What Is It REALLY Like to Live in NYC as a Local?

You've followed along as our family set out to visit 22 cities in 2022, but we saved the best for last! For our final city, we wanted to spotlight our hometown of New York City and show you what it's like to raise a family in NYC!
When you're done with this one, watch the whole 22 Cities in 2022 series here:
• We Visited 22 Cities i...

[@TopFlightFamily]

Normally we would also spend time with Serge's parents at Christmas. But his mom had a really bad cold around this time so we wanted to let her rest and recover. We knew that if we went over, she'd feel compelled to get up and cook and clean for us , even if we insisted that she didn't! (That West African hospitality is no joke lol). So we are going to catch up with them after the new year. Anyway, thanks for always showing us love and support, and we'll see you in 2023! Happy new year!

[@cydneystephen2814]

Speedy recovery to Serge’s mum.

[@celesteredding1550]

Praying 🙏🏽 for full & healthy healing for Serge's mother. Can't wait to see his family and hometown

[@thereset4490]

Which part of West Africa is his mom from? Hope she is feeling better now. Happy new year to you and your beautiful family 💝

[@OskarandDan]

LOVED this video😍 So fun to learn more about you guys’ story in context, you ROCK!!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thanks guys! ❤️❤️ It’s been quite a ride.

[@theemmvp]

Part of the reason I love you guys is cause you’re based in Brooklyn. I was born and raised in BK in the 90. My nursery was in the In railway apartment in a brownstone. Apparently my parents partied in those LES clubs!! Love your philosophy of travel for your magical family!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw I love that! Ask your parents if they ever went to bOB on Eldridge. Oh snap I just realized that still exists! But that was another classic small/intimate hip hop club.

[@theemmvp]

Also I went to school in park slope!!! Kindergarten admissions are a joke

[@vanessaacosta6144]

LOVE this! I was born and raised in the Heights! And I remember using tokens, hahaha!!😂

[@TopFlightFamily]

Hahaha man those tokens threw me for a loop 😂 I was like, what is this, a video game arcade?

[@vanessaacosta6144]

@@TopFlightFamily 🤣🤣🤣

[@samjones4327]

Alright Top Flight Family, your story now completely solidifies why you guys are Top Flight! I absolutely love your story!! I know you guys are New York but I ain't know y'all was NEW YORK!!! Like 80's and 90's Hip Hop New York and I just think that's so dope!! I usually write a book commenting on your vlogs but I'll keep it brief today, I love you guys and shout out to Sean and Ella for now being national TV stars! Ain't nothin but the come up for those two...watch what I say, I always call them ultimate influencers but they got ultra bright future ahead of them. you guys are the best parents and the best family and I pray for all the best for y'all. Keep bringing us your dope content and I look forward to seeing what y'all pull off for us in 2023. Love, Peace and Hair Grease!!! Cheers!!!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thank you Sam! We always appreciate the love you show our videos. And yes, Serge and I are vintage New Yorkers 😂😂 So glad you all liked this video! We’re planning to make a lot more NYC content in the new year.

[@samjones4327]

@@TopFlightFamily Let’s Goooo!!💯❤️👊🏽

[@dawnrebekah6522]

We just got back from NYC a few hours ago. We had a great time....but the lines were incredible for everything this time. It was our first time at Christmastime. Love the hustle and bustle of the city.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Haha yeah it’s crazy busy this time of year. But honestly, knowing how sad and dead it was at Christmas in 2020, I’m so grateful for all the throngs of tourists coming back to the city. Yes as locals we get annoyed by tourists slow walking on the sidewalks 😂 but also we love sharing our amazing city with visitors, and they are such an important of the city’s economic engine.

[@skqq3250]

I know nothing about NYC but I’m loving this VLOG. Also met my love “in a club”, not at the bookstore or the library. I am amazed how you, moma bear, are always so in control of the plans. You go!!!!!!!!!

[@cydneystephen2814]

Omg. You’re in my city 😂. Your city too😂. But I’m a Queens/Long Island gal. Manhattan still a wonder and overwhelming for me. Why am I crying seeing your back stories? Love the youth pics. Been to Nell’s back in the day (80’s) But 1995 I was 30. Clubbing was no longer my thing. Did see you on GMA’s page. Wow. The school looks amazing. Unfortunately COVID closed that chapter but look at you guys now. Amazing back story. Loved it. Thanks so much for sharing your love story. Very heartfelt. Wishing you a most blessed and happy New Year 🎊🎈🎆 🍾🥂💕🙌🏼🙏🏼

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thank you! Yes I forgot to say that Nell’s was already iconic in the 80s, but I think it was the 90s when it morphed more into a hip hop club/lounge. So glad you enjoyed this trip down memory lane!

