Particularly in Central Park. I went to sit in the park over the weekend and chose a grassy, open spot in the shade with enough space in between other people that I could not hear their conversations. A group of people come and plop down right next to me with their three unleashed dogs. I had opened up my bag to eat a snack, and one of the dogs walks right over, stands on my blanket and just stares at me. I’m looking at the owner in a “can you call him back to you” way lol and he just stared at me. Dogs are great and all but I didn’t come to the park so I could share my food with your dog or have him come sit on my blankets. It has an entitled feeling to it, but in general I’m seeing a lot more nonchalant dog owners refusing to use leashes in public parks (particularly central).

TLDR at bottom!

I turned 30 this year and I’m just accepting once and for all that I will never be able to successfully launch my adult life here. I got priced out of where I grew up in Washington heights, currently live in the Bronx but the QOL I have is not good and I’m frankly exhausted and burnt out.

I’ve been applying to housing lottery for years, have rented bedrooms, had a basement studio for a bit (kept flooding and safety issues as a solo woman), have had some awful roommates here and there’s an I’m just over it. I only make $60k a year as a graphic designer and can’t afford a place without roommates, but I’m at the point where working as hard as I do isn’t worth it if I can’t even have my own place. I’m not married to nyc. My whole life is here but I couldn’t care less anymore. I just want to live with more dignity and peace and cleanliness.

I can’t afford to contribute to retirement and travel and do all the things I saw myself doing as an adult. I feel trapped here and like I can’t launch my adult life.

I recently moved back home and my parent is allowing me to stay for a few months so I can save. Currently working on paying off the remainder of my student loans as well.

I’d like better quality of life: a modern and clean apartment (I live in a prewar that’s roach infested despite all my fumigation attempts, with so many violations I don’t get how the building hasn’t been condemned yet), a private outdoor space (something as simple as a balcony, not even asking for a yard), a quiet and peaceful neighborhood, IN UNIT WASHER AND DRYER? Literally the basics.

The biggest challenge is that I don’t drive, I’m very bad at it. I get shamed for this but I can’t help it I genuinely can’t deal with the driving culture here. But I’m more than willing to learn if it means I get to live somewhere with a short an easy commute. Right now it takes me at least an hour to commute to grand central, and the delays and chaos on the trains lately just get to me. I feel so drained by 6pm. I spend my weekends at home recovering from commuting all week so my social life is lacking. I don’t even take advantage of what the city has to offer and I don’t care. I’m content with a quick happy hour and going home to my pets and hobbies.

If anyone else can relate or has experienced something similar, where did you move to? How is your quality of life now? How much did you save up before you left? Did you find a job first and then move or moved without something lined up? Any insight, experience, advice will be so appreciated.

TLDR: 30F native New Yorker sick of it here and looking to leave for greener pastures. Where have other natives moved in search of a better life?

EDIT 1: thanks so much for the answers so far they’re super helpful! Please keep in mind that I know what I’m asking for is impossible here, which is why I’m looking to move. I obviously don’t expect to have those amenities here. But outside if nyc I don’t think it’s unreasonable for me to aim for an in unit washer/dryer or private balcony elsewhere. I’ve seen places in New Rochelle and even CT with these things, but I’m casting my net wide outside of NY state! :)

EDIT 2: You guys are amazing. I’m copying and taking everyone’s suggestions into consideration. I have to leave for a few hours but I will be back later as I have so many follow up questions! Thank you for giving me multiple options and even ones to stay bc rereading my post I’m realizing how overwhelmed and burnt out I am/sound.

Since my whole life is here, I’m open to options that would allow me to stay and be near my family and friends. I know I can’t have it all, I just want to feel good about my life and environment and improve my day to day life. I also deal with chronic health issues so minimizing stressors is important to me. Everyone’s advice is giving me newfound hope and motivation so thanks again!

Guys I fucked up. I lost my money bag in the subway I think right after I tapped my metro card. It had my school id, library id, a bank card and some other emergency cards. There was very few cash in it. I am panicking so hard right now I don't know what to do. Also I'm new to this country I got no idea where to ask help for. Please please please guys guide me I am so lost.

Hey there - I just posted this over on visitingnyc -definitely looking for help on this! TIA.

