Many people believe you need to be rich to enjoy NYC but it's actually the opposite. Average and top 1% earner both get the same access to the city's energy. Beautiful parks, streets, walks, the map is able to be embraced by anyone regardless of position
It's arguably the most even playing field to exist from a lifestyle design perspective. There's nothing to escape from or buy your way out of. More you earn, more you lean into what already and has always made you happy instead of looking for ways to take yourself out of the mix
Completely different definition of what being cool means here. Only status symbol is your aura, how much fun you're having, if you radiate enough gusto to make the most of what life has to offer
One of my favorite things about NYC is that it's a paradox. Most densely populated city in America, but also gives you the most privacy. Wealthiest city in America, but it's hard to tell who actually has money
See a townhouse in a popular neighborhood. No idea if someone owns the entire building, or if they're renting a studio unit in one of them. Could be worth millions or price stabilized at $2k/month. Cool either way. They all look similar on the outside and in passing, so nobody cares to bother you. Everyone focuses on their own lives
Look around. You don't know if the guy on the Citi bike is an 8 figure founder or an entry level analyst. There's an older guy in a suit sitting next to a younger guy in a shirt and sweatpants. Who's the rich one? Maybe both or neither? Can't tell, who cares, and again, doesn't matter. Everyone is walking somewhere. Everyone has places to go. No status is the default status
The city is just always in motion so it makes everyone feel small in the best way. In other cities, maybe someone flexes by having a 911 instead of a Camry. House in the hills surrounded by cameras instead of an ungated suburb. But in NYC, you're just a part of society like everyone else. Try to draw attention, nobody really has the time or interest to give it to you. Everyone has their own idea of status, so you stop trying to keep up with the Joneses because they don't exist
People are there to get after their own goals and grow forever. Be filthy rich, kind of rich, or not so rich. Be whatever and whoever you want to be. Receive the same access to the city's energy regardless of who you are. Feel like you're always a part of the flow of society at any step of your personal journey. Get to be yourself