There comes the point in your adulthood that you want to move out of your neighborhood. You want a new fresh start. You want to close a chapter and open another one. That’s exactly how I feel. I was born and raised in Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan of New York. I love it, and it will always be home to me. However, I think it’s time for me to live somewhere else.

New York is very expensive. There’s no secret about that. Because of my career, New York is one of the best cities for any artist. My thing is that I don’t want to be in a position where I would have to work two jobs or live with roommates. In addition, I want to live in a warm climate. This is where Florida comes into play. There’s no state tax, sunshine, and several tourist attractions.

When I was 11 years old, I remember thinking that I want to live in Tampa, Florida. As the years went by, I fell in love with Miami more than anything. It’s funny how life works because of that same feeling and thoughts I had as an 11-year old; it came back to me earlier this year. I’ve done more homework on Tampa, and it seems like Tampa is the primary frontrunner. Studio apartments in New York are almost 2,000 a month. I can buy a condo in Tampa for that amount or even less. Kissimmee is another one on my list of possible destinations to live in. I’ve been to Miami four times, Orlando just once, and Jacksonville three times. I haven’t been to Kissimmee and Tampa. I do have plans of going to Tampa sometime in August or September. Yes, I’m very aware of hurricane season. So I need to be careful with that.

Before moving out, you need a plan. You need to save up a lot of money, and you have to check what the city or state has to offer. My journey begins this year. Another city I have in mind to visit and possibly consider living in Atlanta. Throughout recent years, Atlanta has become the “Hollywood of the South.” Unlike Los Angeles and New York, rent is a little cheaper in Atlanta. As you are probably reading this, you’re thinking, “Is this guy planning to move to all of those cities, or he just cares about finding cheap rent?” Yes, I’m thinking about living somewhere where the rent is not insanely crazy and opportunities to work as an artist/network with other artists or find great paying jobs.

I’m approaching 30 years of age later this month. I know that I won’t be able to move to any of those cities anytime soon. But I will plan things very accordingly and have a lot of patience. In the meantime, I’m looking to move somewhere like New Jersey or Upstate New York. I need to have some experience of living on my own. Yes, New Jersey is just like New York in terms of weather, but I’m sure I can find some quiet, decent areas. Peace and tranquility are vital for me.