For as long as I can remember, the allure of travel held a powerful grip on me. The idea of constant movement, of experiencing new places and cultures, was deeply romanticized. Any moment not spent exploring somewhere new felt like time wasted, better dedicated to planning the next adventure. Back in late 2021, while living in Atlanta, this wanderlust led to a spontaneous ticket to Barcelona and four months backpacking across Europe. Even after returning home for Christmas, the itch to travel resurfaced quickly, leading to a couple of months working remotely from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the world’s capital of meat and wine.
Even when international travel wasn’t on the agenda, domestic exploration was a constant desire. One summer involved a whirlwind six-week trip visiting friends in Pittsburgh, DC, Charleston, and New York. Shortly before that, a road trip across the Western US with my college best friend satisfied the urge to move. This wasn’t just simple enjoyment of travel; it was a deep-seated, almost existential need for constant new experiences. Staying still felt like stagnation, a waste of precious time.
Then, in the Fall of 2022, everything shifted.
August of that year marked my move from Atlanta to Manhattan, driving a U-Haul to kickstart business school in New York. Business school itself is an exhilarating experience, and New York City, in its own right, is a vibrant, exciting place. The combination was an overwhelming surge of energy and opportunity.
New friends, a new city, and an endless list of new restaurants, bars, clubs, and pizza joints to explore every night. Everyone seemed stylish, energetic, and moved with a purpose and speed unlike anywhere else. There was something to do every second of every day, a constant buzz of activity that was undeniably captivating.
However, the lingering pull of wanderlust remained. After Thanksgiving 2022, I took a week-long trip back to Latin America to visit a friend (my former roommate from Argentina) who was working remotely from Medellín, Colombia. The first few days were fantastic, exploring a new city, discovering the best spots in El Poblado, attempting to charm Avianca flight attendants in a nightclub called “Perro Negro,” riding a sky tram across downtown, and climbing the stairs of the revitalized Comuna 13, once Pablo Escobar’s territory. But by day five, an unfamiliar feeling emerged: I was ready to go home before the trip was over. Unlike past travels where being away felt like missing out, now being away from New York felt like missing out on something more important in New York.
I even changed my flight to return a day early to catch the US-Netherlands World Cup match with friends in a downtown bar (a game the US, predictably, lost).
Since then, any time spent away from New York for more than a few days creates a strong desire to return as quickly as possible. It’s hard not to be completely captivated by this city.
Alt text: Night cityscape view from an Argentinian apartment in New York City, showcasing city lights and urban living.
The unique appeal of New York City often takes time to fully appreciate. Prior visits were always fun but exhausting. The constant rush, the confusing subway, the overwhelming number of choices for dining and drinks, often leading to “non-touristy” spots that were actually tourist traps like Mr. Purple. Even the first few months living here were overwhelming. My Google Maps was overflowing with over 100 marked bars and restaurants, panic-researching where to buy clothes to upgrade from my Atlanta uniform of golf shirts and chinos, and near-death experiences on Citibikes in Manhattan.
Now, after becoming more familiar with the city, I’m completely in love with New York.
With 25 months of Manhattan living under my belt, making me a New York toddler in city years, I wanted to share insights into what makes New York City so incredibly alluring, especially for those chasing “young money, young money” ambitions.
Proximity Fuels Socialization in the City That Never Sleeps
Many people fondly remember college as “the best years of their lives.” Part of this nostalgia is likely due to youth itself – the energy, the good health, the sense of limitless possibilities. But another key aspect is the sheer proximity to friends. College life allows for spontaneous meetups – grabbing lunch between classes, impromptu FIFA games in dorms, or rallying a crew for a Thursday night out at the local bar. Friends are always just a five-minute walk away, offering support, companionship, and a remedy for boredom.
Post-graduation, maintaining these close social connections becomes significantly harder. Work, gym, errands, and home become the routine. Weekend brunch with a friend or two might be the extent of social interaction. Consistent face-to-face time with friends becomes a challenge when it requires a 30-minute drive each way.
New York City stands as a unique exception in America, where vibrant social life extends far beyond the college years.
In a city designed for walking, subways, and Citibikes, where friends often live and work within walking distance of your apartment and office, regular social interaction isn’t a monumental effort; it’s the everyday norm. Combine this proximity with the notoriously tight living spaces (many New Yorkers earning significantly more than peers in other US cities still live in smaller apartments with higher rent than suburban mortgages), and the desire to get out and socialize becomes even stronger.
