Dreaming of Hypotheticals (New York, Buffalo, York: home, neighborhood, college)

[FaeDreamer]

I just finished college and am getting married next year, my best friend moved to New York City this year and is doing really well. There is a possibility that through some of her network connections I might be able to get a really good job in the city.

Much of this is hypothetical at the moment, as we wouldn't even be ready to consider it for a year or two. But I'm trying to put the idea into perspective and I hate the idea of moving to a huge city, one that I've never been to and don't really know anyone who lives in or around. I live in Reno, Nevada right now. It's not huge but it's also not a tiny little village or anything and is fairly reasonably priced and I've never lived anywhere else.

So my question is where do I start researching? I don't want to live inside of New York City, frankly that idea scares me. I want to live somewhere close enough to commute...maybe not more than 1-1.5 hours away and reasonably priced as it will be very expensive to move in the first place. I'm trying to figure out what exactly reasonably priced is, are there any good resources for me to start looking? I'm floundering a bit as to whether this is a realistic option for my future or if I'm just too much of a dreamer. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated so I can get stared figuring this all out.

Thanks

[CAugust]

Keep in mind, good money is relative. Living in NYC at the same level of living in, say the Buffalo NY area is totally different. Living in the Buffalo Area, a home for 700k will get you a mansion in a very large upscale neighborhood, 700k purchased in NYC won't get you much. I am not downing NYC - great place, but you seem hesitant and it's a huge change. Best of luck!!!!!!! Who knows? You might get 150% hooked on the Big Apple

[FaeDreamer]

Everything but actually trying to find a home sounds very exciting, there's all kinds of things I really want to see that we don't have here in Reno. My best friend walks down the street every day and tells me "Oh my gosh, you should see this awsome store they have here." Or "When you visit me I have to take you here."

I also like the idea that it is so near to the coast, new sights and sounds and experiences. All with the wonderful New England charm. And that there are so many other states and places to visit near by. I'm so used to living in Nevada which has only two main cities and lots of desert in between.

Also I'm a budding graphic designer and it is starting to look like there is some great opportunities for me there that aren't even option here. I don't feel like there is very much room for creativity in a city that is built almost exclusively around tourists and gamboling.

I dunno, I thought I would take a chance and see what other people think, do some reasearch and keep dreaming until I either decide it's a bad idea or figure out that is a feasable option for us. I would never commit to anything that big unless I was absolutely certain about all the facts.