Worried about the UWS - the situation is pretty bad, I know and see people that are leaving. I’m worried about the deterioration of the neighborhood and the city in general . I’m considering leaving but don’t know where to go
@anonymous Very nasty. About everything apparently. So unnecessary. And btw, flight by people with the financial means to do so does *not* make the city better off.
Native NY'er from 1970's to mid-2000's. Now in Westchester. I have seen the NYC arc from bad to absolutely fabulous. Went into the city this past weekend for the first time since Covid "started." Shocking. Welcomed by 2 billboards that were wearing their ads from the 1960's. City looked like the only people left are those who can't get out. Drove down the Westside back up the Eastside. I remember NYC in the 70's/early 80's. To me, looked like it is heading in this direction. Maybe not for the uber wealthy who can insulate and move in and out easily to prettier pastures on a dime . . . but for most NY'ers.
? Where exactly were you? I've been back on the UWS since the fall (went away for Spring and Summer). This is nothing like the 70s/80s and plenty of people are here with means. Of course it's different as so much is closed but many people are here who have many other options and enjoying it. We still have the park, the takeout/delivery and many more people than the burbs so it still feels like the city to me.
@Anonymous I think everyone acknowledges that it's not "the same" regarding social life, entertainment, arts and culture. The question is whether it's "heading into the 70's and 80's" and the overall implication that post COVID things will remain how they are now. To me, it is clear that the lack of all the typical "fun" is due to the pandemic. When I go to Central Park on the weekends, I can see people just itching to bring the fun back. I watch Jazz, Latindance, and rock in the park. I see actors doing impromptu plays. This is the type of energy that makes NYC into NYC and it hasn't gone away.
I would leave for a lower COLA. My gross income savings rate is call it low 20s%. Go to Florida and tax burden alone would take my savings rate to mid-30s and lower COLA maybe takes it to 40%. That's a near doubling of my savings. It makes huge financial sense.
But my job is here and it is hard for me to lateral, so a move is not on the table. And we are drawn by the idea of the NYC private schools providing the one of the best educations in the U.S.
Eh, I'm in the UWS regularly (live in an adjacent neighborhood), and it feels fine to me.
When I think about the many things that make NYC a great place, many of them involve precisely the type of activity which is either illegal or unsafe right now. Obviously NYC is not what it was last year. It would be absurd if everything was "business as usual" during COVID. But, despite this, there is still a wonderful spirit and vibrancy here.
@Anonymous When I was away for the summer, hearing all the news reports I was distraught. But once I came back, they all seemed overblown. Things have been great for me since my return, and I have absolutely no qualms about staying. I am actively looking to purchase a larger apartment.
Back to your comment, yes, things are different. It's COVID. But I've been to Central Park, and the Zoo, and the Met. I've been to the open restaurants. The crowds might be gone, but, like I said, that NYC vibrancy is there.
Right now I am worried we will be heading to another lockdown situation. However as someone who owns 2 places (one in NYC and one north of the City) I choose NYC as my primary residence. I don't think any other place has as much to offer.
Leave. You'll be doing us all a favor.
@Anonymous Not offended at all. But there's no need for an endless discussion. Just go.
Such nastiness. I wonder who you people are and bet you get into fights irl too.
@anonymous Very nasty. About everything apparently. So unnecessary. And btw, flight by people with the financial means to do so does *not* make the city better off.
Native NY'er from 1970's to mid-2000's. Now in Westchester. I have seen the NYC arc from bad to absolutely fabulous. Went into the city this past weekend for the first time since Covid "started." Shocking. Welcomed by 2 billboards that were wearing their ads from the 1960's. City looked like the only people left are those who can't get out. Drove down the Westside back up the Eastside. I remember NYC in the 70's/early 80's. To me, looked like it is heading in this direction. Maybe not for the uber wealthy who can insulate and move in and out easily to prettier pastures on a dime . . . but for most NY'ers.
? Where exactly were you? I've been back on the UWS since the fall (went away for Spring and Summer). This is nothing like the 70s/80s and plenty of people are here with means. Of course it's different as so much is closed but many people are here who have many other options and enjoying it. We still have the park, the takeout/delivery and many more people than the burbs so it still feels like the city to me.
@Anonymous Agreed. I'm not sure where OP is getting this from?
@Anonymous I think everyone acknowledges that it's not "the same" regarding social life, entertainment, arts and culture. The question is whether it's "heading into the 70's and 80's" and the overall implication that post COVID things will remain how they are now. To me, it is clear that the lack of all the typical "fun" is due to the pandemic. When I go to Central Park on the weekends, I can see people just itching to bring the fun back. I watch Jazz, Latindance, and rock in the park. I see actors doing impromptu plays. This is the type of energy that makes NYC into NYC and it hasn't gone away.
I would leave for a lower COLA. My gross income savings rate is call it low 20s%. Go to Florida and tax burden alone would take my savings rate to mid-30s and lower COLA maybe takes it to 40%. That's a near doubling of my savings. It makes huge financial sense. But my job is here and it is hard for me to lateral, so a move is not on the table. And we are drawn by the idea of the NYC private schools providing the one of the best educations in the U.S.
Eh, I'm in the UWS regularly (live in an adjacent neighborhood), and it feels fine to me. When I think about the many things that make NYC a great place, many of them involve precisely the type of activity which is either illegal or unsafe right now. Obviously NYC is not what it was last year. It would be absurd if everything was "business as usual" during COVID. But, despite this, there is still a wonderful spirit and vibrancy here.
I wish I could be as optimist as you are. I used to love the UWS but now unfortunately feels like a completely different place to me...
@Anonymous When I was away for the summer, hearing all the news reports I was distraught. But once I came back, they all seemed overblown. Things have been great for me since my return, and I have absolutely no qualms about staying. I am actively looking to purchase a larger apartment. Back to your comment, yes, things are different. It's COVID. But I've been to Central Park, and the Zoo, and the Met. I've been to the open restaurants. The crowds might be gone, but, like I said, that NYC vibrancy is there.
Right now I am worried we will be heading to another lockdown situation. However as someone who owns 2 places (one in NYC and one north of the City) I choose NYC as my primary residence. I don't think any other place has as much to offer.
I'm worried about lockdown too. First time I'm truly worried.