Why I moved to NYC from Miami: To find my community and prioritize my friendships
- She left a $1,650 two bedroom in downtown Miami for a $1,840 co-living unit in Bed-Stuy
"There was a moment in my life when I forgot how truly extroverted I am and I have found that part of me again by being here," Chloe said.
For years, Chloe dreamed of moving to New York City but her partner felt settled in Miami. After the couple split, Chloe seized the opportunity to act on her dream. Wanting a sense of community, she landed in a Bed-Stuy co-living building where she has made a wide group of new friends. Here’s her story as told to Kelly Kreth.
I was born and raised in Miami. Most recently, I was living with my family but prior to that I lived with my former boyfriend for four years in an area called The Roads.
My last apartment in Miami was in a downtown building that was at least 50 years old. The 600-square-foot, two bedroom was $1,650 at first but when a new property management took over our rent went up to $2,100.
There was parking included, and while the unit was a quaint, comforting space, it was also very small and the building had no amenities. The shared laundry machines were under an exterior staircase so when it rained came, no one could do their laundry.
[Editor's note: Brick Underground's series The Newcomers features first-person accounts about why a renter or buyer decided to take a chance on NYC.]
I lived right by an area called Coconut Grove where I spent most of my time. I worked remotely for a New York City-based public health nonprofit as a marketing manager and would work at Panther Coffee every day or grab a bite at Chugs Diner. On the weekends I spent most of my time on the beach at Crandon Park. I loved listening to live music at the Miami Beach Bandshell.
I shopped often at Trader Joe’s, much like I do now, and cooked a lot at home. When we weren’t cooking at home we’d eat at Moon Thai or Dale Arepa Bar close to the house.
Miami’s public transportation system is not great, but my neighborhood offered proximity to the local metro, buses, and trolleys. And I had a car in Miami. In Florida—you must drive everywhere! It is a very big state.
Why she decided to move
Moving to NYC was something I had wanted to do for at least two years. I was in a long-term relationship, but my partner felt settled and didn’t have the same interest in moving.
Eventually we broke up for other reasons, so I moved back home with my family to save money. I was determined to make the move. I just knew it was finally the right time. I transitioned to a new remote job, still in nonprofit marketing, and since I had that work flexibility, I took the opportunity and moved in April.
Wanted: A co-living unit for under $2,000
I began my apartment search on Google. I considered co-living buildings because I was looking for a community. Google’s SEO kept bringing Cohabs to the top and I was drawn to their community vibe.
During a visit to NYC, I checked out the neighborhoods of several Cohabs apartments in Brooklyn to get a feel of what I was looking for. I wanted to spend no more than $2,000 for a place with lots of natural light. I was drawn to the Bed-Stuy and Clinton Hill areas, and after touring a Cohabs unit in Bed-Stuy, I signed a lease.
What she likes about her place
This Cohabs location has 16 bedrooms. I have a private shower, which is great. It is fully furnished, with a small gym, and large kitchen with four fridges. Washer/dryers are available and cleaning supplies and other common supplies are offered. I pay $1,840 monthly.
Because the apartment was fully furnished, I only brought personal items—with just four suitcases I started my new life!
My building itself is well kept, I have a nice backyard and rooftop anytime I want to relax at the house but not in my room.
What she thinks of the neighborhood
I am centrally located in the heart of Bed-Stuy. I like the community here. I live on a popular street with lots of culture, a blend of folks who have been here forever mixed with newbies like me. My family is Cuban, and Miami is steeped in Caribbean culture. Bed-Stuy is as well, which makes me feel like I have a piece of home with me. There are plenty of coffee shops, small businesses, and markets nearby. I love how bustling my neighborhood feels.
The neighborhood always feels quiet at the right times and lively when you need it most. During the summer, the streets felt alive with people outside making food, listening to music, and having block parties. Everyone is friendly.
I still work remotely and if I am not working from the house, am usually working at a nearby coffee shop Corto. I also frequent Chicky's General Store; they have good coffee and deli items and are just so friendly. I love their bread pudding!
I love a little boutique nearby called Peace & RIOT. I am always shopping for gifts to send back home. I also like the bookstore called The Word is Change.
I absolutely prefer not having a car. I have had a car for over 16 years and relying on public transit and avoiding that additional cost really works for me and helped me get to know the city better on my feet.
My goal in moving to NYC was finding a community. I wanted to prioritize my friendships in a big way, especially after the pandemic and working remote. It was something I was truly missing.
There was a moment in my life when I forgot how truly extroverted I am and I have found that part of me again by being here. I am always with my friends, most of whom started as roommates from my building and have expanded. It’s been easy for me to make friends in this environment. Dating, especially in my early 30s, has been so fun in New York! But it is not the priority. I plan on staying at least another year, maybe more. Moving to NYC, to a Cohabs property in particular, was one of the best decisions in my adult life.
You Might Also Like
