1.| Finding short-term (<6wks) housing is hard and expensive, but doable.
After over a month of searching Craigslist and Airbnb for a 6 week sublet, Natalie (my wife) and I flew to NYC without an apt reserved. We used Priceline to book hotels for the first two nights and spent the days viewing and calling on as many apts as we could. LONG-story short, we eventually walked into a real estate brokerage in the W. Village called Citi Habitats. The initial broker at Citi Habitats was unable to help us, but another broker, Sara Neuman, overheard our conversation and recommended us to her friend, whom she had just found a new apt for. Within an hour, we were writing a check and subleasing her friend’s old apt. If we’re ever looking for a longer lease in NYC, Citi Habitats will be the first brokerage we consult. We are forever Citi Habitats customers.
2.| The subways and cabs are fantastic, and it’s great not having to search for parking.
Having the ability to get on an express train and go from the lower tip of Manhattan to the northern end of Central Park in 24min is extremely convenient. Not to mention the access to trains and taxis that exists throughout Manhattan. However, the driving culture that is prevalent in Southern California is not replaceable; there’s no mode of transportation that compares to a drive around Santa Monica or a drive along the coast of Malibu. But, from a practical standpoint, trains and taxis sure are nice.
3.| The energy is contagious.
There is a special kind of energy that comes from living amongst 69,464 people per sq mile in NYC. Their is also a distinct energy that comes from the work hard play hard culture of Los Angeles. Both of these environments are unique in their own way. There is definitely a cultural contrast between East and West coasts. It isn’t all hype.
4.| The Lakers are still better than the Knicks, and don’t blink, but the Dodgers have a better record than the Yankees.
Photo credit: LA Times, IBTimes, Zimbio, Associated Press
Enough said.
5.| Most importantly – Never forget September 11, 2001.
It’s chilling to be at Ground Zero and to live within miles of the site. The memories become even more sobering and real when the people and landmarks that experienced the tragic events consistently surround you. The size and scope of the attacks truly hit home as you walk the streets and become familiar with the area. The picture above (left) features “The Sphere”, which was a statue that sat in the lobby of the WTC. It was salvaged after the devastation and placed in Battery Park in 2002 as a memorial to the victims. Also above (right) is a picture of the current rebuilding efforts.
