New York City, August 31, 2025
News Summary
A young musician and media professional shares their journey of moving to New York City after years of visiting the vibrant metropolis. Since relocating, they have thrived musically, immersing themselves in the rich artistic scene while navigating the challenges of high living costs. The author appreciates the city’s culture, public transport, and vibrant social life, distinguishing it from their previous home in Austin, Texas.
New York City, known for its vibrant culture and dynamic lifestyle, has become the new home of a young musician and media professional who spent years develop a love for the city. After arriving in NYC in 2019, the author has since experienced significant musical growth, exemplifying the opportunities and lifestyle that the city has to offer.
The author made their first move to New York City after several years of frequent visits, having traveled there more than 100 times since childhood. Growing up in a suburb outside of Austin, Texas, they visited NYC nearly every month until their family moved to a Texas suburb near Dallas in 2006. They continued their journey to the Big Apple multiple times each year until they relocated to Austin for college in 2013. Ultimately, a pivotal decision was made in 2019 when the author moved to New York City to pursue a career in media, further intertwining their life with the city’s rich artistic scene.
In the years since their arrival, the author’s outlook on New York life has evolved. Today, they find city living exhilarating and more aligned with their lifestyle compared to Austin, which they cherished for its closeness to family and robust community life. However, their pug continues to reside with their mother in Austin, retaining a piece of their former life in Texas.
Despite the higher living costs in New York City, the author acknowledges the sacrifices made for their career and passion. Their first apartment in the city was a shared three-bedroom unit costing $850 but has since transitioned through five different apartments, with rent ranging from $1,650 to $3,000. Currently living in Queens, they pay $2,200 for a one-bedroom apartment that includes a small home office. This expense consumes about half of their monthly income after taxes, yet the author finds it a valuable investment in their future.
While NYC’s cost of living might be daunting, with the average rent listed at approximately $3,750 compared to Austin’s $2,050, the author cites the freedoms afforded by the city’s public transport system as a significant advantage. Initially apprehensive about navigating subway routes, they adapted as their discomfort faded. Unburdened by a car, they find commuting easier compared to Austin, where they often walked long distances to reach bus stops.
The author’s enthusiasm for the New York lifestyle is further illuminated by their frequent explorations of local culture. They actively participate in the music scene, having played in three bands and performed in 46 shows since their arrival. Weekend recreational activities include attending concerts and baseball games, enriched by the lively atmosphere surrounding them. They also appreciate the historic architecture and vibrant social fabric of the city, as well as its distinctive fall foliage—elements that contrast sharply with Austin’s environment.
As they navigate life in New York City, the author has cultivated meaningful connections with friends and family members who regularly visit. The experience of flying back to the city after trips is marked by an uplifting sensation, especially upon viewing the iconic skyline from above. With friends and family now scattered across the U.S. and even as far as Guam, the author balances their relationships while embracing NYC as their creative fulcrum.
Through this journey, the author embodies a narrative of growth, adaptability, and a profound connection to New York City—defining moments that have shaped their identity both personally and artistically.
FAQ
- What prompted the author’s move to New York City?
- The author moved to pursue a career in media after years of visiting the city frequently.
- How has the author’s living situation changed since moving to NYC?
- Since moving, the author has lived in five different apartments, with rent increasing from $850 to the current $2,200.
- What advantages does the author find in living in NYC compared to Austin?
- The author appreciates the city’s public transportation system, the vibrant arts scene, and the overall energetic lifestyle that is different from Austin.
- How does the author’s financial situation reflect their rent in NYC?
- Rent costs half of the author’s monthly income after taxes, but they feel it is a worthwhile investment in their developing career.
- What activities contribute to the author’s social life in NYC?
- The author enjoys attending local concerts, baseball games, and engaging with friends and family who visit frequently.
Key Features of the Author’s Journey
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Move | Moved to NYC in 2019 after years of visitation. |
| Rent History | From $850 to current $2,200 monthly for a one-bedroom. |
| Time Spent in NYC | Since 2019, with a total of five apartments lived in. |
| Music Involvement | Has played in three bands and performed in 46 shows. |
| Public Transport | Prefers public transport over driving; adapted to the system. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Business Insider
- Wikipedia: New York City
- Variety
- Google Search: Preparation for the Next Life Review
- Insider Image
- Google Scholar: Impact of NYC on Artist’s Career
- New York Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Rates in New York City
- The Guardian
- Google News: Willem Dafoe New Movie Review
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
