from college who reside in Stamford but i didnt feel like commuting back then. I like what you said about opportunity, and also your honesty in saying the pros didn't outweigh the cons. Thanks for sharing

[@nechama2113]

Wow it's really amazing you managed to get through all of that, pretty sure I would have moved back in with my parents at about 10 points in your story. Gives me hope though that you did it and still love the city!

[@camilliabrooke1582]

I've dreamed of living in NY since I was very young so this was an interesting video to watch. I moved overseas a few years ago and I can't tell you how relatable your experiences are!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

I hope this didn’t discourage you from coming! It’s a great city 😊 just a bit intense at times 😂 I’m glad you can relate to moving to new places tho!! Moving overseas is huge! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@camilliabrooke1582]

@@ChelseaCallahan You didn't discourage me! I love NY very much. Before corona started, I got to travel there for work sometimes :) I wish you lot's of fun and success over there!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Camillia Brooke oh no way, that’s cool!! Thanks for the good wishes, you so kind 💕

[@thesdfable]

hey! just found your channel! I do not live in NY, I dont even live in the U.S. but your content is still so relatable. Thank you for being real! you are strong!

[@BubblyLeana]

I live in NYC Queens. I moved alone as well. Your story is a bit brutal than mine. lol I always keep an optimistic mind. Being positive helps a lot living in the city.

[@metopcop]

What an amazing story. I was supposed to move to NYC last year, but then the pandemic happened. Hopefully I can move up there once things have normalized. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and wishing you much luck and success with your future endeavors. 🗽🍎

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Yes I hope that for you too! Thanks you for the well wishes, and I wish the same for you!

[@alfiemarie]

ur such a great storyteller. thank u for shoring. i felt the whole thing, espacially when you shared about your apt getting robbed :C

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thank you for watching!!

[@marinamerch]

I agree! Amazing story teller :)

[@sallyhenneri7071]

Thank you for this video! Its so real and motivating! !!!

[@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy]

Enjoyed hearing your story. You seem very genuine an true!

[@3950laura]

I moved to a city in another country. It was one of the hardest, most challenging experiences of my life and at times I found myself in the craziest situations. But it was also the best time of my life. Now, I am thinking about moving to New York City in a few years time

[@estefaniabarron5096]

I moved to NYC when I was 20, in 2016 as well! My dad had just died a few months ago, and my stepmom had stolen my college fund... It's a long story, but I needed to start over. I saved $700 and moved to a shared room in Jamaica, Queens. A lot of the things you said resonated with me, especially the emotional breakdowns in public places. I had a bunch of those too! Thank you for sharing your story. When I would share mine with people I'd always hear about how brave I was, even when I felt like I was just in survival mode, still I'm gonna say it, you're super brave!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

OMG you ARE so brave - thank you for sharing, and for watching 💘

[@7931lila]

Such a fun video to watch! Good job staying the course. I envy your personal strength.

[@RuReady115]

As a born and raised new yorker who moved in 2020 and now back visiting. I love u

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thanks for watching 🗽

[@mr.wisecat]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Honesty is a precious and very rare thing )

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thanks for watching 😃

[@lishan222]

extremely informative video. i'm moving to new york alone from australia at age 20 and it's safe to say i'm a little terrified lol but this video gives me a good idea of what to expect !

[@lukesmith7887]

Wow...amazing to hear this story, and just imagine the next 4 years! 👑🏆

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thanks for listening! 🙂 yes no matter what there’s no going anywhere but up from where I started! Haha

[@MrOmackdaddy]

Dude loved your story, even though it was CRAZY, moving to a different state is all about life experiences and how you can overcome it. You get to learn so much about yourself and learn to preserve and keep going. Next time we chat I will have to tell you my experience about moving to Oregon just on a limb. Best decision I have made

[@ChelseaCallahan]

What's up Omik!! Thanks for watching! Oh yes I'd love to hear about your experience moving to Oregon. Glad it turned out well for ya (especially with my girl aud 💘)

[@jackthomas7864]

as some one looking to move to NYC after college, THANK YOU! I will do the opposite of everything you did!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

LOL. So glad I could help!

