- As a lawyer, I bought the prospect to dwell in each New York Metropolis and London.
- I discovered New York Metropolis to be vigorous, nevertheless it was too costly and party-focused.
- London was cheaper, and I might image a future there.
For so long as I can keep in mind, I’ve at all times had two cities in thoughts after I considered probably the most bustling enterprise hubs on this planet: New York Metropolis and London.
In my thoughts, it by no means bought any higher than the Massive Apple or the British capital. They have been the cities to make it within the arts or the company world. From Broadway and the West Finish to Canary Wharf and Wall Road, I wished to expertise all of it. My dream was to dwell in one among them sooner or later in life to attempt my luck as a company lawyer.
Laborious work, perseverance, and a little bit of luck gave me the chance to dwell in each of them. Each are chaotically enchanting, absurdly overpriced, and fast-paced, but when I needed to choose one to dwell in at the moment, it might be London. Here is why.
I could not image my life long-term in New York Metropolis
I first lived in New York Metropolis — within the heart of Manhattan, to be exact. I moved from Mexico Metropolis on the finish of 2020 and stayed there for a 12 months. Sure, it was in the midst of the pandemic. However my expertise of the town wasn’t affected negatively by that. Quite the opposite, I bought to see an empty New York go from zero to 100 in a few months.
For higher and for worse, the town was the whole lot that I anticipated: soiled, cosmopolitan, filled with concrete, and manner too costly.
However past the unrealistic worth tags and tall skyscrapers, I additionally bought to understand the town’s distinctive attributes: its social facet, iconic eating places, unmatchable type, and colourful neighborhoods. Town is stuffed with life. In each nook of each avenue, I might really feel it.
Nevertheless, these attributes that made it so fascinating for a brief keep have been precisely what made New York Metropolis a transparent “no” for my long-term plans. New York is ethereal and unapologetic. Sure, on the identical time, life-changing. However I could not see myself partying and dealing 24/7 for the remainder of my life.
Life in London appeared extra manageable
I moved to London on the finish of 2021 — after each Brexit and the pandemic. Each the town and I felt like we would have liked a contemporary begin. So, I made a decision to find London from a comparative perspective. I analyzed each one among its main points towards these of its American counterpart. The outcomes have been shocking as I discovered similarities between them the place I believed there can be clear variations.
For starters, I knew that London was well-known for its dreary and infrequently grey climate, however after I moved there, I spotted that it wasn’t as dangerous as I believed — particularly in comparison with the acute warmth or chilly of New York Metropolis.
I additionally thought London can be dearer. Nevertheless, I discovered that lease and journey have been way more reasonably priced and numerous than within the Massive Apple.
London immediately (with out even contemplating its majestic historical past and gorgeous magnificence) turned a spot I might name house for an extended time frame. I noticed it as a busy monetary hub with extra issues than simply work or events. There have been parks, museums, faculties, leisure areas, and a way of humanity.
London felt extra mature and like house
On the one hand, New York Metropolis jogs my memory of my most poisonous ex: the depth, the sweetness, and the hazard. Identical to with my ex, I knew it would not final lengthy, and that is what made it so particular.
Then again, London jogs my memory of my most steady relationship: its pragmatism, its class, its maturity, and its sense of goal. I felt like I might construct my life there.
New York Metropolis must be your sole possibility if you’re younger and impressive. However you should definitely transfer to London if you need to develop outdated and have a household earlier than it is too late. That is simply what I did.
