Post updates by email:

I struggled with how to express what I have to share because up until today, I haven't been able to put into words how to say it.

So, let me just say it...

I'm not moving to New York City.

Why?

Because in one simple sentence, "I can't afford it."

Even with the raise in salary I would have gotten once I transferred, the reality is that I'd constantly be wrestling to keep my head above water when it came it to living there month after month.

I used to live in New York, so I'm not naive to how costly it can be. However, the price of rent has escalated so high that it's incomprehensible.

Now mind you, I prepared very well for my move to New York - I saved money for a year; I paid off all my credit card debt; I got my credit score up to almost 800; I streamlined my personal belongings down to just the basics; and I had all the required paperwork in order.

Yet, it didn't happen.

Let me just give you a few examples of what I came across while trying to score a simple studio apartment. Oh, and just to let you know, I not only searched in Manhattan, but also Washington Heights, Harlem, Brooklyn, Long Island City, Queens, and Jersey City.

#1)  I found an absolutely charming-looking studio apartment in the West Village that had exposed brick walls, a cute kitchenette, a bed loft, and hardwood floors. But it had NO bathroom. I would have had to SHARE a bathroom with other tenants on my floor. Are you kidding me??? Also, it had NO laundry facilities in the building, which means I'd have to walk to a laundromat anytime I needed to wash my clothes. And that's the only amenity I insist upon wherever I live, it must have laundry facilities within the building.

Now here's the real clincher. Guess how much the rent was?

$1,675.00 per month, not including utilities (water, heat, gas, electric, and trash removal). *please note: $1,675.00 is considered cheap rent in New York.

#2)  I found another studio apartment on the West Side of Manhattan (West 71st Street) that initially seemed to be a good fit for what I was looking for, but it meant that I would have to streamline my personal belongings even more because of its size. The apartment was 145 square feet. Yes, you heard me right....145 square feet (the size of a prison cell). It had a tiny shower in the corner of the room, a tiny sink next to the shower, a tiny toilet in the another corner of the room, and a bunk bed. It had NO kitchen (just a tiny refrigerator), NO closets and NO windows. But it did have laundry facilities.

Guess how much the rent was for that apartment?

$1,475.00 per month, utilities included.

#3)  I also thought that I would look into renting a room in someone's home/apartment, so I checked out several shares.

One room was in Soho, New York. The room was the size of a postage stamp. The rent was $1,500 which did not include shared utilities, and had NO laundry facilities.

The other room was in Brooklyn. It was a bit larger than the one in Soho, but not by much. The rent was $1,575 which did included utilities. However, the room was in a FOUR bedroom apartment, which I'd be sharing with THREE complete strangers.

Oh, and everyone kept suggesting that I try Jersey City because it was cheaper and so close to New York (only a 15-minute ride on the PATH).

HA!......I. DON'T. THINK. SO.

Every apartment that I considered in Jersey City was just as expensive as New York; some even MORE expensive (like over $2,000 a month for a studio apartment). I even tried looking outside of Jersey City, but the commute would have been over an hour.

And listen to this...

New York City and Jersey City apartment rentals require that you make 40 times your monthly rent in order to qualify for an apartment. That means that if I am applying for a studio apartment that is $1,675 per month, I would have to make $67,000 annually. Sorry, but I don't make that kind of money.

So, I had to make a decision. Do I move to New York and worry about finances, or do I continue to live in Philadelphia and visit New York City twice a month, which is only an hour and a half away?

After much contemplation, I decided on the latter.

And truthfully, I am 100% okay with that decision. I did go through a brief mourning period of realizing that as much as I had hoped and planned for this move, it would not be possible. So, I had to let it go.

At least for right now.

Again, this is one of those times in life when you have to accept and adjust to an outcome.

Nevertheless, this experience has not in the slightest bit lessened my adoration, passion, and love for New York City. No way. I mean just because I can't live there physically, doesn't mean that my love can't.

Because it does. And it always will.

I 💗 you, New York....


