Philly vs NYC (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, York: middle-class, fit in, rent)

[NewGrad2009]

I'm just freaking out because I want a job more than anything, and it's so close to May now, god. The year just flew by. I really think Philly would be better than DC, just because there would be more to do. But NYC is by far, THE place to be. It's just too expensive. Sure, there's tons of crap to do and I'd love it despite the weather, but I think having like $200/mo in savings is more important than going out everyday and partying or something. I really don't know. I'm a country girl sadly. I've been living in South Carolina for over 10 years so I don't really know what I want anyway other than city life. Big city life. Like on the shows.

As of right now, fun stuff aside, I just need to know my chances of moving. The job market is crap everywhere so I feel my chances in that are even. I need to know how likely I'd get a job, entry level, considering my address is in SC. I also need to know exactly how much I'd need to have saved up to move, before I move. If it's $2000, I could just use a card and go to nyc or something and find work then.

If money wasn't an issue, I'd be in New York City the hour after I graduate.

[phillyzoo]

Originally Posted by NewGrad2009

I'm just freaking out because I want a job more than anything, and it's so close to May now, god. The year just flew by. I really think Philly would be better than DC, just because there would be more to do. But NYC is by far, THE place to be. It's just too expensive. Sure, there's tons of crap to do and I'd love it despite the weather, but I think having like $200/mo in savings is more important than going out everyday and partying or something. I really don't know. I'm a country girl sadly. I've been living in South Carolina for over 10 years so I don't really know what I want anyway other than city life. Big city life. Like on the shows.

As of right now, fun stuff aside, I just need to know my chances of moving. The job market is crap everywhere so I feel my chances in that are even. I need to know how likely I'd get a job, entry level, considering my address is in SC. I also need to know exactly how much I'd need to have saved up to move, before I move. If it's $2000, I could just use a card and go to nyc or something and find work then.

If money wasn't an issue, I'd be in New York City the hour after I graduate.

You can live in Brooklyn, Queens, parts od Harlem. There are plenty of options in NY and they are all close to trains. You're a recent grad so I'm assuming you don't have a lot of belongings. Don't worry too much about the money in NY. You'll figure it out and there are tons of great deals to be had there + you won't need a car. There are plenty of people in NY doing what you are considering and have the same fears.

I'll provide my ranking of northeastern cities based on your criteria and my earlier post.

1) NYC
2) DC
3) Boston
4) Baltimore
5) Philadelphia

Philly and b-more are prolly the cheapest in terms of housing but they are for a reason- they are also the least desirable for a reason.

[NYC1DAY]

Originally Posted by NewGrad2009

IDK, I heard really bad things about Jersey. Like how no one likes living there. Maybe that's just a rumor started by some NYC elitists haha but idk.

NO, thats started by the wonderful people in SC

Also, I am from SC and still currently live in Columbia. I have lived here all of my life and I know the way people think here

There are not many people from SC or the south in general that will have anything good to say about NJ. However, those are also the same people that will not like anything that the north has to offer and that also includes nyc & Philly.

I would live in NJ any day over anywhere in the South

[phillyzoo]

Originally Posted by NYC1DAY

NO, thats started by the wonderful people in SC

Also, I am from SC and still currently live in Columbia. I have lived here all of my life and I know the way people think here

There are not many people from SC or the south in general that will have anything good to say about NJ. However, those are also the same people that will not like anything that the north has to offer and that also includes nyc & Philly.

I would live in NJ any day over anywhere in the South

South Jersey = the south with Sopranos like accents.

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by NewGrad2009

Well, at first I really wanted to get into government or politics or nonprofit, but after learning the hours I'd have to commit to those sorts of jobs, I don't know anymore. I'm only 20, I think I want to work for a while, on my own, and test the waters of the real world before I dedicate myself to a career field. Other than that, I have lots of clerical/admin experience, about two years, so I figured it wouldn't be too hard to find work in that area.

Eeep! that would be an issue for me. right now, I only have about $300 saved up. South Carolina has huge unemployment so it'd be hard for me to find a job here as is, and since my student job will cut me after I graduate in May, i'm gonna be unemployed.

Would $300 be enough? I more than likely will have $700 by the end of May but that's as far as I can see it getting right now. Most of my money went to paying off my credit cards so I wouldn't have significant debt when I move. I could use my credit card, but I really don't want to. What do you suggest? The hostel is a really good idea. I want to still consider DC only because I've been there and I have family there, but DC seems like it has no actual nightlife or culture other than the government and museums, which got old after the 2 vacations I went there.

