So happy to see this post from you. So happy you gave yourself time to refresh. Can't wait to hear more about this book. Haven't been happy in a minute, but happy to hear from you today. 💙
Welcome back, and the novel justifies the absence entirely.
You’ve landed on something real: cost of living is the connective tissue between the noise and the actual lives people are living. That’s not a small insight, and you’re right that it’s what moves votes.
But here’s the thing I’d gently push on: the $7 latte and the $3K studio aren’t just New York problems, they’re the specific tax you’re paying for choosing New York in 2026. That choice deserves its own examination.
There are cities in Portugal, in Colombia, in Southeast Asia, in parts of Southern Europe, where a writer finishing a novel lives better (more space, more beauty, more time, more culture) for a third of what you’re spending in a Manhattan studio. The cost of living crisis is real, but it’s also partly a geography crisis.
A lot of people are paying New York prices out of habit, inertia, or the lingering idea that New York is still the only place serious people live. It isn’t. That myth is expensive.
The eight months unplugged gave you clarity on the news cycle. Maybe the next question is what the same clarity applied to location looks like.
The economy is the story. But so is the question of who’s still paying premium prices for a city that’s increasingly charging for its reputation rather than its reality.
Johan 🐌
Former FSO/behavioral scientist
P.S. I’ve lived in NY, Chicago, DC, Boulder, LA, and then many places globally with the gov and on my own—Melbourne, Rome, Bern, Lisbon, Rotterdam, Düsseldorf, Valencia plus more
…I will say that the least livable cities on that list are American. Boulder is obviously the best but barely compares to the global ranking.
You nailed it on the head RE NY. it is grossly overpriced based on reputation and history. Granted it is very fun for young people, it is not financially wise to live here (if the goal is to save money).
I'm so glad to see you post again. I ran into you in LA last summer at a local eatery before your hiatus and grew concerned when you went silent. I'm happy you're back and looking forward to your novel.
Hey! I missed your takes very much, but you are right, very little has actually changed. I am happy for your hiatus and very happy to see you back. Your perspectives are invaluable!
So glad you are back. Have missed your smart and funny voice. I got so down when we lost the last election, and watching this monster and his goons take over our former-Democracy has been horrifying. But I've been getting fired up to fight again. Your post came at the perfect time. Lets get our country back!
So happy to see this post from you. So happy you gave yourself time to refresh. Can't wait to hear more about this book. Haven't been happy in a minute, but happy to hear from you today. 💙
Thank you so much. :)
We were a bit worried about you, glad all is well and a new novel, great news.
Thank you 🤝👍🏻
Welcome back! Yes, not much has changed. Good luck on your novel. 🤞
Appreciate you. Thanks!
Welcome back, and the novel justifies the absence entirely.
You’ve landed on something real: cost of living is the connective tissue between the noise and the actual lives people are living. That’s not a small insight, and you’re right that it’s what moves votes.
But here’s the thing I’d gently push on: the $7 latte and the $3K studio aren’t just New York problems, they’re the specific tax you’re paying for choosing New York in 2026. That choice deserves its own examination.
There are cities in Portugal, in Colombia, in Southeast Asia, in parts of Southern Europe, where a writer finishing a novel lives better (more space, more beauty, more time, more culture) for a third of what you’re spending in a Manhattan studio. The cost of living crisis is real, but it’s also partly a geography crisis.
A lot of people are paying New York prices out of habit, inertia, or the lingering idea that New York is still the only place serious people live. It isn’t. That myth is expensive.
The eight months unplugged gave you clarity on the news cycle. Maybe the next question is what the same clarity applied to location looks like.
The economy is the story. But so is the question of who’s still paying premium prices for a city that’s increasingly charging for its reputation rather than its reality.
Johan 🐌
Former FSO/behavioral scientist
P.S. I’ve lived in NY, Chicago, DC, Boulder, LA, and then many places globally with the gov and on my own—Melbourne, Rome, Bern, Lisbon, Rotterdam, Düsseldorf, Valencia plus more
…I will say that the least livable cities on that list are American. Boulder is obviously the best but barely compares to the global ranking.
You nailed it on the head RE NY. it is grossly overpriced based on reputation and history. Granted it is very fun for young people, it is not financially wise to live here (if the goal is to save money).
Thank you for this, Johan!
Get out there and explore!
I spent way too much time in Chicago and New York, that’s my only regret.
I'm so glad to see you post again. I ran into you in LA last summer at a local eatery before your hiatus and grew concerned when you went silent. I'm happy you're back and looking forward to your novel.
Thanks for this, Jim. Great to return!
Welcome back! I know you must feel refreshed and energized. I am looking forward to reading your posts and hearing about your novel.
Refreshed and recharged, indeed. Thank you!
Happy to see you back!
Thank you so much!
Hey! I missed your takes very much, but you are right, very little has actually changed. I am happy for your hiatus and very happy to see you back. Your perspectives are invaluable!
Thank you!! Yes. Feels that way!
Welcome back! I’ve missed your spot on generational writing. I looked toward your posts and the book!📕
Thank you 👏
So glad you are back. Have missed your smart and funny voice. I got so down when we lost the last election, and watching this monster and his goons take over our former-Democracy has been horrifying. But I've been getting fired up to fight again. Your post came at the perfect time. Lets get our country back!
Thank you very much. Glad to be back.