[@suecole7338]

Well done for all your achievements and meeting your challenges head on.

[@alimaki1517]

Thanks you for sharing your experience with us

[@shanoncollier769]

Wow. Amazing story. You kind of remind me of a 15 year younger version of myself. The first time i went to NYC I was 16 years old, following around the Grateful Dead. And I had about $30 in my pocket. But it turned into an awesome 7 day adventure and I ended up staying at the Hotel Pennsylvania with a bunch of other people in one room. And Bob Dylan made a surprise appearance on the 4th show night. I did fall in love with NY that visit and have been back many other times, always taking first timers with me, to show them what little I know. But I also left home at age 17 for a summer to work at Yellowstone with about $200 in my pocket and managed to squeeze in a great cross country tour. We camped a lot which I love anyways. I am hoping your channel covers your travel experiences and am binge watching now (you just popped up in my feed tonight ironically, I subscribed).

[@afmggamez8193]

You got a new sub here! I want to move to New York so good! Im ready for a new scenery and opportunities!

[@sx3r952]

Loooooooove your videos! So helpful, thank you so much!!✨

[@ChelseaCallahan]

i'm so glad, thank you for watching!!

[@buddhajesuschrusthole]

Gurl you're just like me. You just went and moved to a new state with no plan! I moved to Hawaii alone with nowhere to stay, nobody I knew, and no job haha! Yet somehow, everything aligned! And I found my way! I only ended up staying there for 2 months, because I didn't realize how scared I was of being on an island. Haha. I grew up in Hawaii, but I haven't been there since I was 6. So it was just a leap of faith!

[@josephlim6854]

@15:13 I agree I feel riding NYC subway is quite pricey. I bought a CitiBike annual membership and found that it's a good way to move around the city. I do notice that I see at least 1 person jump the turnstiles (or enter through the accessible exit) whenever I enter or leave the subway that don't have cops.

[@ruthzacarias2142]

i loved this video you are so funny... keep up the authenticity! subscribed✨

[@ChelseaCallahan]

wow thank you ruth! ✨💐

[@TheGabiRods]

Such a great video! thanks!

[@MarieColadonato]

Love this!!😍❤️

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thanks dear!! 💘 So happy you enjoyed it!!

[@ecrenflips4747]

This is weirdly inspirational

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Haha I feel that

[@dcabral00]

I love your story because it is real. You are absolutely right about the gentrification. I've lived in NYC (Not the Bronx, or Brooklyn, etc.) for over 35 years. To me, it is simply overrated. Before the pandemic, I was seriously contemplating moving to Florida. Thank you for your story, I figure I save a little more, and see what happens.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

I totally agree, there are some serious cons about living in NYC, and parts that just aren't worth it and make it overrated. It's nice to know it'll always be here if you decide to explore other places! A little change never hurts. Thanks for watching 🙂

[@SonshineLady7]

As a semi-native Floridian - you're most welcome here!! Lots of people from NY/NJ in South FL where I grew up. We're having a population/building boom here in Central FL. Not sure if more ppl from the North moving here due to pandemic but - we're doing well in FL. Always room for one more.

[@dcabral00]

@@SonshineLady7 Ahh, thank you so much! It is always nice to be welcome.

[@girlgrown2696]

Great video! I also moved to NYC alone to work for a fashion ad agency. What a wild ride that was....!! Happy New Year to all x

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Oh my GOD that does sound wild but makes for a great story! Thanks for watching & happy new year 💖

[@chicnoir29]

Spill tea Girl Grown. What was that experience like?

[@girlgrown2696]

@@chicnoir29 haha. The tea is piping hawt! I did do a video on that a couple of months ago. If you're interested it's on my channel. But it was eye opening to see how the industry really works, and what goes into making these images that shape how people perceive beauty. I was like WAIT... YOU are deciding what's beautiful? LOOOOL.

[@chicnoir29]

@@girlgrown2696 - Okay I’m heading to your channel ASAP.

