This article was updated on July 30, 2025
I Love Living in Manhattan…Here’s Why
My pipe dream came true in summer 2007 when I arrived in New York. Some days, that iconic moment feels like decades ago, and other times, just yesterday.
When I moved to Manhattan, I can’t recall if I thought about how long I’d stay in New York City. Would it be a two-year plan? Five-year? Lifetime? I’m way past the five-year milestone, but I’ll have to get back to you on the lifetime option. I can tell you one thing I do know: No matter what, there are reasons why I still love living in Manhattan.
I wasn’t convinced that I’d like living in NYC, either. I mean, it’s one thing to visit New York and partake in the regular tourist activities. It’s another to live the ups and downs of daily life here for a long time. I’ve always loved Manhattan as a place to visit––I came for the first time as a child––but once I settled in, I realized that I loved it more as a place to live.
Of course, I miss certain aspects of life before New York ––like living in a house, having access to private outdoor space, driving from point A to point B when it’s the only logical solution or when I have bulky items to transport. And occasionally, I pine for a larger apartment with lower expenses. Who doesn’t?
Putting aside those things that New York doesn’t offer or those that aren’t in my budget, there are still plenty of reasons to love living in Manhattan.
Convenience.
Manhattan changes faster than the speed of light, but the ability to get anything I want at any time doesn’t. This 24-hour city offers necessity and luxury, and I never have to live without either.
The promise.
There’s a feeling when I walk down the streets of NYC –– it’s a sense that anything is possible –– even the impossible. I sometimes imagine the unattainable, if even for a second, and whatever it is at the moment seems closer than before. With endless possibilities, anything can happen in New York.
Friendliness.
Despite what outsiders may think of NYC, I can tell you that it’s not uncommon for a stranger to start a conversation, help another New Yorker, or smile at certain moments in our fast-paced, hectic lives. It happens every minute of every day somewhere on this island.
The beauty in the ugly.
There’s less than there used to be, but ugliness still exists in the city, and like the prettiness, it’s cinematic. Countless areas of town are sprinkled with little bits, and I find beauty in these places. As odd as it sounds, the graffiti, trash, and dirt contribute to the character and cityscape of New York. If the city was too pristine, it wouldn’t feel like NYC.
Daily inspiration.
Leaving my apartment on any given day brings inspiration. I can find it on a corner and in the subway; when I’m daydreaming or when I’m paying close attention. I can’t help but allow the creativity that exists in New York to inspire me.
Nostalgia for days gone by.
Though many aspects of Manhattan life have drastically changed, quintessential New York things to do such as walking through Central Park, gazing at the Hudson River, taking in a Broadway show, or eating the best deli sandwich on earth, remain the same. I’ll always feel nostalgic about NYC and the days of yore. I visited with my mom when I was growing up and we have many fond memories in Manhattan.
Green space.
Outdoor space is at a premium in this concrete jungle but almost every nook and cranny of Manhattan has a safe, clean public park. These oases within the island’s 33.7 square miles are an escape from the mad rush and ear-rending sounds rattling the streets. Parks are a necessity to exist here and are lusher and more cared for than I ever remember.
The diversity of neighborhoods.
Often, I don’t get the feeling that I live in a big city, much less New York City. I love that each neighborhood has its own vibe and character. From Hell’s Kitchen to the Lower East Side and uptown to Washington Heights and Inwood, a neighborhood in Manhattan is like a small town, and each has its own distinct personality and flavor. I can take a 30 or 45-minute train ride and feel like I’ve escaped to another time and place or gone on vacation.
The calm and the thrill.
Living in Manhattan can be calm at times. Contrary to belief, certain places on the island are quiet, removed, and relaxing. But the excitement never ceases and is a hop, skip and jump if you desire it. This town is, after all, “The City That Never Sleeps.”
The energy.
The quick pace; thousands buzzing around like busy bees; constant humming of traffic; loud conversations happening simultaneously, and the I-can-conquer-this attitude of the people are what I love most about living in Manhattan. That nonstop energy is infectious and why so many people want to live here and have lived here for decades.
Do you live in Manhattan? If so, I’d love to know about your experience. Do you love it? Hate it? Please share in the comments!
Also, a perfect New York Sunday. And Brooklyn is pretty awesome too.
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