Have a FANTABULOUS week, everyone!
X

36 comments:

  1. Oh, Ron. I'm so sorry to hear this! Just today I told Tara, "Ron must be getting excited - his move to NYC is right around the corner!" But after reading about the ridiculous rent (I knew it was expensive there, just not to that extent), I think you are DEFINITELY making the right decision. Like you said, you can visit two dozen times a year - so you'll be quenching that thirst - and save a ton of money in the process.

    I'm sorry, though. I get how much you love the place, and it's hard to let a dream like that go. But like you said - FOR NOW. Maybe someday you'll be in a better position to pull it off. Maybe you'll learn to hold your bladder for 12 hours straight so you won't even need a bathroom. And maybe you can recycle the same outfit every day.

    I'd give you a big hug if I could, or at the very least, a manly chuck on the shoulder. Hang in there, buddy. You're doing the smart thing.

    P.S. You can rent an apartment here for a few hundred dollars. Sure you don't want to give South Dakota a shot? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh my, I read this and my heart simply fell. I always knew NYC was expensive, but was floored at the prices you shared with us. I can't imagine how people can justify that kind of pricing. It's beyond my midwest mentality. I agree with Mark, I believe you made the smartest decision to stay in Philly and visit your beloved NYC. You can have one helluva weekend for the price of one month's rent (sans utilities!). I know how hard it is to have to postpone or walk away from your dreams. I think I've shared my mantra with you before: We plan, God laughs, we adjust. I also believe things happen for a reason and there is a purpose for you to stay in Philly for now. But, as much as we philosophize, the disappointment is still a stab in the heart. I applaud you for the attitude you're taking about this. How we deal with challenges says a lot about our character and you're screams volumes. To have accomplished so much, financially, in preparation for this move has put you in a very positive position moving forward. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing what God has planned for your story. On a side note, do you have to now find a new place in Philly now?

    ReplyDelete
  3. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, August 28, 2018

    Oh no - that really is a shame! But you made a wise decision - there's no point living in a city when you can't afford to enjoy it or life .... Those NYC rents are crazy!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh, Ron. I'm so sorry to read this. And appalled that it costs so much to live there. I can't imagine paying more than my mortgage payment for some of the places you described. You'd be so unhappy schlepping your laundry down the street and coming back to a cell of an apartment. It sounds like you made the right decision for you and I'm glad you are at peace with it. I'll say this for you, you rolled with the punches very gracefully. And who ever knows what the future holds?
    ((Hugs))

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Ron, I feel your disappointment. I knew it would be expensive but I didn' t realise the cost of living accommodation was so extreme. Yet, I should have guessed since renting apartments in the UK necessitates an extortionate win on the pools. I don't know how landlords get away with it or how some people are able to afford it. The financial world has gone crazy. Someone once told me that it was cheaper to buy a house than rent a flat. Right now your dream is shattered, but maybe in a little while you will realise your lucky escape.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ron, I've always heard how expensive it was to live in New York, but dear god, those rental prices are insane! How could anyone charge $1, 675 for a studio apartment that doesn't have its own bathroom? As disappointed as you must be, I think you made the BEST choice in staying where you are and taking trips into New York to enjoy the things you love. I admire you for your ability to accept and adapt to this because I know how much you were looking forward to moving.

    I believe that everything happens for a reason, so perhaps something else is coming your way.
    X

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ron, I've been thinking about you these past several weeks, knowing that your move was coming up. As someone who lived on Long Island and visited Manhattan often, I know just how expensive it is. It's been ages since I lived in New York but I still have family members who never left and they've told me so many times how ludicrous the prices of homes and rentals have gotten. I love New York too, but I could never afford to live there because I don't make that kind of money either. I can't believe the require you to make FORTY TIMES your rent in annual salary!!!!

    "The apartment was 145 square feet. Yes, you heard me right....145 square feet (the size of a prison cell). It had a tiny shower in the corner of the room, a tiny sink next to the shower, a tiny toilet in the another corner of the room, and a bunk bed. It had NO kitchen (just a tiny refrigerator), NO closets and NO windows." That's incredible! I couldn't live in apartment without a kitchen, closet or windows!

