“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
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
“Home is the nicest word there is.” ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Christa Avampato 
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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