By: Jenna Wigman
New York City and Los Angeles are arguably the two biggest hubs in the U.S. There has been a longtime debate about which coastal metropolis is superior, ridden with passionate opinions of lifers and transplants alike. As a recent NYC transplant, nearly 10-year LA veteran and MA native, I find myself with a fairly unbiased vantage point.
New York City
PRO – Widespread and widely-used public transit: NYC was recently ranked the best in the nation, with 24-hour service and extensive train and bus lines. And in NYC, public transit is not used as the economic and social barometer as in some cities—a businessman in a designer suit can often be found taking the train right next to a street performer on their way to Times Square.
CON – The MTA runs how–and when–the MTA damn well chooses. Would you like to get to work on the L this morning? HA, that never works! Care to travel to another borough on the weekend? Best pack some snacks and load up your tablet with a season of the latest Netflix release to binge, because you’re going to be in for the long haul.
PRO – There is endless culture in NYC. Between theater (and not JUST Broadway), art, music, literary discussions, drag, and everything in-between and above that you’ve never even dreamed of, New York has it all.
CON – FOMO. At any given time, you are missing out on no less than 50 things that you would have loved to do, and you just have to accept it.
PRO – Taking in the changing season’s from some of the city’s most iconic spots is nothing short of magical. From the holidays at Rockefeller Center to the first spring bloom in Central Park, you can truly feel like you’re in a movie on a daily basis. And, PRO TIP: Feel free to sing out loud wherever you go and express your joy. It will not be the strangest thing anyone has seen in the last five minutes, so no one will pay attention.
CON – The first snow is beautiful for a maximum of five hours before it turns into a black sludge of sand, salt and lost dreams. And while summer may mean weekends drinking wine in the Hamptons for a small portion of the time, 98% of your summer is spent contemplating your next shower and how many people must have fainted in the Subway from heat exhaustion vs. deathly odors.
PRO – The energy of New York City is unmatched. There is a constant bustle and feeling of excitement in the air and a palpable vitality all around.
CON – Everyone has somewhere to be and YOU’RE IN THE WAY. Getting your foot stomped on for being propelling into someone’s “personal space” on a rush hour subway and being nearly killed by an aggressive bike delivery person who heeds to no traffic laws are all in a day’s work.
PRO – Shopping in NYC is not only accessible pretty much everywhere you go, but you can find nearly anything your heart desires. From coveted designer pieces to eccentric finds at a carefully curated vintage shop, you can truly find anything you are looking for in NYC.
CON – You have nowhere to put things. Any things. Seriously, your apartment is going to be small and you are going to find really creative ways to store pretty much everything you own. You’d actually be surprised how much you can fit into your slow cooker.
Los Angeles
PRO – The beaches in LA are arguably the most gorgeous in the U.S. (not counting Hawaii), and I’m willing to throw down with any haters on that. Between surfing, beach volleyball, bike riding and 21 miles of continuous Strand path, it’s a coastal oasis that calms the soul.
CON – If you don’t live within 15 minutes of the beach (and that’s stretching it), you will likely make it there twice a year, TOPS. If you are lucky enough to live by the beach, chances are you will never leave, for anything. Including all of the cultural activities LA has to offer. A friend’s birthday in West Hollywood? Is that west of the 405?
PRO – The weather is amazing. Seriously, 70’s and sunny doesn’t get old. And NO, they do not miss the seasons. There is ample documentation of what real weather looks like, and it ain’t pretty.
CON – Weather in Southern California can be RUDE. Between wildfires, earthquakes and endless droughts, the tradeoff for perfect year-round weather can be cruel and unforgiving.
PRO – Ride sharing is SUPER affordable and has been a game changer for LA. You can now conceivably attend that going away party in Silver Lake or enjoy an exclusive evening at The Magic Castle with a drink or two, with no worries of unsafe driving, parking or spending a Whole Foods haul’s-worth on a ride home.
CON – If you do not like to chit chat with strangers–this option is NOT FOR YOU. Chances are, you are going to land in the backseat of an actor, screenwriter or rapper that is hauling Angelenos from city to city until their big break. PRO TIP: If you work in the entertainment industry, now would not be an ideal time to disclose this information.
PRO – Everyone is beautiful and fit. Seriously, it’s somewhat alarming. Ok, it’s not everyone, but the people in LA are off the charts higher in the looks department for most places in the country.
CON – You always have to be on your “A” game. Decide you’d like to take a rest day? You are bound to encounter 6 cyclists, 3 runners and a random streetside CrossFitter on your way to grab your In-N-Out “cheat meal.” THE STRUGGLE IS REAL.
PRO – You are about 2 hours away from so many amazing weekend escapes. If you’re feeling a little jaded on LA, it’s a quick jaunt to the balmy desert in Palm Springs, wine tasting in Santa Ynez or Temecula, sightseeing and nightlife in San Diego and more.
CON – Did I say 2 hours? HA, that is an offensive suggestion. Best bet is to double that time so that you are pleasantly surprised or at least accurate. It turns out that you weren’t the only one that thought it would be a great idea to go to Palm Springs over Memorial Day weekend, who’da thunk?
Though both NYC and LA have their perks and pitfalls, both are cultural meccas that house some of the most creative, hard-working and innovative individuals in the country–so don’t write them off just yet.