New York City, New York

I must be a bona fide "true New Yorker." Even with all the problems involved in living in New York City (and believe me, there are many), I can't bring myself to give the city anything less than five stars. While some "world-class" cities fail to live up to the hype (most notably London, which I can argue from experience is one of the least pleasant, least efficient, overrated places on the planet), New York does all that it promises and more. From the thriving, pulsing energy of midtown - where teenage girls with three dollars in their pocket still move to the Big City and sing at open mic nights hoping to catch a break - to the charming, sedate neighborhoods of the Upper East Side, New York City has a wealth of neighborhoods and atmospheres.

Having grown up (partly) in New York, I can attest that there are few places better to grow up (if private school is an affordable option). I learned about colors from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, my field trips were to St. John the Divine and the Museum of Natural History, and I played in the Ancient Playground in Central Park. I grew up in the family-friendly, community-driven neighborhood of Carnegie Hill, which still maintains the close "community" feel today.

That said, New York is expensive, and at times, downright unlivable. Combining federal, state, and city taxes with ever-rising rents and transport fare hikes and the rising cost of health care can make even a lawyer or banker in NYC feel like he's living hand-to-mouth. While New York has far more "free" or cheap cultural events than many other cities, and a huge range of dining options that encompasses the cheap as well as the Alain Ducasse, living here still requires a huge sacrifice when it comes to that monthly rent check.

But with theatre, museums, art, libraries, restaurants, and of course that all-pervasive New York energy (we're friendly, really!), it's worth every penny.

New York is a fantastic blast to live, learn, grow up or grow old in. It's home to some of the most beautiful parks in the world, some of the best schools in the country, and a pool of citizens that remind you of your fortune, aspirations, and humanity.

New Yorkers are actually very friendly, always looking out for one another and are only rude when outsiders (or locals) disrupt the natural flow of the city.

The Met, MoMA, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Madison Square Garden, Museum of Natural History, Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park, Riverside Park, Hudson River Park...this city is teeming with culture, natural and created beauty and sophistication.

If you think the city is a dirty mess, you haven't lived here. If you think it's a place to only visit and not live, you're unaware of the fabulous schools (K-12 and beyond), parents, parks, and resources that are available here and nowhere else.

Parts of it are dirty, but parts are beautiful. The same can be said of anywhere. It's also not a city for everyone, but no city is. It's not always crowded, in fact at times it feels completely your own.

It's annoying to have millions of people come and judge your city constantly. If you can't understand why people live here, I think that says more about you than NYC.

When it comes to being a visitor, you will love the many different sections of the city. Times Square has a lot of glitter and digital technology that will blow you out of the water. The Empire State Building is a historical building. It has appeared in many movies back in the '30s and '40s. Plus, the theater district has a lot to offer those who like watching plays. And there are a ton of restaurants that cater to nearly every ethnic group in the world.

NYC does have many things to offer visitors. However, I do not consider it a great place to live. There are many reasons to say this. One, the cost of living is very high. You need to make a minimum of $70,000 just to break even. Two, there are way too many people congregated in one place. It's like everybody is on top of you. There is no space to breathe. Three, there are not too many places to live in this city where you actually get a great view of a park, unless you live near Central Park. And most of the buildings there are very expensive condos.

If you have the money, and don't mind being crowded, you may make it here. If not, you can visit for a day or a week, gather up a lot of souvenirs and go back home.

The moment I arrived in New York I felt like I had finally come home. I was in my mid twenties, but I felt like I should have been born in this city from the start. The friendliness of the people, the vibe on the streets, the great restaurants and the overall feel from the city that puts a smile on my face really can't be found anywhere else. The only knock on this city is that it is 10 hrs from my hometown which is really too far for my home away from home...

