The Best Places to Settle After Living in NYC: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the best place to settle after living in New York City depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and what you're looking for in a new location. Here are some options to consider:

Suburban Areas

1. Westchester County NY: Close to NYC, it offers a suburban lifestyle with good schools and parks.

2. New Jersey (e.g., Hoboken, Montclair): Offers a mix of urban and suburban living with easy access to the city.

Smaller Cities

1. Philadelphia PA: A vibrant city with rich history, arts, and a lower cost of living compared to NYC.

2. Boston MA: Offers a similar urban feel with a strong educational and cultural presence.

Southern Options

1. Austin TX: Known for its tech scene, music culture, and outdoor activities, it's a popular choice for young professionals.

2. Nashville TN: A growing city with a strong music scene, arts, and a friendly atmosphere.

Pacific Coast Options

1. San Francisco CA: If you enjoy a tech-centric lifestyle and beautiful views, though it's quite expensive.

2. Seattle WA: Offers a vibrant culture, coffee scene, and access to nature with a slightly lower cost of living than NYC.

Midwestern Cities

1. Chicago IL: A large city with a rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a more affordable cost of living.

2. Minneapolis MN: Known for its parks, arts scene, and high quality of life.

Upstate New York

Other options like Albany, Syracuse, etc., offer a mix of farm land and city, but they are more peaceful. Home prices are reasonable.

West Virginia

Homes are very cheap there, making it an ideal choice for affordability.

Personal Experience: Philadelphia

Personally, I moved to a city in New England after 23 years and think that Philadelphia is the closest to NYC in terms of look, feel, grid layout, and how people socialize. It's a little less intense but I feel the food is more creative as restaurants can afford to take some risks. It's also an easy commute to NYC.

Factors to Consider:

1. Cost of Living: Assess how much you're willing to spend on housing and daily expenses.

2. Job Opportunities: Consider cities with strong job markets in your field.

3. Lifestyle: Think about whether you prefer urban, suburban, or rural living.

4. Climate: Climate preferences can significantly influence your decision.

Ultimately, visiting potential areas and considering your priorities will help you find the best fit after NYC.

Citation:

Personal experience of the author, including a 23-year history of living in NYC and a comparison of Philadelphia to NYC in lifestyle, food, and affordability.