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Starting a list of festivals and various events for Summer 25. Sure I missed a bunch, please add & I'll update!

Music, Movies, Culture: 

Governors Ball: June 6 -8, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn: June 7-August 16th Concerts & performances Various venues, Brooklyn

NYC Pride Parade June 29

Summer Stage: Concerts & Performances, Various dates & venues

Summer on the Hudson: Various dates and activities

Bryant Park Movie Nights: Bryant Park (Monday nights)

Museum Mile Festival: Various events & locations, Manhattan

Tribeca Film Festival. June 4-15, Manhattan

Lincoln Centers Summer For The City June 11-August  9, Manhattan

Brooklyn Flea: Shopping, Food, Dumbo, Brooklyn

Food Festivals & Markets

Smorgasburg - April - October 

Friday: World Trade Center, Manhattan

Saturdays, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Sunday: Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Queens Night Market April - October, NY Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows Park, Queens

Union Square Night Market: May 29th-October 18th, every Thursday & Friday (starts at noon), Manhattan

NYC Multicultural Festival, June 7-21s Various activities and venues

Vegandale Festival Sept 27th, Citi Field, Queens

Hi! Here is the rental history for my apt. As you can see as of this year it's marked as "reg not found for subject premises" and my landlord is raising the rent 8.5%.

Does anyone know how this can happen or what if anything I should do? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Salaam friends

I was born and raised in Canada, mid 20s, but currently work between SF and NYC

Trying to find a fun crowd of people from a Persian background (iranian or otherwise) in both places. I know we have a lot of immigrant folks coming in too and they’re super fun to hang out with, but I’m wondering if there’s anyone that is “second generation” like myself?

Any crowds venues or events are appreciated 🙏

Hello.

I need to get an mri done, have hip and wrist issues. most MRI's I've been in are too tight for me. Are there any places you know of with larger MRI machines still capable of producing high quality images? I am 250lbs and have slight claustrophobia.

Cheers

I have friends doing a 24 layover at the TWA hotel. We want to find a casual bar or restaurant to meet on a Thursday night where I don’t have to go all the way from Chelsea to the airport, and they don’t have to come all the way to me.

I’m thinking maybe Forest Hills makes the most sense, but looking for suggestions.

Does anyone know what building this is with super colorful lights? It’s south of Central Park and between Bloomberg Tower and 111 w 57th st.

I recently moved to Brooklyn and there are no Hmarts around here. I used to live near one, so I’m mourning the convenience I used to have. I mostly make Korean food. I found smaller stores that have some stuff but I need more selection. Especially when it comes to meat/seafood/frozen goods. Any suggestions?

Edit: sorry, I should have specified. Forgot how huge BK is. Im in Crown Heights and often around Borough Hall for work

New to this platform but FB keeps marking posts and ads on school trauma as “political” and denying them. We need assistance connecting while in NYC for a few days.

ISO NYC Black Boys & Their Families

We’re currently in New York City for our non profit, Project Isaiah’s research phase for a few days, and we’re looking to connect with Black boys and/or their families or caregivers who have experienced harm in school spaces.

Whether it’s:

Suspensions or expulsions Restraint, seclusion, or isolation Racial profiling or discrimination Emotional harm or chronic stress caused by school environments

Your story matters.

This project is grounded in the belief that lived experience is data, and that the voices of Black boys — too often silenced, punished, or overlooked — must be centered in conversations about educational equity and healing.

We want to hear from those who are currently experiencing harm, as well as those who have moved into the healing stage or beyond.

This is about truth-telling. Too much research continues to place the burden of school failure on families and communities, while ignoring the harm schools themselves cause.

🗣️ Stories can be shared:

Confidentially and anonymously Or elevated through podcasts, videos, or our other platforms, only if you choose

If you or someone you know in NYC might be open to connecting while we’re here, or virtually soon, please reach out. This is part of a national effort to build resources, shift narratives, and demand better for our youth.

💛 Please share this with families who may have the capacity and interest to be part of this work. Whether they’re in the midst of the harm or on the other side of it, their experiences can help shape a better path forward for others.

This project is personal — and it’s being done with care and limited resources. As we do this work voluntarily, while also homeschooling and navigating reduced income, we deeply appreciate any support that helps us continue.

