Info/advice on moving from Philly to New York (how much, neighborhood) - City-Data Forum

Murat86 · 11-10-2009, 07:04 PM

Hi,
So, I'm currently in a masters program in Philly, which ends this year, and I'm trying to decide whether to stay here or move to NYC. I'm a musician, and have always wanted to live in New York, so here are a couple questions:
Right now I make about 20 grand a year from my stipend for grad school. I have a degree in math, so I think I could reasonably expect to make about this much in NYC tutoring, teaching, giving lessons and doing gigs. How comfortable would you be living on that in New York? Or, given the amount of competition, are jobs like teaching SAT/GRE etc. even easy to find? In Philly I'm really comfortable, but obviously the cost of living is very different...( and in terms of the quality of the neighborhood, that's not really a big issue now that I'm used to Philly)
For people who are artists/musicians etc, have you found it easy to get to know people in whatever it is you do, make contacts etc? Clearly New York has a huge draw for creative types, but does being there live up to your expectations? I'm not talking about being a star here, just being able to break in to the music scene, get gigs, make contacts, etc...
I know it's more common for people to move from New York to Philly, I'd especially appreciate experiences of people who've lived in both cities.
thanks, hope to hear responses....

neonwattagelimit · 11-10-2009, 07:09 PM

Get a full-time job. You could probably find one that pays reasonably well with a math degree. You can work full-time and still maintain a music career, I know people who do it. There is absolutely no way you can live on 20k per year in New York (frankly, I'm kinda surprised you can in Philly). I'd say you'd need to make at least around 35k, though it depends on how much student debt you have, if any.

Doobage · 11-13-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murat86

For people who are artists/musicians etc, have you found it easy to get to know people in whatever it is you do, make contacts etc? Clearly New York has a huge draw for creative types, but does being there live up to your expectations? I'm not talking about being a star here, just being able to break in to the music scene, get gigs, make contacts, etc...
I know it's more common for people to move from New York to Philly, I'd especially appreciate experiences of people who've lived in both cities.
thanks, hope to hear responses....

I'm an artist, who actually moved from Philly to NYC this past September. That's not my side gig, that's not my hobby; it's my full-time profession and passion. I'm a graphic designer. If you want to make it in any artistic/creative field, knowing people and constantly networking is KEY, especially in this city.

DPooch167 · 11-13-2009, 08:22 PM

I've lived in both cities. And will probably end up leaving NY for philly in the future. You def. need more money than just 20k a year. I'm on 38k and it's hard. Philly is great cuz it's cheap living. A 2 bdrm in philly will give u a small 4 wall studio (if even that) here in ny. You def. need to think long and hard about your finances. That is...if you're looking to live & support yourself