For any of these, $700 won't be enough to move without a job. Even in a decent economy it can take months to get a job. I had about $2000 saved up when I moved, and that was only for 3 weeks before I started my job (I had it lined up before I moved). I probably could have gone longer, but I didn't want to. Really try to either stay with family, friends, or apply from SC. Most people in DC are from elsewhere, so a lot of places will fly you up for an interview or do it over the phone.

Out of curiosity, what kind of government work do you want to do? I work for the government and average 40 hours a week (actually 35/45 since I work an alternate schedule to get off every other Friday). If you like government or non-profit work, there's definitely plenty in DC. Try looking at Federal Career Intern Programs. Every agency's program is different, but it emphasizes on-the-job training, education, and exposure to various types of work. It's a good way to get some experience and feel around. Also, if you spend 2 years in the program many places will give you a permanent status position (helps when applying to other government jobs and provides added job security). The family in the area is also a nice safety net. Regarding nightlife, it's nearly as dead as you may think. I've been here almost 2 years and have only had time to go to a couple museums once (usually when I had visitors). DC's culture is very different from NY or Philly, but it does have it's own personality (or, split personality). The African and Middle Eastern cultures here have really been interesting for me. Next time you're here, wander around Eastern Market, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, U Street and Adams Morgan (these last two especially at night). Chinatown isn't bad, but a little too Times Square-y for me. If you post on the DC forum they can give you more examples.

Best of luck with everything, and don't worry. You'll find something and figure it all out (even if it's not by May, which is not at all uncommon)!

[NewGrad2009]

Out of curiosity, what kind of government work do you want to do? I work for the government and average 40 hours a week (actually 35/45 since I work an alternate schedule to get off every other Friday). If you like government or non-profit work, there's definitely plenty in DC. Try looking at Federal Career Intern Programs. Every agency's program is different, but it emphasizes on-the-job training, education, and exposure to various types of work. It's a good way to get some experience and feel around. Also, if you spend 2 years in the program many places will give you a permanent status position (helps when applying to other government jobs and provides added job security).

Idk, just any sort of govt work would be fine. Clerical/Admin stuff since I have the most experience with that area. I interned at Amnesty and the SC House of Reps so I feel that gives me some sort of leg up too, but its DC so everyone has more experience than you do, right? I want to do nonprofit, feels more rewarding, but with the economy going how it is, it doesn't sound as secure as federal work.

I looked into Fed Career Intern Programs and it sounds great but it looks too hard to get into. Maybe I should reconsider? My gpa isn't great though, a 2.9, so I don't know my chances.

Best of luck with everything, and don't worry. You'll find something and figure it all out (even if it's not by May, which is not at all uncommon)!

I know it's not uncommon, but my sister spent 4 months at home doing nothing looking for work. Granted, she was kind of lazy haha, but I don't want that to be me. I like being busy. June is my limit before I go crazy.

[rickford]

Originally Posted by NYC1DAY

I would live in NJ any day over anywhere in the South

Haha, I hear you on that!

[ajaxrasputin]

Originally Posted by phillyzoo

South Jersey = the south with Sopranos like accents.

Hmm... I've read your last few posts and you sound like you don't have a clue. By and large, South Jersey does not have "Soprano-like" accents.

Furthermore your opinions about Philadelphia are quite bizarre. If you think the choices of cuisine in Philly are merely pizza, cheesteaks, and hoagies, you need to consider altering your insular eating habits. In addition, I nor anyone I know has ever had a problem "breaking in" socially in Philadelphia. Philadelphian's may "care" about New York in terms of sports rivalries, but beyond that, Philadelphian's really don't give a thought about NYC outside of when they intend to visit.

Anyway, to the original poster, New York is the center of all US cities in terms of culture, fashion, music, cuisine etc. Philly is a great urban city that offers much of what New York has but on a significantly smaller scale; yet it has enough unique vibes in it's neighborhoods to give it its own character.