[@LarsWagner]

found your channel couple of days ago and im obsessed !! binge watching since then as i have the dream to move & work in NYC as well. even more difficult as a foreigner..(btw: i also wrote you on IG) do you know a blueprint or "plan" to move to NYC? What to do first, second, etc. ?!

[@KatieKH1]

What a coincidence i'm also from Oregon haha That is some serious dedication!! I've always said i've wanted to move to New York for a year or 2 but idk if I could do it longer than that. Definitely such a wonderful place to visit, glad to see you've made it work 👏🏻 Definitely subbing!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

No way! You're the first Oregonian I've met on KZbin! How cool. I think 1-2 years is a great amount of time to give it a shot. Definitely try at some point, and let me know if you ever need any recommendations 💝 thanks for watching!!

[@jessicalynn6981]

Just found this video and your advice and what you went through gives me hope. I'm moving to NYC in less than two weeks and will luckily have about 4K saved up and I have a job lined up as well. It's not in the field I want to get into, but hearing your story makes me that much more excited and hopeful and less freaked out for my future there. Thank you!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Hey Jessica! I'm so happy this pumped you up to come! This is a great time to be in NYC, the weather is 10/10 gorgeous right now ☀️good luck with the move!

[@crystalclear675]

Ok how did all this work out! I’m trying to move in 3 weeks with about the same saved up! No job but I’m looking for barista jobs.

[@jessicalynn6981]

@@crystalclear675 so far so good! I’ve got a different job now, but doing well. I’m very stingy about my spending so I’ve been able to save up more so I suggest being very careful with spending here. It adds up quick 😂 good luck to you!

[@murielmoloney1043]

Imoved to london in my 20s.worked all hours eventually left cos rent was burning expensive.really enjoyed the experience though

[@s.jhenley-hicks1933]

Another killer video 😍😍😍

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thanks love!!! 😘 appreciate you watching!!

[@SYDAirlineEnthusiast]

I lived in New York since last year, and yes, it can be hard to live here alone. I don’t live alone, but I am still trying to get my whole family to join me here so I can stop paying rent as that’s the only way my old house can be sold to buy a new house here.

[@micahsnow346]

I moved to NYC about two years ago after I had been hunkering down at home alone during quarantine. I had lived abroad (actually in China) before and so honestly…NYC was stressful but a lot less stressful than that experience. Even though it’s kind of a drag at times, I’m still very much obsessed with this place. One of my favorite things is the people. You can meet the most interesting people with completely different backgrounds just on the street! I had random strangers end up helping me when I was moving in (don’t let people tell you that all New Yorkers are just rude and unapproachable). Also thanks for mentioning springtime - it’s UNDERRATED and IMO the prettiest season in NYC, beating out fall even.

[@micahsnow346]

To be fair, i did move here with a good amount of money saved and I also had a church nearby where I made a community very quickly (the loneliness is actually the hardest thing here I feel). So I have yet to go through crazy situations with apartments and roommates

[@sohaibmirza9827]

It'd be terrific if you could help me out with these two questions Chelsea. 1) What were the price-ranges for the average theatre shows in nyc? 2) How easy is it to find a job is in NYC, considering the fact that a person has come all the way from another planet (the Arabian gulf hahaha) Googling these questions may have given me the right answer, but I was hoping to get a much more personal and genuine response, something that your channel amazingly caters to.

[@LarissaWhite]

This was so interesting!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thanks for watching, Larissa!

[@alexanderduff6018]

I wouldn’t mind starting a vlog with someone, episode one would be leaving Orlando to nyc. You’re right, the planning thing I have to get down but I feel like my window of opportunity is this summer. I can’t spend one more year in sanity with my father and his wife at this house. I gotta get out on my own. Fight or flight baby.

