What's it like to live in Manhattan?

Great question. Born and raised in Manhattan. Moved out a couple years ago (some 40 odd years later). I only ran in the early morning. Overnight it clears out and air quality is decent esp if you run along a river. I read that air quality by 5pm made working out outside as bad as smoking. I believe it. Run in the mornings. Stick to the bridges and the rivers or Central Park and I think it's fine.

If you have to run in the morning because of major air pollution then forget it. Running along the river or Central Park? Well, first you have to get there, unless you live right there, and that's a hassle with all the streets and traffic. Then I would be concerned about being assaulted while running.

NYC is probably one of the worst cities for runners. In fact I do not know why anyone would even want to live there. Personally I wouldn't even want to go there to visit.

Manhattan is cool. I only wish there were less joggers clogging up Central Park.

I'm going to have an apartment in Manhattan.

It has to be near Central Park and 600 square feet or so.

That's all I need and I'll be happy.

Why does everyone seem to believe Central Park is the only place in NYC to run?? Um, West Side Highway anyone? It's a good 20 miles long

Yup, plenty of room near Central Park.

https://ny.curbed.com/2019/4/30/18524040/billionaires-row-new-york-condo-glut

It's hard to drive in Manhattan because of too many cars, right? So how do the people with the too many cars do it?

Hell's Kitchen wrote:

I will oftentimes run Central Park late at night until NYPD kicks me out (the park shuts at 1AM).

I had know idea, I have never heard that. What time does is "open" because I have definitely been running out there very early like 4am?

Finisher wrote:

Hell's Kitchen wrote:

I will oftentimes run Central Park late at night until NYPD kicks me out (the park shuts at 1AM).

I had know idea, I have never heard that. What time does is "open" because I have definitely been running out there very early like 4am?

You are running illegal.

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Just thinking about living in NYC right now. Edmonton is alright but man, what could compare to the big apple?

I don't think I've heard that one. She is so talented.

fds wrote:

A comedian said that next to Mexico City NYC is the largest piece of litter in the world.

Haha, try India, parts of China. NY isn't Berne Switzerland, but Mumbai it is not.

Not by a longshot wrote:

fds wrote:

A comedian said that next to Mexico City NYC is the largest piece of litter in the world.

Haha, try India, parts of China. NY isn't Berne Switzerland, but Mumbai it is not.

True, I could barely breathe in many of the places I visited in China. I didnt mind the NY air but I tended to run in parks.

everyone hates god and guns

It's awesome. Here are the plusses, plus the protips. Lived at 51/6, 42/9 for total of 5 years. Worked midtown and Chelsea. Giddyup:

Plusses:

- There's no city like it on earth. If you want to wake up everyday and say 'this is cool', you're there.

- You'll make your own hood. Most NYers stay close to their apt or condo, and make their own local.

- Culture. It's there, and not overly expensive. See architecture, hit a museum or show.

- Food. It's as good as they say, from the food trucks and delis to the Michelin stars.

- Running is easy - CP, Hudson Greenway, over the bridges, etc. You can train north easily to get to less crowded spots.

- Trains. They make life easy.

- Fashion week. A colossal party, with colossal people. Somewhat free to the public.

- Variety of everything. It's there. Horn of valhalla of experiences, people, whatever you want, it's there.

Protip section:

- Never, ever go out on St. Patrick's day. You'll run miles to avoid being in a fight.

- Related, Times Square, the Bus Station are nogos, Ever.

- Chinatown is underrated. Badass food.

- Roommate. Saves millions, if you can tolerate it.

- New Jersey. It's a train away, and so very much less expensive. Better running too.

- Don't try to cast your shadow on Manhattan...behave like them. Everyone knows it, lives there, they get it.

Last tidbit: move there, make your local, and enjoy everything. If you hate it, you'll know. If you love it, go all in, it's awesome. BTW, live in Seattle now, it's a mini NYC in some ways, but it's better that way 'cause I'm not running as fast as I used to. :)

Manhattan is only wonderful if you're making great money or are a native of the place. If you're a native, what annoys newcomers is just business as usual to you and you're numb to it. If you're new and not from a very high population density metropolitan area , it will drive you insane. It's a much easier adjustment for someone coming from Baltimore,DC or Boston than it is for someone coming from Chicago, Houston or Kansas City. The northeastern cities are an entirely different beast with very very high population densities.

If you're agoraphobic it is not for you. if you get easily annoyed by the slighest random sounds it's not for you. If you can't handle living in apartments possibly with thin walls and loud annoying neighbors with barking dogs, it's not for you.

In general it's noisy because that's a byproduct of packing a few million people on the island. You can't escape the noise!! The noise is maddening.

Ultimately it depends on the person. Someone from small-town America may find it enjoyable if they have a thirst for adventure and like the wild life. That person will usually be in their 20's or younger. For them, simply being out of a town with a few traffic signals is a life's goal.

It's not the place for someone who has never lived in a high density metropolitan area to move in their 40's/50's unless they're already well established in a career and can command $150K or more at their job. That's about what you need to live comfortably in Manhattan.

It's not a place for retirement. In fact many New Yorkers tend to move to Florida and the like for retirement.

The mayor is a worthless POS. Ruined the city forever. Stay away far away from this dirty shitehole.

Future NYer wrote:

I've never been to New York City.

I live in Canada.

I've lived in Toronto and that place was definitely cool to discover.

However, I became bored with Toronto after a year.

Manhattan must be wonderful.

Busy I'm sure..

Close to Central Park..

Always something happening..

Not hard to find a date..

Can go for a walk and always discover something new..

Take the subway..

Decent weather year round..

Need $ to live there, sure, but that comes with the territory..

Manhattanites.. Share your stories!

I obviously started this thread. What's it like in Manhattan right now?