“Home is the nicest word there is.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
A few weeks ago I got my lease renewal notice from my apartment building’s management company. They only raised the rent $25 / month and I was elated. I couldn’t resign fast enough. Since sending in that lease renewal, I’ve had a number of conversations that have caused me to reflect on this city that has been so good to me and has been my home for many years. The big question I keep tossing over and over in my mind is whether $1900 / month for a studio apartment is really sustainable given my desire to live a life of my own design.
Since my leap into my own company, Chasing Down the Muse, so much more of my life has become negotiable. Far more things that were set in stone at one point are now on the table for discussion. I love New York. I’ll always love New York. More and more the thought of a new beginning in a new city enters my mind. Maybe life doesn’t need to be this hard, nor this expensive, nor this crowded. Maybe there’s a different way forward. More grass and trees and squirrels, a little more room, a little less noise, a little less dirt.
When I think about what I may want in a city, these are the things that matter most (in no particular order):
1.) Vibrant, creative, diverse, cultured city
2.) Intellectual environment
3.) Public transit
4.) Lower cost-of-living
5.) Major international airport nearby
6.) Easy flight to Florida and New York to visit family
7.) A strong healthcare / wellness / yoga community
8.) More green space, please
9.) Dog-friendly
10.) Temperate weather
I’ve signed my lease renewal until October 1, 2013 so at least until then I’ll be tooling around this city that has been my partner for almost my entire adult life. I’ll also be thinking about whether a change of scene is a needed change in the coming year. Nothing’s set in stone, but the thought of change is there. I’m taking suggestions and ideas of possible new homes – so send ’em on over!
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
“Home is the nicest word there is.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Chicago and its suburbs have much on your list (maybe not temperate climate to some….). If you’re not averse to some winter weather, might also check out Madison/Milwaukee. I think you might get much of what you’re looking for, even if not big city, if you consider university towns and the surrounding areas. I’d suggest taking a look at Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (not great for public transport, but may have most of the rest). Portland would have a lot on your list if the rain isn’t a problem – probably is lower cost than NYC (but not low-cost) and the flight is “easy” but not short or cheap. I’ll be interested to watch you go through the process of finding your next home base.
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Please come to Boston….
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You should really check out Atlanta, as it meets all the criteria you described above. I grew up there.
Phyllis
http://www.buzz12.com
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I suggest Denver. It hits all of your list except maybe 1,2,and 3 to varying degrees 😉 It is not as diverse and vibrant as NYC, San Fran, or LA, but it’s getting better. The public transportation is also improving quite a bit, with a rail extension being built as we speak to the airport. There are lots of intellectuals here, but it’s not the ‘vibe’ as it is in other cities. But, it has everything else!
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Thank you to everyone for these suggestions. My wheels are turning and of course once I decide on a new city, you’ll be the first to know!
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Hello this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to
know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted
to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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