Recent examples of proximity in action:
- A close friend from business school works just a block away in the Meatpacking District, making impromptu coffee breaks on slow afternoons a regular occurrence.
- My weekly poker night on Wednesdays is easily accessible for friends to join after work for dinner nearby before heading to my place.
- Attending a friend’s rooftop asado last Sunday involved a pleasant 15-minute bike ride along the Hudson River.
- Almost every weekend includes spontaneous plans initiated by group texts: “Anyone out in XYZ area? Yes? Meet at _____ bar.“
The ease of socializing in a city less reliant on car ownership is a major advantage. While car culture in America is often criticized for hindering social interaction, it’s also a byproduct of a prosperous nation. Americans can afford suburban homes and multiple cars because of economic success. However, this prosperity has also contributed to increased social isolation. As DJ Khaled might say, “We’re suffering from our own success.” New York, however, is an anomaly where wealth is linked to urban proximity, not suburban isolation. Living closer to the action, to the opportunities, and to your social circle comes at a premium, but the ease of connection it provides is worth every penny for those pursuing “young money, young money” lifestyles.
New York City: Where Your Environment is an Endless Adventure
Looking back, my intense wanderlust stemmed from a desire for novelty, a yearning to escape the routine and find adventure in places outside my daily life. The mundane felt stifling, and I craved excitement.
New York City is the antithesis of mundane. It’s a city overflowing with novelty, opportunity, and hidden gems. Every conversation holds the potential for a new connection – a friend, a business contact, or a romantic interest. The sheer volume of venues to explore is staggering, from diverse restaurants and bars to world-class museums and art galleries, sports courts, and unique streets filled with vintage shops and international cuisines.
In a single day, you can start with brunch in the West Village at 12:30 PM and end up leaving a Brooklyn club at 4:32 AM, taking an Uber home without ever needing to return to your apartment in between. New York is the closest thing to a real-life open-world adventure, where something new and fascinating awaits discovery every single day if you are open to it. For young, ambitious individuals seeking “young money, young money” success, this environment is incredibly stimulating and conducive to growth.
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Ambition is Cultivated in the Concrete Jungle
New York City is notoriously expensive. My current rent is $2,900 a month, ironically a bargain for my neighborhood. Back in Atlanta in 2021, $950 got me significantly more space and a deck with a grill. (No deck now, but a fire escape is a cool substitute).
The high cost of living in New York is a frequent point of complaint, and understandably so. That first rent payment is always a shock, and broker fees are truly outrageous. (Broker fees in New York are arguably the worst aspect and should be abolished. A 15% commission for simply unlocking a door and answering a few questions? It’s an absurd rip-off.) However, these high prices are a feature of New York, not a flaw. On a macro level, the city is expensive due to high demand and limited supply. Manhattan’s population density is a staggering 72,918 people per square mile. High prices are inevitable.
On a personal level, these high prices become a powerful motivator for ambition. You can feel this energy in the fast-paced movement of pedestrians on New York sidewalks. Everyone seems to be walking with purpose. The unspoken consensus is, “I’m not going to be priced out of New York; I’ll just make more money.” Especially early in one’s career, immersing yourself in this ambitious environment is invaluable. It forces you to adapt and excel, leading to rapid skill development and increased opportunities. For those chasing “young money, young money”, this pressure cooker environment can be incredibly beneficial.
This ambition extends beyond just financial gain. New York’s diverse population fosters a rich exchange of ideas and interests. People from all corners of the world, speaking countless languages, and working in every conceivable industry converge here. These interactions spark fascinating conversations and broaden perspectives. In such an environment, there’s a compelling pressure to become more interesting, to contribute meaningfully to this dynamic dialogue.
Attractiveness is the New York City Standard
This point is connected to the previous one. While high prices drive financial ambition, the overall attractiveness level of New Yorkers is noticeably higher than in other parts of the country, creating a competitive social dynamic. In a city of 10 million people, with a population leaning towards attractiveness, options are plentiful, and standing out requires being at your best. This is crucial for those navigating the “young money, young money” dating scene.
This isn’t just about natural beauty. New Yorkers are demonstrably in better physical shape. Comparing populations in Dallas, Texas, and New York City reveals a striking difference in obesity rates. It’s clear which city prioritizes fitness.
