As I sit here in the cozy corner of my now-former NYC apartment, I find myself filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Leaving New York City after just eight months is not an easy decision, and explaining why I decided to do so is a bit daunting. There’s just so much that went into this decision, and much of it unraveled serendipitously without my initial intention. I guess that’s where the magic happens, right? In the flow.

When I first arrived in New York City, it felt like a dream come true. My journey to the city was years in the making, and in 2019, I’d envisioned a life in NYC for the first time. I was still living in Barcelona then, but things were getting complicated with denied visas and a feeling of impending doom. We all know what happened in 2020, which postponed my plans of moving to NYC. I did test out the city from 2020-2022 before making the decision to officially move there. I was subletting apartments in Williamsburg, Upper East Side, Cobble Hill, and TriBeCa to see what part of the city I liked best.

Finally moving to my NYC Apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

When I finally made the move in December of 2022, I was thrilled to fulfill my dream of living in NYC. I even found my vision board apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Decorating my studio was literally bringing my Pinterest board to life. I spent my first month scrolling through Facebook Marketplace, and Uber-ing around the city picking up vintage furniture. Almost every piece of furniture I brought into my cozy NYC apartment was found on Facebook Marketplace. It’s truly a gem in NYC, and highly recommend you browsing it if you’re moving to New York. The rest of the decor of my NYC apartment was mainly from my travels. Bowls, vases, books, and art was collected from places like Mallorca, Marrakech, Mexico City, and Shikoku, Japan. I loved having a space to decorate and a home for myself, Mia, and my worldy treasures.

A detachment from the idealized version of New York I had envisioned

As the months went by, and the decor thrill subsided, I began to feel a bit empty. I’m not a stranger to this feeling, having traveled alone for the majority of the past decade. Sometimes loneliness hits, but I’ve learned to differentiate loneliness from misalignment. As I spent more time with this feeling, I began to realize that NYC was more like an exciting vacation destination and part-time residence for me, rather than a full-time home. The fast pace, the unavailability from the “busy” residents, and the excessive energy of the city started to take a toll. It was then that I fully accepted the importance of having multiple home bases to cater to my travel lifestyle. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the energy of NYC – it truly is one of a kind. However, being in this energy day after day, month after month, is exhausting. And being around people who are hyper-focused on work, and not fully enjoying life beyond career is depressing. For me, NYC is best in small, single-espresso shots. Coming into the city for a dose of ambition, and leaving to enjoy my balanced life elsewhere. 

One significant factor that influenced my decision of leaving NYC was the realization of a long-cherished dream – obtaining Spanish citizenship. After seven years of applications (and almost giving up), it was finally granted to me. This newfound citizenship, along with my changing perspective on life in the city, was a pivotal moment. I no longer felt the same attachment to the idealized version of New York I had envisioned.

Leaving my NYC apartment after just 8 months of living here & what lies ahead

Leaving my beloved home in Williamsburg is bittersweet. The neighborhood has a special place in my heart, with its vibrant culture, artistic community, and a charming array of coffee shops to work from. My cozy apartment was my sanctuary, and Williamsburg was the backdrop to countless memories and experiences.

The Best Coffee Shops To Work From In Williamsburg, Brooklyn 

As I pack my bags and say goodbye to this chapter, I am filled with excitement for what lies ahead. My next steps involve more travel, an intensified focus on Aesthetics Traveler, and the Travel Creator Blueprint. The latter is a course I’ve developed to help others embark on their own travel blogging journey. I’m also launching Mia’s clothing brand with my friend and co-founder Natasha, which has been a long-time dream in the making. You can follow along on Instagram (@miathenewyorker) to stay updated.

In this period of transition, I’ll be devoting my energy to figuring out what “home” truly means to me. It’s a quest for balance, adventure, and fulfillment, and I’m eager to see where this path leads me. New York City will always hold a special place in my heart, and I’ll be back to visit. For now, it’s time to continue exploring the world and building the life I’ve envisioned for myself. Thank you for being part of this journey with me, and here’s to new beginnings and more exciting adventures!

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