I grew up in Florida and moved to New York City. Living here is different than visiting, but I'm not exactly disappointed.

"The beaches, palm trees, and Pub Subs (sub sandwiches from Publix, for those unfamiliar) that were part of other people's vacations were staples of my everyday life. Maybe that's why I started yearning for somewhere that wasn't as calm and steady as I was used to - somewhere like New York City. I visited NYC for the first time in 2016, and four visits later, I made it my goal to live there one day."

"As a tourist, I curated my experiences, planned my trips around perfect weather, and was able to appreciate a slowed-down version of the city. But living in the city comes with a pace that's impossible to ignore. Public transportation is crowded, fast-paced, and something I've learned to take into account when planning my days. I've had to learn to make decisions faster, leave earlier than necessary, and accept that even the smallest disruptions can throw off my entire day."

Nearly two decades in Fort Lauderdale offered beaches, palm trees, and everyday comforts like Pub Subs from Publix. Repeated visits to New York City created a desire for change and led to a move in July. Tourist visits provided curated, slowed-down impressions, while full-time residency introduced relentless pace, crowded public transit, and the need for faster decisions. Daily disruptions can derail plans and require leaving earlier and planning around transportation. The experience fostered acceptance of urban imperfections and a renewed appreciation for the calm, steady rhythms of the hometown.

Read at Business Insider