    I know how much you were planning and looking forward to this move because of how much you love New York, so I feel heartbroken for you. But know that you made the right decision because you don't want to move there and then resent the city that you love.

    I admire you for your ability to see things clearly and then go with the flow. You always inspire me, Ron! X

    ReplyDelete
  8. No No No!! Ron, you could've knocked me over with a feather when I read that you're not moving after all! My heart aches for you. It's HARD having a dream and watching that dream vanish in the reality of life.


    You know, it doesn't surprise me that you found rent so sky-high. My son Domer found the same thing when he moved to Chicago, and he's discovered that rent ALL across the country is astronomical. He says it's hit the Millennial generation especially hard, leaving many of them worried whether they'll ever be able to afford a house.


    Living in a small town has its challenges, but thankfully, rent isn't outrageous. I suppose those who commute to larger cities have to worry over the price of gas (as well as wear and tear on their cars), but housing is pretty affordable here. Guess there's something to be said for living in fields of corn, ha!


    I'm glad to hear you've settled on a work-around. Staying put but getting to The City every other weekend sounds perfect for you -- and we'll get to see your wonderful photos and enjoy your visits, too! Keep your head up, my friend. Maybe now isn't the right time to leave, but that doesn't mean the right time won't ever come along! xo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ron, I am so terribly sorry to hear this! I know how much moving to New York meant to you and it breaks my heart to see you short-changed on your dream.

    But you made the right decision. These landlords are freaking crazy and I guess it'll take a real estate market bust for them to get the message. New York is turning into a playground for billionaires who buy apartments the way other people buy a newspaper. Everybody else will be just visiting.

    As a New York resident I grow more and more fearful that I won't be able to afford to live here much more longer myself. There are so many empty storefronts around because small businesses can't afford the rent.

    In fact, I'm planning on writing a post on a Chinese restaurant in my neighborhood that was forced to close its doors.

    And let me pause here to say that I'm also very disappointed because I was so looking forward to us doing the town together! I figured you would know all the cool places to see!

    So we can always meet up when you're in town. And I know a lot of New Yorkers who have chucked the city and moved to Philly, so we may be neighbors after all.

    Take care, buddy, and you know I got your back!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh, that is so disappointing to hear, Ron. I did not expect this outcome, but I can't say that I'm shocked after apartment hunting with our son in March. He had wanted to live in the city where his job was and avoid a long commute, but rents started at $1100 and didn't include anything. Isn't it such a rip off? One of his college roommates got a job in San Fran and the only thing he could 'afford' was to live in the common space of a 2 BR apartment with strangers. I think he pays $1400 to do that. Crazy!

    You seem like you've accepted it and can at least visit as often as you want, which is the next best thing. Also, you can save up and take a trip to somewhere you've never been, like Italy!

    Thanks for letting us know what happened. I guess your only other option would be to show us photos of one of the above mentioned studios and tell us you moved in. 😂😂😂😂 That would have been hilarious,. Aren't I disturbed? XO

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey there Fiona!

    Yes, you're right...there is no point living in a city (no matter how much I love it) when I can't afford to actually enjoy it because that's what it would end up being. I can have more enjoyment living here, and then going into New York several times a month and really enjoy it.

    "Those NYC rents are crazy!!"

    Are they INSANE?!?!? Like I said, I lived in NYC and knew how expensive it can be, but those rent prices have gone crazy that only the rich can afford it.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend.
    X

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hola Denise!

    " I can't believe they require you to make FORTY TIMES your rent in annual salary!!!!"

    I know, can you freaking BELIEVE that? I mean, was does making 40 times your rent in annual salary prove about being able to afford a $1, 675 per month apartment?

    As I shared, I lived in New York so I know how pricey it can be. However, the rent prices have gone completely bonkers, which is prevented anyone who is not a millionaire to live there. How sad is that?

    The thing that got me about the 145 square foot apartment was not just that it didn't have a kitchen or closet, but the fact that it had NO WINDOWS. In an apartment that size, you have to have windows (even just one window) or it would feel as though you were living in a prison cell, or a tomb.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind and supportive words, my friend. I actually feel very okay about this decision. At first I was heartbroken, but I've made peace with it.

