The Burning Question: How Far Flung Flee Can You Get From NYC?
Ah, New York City. The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps (except for that time everyone overslept after that epic pizza festival). It's a place that throbs with energy, overflows with culture, and boasts enough pigeons to carry off a mid-sized sedan (don't test this theory). But what if, for some reason, you find yourself with a hankering to be...not there? Maybe you crave wide-open spaces and tumbleweeds instead of skyscrapers and hot dog stands. Or perhaps you yearn for a place where the loudest noise is a cow mooing, not a jackhammer serenade.
Fear not, fellow adventurer! This handy guide will help you figure out exactly how many miles you need to put between yourself and that iconic skyline.
Escape Velocity: Gauging Your NYC Distance
- Across the Borough Bridge (and possibly time): Let's be honest, even if you just hop a ferry to Staten Island, technically you're NYC-adjacent. So that distance? A measly 5 miles, which probably won't be enough to outrun your bodega craving.
- State Lines and State of Mind: Venturing further afield? Moving to Buffalo puts you a cool 400-mile buffer zone between you and the city. Philly ups that ante to a comfy 140 miles. Still within day-trippable distance, but hey, at least you're breaking free of the state's emotional grip (looking at you, overpriced brunches).
- Going for Broke (or at Least the West Coast): Feeling ambitious? Los Angeles beckons from a distance of a whopping 2,795 miles. That's enough space to fit several Texas-sized states in between. Now you're talking seclusion! Just beware, the only thing bigger than your NYC escape will likely be your burrito cravings.
But wait, there's more!
Distance isn't everything. Here are some other factors to consider on your NYC escape plan:
- The Allure of the Past: Head east to Plymouth Rock (a mere 600 miles away) and pretend you're one of the first pilgrims (minus the scurvy and questionable fashion choices).
- Channel Your Inner Hemingway: Ernest might have frequented Cuban bars, but Key West (1,400 miles south) offers a similar vibe with a touch of sunshine and a whole lot of conch fritters.
Remember: No matter how many miles you put between yourself and NYC, there's always a chance it'll follow you in your dreams (those giant rats again?). But hey, at least you can wake up with the peace and quiet (except for that cow, maybe).
