New York City is a place that no doubt everyone has dreamt about visiting. New York is a place that is known all over the world and one that brings great influence into the worlds of fashion, travel and publicity. This influence has even carried over to NDB, with the theme for the winter formal last year being “A Night in New York”. Through social media and TV, it seems that New York City has gained the attention of many teens. While this glamorization seems to gain popularity, is it portraying the city correctly?
Most of what is seen on social media is the more grand and wealthy part of NYC, but this is not how the majority of New York’s population lives. In an informational article about NYC prices, The Hill wrote, “In 2025, the cost of living in the New York metro area rose by about 4 percent, with rent up 4.7 percent and child care and school-related costs up nearly 6 percent, well above the national average. In this costly environment, affordability has become the central concern for New Yorkers”.
“My family is moving to New York City when I graduate high school. I am excited because I love being in big cities, especially since I am originally from Chicago. I am most looking forward to snow during Christmas break and summers on the East Coast,” shared Senior Madeline Blee. “It is expensive to live there for sure… I’m going to need a part-time job while I stay with my parents during the summer.”
As one dives deeper into the real research of New York rather than what is seen from influencers and celebrities, the city does not seem as glamorous. While NYC can be everything people imagine it to be, it often takes significant work and, for some, the lack of wealth to live there the way TV and influencers portray it. The minimum wage in the city is $16.50/hour. While this may seem ordinary for most states, in order to live comfortably in New York, one would have to earn between $50-65/hour.
Despite its high prices and inflation, the city is still seen as an escape and adventure to most young minds. Living, traveling, and attending college in New York are things that many teens dream of. Whether it is the freedom of a big city, the focus on fashion, or the amount of diversity, it seems that New York could be the place for everyone.
“I was born in New York and only stayed there for about a year, but I go back with my family a lot,” shared Singh. “Going back to spend Christmas and New Year’s in the snow is something that I love doing with my family, we always love to go to Central Park and all the small restaurants surrounding it”.
Especially as the winter season approaches, travel to New York dramatically increases, primarily due to holiday celebrations such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting. Events like these make the city feel like the most magical place during the winter.
“What keeps bringing me back is the super vibrant energy of the city and the shopping”, shared sophomore Audrey Johnston. “I definitely see myself living there in the future, because every time I go, I really enjoy it.
Some of my favorite things to do are shopping in Soho and going to different restaurants around the city. I also like going to Times Square at night!”
The appeal of New York City is one that will no doubt grow even more over the years. But it is also important to remember that glamor and fame are not what the city offers for everyone.