    X

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello there Candice!

    " How could anyone charge $1, 675 for a studio apartment that doesn't have its own bathroom? " I know, when I read that the apartment had to share a bathroom, I was like, WTF?!?! It would be like being back in a collage dorm where you had to share a bathroom with other college students. I did it back then, but I could not do it now. No way.

    "I believe that everything happens for a reason, so perhaps something else is coming your way."

    Thank you, and think you're absolutely right, something else is coming my way, I can sense it. Other than the fact that I can't afford to live in New York, this is happening for reason.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. And thank you for your supportive words. Have a great week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  14. hey ron, sorry to hear, but better to stay put where you are and not have to worry about how you're going to pay rent each month. it's expensive, even for a postage stamp, which will be traveling more than you at NY prices. we can't still meet in the city. chin up, my friend. good decision.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Mark, thanks so much for your kind words of support and encouragement,. You and are were on a similar life path of moving since last year, so I know that you completely understand. After much searching, I finally had to admit that I just can't (at least for right now) afford to live in NYC. The rent prices totally floored me because I remember how expensive it was to live there, however, the prices have TRIPLED since then. The most I could afford if I wanted to live alone in a studio apartment would have been $1, 300 per month, but I could not find one single place in or around NYC at that price.

    "Maybe someday you'll be in a better position to pull it off. Maybe you'll learn to hold your bladder for 12 hours straight so you won't even need a bathroom. And maybe you can recycle the same outfit every day."

    HAHAHAHAHA! That cracked me up!

    But seriously, you're right...perhaps someday I'll be in more lucrative position to pull it off. But in the meantime, I have made peace with the outcome and will continue to enjoy my day trips into New York. As I shared, this experience has not altered my love for that city. Regardless, I will always love it,

    Again, thanks so much for your kind words, my friend. Really appreciate it.

    Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    Much X to you and Tara!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hello there Lisa!

    "I always knew NYC was expensive, but was floored at the prices you shared with us. I can't imagine how people can justify that kind of pricing. It's beyond my midwest mentality."

    Even though I had lived there, I knew that New York was far from cheap when it comes to renting an apartment. However, the prices have gone ballistic since then. And you're right, I don't know how anyone can justify that kind of pricing, it's simply BONKERS. I finally came to the conclusion that it would much better (and cheaper) to continue living here and just visit my beloved NYC often. That way I can enjoy it (and afford it) without having to go broke trying to pay my rent (and utilities) every month.

    "We plan, God laughs, we adjust. I also believe things happen for a reason and there is a purpose for you to stay in Philly for now. "

    Yes, and I believe that. It took a bit for me to finally let it go and accept the reality. But when I finally did, I actually felt so much lighter and a sense of relief.

    Again, I can't thank you enough for your support and encouragement, my friend. Really means a lot. And you're right, this happened for a reason, I can feel it. I have a feeling God has a plan.

    Have a super week!

    X

    P.S. When I first made the decision not move to NYC, I also decided to find a new place to live here in Philly. I looked at about five different apartments in different areas of Philly that were, shall I say, the PITS - dirty, rundown, and just plain disgusting. So I talked to my current landlord who begged me not to move in the first place, who found a newly renovated apartment in the same building I'm in now, at the SAME PRICE. So, in October, I will be moving down to a lower floor with all new renovations. I also bought a new bed, a new desk, and some new furniture pieces for the new place.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I know, can you freaking believe the PRICES of apartments in New York? I mean, I always knew it was an expensive city, but the prices have gotten so crazy that only the wealthy can actually LIVE there. Either the wealthy, or people are willing to live FIVE in apartment, which I cannot do.

    "You'd be so unhappy schlepping your laundry down the street and coming back to a cell of an apartment."

    Yes, schlepping my laundry during the dead of winter and the heat of the summer. No way!

    After much contemplation and a slap in my face of reality, I finally came to the conclusion that I could not afford to live there because I'd end up hating the place because I would constantly be struggling to live there and couldn't enjoy all the things I enjoy now. So honestly, I'm very happy with my choice. I actually feel a sense of peace.