[@shortgirl8962]

Beautiful video! I’m glad y’all visited Chicago! Your videos always made my day better and thank you for taking us on your adventure of visiting 22 cities! Wishing y’all a Happy New Year and excited for 2023! 🎉❤

[@TopFlightFamily]

Ah Chicago is such a vibe! We always have a great time there. Thanks for watching and happy new year!

[@MyCruisingFamily]

Yes! We were using tokens when I got here in the 90s too! 😆We definitely remember pre-Barclay's Brooklyn! Awww! OMG! I had heart surgery at Mount Sinai, and our younger son, LJ was born at Maimonides! I'm also a December baby and lived in Crown Heights for years... on Schenectady Ave!🥰 So fun to hear your stories!

[@gobaliksocials]

YO CARMEN! THIS VIDEO IS EPIC! My NYer heart overfloweth! ❤️ I'm showing this to every NYer I know because this. is. exactly. NY.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thank you! I feel like so much NYC content is by people who moved here with a 6 figure tech job or a trust fund or an established influencer career. We wanted to show what it’s like to build a life and family in NYC when you’re not starting from the top lol. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@gobaliksocials]

@Top Flight Family I chuckled too hard at the part about checking if clubs played hip hop. 100% sure one of my most frequent Google searches included "hip hop bar and lounge near me" 😅🤣

[@hummersd]

Love the history and getting to know your background in NYC! And a great tour of different neighborhoods. (I attempted to go to Au Cheval a few months ago, but no one would answer the door! (and website said they were open!). I am also now intrigued at your move - what?!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Oh no! That’s so weird. Yeah I guess it’s always safest to make a reservation. That way they’ll actually be open lol.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Oh and we’ll be moving house but still staying in NYC! Don’t worry: we’re not quite in the uh, influencer mansion in LA stage of our careers yet 😂😂

[@lydiapatelll]

Loved your take on New York! Fellow hk-er in the US. I so resonate with that shock of New York being slower than anticipated and public transport without an octopus card. Happy new year to your family!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Omg yes so you understand! Also people still whipping out a checkbook to pay for groceries 🤦🏻‍♀️ There were so many unexpectedly archaic things in NYC when I moved here haha. Oh and all the cars looked like they were from the early 70s! It was weird for sure lol.

[@MelissaC269]

Happy 2023! Thanks for doing these videos!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thanks Melissa! We got a bit off track in November in terms of publishing so it was a mad dash to get the rest of the series out in December 😂😂 But it was worth it!

[@itismeal]

Outstanding video! I watch most of your travel videos I have a family and like the luxury travel so your videos are wonderfully informative but this story behind you guys was very entertaining and quite informative thank you!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you so much!!

[@karaitskara]

Loved this trip down memory lane! I used to work in Worldwide Plaza in 1994/5 and definitely took advantage of that $2 movie theater in the basement!

[@jennagitation]

I lived in Bensonhurst during hurricane Sandy, I can't believe that was 10 years ago now!

[@theambitiouschic]

Ah I lived this vlog! Myself and twin sister went to New York this year for our birthday from Toronto and we loved it! We stayed in the Brooklyn/Crown Heights/Prospect areas, but I have such an itch to travel to more states in 2023! 🙏🏾🙌🏾❤️

[@TopFlightFamily]

So cool! Hope you had a great time!

[@madisonkanehair5746]

Love the video and NYC.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you! And happy new year!

[@madisonkanehair5746]

Happy New Year!!!

[@tracylee4451]

I visited NY twice in 2022. I saw MJ The Musical twice. Great show. Ny is expensive 😫 🤣 It's cool you and your hubby met at the club and you shared that....love it! Ella had me laughing when she said "I'm the one you birthed out second"🤣. Love your family. Loved the video and the history. Best video 🤗

[@The1stStarleana]

Hi! I stumbled on your channel looking for someone to give some insight on traveling to places my family is interested in. LOVE how you give details into what to expect or should do to the history of the country etc. will continue to tune in for travel inspiration .ThankU oh! Your family is so cool & your daughters are an absolute joy to watch such sweet young ladies. Continued blessings & success.❣️💫

[@LILLY.YOUTUBE]

This video is so entertaining it’s really fun to know about your guys side of the story. Throughout 2022 I have been watching your KZbin channel for at least half of the year and I really enjoyed it and felt like I was a part of the family plus I also love traveling even though I don’t do it as much it’s so much fun to watch your family travel! And it’s so much fun that you guys ended the 22 places in 2022 with your hometowns, this made it 200x times better! Hope you guys still continue posting throughout the years and I can tell that we are all waiting for you guys to travel 23 places in 2023! ❤🎉 Happy new year 🎊

[@ts8024]

Great video! Answered pretty much all of the questions I had. Was fun learning about your family.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@sightseeingfamily]

Happy Birthday to you both and Happy New Year!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you so much! December is always such an expensive month for our family 😂😂

[@Chicagoings]

This is so cute!!! Thank you for sharing. My parents met at the club and stayed happily married until my father passed. ❤

[@JAdoreQT123456]

Happy New Year!! 🎉

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thanks same to you!!

