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Rising Star
LA. Much better lifestyle, beach and weather and a lot lot lot more interesting things to do in CA than in NYC especially the outdoors. Because of a lack of outdoor activities, much harder to be healthy and active in NYC
You should ask this in a neutral bowl though to get a more balanced view.
LC, how long have you lived in NYC?
Re people: agree that diversity in NYC is like no other even compared to LA, haven’t met enough people to assess authenticity though.
LA if you have a significant other and like nature. NYC if you are all about the city bachelor(ette) life. Have lived in both and liked NYC more.
Rising Star
It’s more about the culture. It’s not something you’ll find people moving to nyc for or be greatly interested in doing.
Been on 30 dates here and I think I met only one date who was intro hiking. In CA it was literally every other date.
Skiing has some interest here but it’s more like a casual once in a year kind of activity for most unlike the West where you’ll find many people who do that every other weekend
East coast > west coast
Why?
NYC > LA
LA is just a giant suburb, not as much cool things to do as nyc, and public transportation is lacking
Lived in san Francisco, LA and now NYC.
Cali by a mile. Weather, food, doesn't take itself super serious, easier for families, way cooler destinations nearby, the beach, tacos, weed.
Nyc takes itself way too serious and falls short in many ways. Accessibility is shit for all the talk about transport, you do need a car if you move out to say Queens or outskirts of bk, it's horrible for families. I do like that it's close to Europe and the amtrak goes to cities like Philly and shit.
I have a family so it's a no brainer. One more year in nyc then it's back to cali.
You say allat then say it depends on blah blah blah
Life long east coast hustler... just moved to west coast and still adjusting...
They say "west coast / best coast" for a reason.... especially if you have a car as someone else has already mentioned. You get more of an actual "lifestyle" here vs there it's all just the culture of the city. West coast / California especially, you get the option to hang out outside all year long. I'll visit the east coast again soon to visit friends... but quality of life is better for some of us when we're outside.... so.. up to you.
Some cities can serve the ambitious without sucking our souls dry, it's not a competition if everyone's happy 🤷♀️
NYC is a better city by a mile. LA has more natural beauty around it and infinitely better weather. Food is similarly good but NYC’s is more accessible due to the density. If you hate driving, NYC. If you are not super type A or prefer a slower pace lifestyle or are big into outdoor things, LA.
Rising Star
Very good summary
Just my two cents but as someone who has spent time living in both places it really comes down to what matters most to you as both cities have significant pros and cons:
NYC:
If you care more for the big city feel and can handle the day to day inconveniences, this is the place to be by far. What I mean by that is there is no shortage of restaurants and things to do on any given day. The tall buildings and crowd all create the big city feel you’ve seen glamorized in movies. The downside in my experience is that unless you’ve got an amazing apartment in a very central location you will deal with the following hassles: living in a walk up, only being able to grocery shop as much as you can carry, going to the laundromat for laundry, lack of space/windows/sunlight in your apartment, etc. Another downside of NYC in my opinion is that sometimes you lose out on quality (i.e. bars, restaurants, cafes) because of the quantity and limited space. I do think everyone should live in NYC for a period of time as it is a very unique experience. You will never be exposed to a more diverse and worldly city anywhere else.
LA:
If you value convenience and comfort more then I think LA makes the most sense. The biggest con for LA is that while it’s a city built around needing a car, it is still a hassle to have a car given traffic. But if you’re in a good location, at most you’ll be impacted 15-20 mins by traffic. Ubers are cheaper there though so you can avoid that hassle at least when you go out. While you don’t get the same big city feel as NYC and your choices in activities aren’t as extensive, you will still find the same things in LA just in a lower quantity but higher quality (i.e . more space in bars/restaurants -> makes it easier to enjoy and connect with people). You will also get more for your money in terms of apartments. I also think LA is slightly less expensive than NYC.
One biggest difference I’ve noticed between the two places are the people in terms of friendships. New Yorkers are not easy to connect with. Not because they aren’t nice but more-so because everyone is so caught up in the hustle of their own lives. A lot of times you’ll meet new people but the follow through never happens. LA people feel a lot more inclusive. I think there’s a stereotype that LA people are superficial but I think that’s the case with both cities and you just have to do some vetting on your own to find people you connect with - bumble bff is a great resource for this! People in terms of relationships for both places just straight up suck lol.
I’ve actually lived in NYC for the past two years. Absolutely loved it but the hassles that I mentioned caught up to me and I’m just ready for something easier now until I have the funds to live a comfortable and convenient life in the city.
Again, this is all entirely my opinion - hope it was helpful!
NYC obviously. Compare NYC to Tokyo, London, Paris or Hong Kong, not LA.
Be careful you will get reported for speaking badly about precious LA!
Rising Star
Depends: if your young, single and ambitious then NYC is the place for you. If you’re older and want more stability and space then LA might be your choice.
Pro
LA sounds cheaper but you need to pay for a car, parking, insurance, gas, insane water bills, etc.
Pro
I mean yeah their house/gardens are big and in one of the expensive neighborhoods. But that water bill is still way more than it used to be
I don’t think comparing a legitimate daycare to a rando running one out of their house is equivalent though lol