New York City vs Los Angeles

New York City vs. Los Angeles

When you hear "big city living" what do you picture?

New York’s skyscrapers and Central Park, the bright lights of Times Square, or the legendary stages of Broadway?

Or, do you imagine the stunning beaches and snowy mountains that ring the glittering world of Hollywood and the vibrant multicultural hub of Los Angeles?

The biggest cities of their respective coasts inspire tens of thousands of transplants to make a big move each year and those who make their homes there tend to hold fierce allegiances—  at least until they attain the ultimate achievement: being bi-coastal!

If you’re asking yourself “Should I move to Los Angeles or New York?” consider these factors to help you decide which iconic American city is the best fit for you:

New York City vs. Los Angeles Weather

LA is famous for its sunny days and year-round temperate weather, but local residents also face unpredictable upheaval with seasonal wildfires and random earthquakes. If you’re planning to move from a place with a more defined set of four seasons, the constant sun can be a strange adjustment. If you tire of the tv-friendly beaches, however, you can easily make a day trip to the snowy slopes  of the San Gabriel mountains which surround the city.

If you’re thinking of NYC, the weather is probably not at the top of your mind. The city that never sleeps buzzes on despite rain, sleet, snow, heatwaves and hurricanes— all the variability that comes with its coastal Northeastern geography. At the same time, if you’re dreaming of a new life in NYC, you can probably picture summer strolls on the High Line, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, or autumn leaves in Central Park– the seasonal delights that shape the rhythms of the city.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Culture

From the Hollywood sign to the mansions of Beverly Hills to the vast studio lots of the Valley, the movie and television industry is a defining feature of the city. If you’re moving to LA you might have silver screen dreams, but don’t miss out on all the city’s other cultural treasures from the galleries of DTLA’s Arts District to live music at the Hollywood Bowl and Disney Concert Hall to the Miracle Mile’s Museum Row. History lovers can delve into the story of the American West at the Autry Museum while the Museum of Natural History and next-door Science Center can show you everything from dinosaur fossils to an actual space shuttle. Sports fans too have their pick of teams to cheer for- from the “showtime” spectacle of the Lakers, to the NFL’s Rams at brand new SoFi Stadium, to the Blue Heaven of Dodger Stadium.

New York City famously offers the world-famous stages of Broadway and off-Broadway, iconic institutions from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to Radio City Music Hall to the Guggenheim. Downtown galleries, historic Greenwich Village, and each of the 5 boroughs offer distinct local cultures, infused with the languages and histories of people from all over the world. Beyond the fine arts, New York is a haven for fans of every sport- from the historic subway rivalry of the Mets and Yankees to the world-famous annual New York Marathon.

New York City vs. Los Angeles Food

From the famed taco trucks on every corner to Michelin-starred omakase and everything in between, Los Angeles is a playground for adventurous palates. With neighborhood hubs including Thai Town, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Little Armenia and more- the city truly offers every cuisine you could ever want.

New York too offers a culinary wonderland filled with treats and menus from just about every corner of the earth. Legendary restaurants like the Russian Tea Room and Le Cirque are always a draw, but never underestimate the irresistible allure of a steamed hot dog from a cart or a 3am slice of pizza.

Bottom Line

Your big city living dreams do come with a price. Cost of living in both NY and LA is as high as the skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. However, with Chase jumbo loans you may be eligible for a larger loan amount and local rate based on areas with extra high home prices. Chase offers flexible loan rates including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and interest only for purchasing or refinancing a home. If you’re considering moving and buying a home in New York or Los Angeles, reach out to a Chase home loan specialist for personalized guidance.