San Francisco
Two years ago, a wary senior told me that when deciding where to move after graduation, there were only two choices—San Francisco or New York. Perhaps, more specifically, Brooklyn (the “in” neighborhood changes every other day) or the Mission. I’m not sure how to feel about this bi-coastal snobbery, but as a native Bay Arean, I took a shine to this life philosophy.
And judging by the number of Wesleyan students and alums I ran into when I was out to dinner in San Francisco over spring break, I’d say the reputation as Wesleyan 2.0 is truly deserved.
Geographically, San Francisco is tiny—just seven miles by seven miles. And bound by water on three sides, the urban sprawl is across the Bay or down the peninsula and out of mind. This geographic compactness means that the city mixes together the very rich, the very poor and everything in between.
The weather’s good, and sure, the food is fresher (and tastier) but it can be darn expensive. Get a jump on gentrification and check out “NoPa”—north of Golden Gate Park’s panhandle. Or pay for hipster life in the Mission. You can always try to snag a place in the Presidio, a former army base which has now been fully converted to civilian use. With blockbuster views of the Golden Gate Bridge combined with the chance to live in a national park and a city at the same time, it’s easy to understand why this might be an attractive choice.
I have far too much to say about food in San Francisco (and the Bay Area in general), but I’ll give just one suggestion: Whether you’re moving or just visiting friends, make a point of stopping for dessert at the Bi-Rite Creamery. Flavors include orange-cardamom, salted caramel and honey lavender and all of the ice cream is made from Straus Creamery’s organic milk. It’s so good. So, so good. So good it’s worth eliding all discussion of burritos.
Transplants beware, all those wonky west coasters probably won’t have heard of Wesleyan. Just tell them you went to UC Berkeley. No one will ever know.
Chicago
As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago maintains its midwestern charm but offers every amenity you could ask for: great museums and late night entertainment, endless (and well-priced) food options and the beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan. Described as a “city of neighborhoods,” Chicago is a great pick if you’re looking for a smaller and slower-paced version of New York City with more affordable rents and no need to make reservations months in advance. The Chicago Park District boasts over 500 parks and 33 beaches, which act as a great counter to the extensive skyline and densely populated downtown and Loop.
Edgewater, a neighborhood on the North side of Chicago, is a great place to find a satisfying and inexpensive brunch. At m.henry, (5707 N. Clark, 773/561-1600) they serve breakfast all day and it’s hard to beat their egg sandwich: “toasted sourdough layered with two over-medium eggs, applewood bacon, sliced plum tomatoes, gorgonzola, & fresh thyme served with house potatoes.” If you continue on Clark Street towards downtown you’ll come across The Brown Elephant Resale Shop (5404 N. Clark, 773/271-9382), which has an incredible selection of vintage clothing, shoes and furniture. All proceeds are used to provide free HIV/AIDS testing and healthcare to uninsured patients at the Howard Brown Health Center, so splurging on that designer dress really is a good idea.
Farther west, Hot Doug’s “Sausage Superstore and Encased Meats Emporium” (3324 N. California, 773/279-9550) features a Chicago-style hot dog for $1.75, along with other one-of-a-kind eats like the “Keira Knightly Fire Dog,” “The Elvis” (a Polish sausage) and other obscure specials. Be sure to try the blue cheese pork sausage with toasted walnut mustard cream and fiery apple salsa as well as the “Game of the Week,” which is currently antelope sausage with warm apricot-rum sauce and Lancashire cheese.
Lenny & Me (1463 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773/489-5576) and Store B (1472 N Milwaukee Ave., 773/772-4296) are also great consignment/vintage stores that stock a variety of old-school dresses and accessories that are worth checking out but tend to be a little over-priced. Store B’s vintage apron collection and kitchenware are also a reason to head over to Wicker Park & Bucktown, where there seems to be a new and trendy restaurant opening every weekend.
While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by The Violet Hour (1520 N. Damen, 773/252-1500) for specialty cocktails at this hidden speakeasy that has cornflower-blue walls, crystal chandeliers and 20-foot high ceilings (and a no-cell phone policy that adds to the secretive vibe, since no more than 100 people are allowed inside at any one time). All drinks are $11, but the “double-filtered water and ice (in eight different shapes, sizes, and temperatures), fresh-squeezed juices, and house-made bitters (seven varieties)” are well worth the price.
Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea (3123 N. Broadway, 773/348-8058) in Lakeview has some of the best coffee in the country, as well as an outstanding latte. Started in 1995 by two coffee fiends, Intelligentsia roasts their coffee daily in vintage German roasters and attempts to buy most of their beans directly from environmentally and socially responsible growers and importers.
New York
With a torrent of seniors looking for work in postgraduate hotspots like Grand Rapids, Columbus and Sacramento, many are reconsidering an up and coming locale just twenty minutes from Yonkers. New York City (that’s York, like the city in England) has become the go-to destination for a small but increasing number of Wesleyan graduates.
You see, New York City is more than an exit on the highway. It’s not just a place you go to get low-cost prescription medications or to get your car detailed. In fact, it’s a bourgeoning cultural center replete with theater, concerts and a bustling nightlife.
Most recently, New York was put on the map when Major League Soccer allowed New York to share New Jersey’s team, the Red Bulls.
People from outside of New York might recognize the city from its numerous appearance in high-level movies and TV shows. In fact, several prominent TV shows, including “Night Court,” “704 Hauser” and “The Cosby Mysteries” are set in the “Big Apple,” as the natives like to call this city on the Hudson River.
And look out, tinsel town! New York has been the backdrop for quite a few movies as well! “Broadway Danny Rose?” “The Mario Brothers Movie?” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze?” All set in New York! Lights! Camera! Action! This city’s got it all!
The city consists of five sections or ’boroughs’—Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, each of which has its own distinct feel.
Manhattan, the city’s central island, is a hub of commercial activity, complete with office buildings, movie theaters and an Applebee’s. There’s also a very large Old Navy on Sixth Avenue.
All of this overwhelming activity means that Manhattan can be a bit costly. Don’t be surprised to find monthly rents as high as $1,800 and a cost of living that’s equally pricy.
Plus, say goodbye to the Subaru as driving in Manhattan can be a pain. Moreover, parking violations will put you back at least one hundred dollars so unless you want to say goodbye to that luxurious TGI Fridays dinner in Times Square, take the train. There are at least three.
Brooklyn is awesome! Somewhat less expensive than Manhattan and at least twice as gay, Brooklyn was established in 1963 as a response to the Minneapolis Renaissance of the 1950s. With a vibrant Armenian community and numerous underground log-tossing leagues, Brooklyn has become a magnet for young, adventurous college graduates.
Whether you’re seeking the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or the spoils of culturally-rich Brooklyn, New York has it all.
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