Best Northeast coast cities IMO:

1. NYC - EVERYTHING IS HERE PERIOD. 24/7 city, best transit
2. Philadelphia - second largest city (on east coast), sophisticated while retaining it's blue collar roots, good transit, great unique neighborhoods
3. Wash DC. - Very cool city, good transit, decent underground music scene
4. Boston - Visually stunning, clean, good transit, unfortunately the transit and much of the nightlife ends early, Beantown seems a bit isolated from the rest of the major NE cities
5. Baltimore - Gritty, decent bar scene (if you know the spots), good city for outdoor activites, worst transit out of listed cities, can be a bit boring IMO

[phillyzoo]

Originally Posted by ajaxrasputin

Hmm... I've read your last few posts and you sound like you don't have a clue. By and large, South Jersey does not have "Soprano-like" accents.

Furthermore your opinions about Philadelphia are quite bizarre. If you think the choices of cuisine in Philly are merely pizza, cheesteaks, and hoagies, you need to consider altering your insular eating habits. In addition, I nor anyone I know has ever had a problem "breaking in" socially in Philadelphia. Philadelphian's may "care" about New York in terms of sports rivalries, but beyond that, Philadelphian's really don't give a thought about NYC outside of when they intend to visit.

Anyway, to the original poster, New York is the center of all US cities in terms of culture, fashion, music, cuisine etc. Philly is a great urban city that offers much of what New York has but on a significantly smaller scale; yet it has enough unique vibes in it's neighborhoods to give it its own character.

Best Northeast coast cities IMO:

1. NYC - EVERYTHING IS HERE PERIOD. 24/7 city, best transit
2. Philadelphia - second largest city (on east coast), sophisticated while retaining it's blue collar roots, good transit, great unique neighborhoods
3. Wash DC. - Very cool city, good transit, decent underground music scene
4. Boston - Visually stunning, clean, good transit, unfortunately the transit and much of the nightlife ends early, Beantown seems a bit isolated from the rest of the major NE cities
5. Baltimore - Gritty, decent bar scene (if you know the spots), good city for outdoor activites, worst transit out of listed cities, can be a bit boring IMO

I notice that you didn't make any comments concerning the ammount of litter, corrupt govt., overpriced public transport, etc...

As far as the Pizza, Cheese Steak, Hoagie comment- that was done while comparing small, affrodable, ethnic restaurants in Philly to NY. Actually, there is no comparison.

Anyone that places Philly that high in their rankings, to me, has no clue. You got one thing correct- Philly does hold down it's blue collar roots. Out of the 5 listed, I would place it slightly ahead of Baltimore in terms of sophistication. Any objective observer would agree with that. And the only reason they are ahead of b-more is because of the universities.

Native Philadelphians are the most insecure group I have ever met. Philadelphia is filled with angry natives and the children of the white flight era looking to get their urban experience on.

[ajaxrasputin]

Originally Posted by phillyzoo

I notice that you didn't make any comments concerning the ammount of litter, corrupt govt., overpriced public transport, etc...

As far as the Pizza, Cheese Steak, Hoagie comment- that was done while comparing small, affrodable, ethnic restaurants in Philly to NY. Actually, there is no comparison.

Anyone that places Philly that high in their rankings, to me, has no clue. You got one thing correct- Philly does hold down it's blue collar roots. Out of the 5 listed, I would place it slightly ahead of Baltimore in terms of sophistication. Any objective observer would agree with that. And the only reason they are ahead of b-more is because of the universities.

Native Philadelphians are the most insecure group I have ever met. Philadelphia is filled with angry natives and the children of the white flight era looking to get their urban experience on.

Sure Philadelphia has litter... as does NYC. Ever visit large parts of the South Bronx, or East New York and Brownsville Brooklyn etc? Probably not. Even Williamsburg is nasty in parts. Hmm... what did we prove here?? Both cities have litter.

Corruption, yes Philly has that also, yet so does NYC. I suppose you're not familiar with the ethics investigation of Charlie Rangel? What about Bernie Kerik and his charges of corruption? Oh and lets not forget about the NYPD's shoot first, ask questions later mentality. If you think Philly is exclusive in this category, please read a newspaper.

So actually, you sound quite insecure with your completely subjective cheerleading of NYC, and your overly negative take on Philadelphia. As I mentioned, Philly and New York both have their share of pluses and minuses, but your approach borderlines a silly love affair for New York. I've lived in Jackson Heights Queens, and in Germantown Philly, from which I base my observations of the two cities. I actually list facts to back up my assertions. I'm done placating the absurd characterizations of these particular cities.