I’m a San Franciscan, but I still love New York

I’ve lived in San Francisco for nine years, and I lived in NYC for four years before that. While I enjoy my new home, here are some things I miss about the Big Apple.

1. The energy. The second I arrive in New York, I’m energized by the size of the buildings, the number of people (~10x more than in San Francisco), and the seemingly unlimited number of things to do. New York truly is a city that never sleeps. Whether you’re up at 6 am or out until 4 am, you can find something exciting to do.

2. The summers. San Francisco weather is mild and pleasant most of the year, but I really miss warm summer days (and nights). While it rarely reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) in San Francisco, New York summers are sweltering. Since New Yorkers know their warm weather isn’t going to last, people also make the most of the season with outdoor movie screenings, alfresco dining, rooftop get-togethers, and more.

3. The public transportation system. Sure, we have public transportation in San Francisco, but New York’s transit system has more lines and many more trains and buses to get you where you’re going. I love knowing that I can cross 100 blocks in a short amount of time.

While I definitely miss some aspects of New York, I absolutely appreciate San Francisco too. I love San Francisco’s natural beauty, our lack of snow, and of course, the wonderful people I’ve met here.