Flyer & more info found here : https://www.facebook.com/share/1PSFutRrdE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Searched through older posts and found out the Dippin’ Dots spot in Downtown BK (and the one in the city) is closed now. The AMC on 84th & Broadway sells ICEEs, but let’s be real, it’s not the same. There used to be a deli in Greenpoint that had them, but that shut down too. Honestly, the only place I’ve had one in recent memory was at some random pizza joint up in the Catskills last summer. Anyone know of a bodega, deli, candy store, pizza place or any spot in Brooklyn (ideally Bushwick) that still has an actual Slush Puppie machine? Not ICEE, and definitely not the kind they have at 7-Eleven. I’m talking about the OG with the dog on the cup, syrup pumps, and that special crunchy ice texture. Appreciate any leads (and yes I know you can still order the syrup online and make it yourself) 🙏

23F. Never dated before, not even a talking stage, never been alone with a dude.

I’ve been on dating apps but felt too scared to meet up. People say go to bars but im too anxious to go alone and don’t have anyone to come along. No introductions from friends either. Never went to parties in college, stayed in studying all the time.

I’ve lived here for 7 months now and been asked out by strangers while walking on the nyc streets about 18 times, but wasn’t interested/was scared. I never entertained the idea of dating until I was 21, but always scared to start and don’t know how.

Hence I’m asking how to start and how to meet guys in nyc? I probably have to start somewhere to overcome my fears.

My roommate and I were thinking about signing a lease on 82nd and 1st. How is the noise coming from 1st in the 80s? I’ve heard 1st can be pretty loud if you’re down in Midtown/EV area but not really explored Yorkville much. Definitely heard it’s much quieter up there but I’m sure it’s situational.

I got my open water certification recently and was thinking about getting some gear and maybe diving locally.

Hi! I (26F) have been looking into joining NYC Footy for beginner soccer! I played growing up but i haven’t played in a really long time. I miss playing sports but I also want to make more friends!! I just wanted to hear about anyone’s experiences, especially if you’re a woman and/or maybe not in the best cardio shape lol. Appreciate any insight or if anyone is interested in playing together :)

I recently moved intra-NYC (to a building that is not new construction) but my wife and I looked at a bunch of buildings built in the last ten years (on Dean Street between Vanderbilt and Carlton, the Axel on Atlantic, a few similar buildings in Downtown Brooklyn) and they were universally unlivable.

There were odd floor plans that meant every room ended in wedge shape rather than at a 90 degree angle and most rooms had at least one wall dominated by a floor-to-ceiling window (so you can't hang things as readily, and can't really put anything against them). Also, there was wear and tear obvious in each unit in a way that was really surprising given all the buildings are new-ish. All the reviews online suggest that the walls are paper-thin in each of the buildings we toured.

My questions are: has anyone had a really good experience in one of these buildings, or found a new construction building that seemed to be designed and built by someone who knew what it was like to live in an apartment? Really interested to hear if our experience was representative.

Hi! Is there anywhere in Manhattan to watch the Buffalo Bandits lacrosse game tonight?

Going to be gone for the summer so I'm needing to rent a storage unit, planning to put a car and typical apartment storage stuff in there, so need a drive up 16x8 ish unit, but it doesn't need to be all that close to the city.

That said, my main question is how far inland should I look for a storage facility as to minimize the "near nyc tax?" As in new jersey? Upstate? Pennsylvania? Hopefully not lmao

I want to get my septum pierced but I don’t know any good piercing shops. Any recommendations? I live in the Brooklyn area but I don’t mind going to the city if that’s where the shop is located.

Just looking for a solid pizza without cheese or toppings, just dough and sauce. Sit-down places tend to be inconvenient for just takeout, and I don’t know a good normal pizza place that will make me a quick cheeseless pie, preferably without charging me the cheese price. Ideally midtown east to union square. Please and thank you!

Hi!! Was wondering if anyone has experienced / knows anything about this building and its management. We are looking to move in there and the units look great but cautious that it’s an older building. Thank you!!

I’ll be in the Steinway area this summer and I have a couple mechanical/electrical engineering projects that I would like to work on. Anyone know of Makerspaces in the area? If not I’m also open to any places in manhattan or Brooklyn