    Thanks so much for your support and encouragement, my Libra friend. Thank you.

    ((((((((((( YOU ))))))))))))))))

    Have a fantabulous week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hello there Valerie!

    I was extremely disappointed several weeks ago when the realization that I could not afford to live there finally hit me. However, I have to say that now I actually feel a sense of relief and peace because it felt so stressful when I first started to look for a place to live in New York. The rent prices totally floored me. I mean, I knew NY was expensive. However, I couldn't believe how HIGH the prices have gone. It's insane. Only the very wealthy can afford to live there without any stress of worrying whether they can afford it.

    Yes, I don't know how landlords get away with it either. I mean, to charge $1, 675 per month for a studio apartment WITHOUT an bathroom is crazy. Yet, there are people who will do it, just to live in New York. However, I can't do that. I'm much too practical when it comes to my finances. I don't like living above my means because it's too stressful.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. And thank you for your support and encouragement. Thanks you!

    Have a fantastic week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello there Debbie!

    "It's HARD having a dream and watching that dream vanish in the reality of life."

    Yes, it is. However, if I can't "afford" the dream, I can't afford the dream. It's that simple. I don't want to move there and then resent it because I can't keep my head above the water. I was very disappointed at first, but I've come to place of peace with it. I know this sounds strange, but I feel a sense of relief and calmness. Perhaps that's a sign that it's for the best. At least for right now.

    In the meantime, I can still enjoy New York City several times a month by just visiting and enjoying it!

    "Maybe now isn't the right time to leave, but that doesn't mean the right time won't ever come along! "

    Yes, you're right, my friend!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by and for your support and encouragement. I really appreciate it. Have a super rest of your week!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey there Rob!

    Aw....thank you :) I was heartbroken at first too. However, I've gradually come to a place of peace with it. I mean, there is nothing I can do about it. So I might as well look at it in different way, Even though I can't afford to live there, doesn't mean I can't continue to enjoy all the things I love about that city.

    "New York is turning into a playground for billionaires who buy apartments the way other people buy a newspaper. Everybody else will be just visiting."

    You're right, Rob. And I finally realized that. In fact, just today I was talking with someone who was born in New York and lived there most of her life, but eventually moved to North Jersey because she could not afford to live there. And she said the same thing, that New York is only for the RICH.

    "As a New York resident I grow more and more fearful that I won't be able to afford to live here much more longer myself. There are so many empty storefronts around because small businesses can't afford the rent."

    And I find that so sad because New York is such an AMAZING city with so many AWESOME things to see and do and look at. I just wish it were more affordable to live there.

    Yes, I meet so many people from New York who have moved to Philly because it's so much cheaper.

    Thanks so much for your supportive and encouraging words, buddy. I really, really appreciate it.

    Have a grrrrrrrrreat week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  21. I didn't expect this outcome either. In fact, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I wouldn't be moving to New York in September because everything seemed to be smoothly moving in that direction. However, after looking (for two weeks) at different places to live I realized that I simply cannot afford to live there on my salary. And that's the reality of it.

    It was hard for me to accept at first. But I have come to a place of peace with it. I actually feel relived and calm about it.

    " One of his college roommates got a job in San Fran and the only thing he could 'afford' was to live in the common space of a 2 BR apartment with strangers. I think he pays $1400 to do that. Crazy!"

    OMG! I've talked to so many people who live (or have lived) in San Fran and they say that it is even MORE expensive than New York City. Which, I can't even fathom because NYC rent prices are INSANE!!!!

    "You seem like you've accepted it and can at least visit as often as you want, which is the next best thing. Also, you can save up and take a trip to somewhere you've never been, like Italy!"

    HA! Funny you mentioned that because that is EXACTLY what I was thinking, I kind you not! And Italy is EXACTLY the place I was thinking!

    " I guess your only other option would be to show us photos of one of the above mentioned studios and tell us you moved in. 😂😂😂😂 That would have been hilarious,. Aren't I disturbed?"

    HAHAHAHAHAHA! OMG, that made me laugh out loud! And no, you're not disturbed. You're hilarious!

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your loving support and encouragement, my friend. THANK YOU!

