Saying Goodbye, Again: This time to New York City

For the past two decades, I have called New York City home. And what a journey it has been! When I moved to NYC, I had no idea how long I would stay, and I did not make an initial plan of when my exit would be. As time progressed, I knew deep down that this highly coveted and sought-after city was not for me. It never felt like home, and I did not feel a sense of belonging. But where do I go? Where would my next move be? Without a viable plan, I stopped entertaining the idea of leaving and just lived my life each day as it came along. 

There is a lot to be said about New York City, that even the most oblivious would not dispute. It is arguably the greatest city in the world, one of the most diverse cities in North America, and the locale that guarantees success anywhere if you have achieved it there. 

The reality, however, is that New York City is far from a utopia for many living in this urban metropolis. I have never seen a place with such jarring disparities as New York City. On one street, for instance, you can find some of the wealthiest people in the world living in their multi-millionaire-dollar penthouses. (I’m pointing my finger at you Billionaire’s row). Interestingly, just a few blocks down, what you’ll find is overwhelming evidence of high poverty and deprivation among the underserved and less fortunate – that is, people who call the sidewalks home, and an unfolded cardboard box their bed. How can this ever be okay? I never understood how as a city we can be content with this level of economic disparity. The suffering of others, while we walk by and turn a blind eye, betrays our sheer lack of humanity. 

Not only is NYC rife with economic disparities; as a public health scholar, I have to also highlight the existence of health disparities and poor health outcomes among many New Yorkers. We see high rates of chronic diseases in certain pockets of NYC stemming from systemic issues and poor healthcare access. Need I mention the exorbitant cost of living in New York City? It is one of the most expensive cities in the US and among the most expensive in the world at large. Thus, a significant percentage of New Yorkers are forced to allocate the lion’s share of their incomes toward their living expenses. Indeed, I thought that having roommates was a college phenomenon; in NYC, this is the norm for many. This glamorous idealized and dream destination for many is the epitome of the “all that glitters is not gold” saying. 

Life has a way of unfolding when you least expect it. This is definitely not a planned post-Covid exodus for me, but a season where things have manifested in a direction that I will go where God leads. As it turns out, I will be making my grand exit in roughly a month. “Exnervous?” You bet; I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am definitely not looking forward to updating my address with countless entities, packing, or doing the actual move. But I welcome a new space and a brand-new environment that I know will kick my somewhat stagnant creative juices into flow. 

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity, and I welcome the new challenges, blessings, and opportunities that await. 

So long New York City. I am fortunate to have experienced the joys and pains that you brought, but it is time for me to say bye-bye.

Stay tuned as I share the new city that has stolen my heart.