Among the arguments like ketchup or mustard, Stefan or Damon, and other shitty examples of comparisons, people have been facing off New York City vs L.A. since gluten-free became the number one word in Los Angeles and leather and denim made up every closet in New York City.
For creators, this question and comparison of which city is right for them has become an inevitable query if they’re looking to pursue a creative field. I mean are you really artistic if you don’t live in either one of the two, I mean besides Europe?
Though it’s all been a slight tease, the question is honestly very important to many. When making a move, it’s crucial to know what one is getting themselves into and what opportunities lie ahead in wherever one chooses to relocate.
Though people will go to the ends of the earth defending their city, both L.A. and NYC are creative hubs, perfect for all creative types. So in order to help those struggling with the comparison, let’s analyze a bit of information to maybe help your decision.
Creative Fields
Though both Los Angeles and New York City are incredible spots to foster a creative career, each city has their own individual specialities and strengths in specific creative fields. It’s important to know where your prospective career field lies in order to judge which city would offer you more in terms of opportunities, connections, and resources.
L.A.
- Film
- Video Editing
- Acting
- Music
NYC
- Photography
- Fine Arts
- Writing
- Fashion
Expenses
According to Best Places, as of 2021
- New York City is overall 8% more expensive than Los Angeles
- Groceries are 12% more in New York City than Los Angeles
- Transportation costs are 9.6% greater in New York City than Los Angeles
- Overall, utilities in New York City are 60% more expensive than in Los Angeles
Weather
One thing you have to understand going into any move, is the weather. Whether you prefer predictable sunshine all year-round or can’t live without the four seasons and a wardrobe change, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
L.A.
Sunshine in L.A. is as predictable as vegan options in every restaurant. With a mild-to-hot climate, L.A. typically ranges in temperature from 48°F-85°F, according to Weather Spark.
NYC
New York City has a full four seasons, with humid summers and chilly winters. According to Weather Spark, over the course of a year, the temperature will range from 28°F-85°F. And yes, winters do experience snowfall.
Stigmas
L.A.
The stigma in L.A. is the common tale of fake people, fake boobs, and fake meat. By that, a common roast on the city is that there’s so many people who are driven by using others to get what they need without regards towards others. Everyone wants to get ahead and will befriend, become, and get in between anybody necessary.
Along with a struggling social scene, L.A. is known for having an unachievable beauty standard. With godlike humans roaming the streets, L.A. has been under fire at times for its perpetuation of beauty ideals that are simply in fact not natural due to surgical work ie. fake breasts, lip fillers, and nose jobs.
And you can’t forget about health, wellness, and veganism in L.A. From dropping friends who drink cows milk to only eating at organically sources, vegan, non-gmo, non-dairy, gluten-free spots, people tend to think that’s all L.A. is about.
NYC
The stigma in New York City more so deals with people being blunt, rude, and maybe a little too honest. People constantly say how mean New Yorkers are and that they simply don’t have the time to deal with anyone else’s bullshit.
Social scenes are said to be very elite, and if you’re getting in anywhere it’s because you know someone who knows someone who knows a friend’s cousin that you got in.
As for food, forget about it. While people could be eating the iconic and famed bagels and pizza, everyones too drugged up on coke to stomach anything else besides coffee.
And even though those are some of the most common claims of each city, that’s not to say any of them are true. Before you decide where to move, make sure not to base your decision of stereotypes and stigmas, they are not synonymous with the truth. Ask around, find people that actually live in each city and see what they have to say. Both may surprise you in just how different they are dreamt up to be.
Neighborhoods
Each city is know for having their own diverse neighborhoods perfect for creatives. Each offer their own unique characteristics and artistic opportunities throughout both L.A. and New York City.
L.A.
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Venice
- Silver Lake
- Los Feliz
NYC
- Bushwick
- Chelsea
- Williamsburg
- SoHo
Obviously, much more goes into a big decision like a move, but hopefully these simple outlines help give anyone struggling to decide a start in the decision process. Definitely keep researching and if you can, visit each one to help you get an actual feel of each city.
Featured image from: Unsplash.com (made into a collage)
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