My month in Brooklyn is formally up. And it’s secure to say, she’s a Brooklyn lady now. No I’m not transferring, but. However I completely liked staying on this borough and attending to discover it. Whereas I did go to Manhattan fairly a bit for conferences, lunches and dinners with mates, and even to see a Broadway present, I really feel like I actually spent the majority of my time in Brooklyn. And I simply liked it.

My Airbnb was tucked into Cobble Hill which is located between Carrol Gardens and Brooklyn Heights. There have been so many fantastic eating places, retailers and parks. I simply liked strolling round with nowhere to go. The brownstones, the quiet streets, and all of the little parks made me simply so joyful.

Whereas I’m from New York, the suburbs, and have been again many occasions in my lifetime, I’ve by no means spent this lengthy within the metropolis. I believe the longest I stayed was near every week. I packed in conferences, occasions, lunches and hangout periods. It was exhausting. However I all the time liked it.

This month allowed me to decelerate a bit. I knew I wished to strive residing, and never a lot hustling. I labored from my Airbnb similar to I do at dwelling. Cooked a number of meals and did a number of laundry within the constructing subsequent door.

I actually really feel like I lived the NYC life. Even all the way down to schlepping 3 suitcases up and down 2 flights of stairs in 90 diploma warmth all to be screwed over by your Airbnb hosts.

The true New York Expertise if you’ll. Plus, a few rat sightings.

However reality be advised, NYC is the fucking greatest. And that is what I liked most about my month away.

What I Beloved Most About NYC

The Walkability

The easy indisputable fact that I simply step outdoors and I’m in all of it, is what I like a lot. I’m a walkable metropolis individual and if I see one thing is a .8 miles away, I’m strolling. That is my favourite factor about New York.

It’s even good if you happen to simply must get out of the home for a bit. The truth that strolling out of your door is immediately an expertise and journey is what I take pleasure in most.

The Subway

There may be nothing higher than hopping on a subway, listening to your favourite podcast, and 25 minutes later you’re in a completely completely different a part of city. It’s dependable, it’s straightforward, I adore it.

Plus, just lately the MTA made a very nice replace and now you can simply use your Apple Pay to get on the practice. You don’t even want to tug up Apple Pay, it simply is aware of your cellphone is there and expenses you the $2.75 fare. It additionally is aware of what number of occasions you’ve got ridden so it maxes out at $33/week. Which is how a lot the limitless value plan is.

The Bagel and Bodega Tradition

I don’t know why this could’t be replicated wherever else in America. However the bagel and bodega tradition is solely the very best.

The bagels are top-notch right here. It’s one thing within the water. They only do it in a different way. Identical with the pizza. There’s a bagel spot on each nook and you may’t go flawed.

Plus, bodegas are so unimaginable and handy. Some have tons of nice meals choices too like a terrific sandwich or salad, or hey, a bagel!

Walkable cities normally have higher choices like this comparable to D.C. or Boston and Chicago. However there’s simply one thing concerning the vibe that’s so quintessentially New York that I really feel such as you merely can’t discover it wherever else however right here.

The Networking

As an influencer and blogger, networking right here has been essential for me. There are such a lot of influencers right here that I wished to attach with and I’m so glad I can now name so a lot of them “influencer” mates. Plus, there are the manufacturers and companies that I’ve been working with through the years, it was so good to get to fulfill them face-to-face.

I felt like each dialog I had was higher than the subsequent. My thoughts is spinning with concepts on what to do subsequent with my enterprise. And I really feel like I’ve a Rolodex of latest individuals I can depend on.

The Ferry

I must thank my buddy Meghan for this one. I didn’t even THINK to take the ferry to get to the place I wanted to be. However residing only a few blocks from a pier made it very easy to get to particular locations like Williamsburg or Seaport on the ferry versus the practice.

For simply $4, you possibly can trip to the place you must go. All whereas taking within the unimaginable views of NYC. Plus, you possibly can seize your self a espresso, beer or canned wine whilst you soak it in. Sizzling tip, pack a hairtie so you possibly can benefit from the views and recent air on the highest deck.

Being On The Water

I’m noticing all my favourite cities have water. A river, a lake, some type of physique of water. I simply love the water and it brings me immediate pleasure. After I wanted a decide me up, I simply headed to the Brooklyn Promenade, or Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 to sit down and take all of it in. It’s really a type of remedy for me.

Issues I Did Not Love About NYC

Let’s be actual right here. NYC is tough. It’s exhausting, draining, over stimulating. It’s additionally so fucking costly. NYC has all the time been costly, however I undoubtedly observed a major improve in completely every little thing. There are some things I didn’t love about NYC, but I’ll nonetheless let you know, that is the very best rattling place on earth. Which I believe is precisely how you already know, you’re a New Yorker at coronary heart. It breaks you down arduous, but it surely additionally lifts you up oh so excessive.

The Scent Of Trash

Some days have been HOT whereas I used to be there. And there’s simply merely nothing just like the scent of scorching hearth rubbish whilst you’re strolling alongside and having a pleasant dialog with a buddy, or listening to your favourite audiobook.

My $45 Lunch, And My $55 Lunch, And Sure, My $65 Lunch

It feels just like the second you allow your house in NYC, you’re sure to spend $100 inside 4 hours. Really was thoughts blown by how costly some informal eating places have turn into. And even only a latte.

I’m all for spending cash on a pleasant meal right here and there (though it’s truly my least favourite approach to spend my cash). However I’m telling you, one thing has shifted much more within the prices of NYC residing just lately. Lunch was merely outrageous for what it was.

Even only a bagel with all of the fixings in some way got here out to over $16. In case you’re visiting anytime quickly, remember. I really feel like for a couple of days of visiting, it feels high quality to splurge since you’re on trip. However spending an entire month right here undoubtedly felt like I used to be throwing cash out the window. Particularly since my purpose was to community and meet up with as many individuals as doable. It felt extra pricy than regular for me.

Fact be advised, this is the reason I’m so hesitant to make the transfer everlasting. Not solely is hire costlier, however merely residing and respiration appears so as to add up shortly!

however on the finish of the day

Even with some main downfalls of NYC, this metropolis nonetheless is one I cherish and love a lot. Each time I’m right here, I simply really feel like I lastly slot in. Like I belong. One thing I simply don’t really feel again dwelling in Atlanta. As somebody who was born in New York, and raised by true New Yorkers, it’s no shock that the South doesn’t really feel like “me”.