[@noahcarver6072]

You deserve more subs to your channel. It's surprising to see that you don't have more.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

🥹the world isn’t ready for me yet i guess haha but thanks

[@afmggamez8193]

Chelsea working in chelsea is funny! 😂😂😂

[@KatiefromCanada]

This was so interesting to listen. I love NYC! I'd love to move there. You're first couple years sound like a fun hot mess - I would imagine how much growth you've had just in those 1-2 years. I love your pros. Thats my cup of tea 1) pizza and 2) people thinking your cool. I think every person living in NYC is cooooooooooool. Love your points on gentrification, living in Washington DC I notice the exaaact same thing and really important to find ways to support affordable housing, etc. OMG your point on the subway SOO true - I get all my updates from a twitter account of what mess is going on! 😂

[@ChelseaCallahan]

It seems like DC and NYC have a lot in common!! The one time I was there I couldn't stop noticing how clean everything was. Especially the transit, it was dreamy 😍 Definitely experienced a lot of growth (and still am). Love reading your points. Thanks for watching, lady 🔥💓

[@annamarieharris8897]

I didn't realize you've moved 8 TIMES since being here! WTF Chelsea! haha That is ridiculous. You are amazing. Also, you're alwayyyyss welcome to come stay on our couch. Please never hesitate to ever ask if for some reason you need to move again (Which I hope you don't have to cause moving is such a bitch). We were not settled enough back in those days and life was more stressful somehow ha i just reread our text convo and i can't believe we didn't let you stay with us for HOWEVER long you needed. ..but now we would love to have you stay with us. Loved hearing your NY story, in a storytime format :) and that red lip looks so very good on your pretty face. LOVE YOU!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

oh my GOD how did you find those messages?! That's hilarious. I love you guys thanks 🤗😘

[@GorgieClarissa]

Were you able to get your electronics back or did you have rental insurance?

[@Ann-cx3dd]

LOVE the part about "the rat carrying the pizza down the subway!" That comic image is going to stay, for sure!

[@aek12]

You earned my respect

[@KrysStyle]

so glad I found this video I am wanting to move to NY what neighborhood were you in that got robbed so I know Not to move there and how to keep that from happening? what to look for in an apartment?

[@ChelseaCallahan]

so glad it was helpful!! it was in bushwick, brooklyn but it's actually a super popular place to live! how i got robbed had less to do with the neighborhood and more about the building management that robbed me, which could happen anywhere. so my suggestion is to listen to your gut feeling when viewing an apartment.. do you feel safe? does the building management seem like good people? In that situation I ignored those thoughts. if it's helpful, I have a video on tips for finding an apartment in NYC. it's based around if you want to rent your own place versus subletting a room, but the tips are hopefully still helpful. if you have more questions let me know!

[@daultonwurst77]

I thought about moving to new york city and work as a real estate agent in manhattan but llive in brooklyn. I would like to do this by the end of this summer.

[@hathortheshapeshifter]

Yup I have 75 cents and a can of tomato paste, a head of 🧄 and a roll some mushrooms and an eggplant for the next 9 days! I been back here two weeks … IT IS NOT THE NYC I GREW UP IN AT ALL😮

[@johndevries87654]

Thxx Chelsea 👍❤️🌹✌️

[@johburale4991]

Dym great video. What you do as far a job. Iam about to graduate college I was thinking about new york too.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

I’m an assistant, congrats on graduating!

[@malinhustvedt]

Omg, you are hilarious 😂 I love you!

[@sabbottart]

Moved here in 1990. Hated it then. Still hate it 30+ years later. The only thing good about it is lots of cement, so it’s convenient for rollerblading.

[@lexlaree3574]

WOW! Fave neighborhood? I live in West Harlem right now.

[@foteiniarmstrong]

hi thanks for sharing your story!!great video!new subscriber !!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

hey!! wow thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed 💓

[@foteiniarmstrong]

@@ChelseaCallahan u are welcome!i have a channel if you are interested you can check it out!

[@murielmoloney1043]

Pl do a video on your experience on student debt pl

[@berleysd1935]

Here from your EUROPE story!

