They say if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. And that I did. After four years living in New York City (technically minus 2 weeks for a consecutive four years + 10 weeks of a summer internship pre-my residency), I’m on to my next adventure. This week, I’m in the midst of moving from the Big Apple to the Windy City. I’m excited to move on and conquer Chicago, but am bittersweet about leaving the East Coast.
I love NYC and I always will. Moving to live in the biggest city in the country was one of the best decisions I ever made. From my excitement moving there just one week post-graduation I headed straight to the DMV to get a New York license and “make it official.” New York has shaped who I am.
“Like many people, being immersed in the New York energy, which the city releases like its own strain of oxygen, was something I had long wanted. The city forces you to put yourself first, to push yourself, and to see how far you can be stretched — and that’s exactly what I needed.” – Thrillist article
But, all good things must come to an end. For me, sky-high rents, long commutes and small spaces no longer seemed all they were once cracked up to be. And at the heart of leaving, I wanted to move before I hated the city. Leaving now means leaving with years of wonderful memories and an excitement to visit often. I was afforded so many opportunities and experiences in NYC that I’ll never forget.
I made new friends…
While keeping the old.
I lived with my bestie.
I went to music festivals.
I got outside of the city and was outdoorsy.
I visited NYC landmarks.
I met my love.
“Let me start off by saying that New York is a spectacular place to live, especially if you’re a young person with creative career goals…Of course, living in New York has plenty of challenges, too — which is why eventually, it came time for a change, and I packed up my bags and moved. As for what I discovered? Turns out, life after New York isn’t so bad. In fact, it can be pretty damn awesome — for a million tiny different reasons.” – Bustle article
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made my NYC experience what it was. I can’t possibly find the words to truly express what an experience it has been and all the people and places that have touched my life the past few years. This isn’t goodbye, but see you later New York. I’ll be back soon!
xoxo,
Hanna
FAQs
- I am keeping my current job! I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work remotely, continue traveling, and take on new responsibilities in the Midwest.
- No, I’m not changing my “citygirlhanna” name. It’s city girl Hanna, not New York girl Hanna or Chicago girl Hanna. No matter what city I’m in, big or small, I’m at home.
One belongs to New York instantly. One belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years. – Thomas Wolfe
CITY GIRL HANNA 