The burgeoning creative scene in LA has slowly been convincing New York’s creative to relocate.
Every winter I say that I can’t possibly do another New York winter, and every summer, I fall back in love and decide to tough it out. If this mentality seems familiar to you, it’s because EVERYBODY fucking say it. Honestly, I think the only way to get through such harsh cold is by convincing yourself it is the last time.
Recently, the cities have started to change however. New York has become more expensive; a city where only those who have already succeeded can live a decent life. Los Angeles has become more cosmopolitan; a place where you can still live a creative boho lifestyle without all the stress of the city that never lets you catch a fucking break.
Even Fran Leibowitz, a quintessential New Yorker has said: “L.A. is better than it used to be, New York is worse than it used to be.”
READ MORE: Are You Paying Fair Market Rent in NYC?
So if you are a creative thinking about making the move, here are a few pros and cons:
Pro New York-The country was basically built in New York, so being around all this pressure and creative energy is good motivation to create.
Pro LA- LA is relaxing and laid back. It’s also fucking beautiful which is inspiring in it’s own right.
Con New York- New York is where people move when they have something to prove. It is also where people move when they don’t fit in anywhere else. You will never meet a larger group of annoying people, or a more diverse group of talented people.
Con LA- LA is where people move when they want to be famous, so you will never meet a larger group of beautiful people who are willing to fuck you for a chance at an audition.
After living as a creative in New York for 7 years, I can honestly say that I don’t know where I fall on the spectrum. I want to move somewhere beautiful, that inspires me and fits well with my laid back personality, but my constant determination to succeed keeps me in New York, year after year.
I recently had one of my best friends move away, and I gave him my blessing because he did what he came here to do. I guess that is the tipping point; if you have succeeded in doing what you came to New York to do, then by all means relocate to the west coast. The good thing about creativity is that it follows you wherever you go.
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