[@emilyavery6698]

What about moving to nyc with no degree and no idea of really who you are or WANT to do? I have money saved and I want to go, but it seems like everyone around me has some ‘plan’ of WHY they’re moving (career wise) or what they want to do and I don’t. I have no idea what I want to do career wise. I just know that after I visited, I LOVED the city.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

In my honest opinion, you are in the best position of all the people you know moving here. You will be a completely open book, ready to soak in all that the city has to offer. This is a wonderful place to be to "find yourself" and experiment with what you want to do. So I think the most important thing is that you truly love it -- because a lot of people come here with a plan and end up being disappointed because it didn't measure up to their expectations. I hope this helped. xx

[@natasha03.]

absolute dream to live in NYC 🖤 Great video!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Make that dream come true! Thanks for watching 😊

[@marinamerch]

DUDE this was me when coming back from my one-way ticket to New Zealand! I went to Palm Springs instead though haha

[@ChelseaCallahan]

NO WAY so you truly understand lol. New Zealand sounds amazing 🥺

[@marinamerch]

@@ChelseaCallahan oh GuRllll it SO is !!😍

[@martakruszyna7432]

I don't know why, but I feel I've known you for a long time 😊💜

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Awe I love this! Virtual hugs to you!

[@foodtuber4429]

What a great story

[@ChelseaCallahan]

🙏🏻thank you!

[@TinaJackson]

Recently found your channel and I truly enjoy watching your content. I feel like we’re having a chat, albeit one-sided. 😝

[@lawrencelawsen6824]

Hi Chelsea how much money do I need to move to New York in 2023 can you provide an update? $100? $1000? etc. etc. thanks

[@ChelseaCallahan]

It depends on your lifestyle, I recommend 10k for moving & apartment fees and to live off of the extra if you don’t have a job

[@jackiemarashlian2260]

Good hard truth but let’s remember there are Burroughs to live in that aren’t that expensive and HELLO! Tjmax Ross and Marshall’s everywhere to save on looking ny minute type

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Yessss loooove tjmax!!

[@abeamzn1898]

Born and breed new Yorker, I doubt I will ever leave. You b really had a rough time. Probably because you were living in Manhattan most of the time. Also as you mentioned to constant going out to bars is rough on the purse.

[@AshleyKisner]

Oh my gosh girl you are SO BRAVE! Also can we talk about how delicious your drink looks? YUM!❤️❤️

[@ChelseaCallahan]

It was a leap of faith for sure! haha. that drink was so tasty! if you come across chai tea concentrate at Trader Joes you can mix it with milk and it's amazing! 😍The drink from that video did keep me up all night, though. So it's a good coffee replacement! haha.

[@SonshineLady7]

@@ChelseaCallahan Was going to ask what the drink was - thanks!!! Love chai tea!

[@nukakolaa]

how much you were bringing initially when you come to new york?

[@ChelseaCallahan]

I didn't have much stuff, so only a backpack and a suitcase!

[@bertingetorix01]

estoy viendo todos tus videos ,y te estoy conociendo a la distancia, siento cariño por ti...desde chile con amor

[@Golden_Flute]

Yes yes yes to the pizza! So amazing, even the monster rats love it. Ha ha! I still can't believe how crazy your start to NYC was!

[@ChelseaCallahan]

It was a rough one lol. did you see any monster rats while you were here?

[@Michele-kn9kv]

❤❤❤

[@steliospapatheodorou2371]

I am 15 and moving to NYC is THE dream for me.. Oh god I will go alone and I wont have friends there like you, who lived at their friend's flat for a few days.. but I will go with money so I think I will be able to afford a hotel for a few days! Theres so much to think about oh my god.. By the way I know this is rude but how much did u get paid in the restaurants you worked? I just wanna know the average salary in New York City..

[@ChelseaCallahan]

NYC is still the dream 🙂It's great that everyone has a different story to tell about how they made it here. Going alone is brave, but it will be such an adventure for you in the best way. Restaurants pay really well here (six figures) if you work in finer dining, but there is good money to be made in all restaurants depending how many shifts you work. I had no problem affording $800 rent for a room working in restaurants. I'd say average I made between 45k-55k a year. Hope this helps!

