Where to live: Boston or NYC? (New York, York: movies, moving to, clubs)

[Guywithacause]

It is not that I need 5,000 restaurants, it is the fact that every kind of restaurant, at every price level and quality, is there for me and the rest of the city to enjoy. I don't need 10,000 clubs, but it is great that there is a type to suit everyone's needs, rich/poor, etc. Clearly Boston has these things, but there is a reason why people flcok to NYC and not Boston....so don't discount that....there is a huge appeal that Boston, even if it had the same everything, does not have...and likely will never have.

[cyrusjul]

^ I totally agree.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Guywithacause

there is a huge appeal that Boston, even if it had the same everything, does not have...and likely will never have.

And that's a good thing? Personally, I think that the OP will be better suited in Boston, esp. if moving from Chicago, but that is just my opinion. One observation, though, is that the OP states that she is bored with Chicago, which makes me wonder if she even goes out much at all, or just wants a change of scenery? While Chicago may not have all of the activities offered in the same numbers that New York has, it is still a HUGE city that has a very active night-life, tons of restaurants of any type, etc. So, if she is bored with Chicago, she'll probably be bored in Boston AND New York. If it's a change of scenery, either will do since they'll both be new, but I think that Boston will ultimately be the better choice on that front.

[K-Luv]

One thing that I will give New York, though, is that for all of the stereotypical 'hard core' attitude that you hear that New Yorkers have, I will tell you this; they are generally friendlier then those in Boston. And, if you do move to Boston-and are not a Red Sox fan, well, you keep that sort of stuff to your self....

[adambos]

I love this debate. First of all, New Yorkers are arrogant, and rightfully so. They live in arguably one of the world's greatest cities. This does, however, tend to slant advice when topics such as these are breached. As someone who has had experience in both cities, I'll break it down for you. Both are more expensive than Chicago. Boston is about 40% more money for housing than what you are used to, especially if you chose t live in the actual city (not somerville as stated above). Currently in the Back Bay one beds start at about 1900 USD. In fact, if you do chose this route the lifestly equates roughly to the west village in manhattan. The reality is, both of these cities are in different categories. NYC is so much bigger and vibrant. Boston still remains, I feel, one of this country's most diverse cultural hubs. (not to mention most european). After living in Boston for 5 years, however, I too felt like I had hit a ceiling, and it was time to move on to bigger things. I was walking faster than most on the sidewalk, and the cab drivers just didnt seem to be crazy enough. Boston is a grat training ground for NY. Go to Boston, take the job, and parlay that into future opportunities. You never know. If you make money in Boston it is a lot of fun.

[adambos]

A few add ons...
About the the bio-tech debate, Kendall Sq in Boston (cambridge) is one of the world leaders in bio-tech. In fact, the industry's international convention was held in Boston. There is debate about companies moving due to cost being high in Boston, but I assure you that the alternatives are not NYC, but cheaper areas in the sun belt, which is where all trends point migration to these days.
Cost of living in Boston is cheaper, HOWEVER AS SOMEONE WHO HAS ACTUAL EXPERICENCE DOING THIS I can tell, that its not that much cheaper in Boston. Depending on the area rents get super expensive. Forbes.com reguraly rates Boston as the second or thrid most expensive rental market behind NYC. I did, however, find it hard to justify paying manhattan comparable prices without the same level of amenities. Boston DOES have just about all NY has to offer, however the depth and selection in New York is SIGNIFICANT. Boston also does not have the nightlife of NYC. Not even close. a few thoughts...

[nysft]

Having lived in both cities, I don't think you can possibly compare Boston and New York. Boston is a small and somewhat provencial city with some of the better colleges in the US. New York is a world class city to be compared with the great capitals. I think it would be more appropriate to compare Boston and Philadelphia both historical and more equal in size(I've never been to Chicago)

[artdesignlou]

Originally Posted by Alysse157

I believe the OP is in the biotech/pharm industry. I could be wrong, but isn't Boston stronger in that area, particularly biotech?

Having spent most of my life in Brooklyn, but also a significant amount of time in Boston (my parents lived there for a while and one of my best friends lives there as well), I think you should give Boston a shock. It may not have everything that New York has, but you will have access to culture, history, educational opportunities, restaurants, shopping, etc. Plus, coming from the midwest, you might appreciate that Boston is smaller and a bit slower paced than NY - could be less of a culture shock. Then, once you're on the east coast, you're close enough to visit NY anytime you want, and could always relocate here in the future if you still want to. Or you might fall in love with Boston. Never know.

Also, OP stated she is hoping to meet a nice guy and settle down and I don't think NY is the best place for that. Sure, there are tons of singles, though I read a recent study, which found that single women now outnumber single men in NY. Also, as a single woman, I find that it's really easy to meet guys here. You'll go on a lot of dates, but they may not turn into anything permanent. A lot of guys here are extremely career-focused and that is they're number one priority. Also, this city is filled with attractive, successful females, and a lot of the guys don't want to settle down, or else they might miss out on meeting someone better! One friend of mine now refuses to date guys in any of the 5 boroughs, believing that suburban men are more family-oriented and more likely to settle down. Of all my female friends in NY, only 1 is married - to a guy she met in college. The rest have struggled quite a bit. Meanwhile, of my female friends who live outside NY, all but 2 are either married with kids or engaged. Not to say that you can't meet a nice guy here. But like everything else in NY (e.g. job market, real estate market), the dating scene is pretty competitive here.

Alysse, I had the same experience in NY. I had TONS of dates. But nothing that turned into anything permanent. It was very exasperating. But for some reason I wouldn't date anyone who lived outside the city (or for that matter, outside my own zip code). ridiculous, huh? But if I come back I will look for guys who live in NJ or upstate or CT or LI. I won't be that picky this time. Because it got me nowhere! But this is reminding me of the reasons why I left. Seems as if you and I are in a very similar situation.

[im2005]

i've lived in chicago, boston, and nyc and i'm from the midwest so i feel the need to comment. i actually think nyc is a much easier place to move than boston - if you have the means to do it. i hated living in boston and couldn't wait to get out. it's a very provincial place and people make you feel like an outsider. it also felt very small compared to chicago, with limited nightlife and restaurants in comparison. yes, the architecture is great but that's about it (IMO).

if you think you'd like nyc then you probably would. it's not for everyone but i think you know instinctively if it's for you. i've found that people might seem a bit rude on the street but they're actually very friendly and open to meeting new people. i've met tons more people than i did in boston. and there is so much more to do!

my vote is for nyc! good luck to you.

[Guywithacause]

IM2005...I could not have said it better myself...Agreed!