NYC Vs. London: Where Would You Rather Live?

Kruse · 01-09-2013 02:32PM #1

I've been given an opportunity to work in one of these two cities. The thing is I can't decide which one. So today the good people of AH will decide my life for the foreseeable future. Whichever AH chooses, I shall book my flight and report back accordingly.

A few things I'd like you to keep in mind when deciding: entertainment, cost of living, transportation etc. I've been thinking about some London pro's - similar culture, TV, music preferences, how we treat others and this habit of saying "sorry" for every little thing whereas an American would look at you weirdly for saying that.

Another couple of things that I learned when measuring them up - London is introverted whereas NYC is extroverted. Americans need to demonstrate a concept of "alpha male" confidence whereas we just think they're loud and obnoxious. We are self-depreciating, New Yorkers are not. NYC is very commercial and think about "what will sell", we think about innovation, creativity and eccentric things. They think we're cold, we just see their smiles as plastic.

Am I right in these findings?

WilyCoyote · 01-09-2013 02:35PM

For more fun, better money, cheaper housing and down to earth people then London is your place by a large margin

Fr_Dougal · 01-09-2013 02:36PM

NYC.

You can always work in London, but opportunities to work(legally) in NYC don't come up all that often.

wazky · 01-09-2013 02:45PM

Ballygobackwards.

Duff · 01-09-2013 02:51PM

Ask can you be sent to Chicago instead. Best. City. Ever.

The Backwards Man · 01-09-2013 02:59PM

Dublin 4. Best of both worlds.

Susie_Toots · 01-09-2013 03:03PM

Have lived in both. They have their pros and cons like every place but NYC would be my first pick. You can always live in London, NYC not so easily if you're going to do it the legal way

pconn062 · 01-09-2013 03:16PM

NYC without a doubt, amazing city especially if work will pay for your accommodation.

camel jockey · 01-09-2013 03:18PM

I'd probably go for London. Favourite US city is Boston, Boston ahead of New York.

hfallada · 01-09-2013 03:20PM

NYC is extremely expensive to live in( but you could live in places like Hoboken in NJ, which is practically Manhattan). But NYC in 10 years will probably be totally different to what it is now. Its changing so rapidly. Live in NYC, while its still NYC and not just a place for the super rich

chprt · 01-09-2013 03:22PM

Nyc without a doubt. You could fly to London for 9.99 any time you wanted. Nyc has so much to offer. And with the subway and trains u can find cheap accom outside Manhattan

biko · 01-09-2013 03:59PM

NYC, it's not often a chance to work there arises. You can always move to London later.
Mind, summer in NYC is sweltering and winter is fooking freezing, London is more temperate.

pauliebdub · 01-09-2013 04:20PM

London would be the only option is consider, but it's ferociously expensive and the quality of life isn't brilliant.

New York is a cess pit, hate the place.

keith16 · 01-09-2013 04:30PM

Both fantastic cities to visit but not sure I could live in either.

If I had to pick one I would say NY. People aren't as bad / rude as is made out.

Beefy78 · 01-09-2013 04:33PM

Probably my two favourite Cities. I'd pick New York though. What an opportunity for you.

PrettyBoy · 01-09-2013 04:36PM

New York without a doubt.

Micky Dolenz · 01-09-2013 04:38PM

I'v lived in London and it really is a great town with great people.

Never been to NYC so would probably give it a shot.

dpp v mcgee · 01-09-2013 04:48PM

New York by a long shot. London transport system sucks.

Bajingo · 01-09-2013 04:48PM

London without a doubt. New York is incredible in a sense but I find it quite dull day to day compared to London. London is a major European hub that is well connected to mainland European cities and it feels less isolated as a result. I don't like the grid-style design of most US cities like NY either.

The people aren't very different culturally and you're close to home as well. Emigrating isn't about getting as far a way as possible and I don't thinking moving to New York just because it's hard to legally work is a valid reason for doing it.