    Have FAB week!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thank you, Val :)

    Yup...New York (at least for right now) will have to be a place I go to visit (quite often) to enjoy all the things I LOVE about it.

    And speaking of NYC, let's make some plans to meet up sometime this Fall when the weather cools down. I would LOVE that!

    Have a super week, girl. And thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm sure you did have moments of disappointment and frustration, but overall Ron, you are handling this with such dignity. I admire you so much for how you prepared to move, and did all the research and tried everything you could, but came full circle and have now made your peace with it.
    When you commented on my last post and said 'neighbor' I thought... oh, but not for long... he's probably leaving any time now... but we are still NEIGHBORS and that makes me so happy... because I'm selfish that way. You're just over the bridge! And you know, Philly is actually getting a little like NY in some areas with the rents. I don't know how people do it. Are you staying in your current building?
    Aw, I sure am sorry things didn't work out but you know, had you gone there and struggled at this time of your life, maybe NYC would somehow have lost some of the magic if the experiences became bad with new debt and working like a maniac to make ends meet. You made the right decision for now. And if you are meant to live there again, another opportunity will present itself. Maybe you'll meet someone... oooh... ahhh... and that person will be a lover of NY or you'll introduce that person to NY and then you'll move together.... yes, okay, that is the new plan. haha See, I just figured it out for ya. LOL In the meantime, I'm thrilled we're neighbors still. :) xo

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mary, thank you so much for your kind and supportive words!

    You know, this is one of those times in life when you have to learn (and have faith) that for some reason (even though you might not be aware of it now) that the Universe knows best. So you have to accept, embrace and move forward. After a period of disappointment and frustration, I actually feel calm and at peace with what is. I have so much in my life to be happy and grateful for, so that's what I'm focusing on.

    "I thought... oh, but not for long... he's probably leaving any time now... but we are still NEIGHBORS and that makes me so happy... "

    Aw....you're so sweet! And yup....we're STILL neighbors!!!!

    And you're absolutely right, Philly IS getting a little like NY because so many people from NY are moving here because it's so much cheaper. However, the Philly's real estate market is climbing quite quickly because they want to get in on the money.

    Yes, I am staying in my current building but transferring to a recently renovated studio apartment on another floor. It'll be like fresh start!

    "maybe NYC would somehow have lost some of the magic if the experiences became bad with new debt and working like a maniac to make ends meet.:

    Exactly! I thought that same thing.

    "Maybe you'll meet someone... oooh... ahhh... and that person will be a lover of NY or you'll introduce that person to NY and then you'll move together.... yes, okay, that is the new plan."

    LOVED that! And you know something? That could actually be true. I thought about that as well!

    Again, thanks for your support and encouragement, neighbor! I really appreciate it!

    XO

    ReplyDelete
  25. That's a huge compliment that your landlord didn't want you to move. Kudos to you for scoring a renovated apartment! It's hard to accept a closed door, but it sounds like you've done it with grace and a positive attitude....which I would expect no less from you!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ron, having been born and raised in New York, I can tell you that one of the primary reasons my husband and I moved out is because of the real estate market. As your reader Rob said, landlords have gone crazy because they KNOW they can. New York has turned into a place for only the wealthy, both for living and for business. It's sad really, because I love NY and still think it's one of the greatest cities in the world. But for those of us who are not rich, its a city to visit, not live. So I don't blame you one bit for your decision.

    I know how much you prepared for this move, so I know it had to be a difficult realization. But know that it's not you because you did everything right, it's just the way that city is. The prices, for most of us, are impossible. I think your attitude are to be admired. You have such a good outlook on how life can be at times. Difficult.

    And as you said, maybe it's not in cards NOW, but that doesn't meant it won't happen in the future.

    X to you, Ron

    ReplyDelete
  27. Those rates are mind numbing. I'm sorry that for now you are unable to move to New York. You are handling it with such grace, and always look to the silver lining.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey there Elaine!

    I was thinking of you several weeks ago when I was processing this whole thing; deciding whether I should or should not move to NYC. For a few days there I kept thinking that even though it would be a struggle for me, I would do it anyway. However, I eventually realized that it would be a stupid move on my part because I'd probably start resenting the city.

