Manhattan-Thoughts?

[Mitchell]

I wanted to get feedback from forum members who are either NYC residents who live in, or about their thoughts of, Manhattan, as well as anyone who has visited there, either who is from the NY area, or from out of town.

As everyone who knows me is aware, I live in Forest Hills, Queens. I happen to love Forest Hills. In my opinion, it is a great, convinient neighborhood, with all amenities needed. Shopping, resturants, good access to subway, 20 minutes from Manhattan by subway, etc.

As I think I've posted before, my dad lives in Manhattan, on the Upper East Side. His joke to me is "We;ve got to get you to be able to afford an apartment in my building,. or my neighborhood".

The thing is: The more time I spend in Manhattan, anywhere in the city, the more I seem to feel that I dont want to live there, even if God willing I become very comfortable or rich.

Just yesterday, when I had dinner with my dad at his favorite chinese resturant in midtown, I felt surrounded by people on my way to the resturant. Forest Hills has plenty of people on Austin Street, the main street in this area, but it just doesnt seem like Manhattan.

My aunt, who lived in Manhattan for decades, and now is in NJ, says she would give anything to live in Manhattan, and that the areas she lived in Manhattan were more residential.

Not really off topic, but..

I've also posted how I lived in Fort Lee, NJ, right across the George Washington Bridge from Manhattan, for 14 years, on two different stints. I dont want to go back there, because of the access to Manhattan being difficult, and the idea that I lived there for so long with my mom. However, Fort Lee happens to have many beautiful apartments, and if given a choice of Manhattan or Fort Lee only, I'd sooner live in Fort Lee as opposed to Manhattan.

So, thats the topic, thoughts on Manhattan? For me, okay place to spend a few hrs, and exciting, but wouldnt want to live there.

 

[milagros317]

I've enjoyed living in Manhattan for the last 35 years. The only thing I don't like is the weather at times.

 

[Mitchell]

Thats cool, mils. Everyone has their own personal preferences.

 

[WorkInProgress]

I'm with you on this, Mitchell. I lived for just over three years in a graduate residence hall on a very central street in Manhattan, and while it had its conveniences (just a few blocks' walk from most places I'd be coming from during the day), there was a lot of noise from the city nightlife going on outside. I live in New Jersey now, by economic necessity, but if and when the time comes that I can afford a bigger and nicer place than I have now, it probably won't be in Manhattan, and it may not even be in New York. But, I need to be near Manhattan, because my world in the daytime centers there.

 

[TigerChick22]

I've visited Manhattan a few times, and I LOVE it! But I'm from the Midwest, so I agree; living there would be too much... It's a great escape, though. Walking the streets make me feel like I'm a part of something important because, like you said, there are so many people!

 

[Coffee]

I grew up in queens so I I ow what you are talking about. Manhattan is fun I would like to live there for a while but I would miss having my own space like a yard to have a BBQ. I would also miss having a drive way. I know what is like living in an apartment where you have to look for parking and worry about alternate side if the street parking. I love manhattan to visit and show it off to friends from out of state. But I the long run I would want to live someplace else

 

[jhop220]

I've visited Manhattan. I liked the atmosphere, shows, and restaurants. Would I ever want to live there? Hell no! It is a great place to visit, but I can't stand the amount of people around at all times. I like rural living....lots of land...neighbors are about a half a mile away or more.

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks, Work, and I understand what you said about Manhattan, and needing to live in NJ due to economics. Such is why I live in Queens, and why my aunts live in NJ.

Tiger, I understand what you said about Manhattan being exciting.

Coffee, I agree with what you said.

jhop, I agree. Too many people in Manhattan, especially on 42nd St lol.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

 

[ticklishdanny]

Aghh, I wish I could live in Manhattan, there's only so much you can do in Los Angeles, the only thing like Manhattan on the east coast is Hollywood Blvd

 

[kopfhorer]

Manhattan is a wonderful place. It's also a major source of sensory overload, from the crowds to the noise of conveyances (cars or subways) to the surfeit of shops, restaurants, and other establishments (one has to be very strategic about where one goes and what one buys!). That's the only reason I'd never want to live there.

 

[anderson1129]

Now I know I live in Syracuse but have been to Manhattan many times. I have many friends in the area. Many that have lived in Manhattan had to move out to Brooklyn (Williamsburg and Park Slope) because it is too expensive. Now with Manhattan neighborhood makes a big difference. Personally if I lived there I would find a place close to Gramercy Park. That area is actually quiet and gives the feeling you are not in Manhattan. Downtown is really busy during the day but slows down at night. This will probably change though as more people start living down there. Really it comes down to personal preference. It is a great city. My friends in Brooklyn say they love it. No regrets moving there.

 

[anonymiss86]

I live in the Hamptons on long island so I'm about 2 hours from Manhattan and I've been there many times.
I always feel like its really hectic. I'm so used to the Hamptons.
I'm overwhelmed every time I go. But I have friends who went to school there who say that the longer you're there and the more accustomed you get... the easier it is.
I'm too much of a country girl. I like my garden cottage 🙂.