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    AFinLAKatie J.M. Baker
    9/27/13 10:42pm

    Um, why is this surprising?

    I've said this before, but I went to NYC for grad school and I thought I would love the city: I had even spent some time there when I took a little time off getting the undergrad degree, so I thought I knew the city. Quickly ended up HATING the relentless street harassment (not on campus itself, but once I got a few blocks from campus it would start up, and don't even get me started on the subway.) The only way I could reduce (not eliminate, mind you, just reduce) the harassment was by walking around with a "FUCK YOU GET OUT OF MY WAY FUCK YOU" face. Yeah, that got tiresome after a while.

    Los Angeles may have its flaws (though it doesn't have as many as New Yorkers like to think it does), but I can exist and walk around my neighborhood without assholes getting into my face on a regular basis.

    I'll still go back to NYC to visit the museums and the jazz clubs and the like, but no way in hell will I live there again.

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      drunkendruidAFinLA
      9/28/13 8:09am

      Hey. Come hang out with us here in NOLA. Best jazz clubs in the world and I have only been harassed once. By a tourist.

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      SaharaWMWAFinLA
      9/28/13 11:19am

      Did you try other neighborhoods besides the one you went to school? NYC really is a city of small neighborhoods, with different vibes in each.

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    For SwedenKatie J.M. Baker
    9/27/13 6:15pm

    If I have to read another story about a disenchanted writer leaving New York for Los Angeles, only to be shocked that Los Angeles is not like New York, I'm quitting the English language.

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      Fibonacci SequinsFor Sweden
      9/27/13 6:18pm

      For Swedish?

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      For SwedenFibonacci Sequins
      9/27/13 6:23pm

      I'm fortunate enough to have options. I weep for those who have no choice but English and books like What Makes Sammy Run?*

      *granted a decent book, but the idea was dead long before 1941.

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    paging_dr_nickKatie J.M. Baker
    9/27/13 6:09pm

    I just don't and never really had what it takes to live in NYC. I have lived in cities before, but couldn't imagine settling down there. I am exhausted after a long weekend in NYC, even with downtime! It's just mentally draining. I like being near the beach and having room to spread out. Plus cost of living.. even near the beach is ridiculously less. I see it's appeal though - good for these writers for enjoying it while it lasted!

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      ObviousHuh13Katie J.M. Baker
      9/27/13 6:10pm

      male-identified person

      Oh for fuck's sake just say man.

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        CorggirlKatie J.M. Baker
        9/28/13 2:48pm

        I was born and raised in small town Ohio. I moved to NYC when I was 28. Within a month I knew the only way I was leaving was if someone literally grabbed me by the ankles and dragged me away. The city feels so much more like home than Ohio ever did. I can't explain it— it's just a deep feeling of belonging.

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