This past weekend Hoboken celebrated it’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a tradition that brings the finest frat boys from the tri-state area. As any self-respecting, non-Irish, older-than-25 year old would do, I fled the city as fast as my little legs could carry. I’ve experienced all kinds of post-college antics but the stench of urine and vomit first thing in the morning is something I’ll just never get used to. Don’t get me wrong. I have participated in all the St. Pat’s Day festivities over the years–the long lines to get into the already filled to capacity bars, the house parties, the early morning drinking–and I’ve had an incredible run. But now that I’m 31, I feel I may have outgrown this tradition and this town in general.
Last year may have been the final straw for me. When my adorable blonde-haired blue eyed friend came to visit, we walked back to the train only to be harrassed nine times over. Hearing the drunk ramblings of out-of-towners looking to score with any piece of ass they can find is not my idea of a good time. And frat guys just don’t turn me on.
I think this might mean I have finally outgrown my current coordinates. That feeling has been nagging me for quite some time now. I’ve been living in Hoboken for almost five years now and, though we’ve had some good times together, I like to think about where my next home might be.
Here are some thoughts:
Manhattan: As much as I’d love to make the Upper East Side my home, I can barely afford my current apartment. And I don’t want to take on roomies, either. Sorry, old gal. I’m afraid I have to rule you out.
Queens: Admittedly, I don’t know too much about this borough though I have several friends who reside in the Astoria area and they seem to like it. Good bars, beer hall, fine dining… It’s a possibility.
Jersey City: I have a few friends here as well, so this location would come with a drinking crew. Rent is a bit cheaper than what I pay in Hoboken and my commute would remain the same.
Brooklyn: Although most of my friends here are married and Brooklyn is one of those places people complain about traveling to, I’m drawn to it’s hipsters, barcade, and vibrant music scene. I feel as though we’d get along well together.
I have a ways to go until my lease ends but it’s always fun to think about changes. Anyone care to weigh in? Where should Charlotte settle next?
I live in Queens, love every second of it. Queens depends a lot on the particular area you reside in. The area I live in, Forrest Hills/Rego Park, is fairly affordable to live in and super safe and clean.
It can be so exciting to decide about an upcoming move! I’m the person who is always too practical. So I’d lean toward whatever had some of the social scene, but that kept my commute the same. Having far to go for work can get old pretty quick.
Since Manhattan is out – my all time FAVORITE place to live EVER, then my vote goes to QUEENS!!!! Live closer to me!!! I know that’s selfish and Astoria is not the easiest place to get to from where I live, but I would GLADLY take a $20 cab ride for 20 mins to see you!!
i don’t know much about any of those places, except that a dear friend lives in brooklyn and loves the art & atmosphere. i think having a support group is really important to wherever you end up, followed quickly by a culture that fits with who you are. i love san francisco with all my heart, but it was like pulling teeth getting people to commute 20 minutes to a bar. it was just the culture of that city. in los angeles, however, people will happily drive 2 hours to spend an evening out with friends. so, for me, the culture of the city is really important, not just location. there are so many things to consider though. or maybe the trick is to just jump in your car and not think too much at all.
Nebraska :-p That’s the best I can give you at the moment since I know nothing of New York lol
I vote Jersey City!!!! Although I’m totally biased… 🙂
Astoria is fun! Lots of great restaurants. Every time I’m in Williamsburg I see boys that I think you would like though. But if you moved to the Upper East Side you could be near me!!!
Hmm- I didn’t hear Minnesota in the running! 🙂
It’s so exciting (in a nerve wracking way!) to think of where to go next! I’m impressed that you *know* what you want, need and where you fit. That my darlin’ is all sorts of grown up of you!
I have no advice, just love! XO
Austin!
If I were going to move to one of those places I’d choose Brooklyn. I know it’s a bit of a pain to get to, but I’ve always loved it there.
I definitely get this, I only lasted a year in Hoboken. I really liked West New York, it was nice to still have a car/not having to worry about the crazy parallel parking in Hoboken. You lose the PATH, but the bus ran all night from what i remember. A bunch of my friends were moving to Astoria when I was moving home. Not sure if that’s still the place to be, it’s been almost 4 years. LOVED the UES, but had roommates so there’s that.
Good luck and can’t wait to hear what you decide!
I can help you out with the NY/Queens stuff…I love all the boroughs!
~Penelope (I love to write about beauty tips!)
I vote for Brooklyn, only because your description of it sounded much more loving than the rest.
I would like to reserve my comment for after I visit Shana in May. I don’t really know much about any of these (except for Manhattan, which, YES PLEASE!! but you’re right…the rent is outrageous. Is why the jokes they make on SATC about obituaries coming with rental notices are so funny). What’s the university in Hoboken that frat boys flood out from? All that’s coming to mind is NYU and would they really travel all the way from the city to Hoboken for a St. Pat’s party?? OK…maybe they would…
Come to Kentucky and be my neighbor! kidding, I’m trying to here leave, too.
Seriously, I’ve heard good things about Brooklyn and jersey via friends. Wherever you go, I am sure you will have a ball ’cause you’re awesome.
A lot of single girlfriends of mine live in Queens and like it a lot. Affordable, great proximity to city and long island beaches. How exciting! Can’t wait to hear where you land 🙂
I can’t help you (unless you want to branch out to the suburbs of Toronto), but the cool chicks at adhocmom.com all reside in Brooklyn and NJ, and one of them just blogged about moving. Maybe they’ll have some tips? Good luck and I’m glad I found your blog!