For many of us who grew up in small towns, moving to the big city often seemed like a faraway fantasy. It sounded so exciting and full of potential, but there was always an element of intimidation, a question: “Can I do this?”
Well, take it from someone who did do it, yes you can. It’s a thrilling, sometimes scary experience, but one that’s worth every second. There are so many things city life has to offer.
Here are six of the biggest:
You’ll be able to get a fresh start
If you’ve ever wanted to start over somewhere with a clean slate, there’s no better way to do it than moving to the city. Whether you’re looking to get away from an unpleasant past, redefine yourself by becoming a different person, or just want to see what it’s like being somewhere where no one knows your name, the city will happily take you in and let you begin again. You’re not the only one, either. Cities are populated by transplanted strangers trying to find themselves. It’s the one place where everyone belongs.
You’ll learn how to be resourceful
One of the first lessons you’ll have to learn after moving to the city is how to survive. That sounds scarier than it is, but it’s not inaccurate. Manhattan real estate doesn’t come cheap and life in Los Angeles moves fast. City living challenges you to keep up with its rocket-powered pace, but in doing so it teaches you how to be efficient, decisive, and resourceful. Other problems become a lot more manageable after you’ve learned the ins and outs of big city life.
You’ll experience many new things
Emphasis on “many.” The people you’ll meet in the city come from every walk of life and bring with them their own ideas, many of which are completely different from anything you’d ever encounter back home. Different people, different cultures, different languages, different food; the city is a great big melting pot where you can sample just about any worldview you can imagine, and even some you can’t. In doing so, you may discover things about life you never knew, or things about yourself you never suspected.
You’ll make lifelong friendships
Any place that has as many people smooshed into close proximity as a city is bound to forge unexpected relationships. Moving to the city brings with it a chance to meet new people, and I mean a lot of new people. And while your horizons are broadening, they’re right there going through the same things with you. That’s exactly the kind of shared experience that creates close friends, the kind that will stay by your side until the very end.
You’ll find incredible opportunities
Whether you’re going to school, looking for a job, or chasing a dream, there’s nowhere better to do it than in the big city. Competition can be fierce at times, but nevertheless there are so many people doing so many things, so many new businesses opening up all the time; every single one of them is looking for bright, motivated people to help them. There’s no reason that can’t be you.
You’ll learn to appreciate home
Distance makes the heart grow fonder, as the saying goes, and boy is it true. You might think moving to the city means leaving your old life and loved ones behind. You might even want that because the place you grew up has lost its luster. One of the most wonderful things about the city, though, is how it brings that magic back. City life is fun and exhilarating, but it also makes you appreciate home so much more when you finally go back to visit.
