Living in New York City was equally exhilarating and exhausting, and I loved every minute of it.
For almost two years, you’d find me deep in my monthly rituals: chasing rotating specials at my favorite eateries like Salt & Straw, celebrating festivals from cultures across the world, and riding trains throughout the five boroughs to show up for the people I love.
Aside from the culture and community, the professional learning and development opportunities were abundant. Somewhere along the way, though, I found my professional voice and a growing interest in federal policy, and felt New York City could only open so many doors in that space.
Relocating to Washington, DC, felt like an increasingly obvious choice. As much as I loved New York, being in DC would put me in the epicenter of US policy, and my rent could be much cheaper.
So after nearly two years in Manhattan, I left.
Living in DC has made me appreciate NYC even more
Anika Nayak
I moved to DC in the fall and, shortly after I arrived, immediately began to miss so many things about living in New York City.
I don’t have a car, which means I rely entirely on public transportation. NYC’s subway system is vast — 25 routes crisscrossing four boroughs — whereas DC’s Metro has just six color-coded lines extending into Virginia and Maryland, with plenty of neighborhoods only accessible by car.
As someone of South Asian heritage, I shop for South Asian groceries often. In NYC, that was easy: I could hop on the train to Rose Hill in Manhattan or Jackson Heights in Queens. In DC, it’s a whole adventure that usually entails a Metro ride into Virginia or Maryland, followed by a rideshare.
DC can also be surprisingly quiet. New York’s population is over 10 times the size of DC’s, and I could feel the difference. In DC, the Metro and the streets can feel nearly empty at night. I miss the noise and the sight of people clustered on every corner.
DC is growing on me, but I’m glad I still have access to New York
Fortunately, I never miss New York City for too long without going back.
It’s easier than I ever could have imagined to get to New York from DC, and I visit often: I book most of my flights using credit card points, and the flight is only about an hour long, which makes for a short and convenient day trip.
Now, about once every month, I’ll fly into the city, head to a workout class, then grab lunch with friends at a new spot and explore a neighborhood I haven’t been to before.
Last time, I spent the afternoon walking the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, soaking in the skyline views on a beautiful day. I usually end the day with an early dinner before taking the train out to Jackson Heights, where I stop at Apna Bazaar, a South Asian grocery store that’s open 24/7, to stock up on dry-good staples. Then, it’s back to LGA for the flight home to DCA.
This isn’t to say I’m not giving DC a real chance. On days when I’m in town, I spend my time exploring new exhibits at the national museums, trying out rotating drink specials at cafés, and building friendships through group workout classes at Barry’s.
I say yes to hangouts where I don’t know a single person, all in the hope of making new friends.
Living in DC has been its own kind of adventure, and it’s been nice to save on rent while reaching new heights in my career. But what makes it work is knowing that NYC — and my community there — is only a short flight away.
