Comments on: Guess-the-Suburb Winner Is: Matt

By: AD

AD — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 02:49:11 +0000

Shin-pei, you’re hitting on something I don’t think we mention enough around here: Despite the complaining and the room for improvement, we love it in New York City for the exact reasons you mentioned. That’s why we live here. That’s why the city has such an enormous attractive force for so many disenchanted former suburbanites.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Sat, 12 Aug 2006 01:35:27 +0000

Hey, we never said the prize wasn’t going to be something you could buy on Amazon for 25 cents or less.

By: Books for a Penny

Books for a Penny — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 20:26:54 +0000

Congratulations Matt!

Aaron: What’s the constellation prize? Old spark plugs from your volvo?

By: Shin-pei

Shin-pei — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:59:08 +0000

I’m from Upstate too, outside of Syracuse, the spot that we call Central New York (CNY). I have a soft spot for how beautiful it can be up there, but moving to more urban areas was an eye-opening experience for me. Growing up, all of our activities centered around the car and being inside. Being able to drive and have all about independence and freedom. It was really really hilly where I grew up, so biking was more work than fun.

Finally, I got to the city and could wake up, walk out the door, buy coffee and a paper, and still a bit groggy, head home for bed again without ever endangering anyone by turning on an engine. This sense of freedom is something I have never felt living in a place where I have to drive everywhere, in spite of all the car commercials that speak to the contrary.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 19:03:22 +0000

Wow, I really thought I nailed it. Still, it feels good to win : )

I’m a former Upstater and one of the reasons I left for New York City was that the sense of community really wasn’t there. I lived in a small town, but there was very little activity in the center of town during Winter. My town (Bolton Landing) is a popular summer destination for “flatlanders” that didn’t really appreciate the nature they came to soak up.

New York has its down sides, but I like that I can find a group of people that shares my interests no matter what they may be. And I can probably walk there or take my bike! : )