Every city has a rhythm. A heartbeat in the moving trains and buses, a pulse alive under the fluorescent lights downtown at night. Cities across the country are stagnant yet always moving. And a city is the place to be at twenty.
To show you why, I created a profile for various cities by talking to the people who live there.
Los Angeles City
“My life here is cool. It’s always busy, and teaching myself how to be an adult naturally comes with its challenges, but I love the communities I surround myself with, and I think a lot of love can be found everywhere, which keeps me going.
My dream has always been to live in New York, so I plan on moving there sometime in the near future if it makes sense for me to.
I think that because of how big the city is, it can be easy to isolate yourself. Everything is really spread apart here, plus the fact that it is not a walking city. I hate the stigma around Los Angeles. Admittedly, I did once agree with the ‘I hate LA, everyone is fake, influencers have taken over…’ negative sentiment about LA, but it really depends on your perspective of the city and making a choice to love it or hate it. If you choose to look at the negativity, you will find it, but there is so much rich culture and history in LA…that you can find things you love about it if you search for it.
There are lovely parts like the amazing food, beaches, and nature. Do have a car and enough money, this city is expensive.
I am a full-time student at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. I screenwrite, do art direction and cinematography, and love being on set. It’s an exciting world, and it feels like a dream! I also work at a nearby theater/art museum which has been really cool. Aside from film, I spend my time hanging out with friends, doing art, watching movies, going to the beach, going out, and listening to music.”
New York City
Favorite thing to do: “Going out to eat with friends/adventuring (when I have the energy).
Life at the moment — really focusing on working and educating for the future so I can be as successful as possible. But because of the rigorous course and work, I am beyond exhausted most of the time.
I would love to be somewhere else. I think about being in nature, just walking around and listening to the Earth.
It is a very lonely and independent city. It has an…’every man for themselves’ atmosphere and the constant thought of what can be better.
For someone thinking of moving: The first year is going to be hard and there’s not much community. But also the city isn’t for everyone, it’s just a money-driven city.
l am currently doing a one-year associate’s for textile/surface design at FIT. It is taking up the majority of my life, but it is exciting to learn new techniques that will help me when creating and designing art in the future.”
San Francisco
Life is “like a movie — you never know who you will run into from your past or what you will see on the streets or on public transit.
I’d go to NYC given the chance — I want to be in a city where it brings in creative and expressive people.
The politics in SF are complicated. Prioritizing our money to things that do not help our community like defunding youth programs and money going into practice rounds for SFPD or deciding to build a damn stadium to replace Westfield. Transplants. There are the good ones, then the ones who are entitled and criticize the city instead of seeing the vibrance and artistry of it. Gentrification stripping the color of the city.
For someone moving: Talk to the people there! Get to know your local mom and pop shops and businesses, as it makes you appreciate the history of the city and will help you know the locals and establish that piece of community in your day-to-day.
I’m an older brother to Arianna and Jesus. Since I’ve been back at home after taking a break from SDSU, I’ve had time to have that relationship with them and care for them. I’m working right now at an Italian restaurant and Joe and the juice. Not in school, but plan to be soon. I’ve been working on my creativity by having art days with my friends. I’m working on sketching figures and new designs. If I’m not burnt out I’m working on a sewing project. Lastly, I’m someone who has a lot of energy, constantly looking for my next adventure while being in the company of loving people.”
Chicago
“My favorite thing to do is swim in the lake near my apartment in the summertime. Watch the leaves fall, admire the way snow looks on my campus, and take the L.
Life changes every few months. Right now, life is slow and it’s a good thing. I’m in school, paying rent, and I have two cats.
I think this city has a lot to offer, and I haven’t really touched upon it. Too big. I think I would go to LA. It’s back in my home state, and I love the sun. If I could go anywhere, I’d go to a small country town, with cows and meadows. But people say you shouldn’t do that when you’re young.
Chicago is really big. It’s a great place to be if you’re young. For someone thinking of moving: Find a friend.
I’m a writer in Chicago. I worry about my future, and making money as a writer. I’m traveling a lot, visiting my friends, going between two homes. I go to a pretty good school, I drive a truck, and life is good.”
Santa Barbara
“My favorite thing to do in SB is probably anything on State Street, shopping or going out to the bars there on Thursday nights.
Would I go somewhere else, given the chance, yes. I’d probably go home to San Francisco or to my friends in New York City. I’m a city girl, through and through.
Something I have a hard time with in SB is understanding the demographic here. There are a lot of tourists and college students. I don’t know much about the ‘other’ here. I think the city could benefit from more culture and community.
For someone thinking of moving: It’s not hot all the time here. There are better beaches in different parts of California. I will say you’ll never feel as young, free, and open to opportunity as you would here. It has two sides, this city, the picture-perfect one that makes you feel confident, preppy, and clean. And there’s the mysterious side full of one-night stands, 3 am break-ins at the store you work at, and the countless faces you’ll share a drunk cigarette with.
I’m a student at UCSB, studying anthropology. I’ve done a lot of different things for work in SB, even spent a few months working at their famous Museum of Natural History. Now, I work at a shoebox-sized clothing store on the corner of State and Carillo. It’s fulfilling and a silly little life. I know I’ll miss it the second it’s gone.”
Reflection
This is how we grow: by seeking out places that are full of opportunities to live. Twenty is a complicated year, and I find solace in being one of the many who are living in cities, just trying to make it away from home and create a life of their own.
So, if you’re thinking about moving to one of these places, do it. Choose to be free and take advantage of your youth — the time you have here and now. You’ll find your way wherever you go. Good luck!
City Credits
Twenty years old, in Los Angeles for 2+ years, a film student at USC. Her Los Angeles can be described with the following three words: grand, dreamers, and beautiful. Her life: colorful, hustle, and adventure.
Twenty, in New York City for 2+ years, this FIT student describes the city as lonely, unlimited, and consuming. Life is hectic, exciting, and determined.
Twenty-one, in Chicago for nearly 3 years. Chicago is big, diverse, and beautiful. Life is lonely, multifaceted, and grinding.
Twenty, in San Francisco his entire life. San Francisco in three words: vibrant, creative, and community. Life is spontaneous, loving, and freeing.
21, Santa Barbara almost 3 years now. SB is chic, warm, and spontaneous. Life is slow (in a good way), angelic, and unhinged.
