NEW YORK CITY. You either love it or you hate it. I recall many years ago as one after another neighbor starting leaving my old block when growing up in Wantagh, Long Island. They'd had it with the ever escalating prices and taxes and the winters were just too difficult. Most went South, to warmer weather and a few went out west to Arizona, ready to relax and retire comfortably.
Those have always been my thoughts as well. The winters her can get more difficult and I have much less of a tolerance to the cold. But the rest of the year on Long Island? Well, in a word it's fabulous. I've heard it twice in one week of people retiring back to Long Island and New York City and it doesn't surprise me a bit. I have the feeling if I left, I'd miss it more then I can imagine.
One person who was retiring in just a few years had moved from New York City to Orlando and had lived there for almost ten years. She is a client I just had the opportunity to meet during a Feng Shui consultation of her New York City apartment in Midtown, Manhattan. She had formerly lived in the City when warmer weather and lower prices beckoned. There wasn't a day she said that went by that she didn't miss the Energy of New York City. Her neighbors in Florida thought she was nuts to come back but both she and her husband were both thrilled to "be home." "There is NOTHING like New York City" she said to me-and I have to agree; I love it there myself.
While out with some friends the other night there was one I hadn't seen in many years, visiting from Georgia. It's been many years since she's left Long Island, her former home and she misses it. She loves her house and her property in Georgia but longs to come back. A comment another friend made to her hit a nerve in me: "Really, what nicer place is there to be than Long Island in the Spring, Summer and Fall"? she asked. I knew instantly she was right.
They are aware of the increase in price; my New York City clients gave up a four bedroom home for a studio in Tudor City in New York. Their friends in Orland think they have gone mad. They are currently renting and looking to see if they will be able to afford a one bedroom in an area they love. My friend would have to make financial sacrifices as well but she longs to come back to the Island for its beauty and the proximity to New York City.
Hearing this twice in one week made me stop to think about long ago and my mother's neighbors, how they missed their old homes and neighborhood. I realized that while many of us struggle financially to stay on Long Island or in Manhattan when we could live life a little easier somewhere else, we don't want to leave here. We love it. You can take a person out of New York but they will always be a New Yorker at heart.
This shot of the map of Long Island and New York City was taken at Penn Station.
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, providing Feng Shui Consultations for New York City apartments and all of Long Island on site and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone for homes, offices, businesses, corporations, realtors, renovations, pre purchase and new construction. Carole is also a keynote speaker and published author. All Feng Shui Consulations are personalized and affordable.
Carole, It's funny how home gets in our blood.
I was born in northern Ontario in North Bay, on a beautiful large lake called Nippissing and nothing has ever felt like home to me in the same way that 'up north' feels like home. Every day I miss the rocks, pine trees, sandy beaches and clear freshwater lakes....not to mention the down home warmth and charm of the people.
I imagine New Yorkers feel that way about New York city for the same reasons...it's in their blood.
Some day I'd like to retire 'back home' up north. Or I might just move up there and sell cottages!!
I've never been to New York City, however my son said it's amazing and he loves the energy there too.
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Jo
Carole: I guess it's true, "there's no place like home". Who said you can't go back again?! I'm a Georgia girl through and through so I certainly understand those folks who want to return to their roots. Looks like New York offers a little bit of everything and I would think the energy of the city would definitely get in your system. This is why I do not worry too much about a change in real estate because we will always have a certain amount of people on the move.
Carole ~ i like Joans answer the best. 6 months in long Island, C'Mon down to South florida.
for the other 6 months. Lord knows we need more Feng-shui energy in this county!!!
Sally, I love it here! I just don't think I can leave--snowbirds have the right idea :)
Jo, I imagine you would love it here as well but then would want some solitude back. Even in Central Park it is too lively for quietness. But if I left I would also be one of those people who long to return....
Kathy, You are so right, one of my other friends also had moved away but came back, she missed her family very much. But do you wonder if OUR kids will be able to afford it? So many college educated "kids" don't return here because it is just too expensive.
Gregory, I know some people can only take a few days of it and it can become an overload. But for me (and my client) we love that energy!
Elizabeth, You're right, this is home. In my master plan I need to create a space to just get away for a time in the winters but I just couldn't leave here permently...
