"I grew up in Chicago, then moved away for college. During that time, I took a semester off to pursue an internship in New York City. Living in Manhattan and commuting to Rockefeller Center were some of the most magical experiences of my life. The city itself checked almost every box, and I thrived in its lively, urban energy. I returned to college with newfound confidence,"
"Cost was a major factor in my decision not to return to New York. Manhattan was a thrill, but rent alone set me back thousands of dollars a month - and I lived in a small studio apartment. Food, entertainment, and transportation added thousands more. Every trip to the grocery store felt like a punch in the stomach; each credit-card statement reminded me that I was in unsustainable territory."
"I lived in New York and Chicago, but I decided to move to a smaller, new-to-me city after college. I knew I could save money in Indianapolis, but had no idea how much my mood would improve, too. To everyone's surprise, I chose Indianapolis, a midsize city I couldn't even locate on a map. Little did I know, this eyebrow-raising move would transform my quality of life and redefine my concept of freedom."
I grew up in Chicago and spent a semester interning in Manhattan, commuting to Rockefeller Center and thriving on the city's energy. Graduating with a remote job created freedom to live anywhere, and I chose Indianapolis despite expectations to return to New York or Chicago. Manhattan's high rent, food, entertainment, and transportation costs made long-term living financially unsustainable. Every grocery trip and credit-card bill underscored the cost strain, and even access to nature like Central Park required paid commutes. Indianapolis offered similar urban amenities at much lower cost. Saving money improved my mood, quality of life, and sense of freedom.
Read at Business Insider
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