    " It's sad really, because I love NY and still think it's one of the greatest cities in the world. But for those of us who are not rich, its a city to visit, not live."

    Yes, I realize that now. Back when I lived there is was expensive (for then) but it's gotten impossible for those of us who are not extremely wealthy. As I shared, I will ALWAYS love that city. And like you, I think it's is one of the greatest cities in the world. But I think it's better that I visit often than live because I can thoroughly enjoy it.

    I'm actually very content with my decision. It feels as though I weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your support, insight and encouragement. I really appreciate it!

    Have a faaaaaaabulous week, my friend!

    X

    P.S. and OMG...can you believe the freaking HEATWAVE we're having right now? It's crazy. I can't wait until Friday when the temps go down into the 70's!!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hey there Jean!

    Great to see ya, my friend!

    Yes, aren't the rates mind numbing?!?!? I knew New York was expensive, but OMG....those rents are out of my range. At lease for right now.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your support. I really appreciate it.

    Hope you're having a FAB summer!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wasn't that nice of her? She's only been our landlord/property manage for seven months, but she's done more with our building in that short time than any other previous property manager. She even fixed the elevators!!!

    I feel very blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ron, the heat this summer has been horrible. It's almost September and we're having heatwaves of 96 degrees. Our electric bills this summer have been higher than any other summer. I am so looking forward to fall, when we can open the windows and turn of the A/C.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I agree, this summer has been the hottest one EVER. I'm so sick of sweating and changing clothes because I sweat through them. The other day when I had off, I took THREE showers because I was so sweaty and gross.

    Yes, sooooooooooo looking forward to FALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Ron, both my girlfriend and I read this post and couldn't believe the prices you quoted for a studio apartment in New York. WTF?!?!?!?!? We have a large one bedroom that includes a washing and dryer in our unit that's only $795. a month, which we split. I couldn't imagine having to fork out $1, 685 for a studio apartment that doesn't even have its own bathroom. And that you have to make 40 times the rent, blew us away.

    I know how much you were looking forward to moving New York and I feel for you, but you definitely made the right decision. If you got there and then ended up struggling every month to pay your rent and utilities, not to mention food and other basic needs, I fear you would end up being miserable, not able to really enjoy the city.

    You've got a great attitude, dude. I admire your ability to accept and embrace this because I know at first it must have been so hard for you.

    Are you staying where you are at or are you moving to other apartment in Philly?

    ReplyDelete
  34. HIya Matt!

    I know, aren't those rent prices WTF!?!?!? And for NYC, those prices are considered a cheap. Most apartments (specifically studios) are much more. I saw one listed at $2,223. per month. And it wasn't even in Manhattan, it was in Brooklyn!

    "We have a large one bedroom that includes a washer and dryer in our unit that's only $795. a month, which we split."

    Boy, that's a great price! Philly is much more expensive but NOT NEARLY as expensive as NYC. When I first moved here, my apartment was around $525 per month, but it's gone up A LOT since then.

    "If you got there and then ended up struggling every month to pay your rent and utilities, not to mention food and other basic needs, I fear you would end up being miserable, not able to really enjoy the city."

    Yes, you're absolutely right, which is what I finally realized after getting over the disappointment. I actually feel really good and at peace with my choice.

    "Are you staying where you are at or are you moving to other apartment in Philly?

    At first, I looked at several other apartments in different areas of Philly, but was not impressed. Most were very dirty, rundown, and overpriced. So I decided to take another apartment in my current building on another floor. It's recently been renovated so it'll be like moving into a whole new apartment.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. And thanks for your support and kind words. Have a great holiday weekend!

    X

    ReplyDelete
  35. That's great, Ron! Glad your found another apartment in your building. I was wondering since you gave your notice if you're stay there or move to another place. It worked out perfect for you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. My landlady was so happy that I was staying that she gave me the new apartment for the same price of the previous one. Yahoooooooooo!

    ReplyDelete

I moderate all comments before publishing. Thank you for stopping by.