Fashion and style are also elevated in New York. Partly due to the presence of every major clothing brand, but also because the city is saturated with people who have excellent taste. This taste is contagious. Surrounded by well-dressed individuals, the desire to elevate your own style becomes natural. And, going back to proximity, accessible shopping just blocks away makes it easier to achieve.
Architectural Beauty Defines the Urban Landscape
American architecture often defaults to cookie-cutter “modern” apartment buildings – homogenous, rectangular structures with generic amenities. While functional, they often lack aesthetic appeal and individuality.
European city centers are admired for their beauty, a result of centuries of evolving architectural styles. New York City, as one of America’s oldest cities, shares this rich architectural history. “Pre-war” is a common descriptor in real estate listings, highlighting the age and character of many buildings. This history, combined with spatial constraints, has created a cityscape that is both aesthetically stunning and incredibly valuable. For those building their “young money, young money” empires, the beauty of the city provides daily inspiration.
Looking south from West 10th Street, the brownstone townhomes of the West Village and cobblestone streets of Tribeca are framed by the backdrop of the World Trade Center and Financial District skyscrapers. Midtown’s towering office buildings transition into the expansive greenery of Central Park to the north. The iconic silhouettes of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges dominate the views from Seaport and Dumbo coffee shops. In a world often prioritizing efficiency over aesthetics, New York proves these two can coexist harmoniously.
They shouldn’t just coexist; they should enhance each other. A 30-minute walk through Soho, lost in thought, can be a catalyst for innovative ideas. Glancing out an office window at 8:45 PM to see the World Trade Center illuminated against the downtown Manhattan skyline can make even the most demanding workday feel more worthwhile.
Serendipity is the New York Status Quo
Since moving to New York, I’ve noticed a constant flow of people either living here or visiting frequently. The internet friend to IRL friend pipeline is thriving in America’s most populous city, a phenomenon unique to New York. In just two weeks, I’ve met up for coffee with three online acquaintances simply because “we’re both in New York, we should connect!” While industry-specific networks can be built in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or DC, New York is a melting pot for professionals across all sectors. This creates incredible opportunities for those building their “young money, young money” networks.
These network effects extend beyond planned meetups to countless accidental encounters. A dinner near Columbia University led to a speaking invitation at a wealth management summit in Florida, all because of a chance encounter with the conference organizer seated next to me. This wasn’t an isolated incident. A significant portion of my professional network (and friendships) has stemmed from similar serendipitous run-ins. In New York, a willingness to engage with strangers and accept invitations can lead to surprising and valuable connections, crucial for those seeking “young money, young money” opportunities.
Expanding the Limits of Life’s Potential
This is the most profound impact of New York City. Growing up in a small South Georgia town of ~20,000 people, conversations revolved around local football, hunting season, and political grievances.
In my hometown, the typical path for a bright student was to attend a smaller state school. The really smart went to the University of Georgia, and the exceptional to Georgia Tech. I chose Mercer University to play Division One football, acknowledging my limitations in size and speed for larger programs. My 19-year-old vision of “life” was to graduate with a business degree, find a job in Atlanta, and climb a Southeastern corporate ladder.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with this path, but I wasn’t even aware of alternatives. Moving to New York felt as distant as moving to Tokyo. My understanding of life’s possibilities was limited to the Southeastern US.
Moving to New York was a transformative “red pill” moment, revealing a far wider spectrum of possibilities than I had ever imagined. My New York friends are journalists, investors, cancer researchers, bankers, comedians, traders, startup founders, engineers, consultants, and designers, all with ambitious goals ranging from building billion-dollar companies to curing diseases and writing best-selling books. Living in this ecosystem, exposed to such a breadth of experiences and ambitions, has been invaluable, both personally and professionally. For anyone chasing “young money, young money” success, this exposure is critical.
Life’s direction is shaped by experiences and our responses to them. New York City, with its unparalleled range of experiences, has fundamentally reshaped my perspective on life. For someone whose greatest fear was a life of routine, New York has provided a constant spark of novelty, inspiration, and joy unlike anywhere else. This dynamic environment is perfect for those driven by “young money, young money” aspirations.
Yes, the rent remains high, but as I’ve come to realize, that’s a feature, not a flaw, of living in this extraordinary city. It’s a trade-off I’ll gladly make every time, embracing the “young money, young money” lifestyle that New York City so powerfully enables.
– Jack
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