A few weeks ago, I shared my experiences from an extended stay in New York City. While I acknowledge that my seven-week residency in Chelsea hardly qualifies me as an expert, the opportunity to rent an apartment, shop for groceries, entertain a baby, and manage bi-weekly laundry certainly offered me valuable insights into what living in this vibrant city could entail, particularly if it were a permanent relocation.
Thus, for anyone contemplating a move to the Big Apple, I want to candidly discuss some of the challenges I faced during my time in the city.
Challenges of Living in New York City
The Odors
You might be surprised to learn that summer in New York can be quite fragrant—though not in the way you might hope. On my first humid day in June, I stepped outside and was greeted by a smell reminiscent of certain less savory parts of Bangkok. Initially, I assumed it must have been garbage day, yet the streets appeared clean. Instead, the odor stemmed from remnants of waste that lingered in the air.
Our apartment building had a doorman, who dutifully cleaned the area each morning with a heavy-duty hose, showcasing a level of privilege. Nevertheless, the pungent scent from the drains remained a constant reminder of the city’s challenges.
Navigating the Subway
While I wouldn’t want to sound like a broken record about my distaste for the subway, my experiences did elicit a newfound appreciation for London’s Underground. Compared to NYC’s subway system, London’s feels like a modern marvel.
A significant drawback is the inaccessibility of many subway stations for parents with strollers. Many times, I found myself trekking blocks to reach stations equipped with elevators—only to find them out of order or less than clean. This often meant relying on the kindness of strangers to help me up and down multiple steps, complemented by the awkwardness of maneuvering through turnstiles. Consequently, subway travel became a rare event for me. I often questioned how parents in New York managed this daily grind.
Laundry Challenges
Finding an apartment in Manhattan equipped with a washing machine turned out to be more complicated than anticipated. The laundry room in our building was well-kept and often uncrowded, but the effort needed to launder clothes with a baby in tow was exhausting. I dedicated significant chunks of my day to the never-ending cycle of feeding, dressing, and carting the baby to and from the laundry space.
If my baby was napping at the end of my wash cycle, I risked returning to find my wet laundry unceremoniously piled in the corner, waiting for the next person to use the machine. Additionally, I encountered an unexpected assortment of misplaced items in our loads, turning laundry into a little treasure hunt!
Endless Queues
The queues in New York became a relentless aspect of daily life. From picking up milk at Trader Joe’s to snagging diapers at a pharmacy, I quickly discovered that waiting in lines is a consistent element of living in a bustling city. It can be irritating to stand for ages just to grab a few essentials, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local etiquette; for example, when servers shout “following,” it’s actually a cue to move to the register—not an invitation to a social media following.
High Cost of Living
Talking about essentials, the cost of groceries in New York City is staggering. I often wondered how locals managed their shopping, given the absence of common supermarket chains and the exorbitant prices at places like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. I attempted bulk orders through Amazon Fresh, but the delivery fees and tips made them less economical. The price of a simple ham and cheese sandwich at Pret averaged double what I’d pay in the UK, and my regular cup of coffee set me back $5!
Coffee Culture
As a coffee enthusiast, I found it challenging to appreciate the prevalent filter coffee in many American establishments. I preferred to seek out cafes that served quality espresso. Fortunately, I discovered Joe Coffee Company conveniently located across from my apartment, and thanks to a community of Australian expats, I was genuinely never far from a good flat white.
Service, Taxes, and Tipping Norms
Even after several weeks in New York, I still struggled with the pricing model here. It frustrates me that the price tag on a menu rarely reflects the final amount due at the checkout, due to additional taxes and the expectation of tipping—a quirk of American dining that continues to vex me.
Traffic Woes
While some extent of traffic is to be expected in a city of this scale, I wasn’t prepared for the hours spent in gridlock trying to escape to destinations like the Hamptons or JFK. No matter when we aimed to leave, the estimated travel time seemed to expand rather than contract. The concept of “off-peak” seemed foreign during my time in the city!
Sidewalk Congestion
The streets of New York aren’t just difficult to navigate by car; at peak hours, sidewalks are equally crowded. Maneuvering a stroller during rush hour challenged my fast-paced nature, honed by years of living in London. The city’s dynamic life often meant people were less understanding, especially when I unknowingly obstructed their path. Yet, amidst that chaos, I encountered many kind-hearted individuals who took time to speak to my baby, introducing a softer side to the city’s bustling energy.
Overwhelming FOMO
Living in New York fosters a persistent sense of FOMO—fear of missing out. Activities like staying home for laundry or simply lounging in bed become a guilty pleasure in a city perpetually buzzing with things to do and see. Even with a newfound appreciation for various neighborhoods during my week-long stay, I felt as though my to-do list was barely scratched. It left me yearning for another visit, armed with the knowledge to better navigate its complexities.
In summary, while my experience in New York City revealed a plethora of challenges, it also deepened my understanding of what life is like in this vibrant urban environment. Despite the struggles, there’s a unique charm to living in NYC that can’t be ignored, beckoning me back for another adventure—perhaps next time equipped with strategies for tackling subways and discovering decent coffee.
