Before this trip, I was unsure about whether I wanted to live in New York. Based on what I’d seen and heard, it seemed like exactly the kind of place where I wanted to live. Many of us experienced the allure of New York before we ever stepped foot there. But I’ve never lived anywhere but Oregon, and moving across the country to a city that was so expensive and so wildly different than my current life felt a little (a lot) scary. I wanted to be sure of my decision before I committed. I told myself that if I still felt the same way about New York at the end of the trip, I’d begin making plans to move.  

As I moved through the week, I felt more and more confident in my choice. I spoke to several New York transplants who agreed that the transition was hard, but that they wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. On the surface, New York doesn’t look ideal. But when you dig past the tourists and crowded subways and the lack of recycling, New York is pulsing with activity. It draws people in like a magnet, and I’m no exception. So I’ve given myself permission to make plans - I’ll see you soon, NYC. 

Olivia Bowman | 5/23/19