[@EricCobbs]

The sister that is single is beautiful ❤

[@TopFlightFamily]

She’s not single 😅 but yes very beautiful!

[@telreynolds]

Just discovered your channel.What a beautiful family you have!.Gonna binge watch your vlogs now.Regards from UK.

[@earthenvessel28]

NYC! My hometown! Looks like you live possibly on the same street I lived on...across from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens! Loved this recap of the best city in the world!!

[@np6067]

Cool video

[@msessenceofreality]

💃Happy New Year 2023!💃

[@karenbeliard434]

HNY🎉Top Flight Family! Thks for sharing your NYC life! I have lived in Flatbush, renamed Ditmas Park for over 20yrs(Cortelyou/E.19th), and went to school in Park Slope(St Francis/7th Ave). I also recognized the karate school name: Urban... So it was great seeing your NYC vlog! Here's to another great year of travel! 🥂 #23countriesIn2023!

[@angeliquec.4888]

Nell's in the 90's lol. So many good night clubs that are gone now. Born and raised New Yorker myself. I love this city. Great Video! Loved that you were on GMA. My first apartment was in Park Slope in 1998. I loved it! I had so many restaurants to choose from and so close to Prosepect Park, Brooklyn Museum and Botannical Gardens like you. I don't think it lacks flavor at all.

[@rozalynpaschal-thomas519]

Love you guys! You’re always providing great family travel content! Thanks for sharing more about your family life!

[@Thejewel63]

Loved this video🎉🎉🎉🎉!!! Happy New Year Top Flight Family ✈️!!!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you so much! Happy new year!

[@lore.35]

Happy New Year! 🎉 This is such a great video!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you

[@lizz9317]

I grew up in the East Village too!!!

[@lavandahudson1083]

I love all of your videos. But this one is my favorite. As a Brooklyn girl seeing areas that I know highlighted. And to know we both gave birth at Maimonides is so cool. Thank you for sharing your travels and can't wait to see what this year brings. Happy new year!

[@jamsheis]

ah I was born and raised in NYC so I loved seeing your history in it!! BUT OMG I was born in st. Lukes Roosevelt & my fiancé was born in Belveue haha I love that

[@jo_yeowand]

That was beautiful ❤ happy new year 🎉 🎆

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thank you! And happy new year!

[@Just2gofoods]

LOVE your family and LOVED joining you all over the world!! Happy you came here to Chicago. So excited to get a tour of New York. I’m fascinated with your city. Cheers and Happy New Year!🎉

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you for coming along for the ride! We LOVE Chicago! Such a great city! Happy new year!

[@lunabella606]

👋in the early 90’s my favorite club was Limelight and in the mid 90’s Nicole and Diablo 😂 and now for Korean food we drive to New Jersey 😅

[@ceaserri]

Yay a new video!

[@BegaW]

Hi, from Korea. I just got to know your channel. Your family is really lovely. Wishing all of you a very happy new year! 🙏🍀

[@sastrid23]

Hi, i was at Nell`s 💃🏽🎼 in my fav. City too - (and the amazing, beatiful Fiji 🌴🌞)

[@nellya3613]

❤️❤️❤️ this!! Thank you for taking us on your travels in 2022! Happy 2023!

[@chisomokafor7839]

I love this video ❤

[@myownshow4928]

Great video, representing well for New Yorkers 😊

[@NaturalAmi]

This was beautiful ❤

[@moniquekrainz6261]

Loved this video, thank you for sharing!!!

[@diary_of_a_sahm]

I love this vid🎉

[@SophieC345]

Just finished watching this Carmen, it was indeed a great video. Very informative thank you for sharing. Looking forward to your new content for 2023💫

[@PrettyAce07]

This is a great video!!! Loved how you shared your family's story and how NYC and Brooklyn have changed.

[@MrsLegalDiva]

Happy New Year 🎆🎈

[@LB-mn5jq]

So fun to learn more about your family! Happy new year to you all 🤍-Elle

[@angelabrown3994]

So interesting. Thanks for sharing your life and city 😊

[@LooseSeeds]

Such an amazing video! Everything was so well said, you all did an amazing job at storytelling. You all are such an inspiration to my family and me because we love to see other successful KZbinrs with cultural diversity. Keep up the great content!

[@mw6320]

Live in NYC too. Love your vid. Just subscribed ❤

[@tokendetravel]

That was such a fun video ❤happy new year!🎉

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you so much! And happy new year!