[@SonshineLady7]

Enjoying your videos. At one time I thought of acting as a career but...didn't happen; still enjoy the "dramatic flair!" Gotta hand it to you for stepping out like you did. I'm not an "outside person" nor do I need scenery to look at from my apartment. I'm the type of person who should live in a high-rise building with a brick wall for scenery and always thought living in the middle of a big city would be fun. I did grow up in a large city - North Miami Beach; my first driving experiences after I got my license were on the cloverleaf passes and tons of overpasses, underpasses, etc. that comprise travel to Miami Beach, downtown Miami, Coral Gables, etc. My high school was so large that we had split sessions; graduating class was 999 students (not 1,000...lol!) We played some of our high school football games in the old Orange Bowl - only place large enough to accommodate two very large schools. I lived the majority of my adult life in Orlando which was starting to grow when we moved there, then boomed after Disney arrived. Now I live in a smallish college town about an hour from Orlando - but it's growing too!!! Huge population/construction boom here. Back to scenery not being a big issue with me - I had one apartment in Orlando that was directly on a beautiful lake. Two steps from my front door a small beach began and the view from my living room window was gorgeous...if one liked their blinds open. I like my home cool and dark so kept mine shut. One of my co-workers, originally from Germany, visited once and, when she saw the view of the expansive lake (plus lots of palm trees & assorted FL flora & fauna) she exclaimed - "Why are these blinds shut?????" Just me. :) I'll live in NYC vicariously through your videos. :)

[@SoumizWorld]

wow great content ! I can relate to this ! great to find your channel. Support - from Soumiz World

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Thank you!! I'm so so happy you enjoyed it, and happy that you found my channel 😊

[@bivormallik8664]

couple more pros in my opinion - 1. The MTA sucks, but its a great leveler, a millionaire and a broke both ride the same train standing (or sitting) side by side 2. Extremely walkable, I love NYC because how walkable it is and why I will never like other American cities as much

[@ApocDX]

Jesus Christ… I was excited to move to NYC, but thanks for scaring me off.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

NYC is not for everyone!

[@jessemaldonado3436]

hard not to agree with everything if you've lived here for a while

[@ChelseaCallahan]

This makes me happy you agree!!

[@ray-hj1do]

☺️

[@steliospapatheodorou2371]

Also which neighbourhoods are cheap so I can move there for a couple months?

[@ChelseaCallahan]

There's not really a cheap neighborhood, but by NYC's standards check out bushwick/bedstuy in brooklyn. You can find some real gems there. Also check out washington heights in manhattan.

[@cmtigers]

New York City is a better place because you chose to live here! 😊

[@marku.9644]

Where in Oregon are you from? Is it coastal Oregon? xD

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Outside Portland!

[@nyckidd6004]

Wait so all of you are from the country and small towns?😭😭😭

[@SonamPansari]

Man! You have quite a story girl! I moved to the USA in 2016. Lol! I automatically do feel like newyorkers are cool! And that rat story! You are a great story teller! 😝😍

[@ChelseaCallahan]

thanks girl!! 🌹

[@lisadanley7813]

Nice apartment Newyork

[@yaminanatsaret]

i'm a year late but i hope youre doing well lol. I applaud you for acknowledging the gentrification in the city too! I learned some things from your vid as well lol SAVE SAVE SAVE 🤣

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Awe thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful!!

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

Wait, if the pros dont outweigh the cons, why did you stay? I have a job offer and you're making me think I should stay where I'm at lol

[@ChelseaCallahan]

Because it feels like home :) which is the biggest pro

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

@@ChelseaCallahan Gotcha

[@kashivaku8987]

Im laughing way too much at 8:22. Chelsea is surrounded with Chelsea year 2017.

[@ChelseaCallahan]

🤣chelsea overload!! lol

[@mimetogodxo]

Theatre kid? Wanting to be on Broadway? Small town? Yeah we’re just alike! This video was insipring!!

[@buddhajesuschrusthole]

Rats carrying a giant slice of pizza! LMAOOO it's like Ratatouille!

[@buddhajesuschrusthole]

I HAVE THAT CUP! The Coca Cola One!!! LoL 😂