Why I moved from Oklahoma to NYC: I was ready for a big career move

[ad_1] Whereas working as a postdoctoral researcher on the College of Oklahoma, Zoey landed a place at a college in New York Metropolis. After a whirlwind, two-day residence hunt, she discovered an excellent constructing in Inwood. Now she simply has to recover from a little bit of tradition shock. Right here’s her story as informed to Kelly Kreth.

I used to be born and raised in Los Angeles. Most just lately I used to be dwelling in Norman, Oklahoma—the south Oklahoma Metropolis metro space.

My residence was a 900-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath in a constructing that had parking and a pool. It was positioned close to the College of Oklahoma the place I labored and I paid $1,060 per 30 days, which lined water and trash providers.

I favored how shut my residence was to my work and having a brilliant who lived on-site. One draw back: The roads close to me would shut throughout dwelling soccer video games, so navigating on recreation days was a bit tough.

[Editor's note: Brick Underground's series The Newcomers features first-person accounts about why a renter or buyer decided to take a chance on NYC.]

Norman is a typical small, school city. Oklahoma Metropolis is just about 45 minutes north up the freeway, so you possibly can simply get into the town. The individuals are pleasant; you possibly can strike up conversations on the checkout line within the grocery retailer.

I liked going to the Norman Artwork Stroll as soon as a month and would seize a beer downtown on the Customary or BIG Brewing. I didn’t actually order in meals—I cooked usually. There have been a few grocery shops within the space (Crest, Homeland, Walmart) that have been inside driving distance.

I used to be a postdoctoral researcher on the College of Oklahoma and I received to do fascinating analysis with folks in meteorology, political science, and communication fields.

I'd drive to work simply down the freeway. I used to be fortunate to stay solely 5 minutes away, however most issues in Norman have been solely 10- to 15-minute drives.

My life centered round work, so most of my social outings have been with coworkers. Norman has a mixture of school college students and long-term residents, so there’s loads of folks to work together with.

Why she determined to maneuver This March, I used to be excited for a change and massive profession transfer. I received a job as an assistant professor in NYC. It nonetheless seems like I’m in a film after I commute to work, weaving by the town with my books and occasional in-hand.

I began to search for a spot on the finish of Could for a mid-July move-in. I picked Inwood due to its proximity to the college and since the neighborhood was in my value vary.

What the hunt was like As a result of I used to be shifting cross-country and I had by no means lived out East earlier than, I didn’t know the place to start out. I employed an agent, Marianne Camille Spraggins at Keller Williams NYC, who was a suggestion from a Keller Williams agent my household is aware of again in California.

I spoke with Marianne on the telephone earlier than we began the search in particular person and informed I wished one thing round $3,000 a month (which is hard to seek out in Manhattan) close to a subway line to my work. I wished a one bed room since I typically work at home, and for the constructing to have a laundry room.

I have to’ve seen about 10-15 residences within the two days I spent in New York to search for locations. It was a whirlwind journey, however it was actually vital to me that I didn’t have to choose a spot sight-unseen.

Condo searching in NYC was way more intense than Oklahoma. Flats would get rented out earlier than I received off the subway to see them, and selections needed to be made quick. It was traumatic searching for a spot.

To use, I wanted to submit extra paperwork than I anticipated. Once I rented previously, I by no means wanted a letter from a previous landlord.

How she likes about her new place However ultimately, it labored out and I lastly discovered the one! I've a 585-square-foot, one bed room, one bathtub for $3,425 a month. I’m in a brand new constructing with a health club, elevators, and roof deck. I’m close to a number of subway strains and bus routes and I've an in-unit washer/dryer, which I actually admire since I do know that’s not widespread for leases.

I really like my constructing as a result of it's handy for commuting and is an effective dwelling base for me as I determine my new life out right here in NYC.

I’m having fun with dwelling close to Inwood’s eating places, nightlife and parks. I like going to Buuni espresso store and the farmer’s market on Saturdays. I choose up groceries and typically order in. I do really feel spoiled by the variety of eating choices.

I bought my automotive as a result of it doesn’t make sense to take care of it right here. I take the subway to Midtown a pair occasions every week for a 35- to 40-minute commute. Some days on the subway are much less crowded than others!

Adjusting to life in NYC Family and friends are way more excited to go to me in NYC than in Oklahoma and I’m excited to share my new area with them within the coming months.

I’ve made a pair pals from work and have a couple of pals from again dwelling which have additionally moved out right here. I’m making an attempt to make pals and meet new folks; it simply takes time. I’m nonetheless adjusting to the tradition shock. I traded twister sirens for ambulances and automotive horns, so I get used to new noises, lights, and seeing folks in all places.

I’ve lived everywhere in the United States, and there’s one thing to study and admire in all places. I’ve been in giant cities and small cities, close to casinos and mountains in addition to cows and farmland. It’s the folks you encompass your self with that make the neighborhood.