[@tazzytee8172]

I HOPE U GUYS HAD A MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄!!! AND HAVE A SAFE AND WONDERFUL NEW YEAR🎉CANT WAIT TO SEE WHERE YOUR VIDEOS WILL TAKE US IN 2023

[@WendellJenkins]

Love you guys videos. I lived on UWS in 90's and your mentioning Nells bought me back. My beautiful other half attended Barnard during the mid-90's. We also love your videos because we are also a mixed couple living in the NYC area. She is Asia (Taiwanese) and me African-American. Keep up the great work. Happy New Year!!!!

[@lc422]

Such a fun tour and cute how we met story We were in that area around the Barkkeys centre our last trip to NYC. Can’t wait to visit again.

[@ohlala9741]

I also have two daughters about the same age as yours. I can say my family have watched almost all of your videos and got a lot of inspiration from your trips during COVID. Followed your steps to some of the cities or resorts you guys have been. We are foodies , also love beaches and museums. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to your new year plan!

[@floral-smoke]

NYC has always been high on my to-go list, but I've never gotten around to it. I loved learning more about the city and your lives there. Now I really wanna go! But maybe in the fall when the weather is nice. Oh, also your sister's voice sounds identical to the girls! xD

[@yaowsers77]

Happy new year!!! Did you guys mention the theme for 2023?

[@tancarv]

I love the NYC content. Definitely I’m going to try burger at Au Cheval for my birthday. I’m in NYC since 2008 and I just moved to the East Village (got a fabulous lottery apartment - those NYC moments). Congrats on the 22 cities series.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Oh. My. God. Congrats!!! Getting a lottery apartment is the ultimate NYC dream!

[@KayFaith08]

You are looking beautiful ❤,I saw you have lost the weight. Thank you for sharing your contents and your family. I am now living in the Europe, but certainly used your experiences for my travelling plans. Happy New Year 2023🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@simoneandrews215]

So excited to see a city that I also LOVE 💗 & LIVE IN So proud of this family Cheers 🥂 to you guys Hit up a lot of spots that I myself use to visit 😂 🥳🎉🎊🥳🎉🎊🥳🎉🥰😘😍

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you! Will do!

[@enkayar718]

Ditmas Park! That’s my hood!!

[@celesteredding1550]

I enjoyed this quick recap of your lives, will you go back to your original hair color?

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you! It’s actually just the front bits of my hair that are highlighted lol. The rest is mostly my natural brown color. For now I’m enjoying this look so it’ll stay for awhile!

[@jairayan6107]

Actually Long Island City is on Long Island as is Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau and Suffolk counties. Fun fact!

[@BoStark]

The only US city I've visited twice, so it's special for sure. But I think Hong Kong takes the cake.

[@roseroz7509]

Happy new year!! I’m so happy to see NYC the city you chose for your last city. Saying so, my daughter and her dear friend are moving to Brooklyn(that’s their plan at lease) they’re both singers/performers…plan to get into the broadway audition world. By any chance would the apartment you’re moving from be available for rent? My apology if this question seem kinda strange weird… as always l love your content and your family.

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thanks for asking! Unfortunately no because our landlord/neighbor will be moving in lol. But it’s a beautiful brownstone duplex that’s served our family beautifully for a decade!

[@roseroz7509]

@@TopFlightFamily Thanks for your response Carmen. Hopefully they’ll find something soon! Happy New year again! Looking forward to your 2023 post🥳🥳

[@flordelizterrero1003]

My dad and my uncle were born in 1976 their twins

[@lilliansmithwhyte8498]

AWESOME 👍THANKS FOR SHARING💘👸👸👸🤴💘👍✌💘🍵🍵🍵🍵💘

[@travelswithvinny]

OMG my mom went to same college at same time 😂

[@TheOmegaGamer339]

This is amazing..I love my home town…there’s no place like NYC…Carmen also consider sharing your fashion..I’m always checking it out..the girls’s as well. Happy New Year🎉🎉🎉

[@TopFlightFamily]

Aw thank you! Haha I’m so bad at fashion influencing but I’ll try to do a bit more of that in the new year. Thanks for watching and have an amazing New Year’s Eve!

[@seus2731]

could you share how do you afford all the travel expenses while still paying for your housing in the US? that's a lot of money, especially for a family of 4

[@TopFlightFamily]

We work full time as travel creators! I break it all down in this vid: How We Get Paid to Travel, and How You Can Too kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXPNkGegpdxofdk

[@jayl549]

This whole time I thought they were identical twins! hahahahaha

[@danielleg7471]

You know I thought earlier in the year you should do NYC since you live there lol

[@flordelizterrero1003]

My dad was born in nyp

[@ethanchen4906]

early!

[@TopFlightFamily]

Woohoo! Thanks for being so early!

[@arielblue]

Watching the GMA episode now

[@yaowsers77]

Ah old school times square...

[@TopFlightFamily]

Haha it was very different!

[@kgibsin]

These days

[@np6067]

Cool video

[@TopFlightFamily]

Thank you!!