coming to New York. leaving New York.

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You all know I'm considering moving to New York sometime next year. Well, today I was reading an article in New York magazine about the recent surge of New Yorkers leaving the city and heading to Buffalo. A quote:

Living in New York may be more expensive than ever, but let’s face it, it’s always been hard. That, oddly, is part of its appeal. You test yourself against the stresses of the city. If it’s not the expense, it’s the overcrowding. If not the overcrowding, then the crime. If not the crime, then the tension, or the roaches, or the smells, or the guy screaming obscenities at you for no reason on the stifling subway platform while you wait for a train that’s jam-packed and twenty minutes late.

This reminded me of something I read in what was once my favorite book, The Fuck-Up by Arthur Nersesian.

"...That's why you came here? For a more accelerated life?"
"Well, that and the culture."
"What do you mean, culture?"
"You know, the opera, dance, Broadway. This is the center of culture. Isn't that why everyone comes here?"
"I came to New York for the roaches, the filth, the sense of intimidation, the foul odors, the violence and... oh yeah, the sky-rocket rents and the overpopulation, not to forget the freezing winters or the insanely hot summers."
"If you don't like it, why don't you leave?"
"Don't like it!" I replied. "But where else can I find all this?"