I lived in Austin for 7 years and loved it, but moving to New York City made me realize I'll never move back to Texas

After graduating from college in May 2019, I relocated from Austin, Texas, to New York City to pursue a career in media.

Until I moved to New York City, Austin was my favorite place I had ever lived. I was close to my family and had an easy time making friends. Plus, it's where my perfect pug continues to live with my mom.

The outdoor scene in Austin was inclusive and exciting. With free hiking trails in the hills and paths to stroll next to the Colorado River, there was always something to explore outside.

When I went out at night, the drinks were cheap, and live music was never hard to find.

For a studio apartment in Austin in 2016, I paid $850 a month in rent.

Today, I pay $1,650 for my one-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn, New York.

For me, living in the city is worth the extra $800 a month in rent, the expensive cocktails, and lugging pounds of groceries on the subway every week.

Living in New York City suits my lifestyle better than life in Austin. Here are all the reasons I'll stay in the city.

I'm not a fan of cars. I don't like being in them or even around them. The thought of driving a vehicle just makes me think about the possibility of hurting myself or someone else, so I never finished learning how.

Living in Brooklyn, life without a car is a breeze. While friends of mine complain about the lack of parking, I commend the city's public transportation system.

I used to be uncomfortable guiding myself through the underground stations, but taking the train around New York became second nature to me within weeks of living here because I did it every day.

Taking trains in the city has given me a freedom I didn't have in Austin, where I would rely on friends and rideshare apps, and sometimes walk upwards of 20 minutes to the nearest bus stop.

Since moving to New York, there are a lot more rooftop settings in my life. Beautiful skyline views are a backdrop for typical summer social gatherings.

So far I've always lived in a building with rooftop access in Brooklyn, and it's a great spot to hang out with friends or watch the sunset when the weather is nice, especially since I don't have a yard.

Nearly everyone I know has some sort of rooftop setup at their apartment and they're great for parties, naps, and even kite-flying.

In New York, especially now that everything is reopening, there's always so much to do.

Virtually anytime I want, I can decide to have an epic day full of learning at amazing museums like the Museum of Natural History — or I can sprawl out independently among hundreds of New Yorkers at Prospect Park, where there are often people playing music on the lawn on a sunny day.

Sometimes I stumble upon dance parties in parks and on rooftops. These seemingly random gatherings are always a good time, even when I'm not looking for them.

There's always something new I haven't tried, a place I've never been to, and an experience I'll never forget right around the corner of this city.

Whether it's million-dollar homes that used to be horse stables or an abandoned Civil War-era fortress — history seems to lurk around every corner of New York City.

I'm always happy to be in the Northeast when fall rolls around, unlike in Austin, where I missed out on the colorful foliage.

When I leave New York, it feels like my life moves in slow motion. There's an energy in this city that is, in my experience, unmatched anywhere else.

Walking around, you'll see so many different people doing so many different things — so much so that if you stop to look around for a minute, you start to feel like you're behind.

This energetic vibe fuels me through my workdays. And being in a city where possibilities feel endless keeps me wanting more — more career success, experiences, and relationships.

Since moving to New York, I'm endlessly motivated to make my life bigger, and it's easy for me to keep the mentality that I am capable of doing so when I see it all around me.

With friends all over the US and family from Texas to Guam, I'm going to miss my loved ones no matter where I live, so I might as well live in one of the coolest places to visit.

Since moving to New York, I've had countless family members and old friends pass through the city, for a day or two, and it's always a welcome surprise to add a little love to my week.

When I leave the city for vacation or otherwise, I'm never sad about coming back. Those post-trip blues melt away as soon as I see the skyline out my airplane window.