As I arrived for the first time to my apartment in New York City in late summer, I was overwhelmed by the quantity of stimuli. Coming from my Long Island suburbanite life, I had grown up with the perspective of cities being somewhere to visit rather than a place to live. The ideas of walkability and density were foreign to me, save for the twice annual visits to the city with my family. As I adjusted to my first experience living a daily life in an urban space, I began to notice the changes that the city endured as each season passed by.
Autumn in New York is well-loved, and for a good reason. Autumn is when I began to lose my suburban perspective, and adopt a greater love for the urban landscape. Although the urban space may lack authentic pumpkin picking, apple orchards, or hay rides, the fall colors of Central Park and the almost daily farmers markets in Union Square and elsewhere make up for the lost manufactured suburban experiences. And I was able to do it all seamlessly: the Central Park walks, the local farmers markets, and the apple tastings were all accessible without a car. Although New York public transportation may lag behind many European cities, it is revolutionary for the United States. I was brought up being warned of the dangers of riding a subway surrounded by strangers, but I learned to take comfort in the indirect human connections I experienced just by existing around a densely populated metropolis.
Who could pass up an opportunity to visit New York City for its famous Christmas displays and winter experiences? Walking out of my apartment every morning across the street from the Union Square Holiday Market, I would always stare in wonder at the many local vendors, bundled up to weather the cold but still happy to serve their boutique holiday goods. Winter may be a difficult time for many people, but it appears as if New Yorkers embrace the cold, and appreciate the time for shorter days and increased rest.
Spring in New York is easily my favorite time of year, and it is an experience I wish everyone would get to enjoy at least once in their life, even if just for a day. The sight of people gathering in the many public parks scattered around the city is a sight like no other, so many millions of people emerging from hibernation to enjoy the outdoors once again. Coffee in one hand, picnic blanket in the other, it appears as if every individual lives for the outdoor environment once again, rather than living to work. The rat race that is so quintessential to New York evaporates, leaving behind the framework of what the urban experience could be and should be for everyone. Baristas become friendlier, restaurants open their tables to the outdoors, and the film of seasonal depression is lifted from the entirety of the city.
Washington Square Park in early spring, one of the first warm days of the season
While New York City still has its many flaws and inequalities, it is regarded as one of the greatest cities in the world for good reason. The framework of the city changes with the seasons, each with their own unique offerings and wonders. Although I was only able to spend 10 months living in New York City, the beauty and power of the metropolis permanently altered my values and beliefs.
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