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this is very true. that is why in nyc, the upper class boasts weekend homes in the hamptons and winter retreats in the islands. if nyc was so fantastic, why do people rush to escape it on holidays. memorial day turns nyc into a ghost town, and christmas is when many people take a train or plane and go "home."
The fact that people leave the city when they have time doesn't mean they dislike living here. Living in NYC takes a toll and, if you're able to leave on weekends/holidays/vacation, there's nothing wrong with it.
NYC is very crowded and you feel spaced in so a change of scenery is a way for a brief respite. That's why these people go to places that are more nature oriented (upstate, Hamptons, beaches, etc.) instead of going away to other urban settings.
You can say that about literally anywhere..."Why do people go on vacations if they like it where they live?"
i'm also talking every weekend in the summer. every friday, my boo and i gather the dogs, load them in the car right after we get off work and go to LI.
I agree that peoples' reasons for leaving are largely (though not exclusively) financial, but it's still possible to exceed the thresholds you list and still want to leave for financial reasons.
To me, it's the tax burden more than the COL that is the reason I am trying to leave, despite being well above the income threshold you list for single people. If I am able to move to a state that does not tax income, that saves me 10-12.7% of my income before even spending a penny on housing. NYers can reduce their COL but reducing tax burden would mean reducing income which would lead to less take home income anyway.
IMO, the cost of living is high as business owners (who face high rent or high real estate taxes) pass those costs onto consumers so we overpay for food, groceries, coffee, gyms, nightlife, and other products/services that cannot be purchased online.
Yes, tax costs are high but there's opportunity to recoup that via various city services such as the excellent library system, various city sponsored events, NYCID discounts, etc.
I would argue against the notion that food is expensive in NYC or coffee or gyms or nightlife. There are price points for all income levels if one knows where to look or is willing to forego the most convenient option.
From what I have seen compared to the rest of the country, everything can be found/had for cheaper in NYC apart from housing and other highly regulated industries such as insurance and utilities.
Yes, tax costs are high but there's opportunity to recoup that via various city services such as the excellent library system, various city sponsored events, NYCID discounts, etc.
I would argue against the notion that food is expensive in NYC or coffee or gyms or nightlife. There are price points for all income levels if one knows where to look or is willing to forego the most convenient option.
From what I have seen compared to the rest of the country, everything can be found/had for cheaper in NYC apart from housing and other highly regulated industries such as insurance and utilities.
Going to coffee shops and having a gym membership aren't necessities anyway. You can make your own coffee and exercise via other means.
The fact that people leave the city when they have time doesn't mean they dislike living here. Living in NYC takes a toll and, if you're able to leave on weekends/holidays/vacation, there's nothing wrong with it.
NYC is very crowded and you feel spaced in so a change of scenery is a way for a brief respite. That's why these people go to places that are more nature oriented (upstate, Hamptons, beaches, etc.) instead of going away to other urban settings.
Absolutely, everyone needs a breath of fresh air once in awhile.
Yes, tax costs are high but there's opportunity to recoup that via various city services such as the excellent library system, various city sponsored events, NYCID discounts, etc.
I would argue against the notion that food is expensive in NYC or coffee or gyms or nightlife. There are price points for all income levels if one knows where to look or is willing to forego the most convenient option.
From what I have seen compared to the rest of the country, everything can be found/had for cheaper in NYC apart from housing and other highly regulated industries such as insurance and utilities.
Who still uses the library? City sponsored events are boring and you don't need to live here to attend. Most people that attend NYC events are tourists and people from outside of NYC.
It's the cost of non-food essentials that cost a lot here than other places. In NYC you pay tax on all sorts of hygiene products and baby stuff that are not taxed in other states.
Most people live in tight apts and storage companies make a killing here.
The cost of utilities are some of the highest rates in the nation. It's all these things that add up to higher cost of living.
I've considered it often for the slower pace of life, the better apartments I could afford with my salary compared to NYC apartments.
The civility, gentility, green spaces, less stress.
However: I feel like I have a mental block against moving out of NYC.
I've lived here for over 10 years, also grew up in the area.
I feel like I've become too much of a New Yorker now to leave.
Like every other place I go seems conservative and conformist and provincial and homogenous and boring in comparison. Doesn't have the energy that the streets of NYC have.
I feel like NYC has ruined me for anyplace else!
Does anyone else feel like that?
When I was in my 20's I did feel that way. Going to other parts of the US they seemed too slow and boring to me but now I kinda want something slower, lol.
In a few years I'm not gonna have much tying me down here. Last thing tying me down was family but my folks are about to retire abroad. At minimum I will likely be moving to jersey or Upstate. I would prefer west coast or someplace like Colorado to be frank but let's see what happens.
When I was in my 20's I did feel that way. Going to other parts of the US they seemed too slow and boring to me but now I kinda want something slower, lol.
In a few years I'm not gonna have much tying me down here. Last thing tying me down was family but my folks are about to retire abroad. At minimum I will likely be moving to jersey or Upstate. I would prefer west coast or someplace like Colorado to be frank but let's see what happens.
Well, other places are a bit more boring. But...I guess it depends how much excitement one needs.
I do love the energy on the streets of NYC/Manhattan, and some of the other neighborhoods in the boroughs, and you can never be bored in New York. I love that.
Recently I was just an hour south in NJ and, seriously, it was hard to find a newsstand, and when I found one they didn't carry the recent/current issues of magazines. That was kind of shocking to me.
Well, other places are a bit more boring. But...I guess it depends how much excitement one needs.
I do love the energy on the streets of NYC/Manhattan, and some of the other neighborhoods in the boroughs, and you can never be bored in New York. I love that.
Recently I was just an hour south in NJ and, seriously, it was hard to find a newsstand, and when I found one they didn't carry the recent/current issues of magazines. That was kind of shocking to me.
Most everyplace feels sleep after NYC.
But...is that such a bad thing?
I guess it depends...
I definitely get what you are saying but at this point in my life living in nyc has more downsides than upsides. I would have to make way way more than I am currently making for it to be enjoyable again for me and I just don't think that is a right frame of mind to have. I am from here and it will always have a place in my heart and soul but I've had my fill. Also the city has lost a lot of its charm. In 2016 the city has much more of a generic, corporate feel to it now. I'm sure I'm not the only native who feels that way these days. It doesn't really feel as "homey" as it once did for me. The New York I knew doesn't really exist anymore frankly beyond bits and pieces here or there.
I definitely would prefer to move to another city over a suburb or rural area. I am too much of a city dweller at this point.
Last edited by NooYowkur81; 06-13-2016 at 03:08 PM..
Yes, tax costs are high but there's opportunity to recoup that via various city services such as the excellent library system, various city sponsored events, NYCID discounts, etc.
I would argue against the notion that food is expensive in NYC or coffee or gyms or nightlife. There are price points for all income levels if one knows where to look or is willing to forego the most convenient option.
From what I have seen compared to the rest of the country, everything can be found/had for cheaper in NYC apart from housing and other highly regulated industries such as insurance and utilities.
A library and a few events here and there is worth up to 12.69% of your income (top combined state and local tax rate)?
Places with less insane tax burdens don't have libraries?
That's news to me!
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