Nearly two months ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City from Missouri with just a giant suitcase of winter clothes, my laptop bag, and an abundance of hopes and dreams. It was, without a doubt, the boldest decision I’ve ever made. Despite countless attempts from my ex-boyfriend, former coworkers, and my sweet, concerned Midwestern grandmother to dissuade me, I made the move. Now that I’m here, I couldn’t be more grateful that I stuck to my plan. While I’ve faced challenges like high rent, unwelcome catcalls, and the infamous subway rats, I genuinely love living in New York.

Ever since my first visit to Manhattan as a starry-eyed 18-year-old, I’ve dreamed of calling this city home. As a writer drawn to urban beauty and fueled by an insatiable wanderlust, moving to New York always felt like the natural next step. Thankfully, I came prepared. Bolstered by the cautious advice from my fellow Missourians, I embarked on this journey with an open mind, ready for the best but braced for the worst. I did my homework. I knew rent would cost me at least double what I’d been paying for a whole apartment back in Missouri. I anticipated a diet of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and some initial discomfort walking alone at night. But none of that deterred me.

Every New Yorker has their own story, and mine has been filled with unexpected joys and challenges. Here are five ways the reality of moving to New York has surpassed — or surprised — my expectations.

1. Finding a Place to Live

Expectation:
I knew living alone was out of the question, and I was prepared for sky-high rent prices. My main concern was finding roommates who didn’t steal my food or smoke indoors. I didn’t expect much beyond that.

Reality:
The hunt for housing wasn’t easy — I dodged two scams during the two weeks I searched. Thankfully, I managed to hold onto my hard-earned savings. After sifting through endless ads, I found a place in Bed-Stuy that checked all my boxes: it was within budget, had a washer and dryer, rooftop access, and came with two new-to-New York roommates from Oakland, California. I knew this was the place for me as soon as I toured it.

As it turns out, my roommates are some of the chillest, kindest people I’ve met. We hang out, share drinks, and even watch The Walking Dead together. They’re also incredibly tidy. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better living situation.

2. The Weather

Expectation:
I braced myself for bone-chilling cold by Halloween. Given New York’s northeastern location, I was ready to shiver my way through October to June.

Reality:
Since moving here, my mom has called me twice to tell me it was 26 degrees back home in Missouri. Both times, it was sunny and 55 degrees in New York.

While I know harsher weather is coming (it’s the North, after all), so far, this unusually warm winter has been a pleasant surprise.

3. Fashion

Expectation:
I assumed moving to New York meant saying goodbye to feeling stylish and that I’d be surrounded by people wearing chic, all-black outfits daily.

Reality:
New York’s fashion scene is wonderfully diverse, which I love. While the city is filled with stylish people, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that I still stand out in a good way.

I’ve also discovered that grocery store runs in pajamas aren’t exclusive to Missouri. And yes, there are quite a few Brooklyn guys who proudly rock suspenders and Civil War-era mustaches. It’s quirky, but I kind of dig it.

4. Walking Alone at Night

Expectation:
I thought living in New York would mean constantly feeling paranoid while walking alone after dark.

Reality:
In well-populated areas, I actually feel quite safe. That said, I’m cautious in unfamiliar neighborhoods — and, having only been here for two months, most neighborhoods are still new to me. I carry mace and stay alert, but the more I explore, the less paranoid I feel. So far, no one has followed me home or tried anything sinister.

5. The Subway

Expectation:
I thought NYC’s subway system would make traveling around the city simple and relatively stress-free.

Reality:
Navigating the subway is a whole experience. Before smartphones, I have no idea how anyone figured this out. Conductors are hard to understand, streets often have multiple names, and there’s a never-ending list of complications: local versus express trains, delays, route changes, track fires, and weekend schedules.

Despite the chaos, I actually enjoy using the subway. With a reliable transportation app, it’s mostly manageable. Plus, I’ve met three cute guys and seen some adorable puppies on my commutes.

Settling Into NYC With Movers Not Shakers

One thing that can make moving to New York City significantly easier is having the right support. Whether you’re relocating across boroughs or moving into NYC for the first time, Movers Not Shakers is the go-to local moving service. With years of experience in NYC’s fast-paced environment, they know how to handle the unique challenges of city moves — from narrow streets to walk-ups and tight schedules.

Their eco-friendly practices and professional team ensure a stress-free moving experience, so you can focus on starting your new adventure in the city that never sleeps. If you’re planning a move, let Movers Not Shakers handle the heavy lifting while you explore all that New York has to offer.

Your New York story starts here — make it a smooth transition with Movers Not Shakers!