FouxDaFaFa · 01-09-2013 04:52PM

I would pick NY, never warmed to London despite multiple visits.

Great opportunities for onward travel.
Thriving entertainment scene.
Can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be.
Good transport, you probably wouldn't need a car.

Magenta · 01-09-2013 06:32PM

I would just say, if you choose NYC make sure to think about what happens when you get sick.
The USA has no public healthcare system and private health insurance companies will find ANY excuse to not pay up (used to work for one).

RachaelVO · 01-09-2013 06:36PM

New York for sure! Brilliant city, great for a bit of everything, shopping, socialising, cinema, theatre, arts, clubs, restaurants...

I know London has them too, and it's a class city too, I loved it, but I would definitely go for NY, it's just a more buzzing city.

clairefontaine · 01-09-2013 06:47PM

Do you have kids?

Check out private school costs. Way way way way expensive in NYC.

InTheTrees · 01-09-2013 07:01PM

I've lived many years in London and visited NYC many times. I love both cities passionately.

But I voted for London for where I'd rather live before I read your question saying you had an opportunity to work in either one.

So for you, i'd say, as many others have, you can go to London anytime, so pick NY. You only live once and its certainly a place to experience.

But for Quality of Life and ease of living i'd take London any day. But I already live in the US...

InTheTrees · 01-09-2013 07:04PM

Bajingo wrote: »

I don't like the grid-style design of most US cities like NY either.

Its almost impossible to get lost in Manhattan though.

InTheTrees · 01-09-2013 07:10PM

Kruse wrote: »

Another couple of things that I learned when measuring them up - London is introverted whereas NYC is extroverted. Americans need to demonstrate a concept of "alpha male" confidence whereas we just think they're loud and obnoxious. We are self-depreciating, New Yorkers are not. NYC is very commercial and think about "what will sell", we think about innovation, creativity and eccentric things. They think we're cold, we just see their smiles as plastic.

Am I right in these findings?

I think so... I think the people in both cities (and in any huge city) develop what visitors call "rudeness" but really isnt. Its a kind of impatience but its not impenetrable.. if that makes any sense...

What do you do? That's pretty important. If you're working in a bank then i;d say go for it (NYC), if you're a teacher i'd be more wary for instance.

Son Of A Vidic · 01-09-2013 07:11PM

I have lived in both cities, but London wins it for me.

Ruu · 01-09-2013 07:24PM

Enjoyed living in London. NYC would be seems very competitive at the moment and wins many of the 'rudest' people to be around contests.

Wanderer2010 · 01-09-2013 07:30PM

London without a doubt, the entertainment (clubs, theater, shows etc) is more electric, the subway system is not as expensive as NYC plus its marginally cheaper than NYC in that you dont need to be working morning noon and night just to cover the rent plus home is only an hour away if you get homesick.

Beefy78 · 01-09-2013 07:32PM

InTheTrees wrote: »

Its almost impossible to get lost in Manhattan though.

Tell that to someone who has just staggered out of an 80s Club two miles from his hotel at 4am on his first night in Manhattan in eight years.

If you're drunk enough, it's definitely possible to get lost there.

Ruubot2 wrote: »

Enjoyed living in London. NYC would be seems very competitive at the moment and wins many of the 'rudest' people to be around contests.

I don't know about rude. New Yorkers tend to be very straight-talking and don't tolerate fools lightly. Personally I respect that.

clairefontaine · 01-09-2013 07:35PM

InTheTrees wrote: »

I think so... I think the people in both cities (and in any huge city) develop what visitors call "rudeness" but really isnt. Its a kind of impatience but its not impenetrable.. if that makes any sense...

What do you do? That's pretty important. If you're working in a bank then i;d say go for it (NYC), if you're a teacher i'd be more wary for instance.

New Yorkers will think you are the rude one if you take up their time or waste their time. They very direct because they are very busy.

Don't waste my time is the golden rule in NYC. If you break it, you are the rude one and they will let you know!

NYC Vs. London: Where Would You Rather Live?

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