Joan, I know of many people who left but couldn't afford to return (like my mother's neighbors). I don't want to become one of them. I believe hearing it twice in one week really struck a nerve! I have been to San Francisco five times, I absolutely loved it there--it is one of a kind!
Donna, Many people who have left can't afford to return. My client was fortunate that she had a job in a large corporation and was able to be transferred back to New York City until her retirement in a few years. I too can see why she would want to come back but her neighbors thought there was something wrong with her.
Deborah, I could absolutely do three seasons, it's the ice we get on Long Island that make things difficult...and I'm not fond of the cold anymore (I've made enough snow angels ) When you visit New York City you will FEEL it and will either love it--or hate it (I doubt, somehow, that you'll hate it!).
Carol, For years I took a road trip every year to Boston, it is another City that I just love (and can't drive around that one, either :). But it's funny that my two other favorite Cities were both mentioned, SF and Boston, they are both unique and wonderful places as well.
Candy, It's so sad in a way that the middle class is being phased out of Long Island...it used to only be in the Hamptons and certain other places, now it's all over Long Island. And then we have people like me--who dig their heels in!
Joan, I am trying...it's my pets that are an issue, I know enough people in Florida to spend some time there. I can't take them...and just can't leave them. Otherwise it wouldn't be much of an issue! People that come to the house are often not reliable and my son is sometimes away for work. That's one of the major issues otherwise I would be writing from there right now :)
Fernando, You used to live in the city, wouldn't you both love to come to New York for two months in the winter? I see a swap possibility here :) Feel free to make improvements and I'll Feng Shui your place while I'm there :)
New York is so full of energy I can see why people who leave would miss that. I can think of several retirees who retired here for a few years and then went back home. Home is where the heart is, you know.
You are correct Carole - I will not hate it for certain! I tend to love the feel of big cities. People told me I would hate Athens, but I LOVED it. The smog was so thick, you could reach out to it - I just took extra anti-oxidants - and did just fine, loving and savoring every moment!
I understand 3 seasons, but something in me loves winter!
Julie, As difficult as things can be here, we are too HOME. I am SO sorry I didn't know you before, there are so many places I could have showed you that you would absolutely LOVE---on Long Island and in New York City. But my house will be fixed one day and you are welcome to come and stay anytime. I may have missed my calling as a tour guide :)
Cynthia, It sure is. However, from what I've heard people have been retiring more and more to North Carolina and I just happen to know a wonderful Realtor there! I now always ask people if they are relocating and need help to call me!
Kathy, I would LOVE to downsize and I don't know how large your home is but there is nothing here to downsize to! I only have a 3 bedroom and looked at a Condo nearby, it's going for almost $300,000--it is a one bedroom, one bathroom and it felt like a hallway (with very limited light). The parking lot was down the block and accross the street...and it was really in need of upgrades and some major fixes. I would rather stay in my home, when you add on the common charges I would not be saving anything!
Deborah, I have a list in my head of what I would take you to that you would just LOVE here! You would absolutely love this city (and so much art, I can never get enough of MOMA :) Anytime you're heading this way, please let me know! BTW, it's been many years but I loved Athens as well--how could you not? Steeped in history, I found it absolutely facinating!
Kate, You are absolutely right...you do miss "home" wherever that happens to be and family and friends. I've heard so many people leave here because of the prices only to regret it later, I'm going to stay put!
Missy, That made me smile, I am in Great Neck often and I would miss it as well! It's a wonderful town with some of the best stores and restaurants including Peter Luger's (just voted the BEST Long Island Steak house on the Island :)
Jennifer, There is something about New York that people miss so much. I know it's because of family and friends as well but it's really a wonderful place for most of the year! I'm sure you'll be able to find them some homes they will love.
Laurie, I thought of you when I heard that, they are planning to move out East! I know a Real Estate Agent that will take good care of you I kept telling them. But they are 'coming home' and it doesn't surprise me that people want to come back--I realized I would miss it more then I ever thought, Long Island is really beautiful!
Hi Carole,
Everyone I know that has been to New York loves it there. My daughter wants to move there she has visited twice. My other daughter's friend lived there for 4 yrs and loved it she wants to move back. I have to get there one day! Home is where the heart is.....