Greatest city, and state on the planet anytime of day anything you want right at your fingertips, anything. Most diverse place you could ever be , you will see people from every country and city across the world and will meet people ranging from birth to death from young to old. You will meet interesting people, uniteresting people, scary, ugly, beautiful, mean, nice, sceamers and suckers, like i said everything and anything you can think of; Its like a live movie that is so real, lively, and constanly entertaing that you have to belive in a higher power (no not Ganja). I love living here and wouldnt trade that for any amount of money, vacations, or unlimtied youth possible i envy the older people of this city just for what i have already missed and only had the priviledge of hearing about or reading about, and pity those that may never see this city and experience all its wonders and what it can offer. Everyday is literally a life experience that will stay with you forever and affect everyday forward.

People all over the world aspire at least once their lives to visit or to live in New York City, which is often described as the ‘center of the universe.’ New York City (The Big Apple) has an aura all of its own which helps it attract the world’s best talent. A leader in the spheres of finance, fashion and media, New York City is a vibrant and energetic city where people work hard and party even harder.
New York City which is also known as ‘the city that never sleeps’ always appears to be busy and bustling as its inhabitants are always rushing around at a frantic pace. Nevertheless they almost always find time to stop and take in all the myriad forms of entertainment that it has to offer in the form of the many Broadway and off-Broadway shows that are staged at its numerous theatres, the various diverse restaurants that dot every neighborhood, the fantastic stores that offer almost every conceivable product ever produced, the art galleries and world famous museums and the many cultural institutions like the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall which provide a stage for various global artists.
New York City casts its spell on almost everybody that visits its shores so much so that once they succumb to its magic; they almost never want to leave this, the greatest city in the world.

new york new york is the place to be. if it isnt one thing its another. there is so much to offer in this city i love it.. from shopping, to eating. it has it all in one package. great for singles or families or just married couples. the place to be is in the nyc

I lived in NYC for a short time, and it really is hard to say anything bad about it. While my time in NYC was extremely short, and I hope to get back there very soon...that's how much I enjoyed it. From the big city feel of Broadway to the cosy back alleys, cosy bars and pubs of Soho and Little Italy, this is one place in the world I would love to live in for a good amount of time.

For anyone questioning the move to NYC, don't Some people may say it's too busy, or that crime is through the roof - but don't listen to them. NYC is a great place to live, especially if you are young and single.

Everyone knows NYC, so I do not need to advertise it. One thing I just want to say it is that it is a great place where to live. I moved here three years ago, and I am very impressed of the things this city has to offer every day. At the same time, it is not a perfect city, thus, you do not feel like living in a boring amusement park.

New York City is a world within the world. With over 10 million people it is hard to simply describe as a city.

Within the city you have Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx and within the boroughs you have neighborhoods, each a city yet again.

There is something for everyone, the worlds best landmarks, parks, attractions, restaurants, bars, museums and libraries.

The most incredible atmosphere you will ever feel.

It's the worlds most recognized city for a reason!

At the end of the 1700’s, the Bowery was the most elegant street in NY. Before 100 years went by, the Bowery became synonymous with flophouses, homelessness, alcoholics, and people down on their luck. Today, it is being built up with soulless high-rise condos and buildings that make the remaining architectural gems hard to find. If you do find yourself in the area, walk a few blocks to Orchard to the Tenement Museum. It’s fascinating and worth your time.

Life in New York City is great, but it's not for everyone.

A lot of people say that New York city can chew you up and spit you out like a cold dirty bitch...and guess what...its true. My first few months in SOHO I was scarred to hell because life here is really fast paced. Unless you are used to fast subways, fast business, fast social scene etc then I would steer clear. I do see a lot of people come to live in NYC only to leave 6 months later because they cannot handle the pace.

Also be aware that New York is one of the most expensive places to live on earth. Make sure you can afford to live here.

HOWEVER if you can afford it and are after the fast pace lifestyle then this is a city for you. Make sure you chose your neighborhood wisely though, because they all differ greatly! I live in SOHO, and i can't speak higher of it for young trendy people.