The Great New York Exodus: Are You Packing Your Bagels Too?
Let's face it, New York City: you're not exactly known for being affordable or quiet. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? The hustle and bustle, the fire escape views, the never-ending supply of questionable street meat...all an essential part of the New York experience. Or at least, that's what the city's tourism board wants you to think.
But lately, there's been a bit of a trend. A trend of U-Haul trucks replacing yellow cabs and "For Rent" signs multiplying faster than pigeons on a dropped pretzel. Yes, folks, New Yorkers are leaving the Big Apple in droves.
Where'd Everybody Go?
The jury's still out on exactly how many people are peace-ing out, but some reports say up to 7 million New Yorkers (that's more people than live in Los Angeles!) are contemplating a life outside the city that never sleeps. Maybe it's the rent that could buy a mansion in Montana, or perhaps the subway performers have finally gotten a little too enthusiastic. Whatever the reason, it seems the city's energy is attracting a different kind of crowd these days - the "getaway" crowd.
Top Reasons to Ditch the City (According to Totally Unscientific Polls)
- Cost of Living: Because who needs an avocado on toast when you can have a whole avocado farm in Nebraska?
- Space Race: Trading your shoebox apartment for a house with an actual backyard? Sounds pretty tempting.
- Peace and Quiet: Yearning for a night's sleep uninterrupted by sirens and your neighbor's opera practice? We feel you.
- Roaches the Size of Chihuahuas: Enough said.
Is New York Doomed?
Probably not. New York is a cockroach of a city - resilient and somehow always finds a way to survive (and thrive!). But this exodus does raise some interesting questions. Will the rent finally go down? Will there be enough tourists to fill all those empty apartments (don't worry, they'll still come for the pizza)? Only time will tell.
So, You're Thinking of Leaving Too?
Hey, no judgement here! Maybe the city just isn't your vibe anymore. But before you box up your "I <3 NY" t-shirts, here are a few things to consider:
- Do you REALLY hate your neighbors? Because chances are, you'll find interesting characters wherever you go.
- Can you live without a 24/7 bodega run option? We're not sure you're strong enough.
- Are you prepared to explain "deli" to people who think it's a type of meat? It's a full-time job, trust us.
How-To FAQs for the New York Escapee
- How to explain the subway system to someone from a small town? "It's like a metal centipede, but smellier."
- How to pack for a life without bodegas? Stock up on ramen and questionable condiments, just in case.
- How to deal with the inevitable "Do you miss New York?" question? A dramatic sigh and a wistful "Sometimes" usually does the trick.
- How to convince your friends back home that a roach the size of a chihuahua is a real thing? Honestly, good luck.
- How to know if you'll ever truly escape New York? The answer is simple: you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.
